The Smithereens re-recorded The Beatles' Meet the Beatles and now their singer has paid tribute to an earlier rock icon in Buddy Holly with this 11-track collection. DiNizio is a powerful no-nonsense singer and he does little to fancy up these sturdy enduring tracks, allowing Holly's natural brilliant sense of melody to drive the proceedings. Tasteful string arrangements from the legendary Charles Calello, whose work includes Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand and the Four Seasons, add an extra lush dimension to "Words of Love," "True Love Ways," "Raining In My Heart," and DiNizio's duet with Bobby Vee, "Listen to Me." Holly's short career featured a stunning amount of fine songs, so it was virtually impossible for DiNizio to misstep, and he pulls out gem after gem, from the obvious and obligatory ("Peggy Sue," "That'll Be the Day") to the humbly essential ("Learning the Game," "Everyday"). The album is a simple, unpretentious pleasure.