The Smashing Pumpkins Revival

It wasn't too long ago that I heard of the get-back-together of the long-dead [if you consider six years long] Smashing Pumpkins. This was good news to me, because I had only just become a fan [though, like everyone and their mother, I was familiar with the tune 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings'], and I was giving their work a spin almost daily. I heard that billy got some people together back in '06, and they were working on new stuff.

However, I was a little dissappointed to hear that it would not be the original line-up. The only members to be present from the classic line-up would be front-man Billy Corgan [of course], and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, who was kicked out of the band when he was arrested for drug possession. He had a role on such albums as Gish, Siamese Dream, and Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, all of which came out in that order, spanning the years 1991-1995. As far as I was concerned, this was not going to be The Smashing Pumpkins, just Mr. Corgan and some dudes. No D'arcy on bass, and no James on guitar.

Well, I still feel that way. The original line-up would have been ideal. However, I was wrong to assume that the music would blow goat balls as a result. After all, even during the glory days, Corgan was the driving force behind the band, basically writing all of the music.

Just yesterday I was on the interwebz when I came across the music video for the new single, 'Tarantula'. While it is different, it is most definitely a Pumpkins tune. After all, musicians and songwriters evolve over time, so a lot of the difference is noted as a result of us not seeing this evolution take place within the context of the Smashing Pumpkins. At first, I will admit, I was all like "OMG!" and "WTF?!" and "BBQ!", but I gave it another listen a few hours later and, strangley enough, I accepted it. I got used to the sound, and was able to listen a little more closely to the details. The Smashing Pumpkins sound was much more evident. I just had to accept the evolution, and, of course, an obvious change in Corgan's voice [though not too big a change]. It's a little raw as well, and I like that.

Here's the vid. Toss expectations out the window. Also, don't mind all the extras, I assure that there are only four members in the band.



Well, I liked it quite a bit. I think I will pick it up...eventually [f*** job hunts...]. Draw your own conclusions. Good music is relative, after all. Until I post another, check out the new album cover.