Album Notes

“Play It” is the rare and long out-of-print debut CD of The Smarties, a band based in Springfield, MO, active from 1991 - 1997. The band consisted of vocalist and percussionist Sheri Hurst, guitarist Craig Bostick, Matt Netzer on bass and Kristy McInnis on drums. (The whole band sang harmony, which was one of the things that contributed to their unique sound.) They drew their influences from a wide variety of musicians and styles including surf guitar instrumentals, classic country, 60s girl groups, and punk rock just to name a few. Although the band has its own distintive sound, you can certainly hear traces of Lone Justice and Maria McKee along with the B-52’s and The Go-Go’s.

Of the songs on the CD, seven were written by Craig and sung by Sheri including “He Fixes Things”, “Summer’s Over” and their biggest hit “I Wish I Could Say”. Sheri also sings two of her own compositions “The Way He Makes Me Feel” and “Day Off” as well as the song “Fallin’”, originally recorded by Connie Francis. Craig wrote and also sings lead on three of the songs: “Little Green Men”, “Loved And Lost Her (In A Flying Saucer)” and “The Goo”. The album was recorded in Springfield at the famed Lou Whitney’s studio. The sessions were produced by The Smarties along with their original bass player Mark Bilyeu who later went on to wide notoriety in the bluegrass band Big Smith.

The CD’s for sale here are from the original and only pressing of “Play It” from 1996. Included with each copy is the original insert with artwork, song lyrics and liner notes. There is an extremely limited quantity and when they’re gone there won’t be any more.