Smitt E. Smitty and The Fezztones have a story to tell with “Big Ass American Car,” and it’s a good one. The nine-piece Boston glam and art-rock brigade have released their cover of the late Patrick “Trick” Wallace’s beloved track, out now on FezzKoKo Records across all major streaming platforms. It’s the band’s first new music since their Radio Indie Alliance chart-topping number one hit “#1 Most Likely,” and the inaugural release on Smitty’s newly launched indie label.
The song’s origins go back to 2013, when Smitty first caught Wallace performing it live at the Rosebud Diner in Somerville during the International Pop Overthrow festival. He fell hard for it that night, walked up to Wallace after the set, and told him point blank that he was going to cover it someday. Wallace, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 69, knew The Fezztones had interest in the song and endorsed the idea before his death. That blessing meant everything to Smitty. “He was one of a kind,” Smitty says. “I never met anyone as talented, loving and generous as Trick.”
The recording, engineered and co-produced by Alec Rodriguez at New Alliance East in Somerville, is muscular and gritty, built on a Motor City groove laid down by drummer Johnny Sestito and bassist Andrew Padua, with guitars, violin, and a full stack of backing vocals filling out the Fezztones’ signature wall of sound. Smitty puts it plainly: “Once Johnny and Andrew laid down that hardcore Motor City groove, everything just fell into place. Like buttah.” The track leaps out of the speakers with the kind of high-octane confidence that’s earned the band serious praise from outlets across the rock underground.
Beyond the tribute, the song carries real cultural weight. As Smitty explains, it’s about more than cars: “The opening line says it all. ‘I love my country. It’s the country of more. It’s just down the block, I can easily walk, but I drive to the store.’ Welcome to ‘Merica.” A music video, directed and produced by Smitty himself, is on the way. The Fezztones also have a busy summer of shows ahead, including dates in Boston, New York City, and Detroit.
2026 Tour Dates:
July 11, The Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA
July 24, Parkside Lounge, New York, NY
August 29, Small’s, Hamtramck, MI (Detroit All-Star Garage Rock Punk Revue V)