The Cowsills In Magazines





The Smithereens/Vinnie James/The Cowsills
The Roxy, West Hollywood
Billboard
January 11, 1992
By Deborah Russell

A little bit of Jersey came to Los Angeles Dec. 17, as the Smithereens played a hearty helping of no-frills rock’n’roll on a bill to benefit the Pediatric AIDS Foundation while on tour behind their current Capitol album “Blow Up.”



The unassuming, down-and-dirty four-piece band from the Garden State, who always have placed substance over style, is at its best in intimate club settings, where the sweat flies and the energy buzzes with palpable brilliance.



Blasting off with the early hit, “Behind The Wall of Sleep,” Pat DiNizio and the guys ripped through a raucous set of familiar favorites from their Capitol catalog, including “Only A Memory. “ “Blues Before and After,” “Evening Dress,” “Yesterday’s Girl,” “Cigarette,” and “House We Used To Live In.”



The band really kicked into high rock’n’roll gear on “Time and Time Again,” as guitarist Jim Babjak wailed his way through an ear-splitting jam driven by the Dennis Diken/Mike Mesaros powerhouse rhythm section. “Blood and Roses” exploded into its own swirling orgy of guitar pyrotechnics and beautifully bashing, smashing drums. The band wrapped the set with the infectious :Top of the Pops.”



One needn’t be familiar with every Smithereens tune to enjoy a live performance. This is one of those bands who have succeeded in creating an identifiable sound, a musical signature steeped in the best roots rock tradition.



Opening acts Vinnie James and the Cowsills melded perfectly with the program. James engaged the audience with his stripped-down solo set, strumming passionate, soulful tunes from his RCA debut, “All American Boy.” The acoustic troubadour was able to fill the club with only a voice and guitar, no small feat.



The reunited Cowsills blasted through a powerful rock’n’roll set of all new tunes. Wild man John Cowsill is arguably the best drummer this city has to offer. The unsigned Cowsills, appearing on the bill at the Smithereens’ invitation, also jumped on stage to lend backing vocals to Babjak’s tune, “Now and Then.” Their own signature harmonies can be heard on this Smithereens’ track from “Blow Up.”






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