Equally frustrating for DiNizio has been what he sees as a lack of appreciation for the Smithereens on the part of music-biz heavyweights. Although the band has inspired many performers, including the members of Nirvana, who reportedly were listening to its albums during the making of Nevermind, it has never truly been given its due. In an effort to remedy this situation, DiNizio says, "I'd come up with the idea of a Smithereens tribute record, and marketing it at the same time as the new Smithereens record to show that indeed the Smithereens did have some sort of an influence on a generation of bands that were in junior high school listening to our records."
When asked about possible contributors to such a collection, DiNizio tosses out names like the Gin Blossoms, Cheap Trick, Everclear and a guy from Candlebox before hesitating and reiterating that nothing has been finalized. But he acknowledges that such a recording would certainly confirm the Smithereens' legacy and underline the group's relevance in the rock landscape. "I'd say at this point that the band is little more than a minor footnote in the history of rock and roll, and that kind of offends me, because I do believe that some of the work we did--in fact, most of it--had some significance. I don't think the credit's been given in that regard. I know that there are a lot of bands who would definitely want to be involved with this project, and it would let people know that the work had meaning. And that we haven't given it up, and what we're doing currently is still as valid as anything we ever did. It's an idea that we've talked about that I think is a good one. It could be fun."
In the meantime, there are other discs to make--not just the next Smithereens offering, but a second solo CD. According to DiNizio, "The original plan was to do an album tentatively entitled Dark Standards, and I already contracted Larry Coryell, Ron Carter, Sonny Fortune and a guy named Louis Nash to play drums, with Don Dixon producing. But this band is playing so well on the road, and the empathy and the interplay between Tony and J.J. and myself is so fabulous, that I am entertaining the notion of making another record with these guys. Although I don't like to repeat myself, it may be too good to pass up."
That's the way things are going for DiNizio these days. He's fought through the hard times and hit another artistic peak by doing what he's always done. "I write about my life and what I see around me," he says. "I don't read the trades. I don't listen to the radio. I don't have television. I kind of isolate and just try to stay true to whatever my particular vision is of what I need to be doing."
Pat DiNizio. 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, Bluebird Theater, 3220 East Colfax, $8, 322-2308 or 830-
