Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist

[hpdrifter]

So I havent listened to it yet because the CD player in my work computer is malfunctioning. But I did want to comment on a few things I noticed in the liner notes.

So D'arcy and Iha are not on this album. I knew that. But in reading the liner notes, not only is there no mention of them (no thanks for your contributions to the band over the years or whatever), but Corgan and Chamberlin seem to be patting themselves on the back quite a bit.

There's a note that says "performed artfully by Jimmy Chamberlin: Drums/Billy Corgan: All the rest." And "Songs by William Patrick Corgan". And in the thank yous, jimmy calls Billy his brother in music. And they credit themselves with a BC/JC rip off of the AC/DC logo.

I mean I knew Corgan was an egomaniac but damn...

[Parkey]

It's not great I'm afraid. Sounds like Corgan set out to write something that sounded like a Pumpkins album - and managed it. There's no real substance though. All a bit soulless...

[Calimero jr.]

I quite like the new album, not the band's greatest but I'd put it above the two Machina and of course well above Zwan/Billy Corgan alone.

[The Notorious LOL]

a great Smashing Pumpkins album is one that has no words or music on it.

[Kid Presentable]

a great Smashing Pumpkins album is one that has no words or music on it.

they come in packs of 50

[mikizee]

I heard the original title for Billy's solo LP was 'Billy Corgan - Control Freak'

[g-mile7]

(n)So Whack....how can it be a Pumpkin's album without the people who made the group??Guess his solo CD's weren't doing too hot so he had to go and fool the fans.

[Calimero jr.]

D'Arcy and Iha were the most easily replaceable members of the band, and Billy wrote about 90% of the Pumpkins material....so I guess he could use the name anyway.

[b i o n i c]

on letterman tonight, in a few minutes

[Suavee-Bolo]

I still think Corgan has it. There's no denying the guy is talented.

I like when artists aren't afraid to take their music in an alternate direction (ala The Mix-Up). So sometimes you swing and miss, and he missed with Adore, and Machina, and Zwan. But he produced the music he wanted to at that time, that takes integrity.

They say it's a fine line between genius and insanity. Do I care if the guy is eccentric or a control freak or egotistical? Hell No, that's D'arcy, Iha, and JC's problem to deal with. I just care about them producing quality music.

Ripping off or fooling the fans? I think just the opposite is true when a band puts out the type of music they want, as opposed to music that's designed to be a hit single and has a total lack of integrity.

[Parkey]

I didn't mind Adore.

[Jitters]

(n)So Whack....how can it be a Pumpkin's album without the people who made the group?

I was thinking the same thing myself.

I can't stand it when people come back with the old group name with barely any of the original members.

[abcdefz]

he missed with Adore, and Machina, and Zwan.



Zwan had some moments.

[banzai]

Just from hearing the first single from this album and seeing the cover art, I can already tell that this isn't the Pumpkins I used to love. This seems like Corgan's attempt to con people into believing he can still make good music after his failed solo attempt and Zwan, when all he's doing is throwing the Pumpkins name on the same bullshit he's been making over the past few years.

[Deep_Sea_Rain]

I sprang for the Best Buy deluxe edition, I got tired of my burned copy...it's a great deal if you haven't bought it already. Standout tracks are...

Doomsday Clock
Tarantula
7 Shades Of Black
Bring The Light
Bleeding The Orchid

[afronaut]

I was thinking the same thing myself.

I can't stand it when people come back with the old group name with barely any of the original members.

The Smashing Pumpkins were Billy Corgan. The other members were part of his mastermind scheme to present his music in the context of a band, which is more marketable than just some solo bald guy. Sad, maybe, but undoubtedly true.


Lets really think about it. Music wise, what did the other band members contribute? Maybe 4.2 percent of the overall equation. They weren't allowed to contribute more. The Smashing Pumpkins were his flawless vision come to life. The problem now is, he's lost it. big time. He will never be relevant again.