From the suburbs of Chicago in 1988 emerged a brainchild that, to this day, continues to evolve and change shape, yet retain its cathartic presence via modern day male muse, Billy Corgan. Smashing Pumpkins-- which originally consisted of D’Arcy (bass), James Iha (guitar and backing vocalist) and Jimmy Chamberlain (drummer), in addition to Corgan (lead guitar, lead vocals) -- emerged into the grunge era with a melodramatic-psychedelic- gritty-dreamrock sound and syncopation that set them apart from other notable bands of the early to mid-90s. Many fans argue that the Pumpkins’ signature sound was owed to Billy Corgan’s musical genius and distinct, bass-less voice; others swear that their uniqueness was primarily due to Jimmy Chamberlain’s drumming style. In my opinion it was both, and much more that deemed them a kick-ass staple band of the 90s. The band’s image was aesthetically pleasing from the start; each band member with distinct character and precise talent, each one an individual 90s brand within themself that suburban high schoolers and inner city scenesters alike, could identify with. Their success could also be attributed to their sheer musical talent or fine-tuned attention to detail, such as psychedelic layered sounds and distortion. Top of the line production (i.e. Butch Vig) has also earned the Pumpkins their clean, and often orchestral sound that has achieved platinum merit and consistent appreciation from fans and the industry throughout the years. Another attribute to SP’s success has been award winning music videos that will have any late-70s/early-80s baby reminiscing; such as 1993’s “Today” and 1996’s silent movie knock-off, “Tonight, Tonight” .
Though they are my hands-down, all-time favorite band, I admit, I stopped keeping up on the Smashing Pumpkins in a religious manner shortly after 1995’s Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and 1997’s Adore. So, it really stirred up in me nostalgic memories of the good old days of my suburban Midwest teen life, when recently, the present-day Smashing Pumpkins/Billy Corgan made the announcement that, in addition to releasing the new album Oceania (which is actually a portion of songs from their 44 song epic-in-the-works project titled Teargarden by Kaleidyscope), they would be releasing all of their past albums; naturally starting with the earliest ones. The remastered re-releases will be chock full of additional goodies that remain unannounced, as of yet, however are rumored to include recently unearthed covers and live recordings. The re-release project will occur in waves. The first wave will consist of Gish (1991), Siamese Dream (1993), and the b-sides and rarities album (a Pumpkins fan essential) Pisces Iscariot (1994). This re-release project has sparked in me an urge to get back on the wagon and really find out what The Smashing Pumpkins (who currently consist of Billy Corgan, Jeff Schroeder, Nicole Florentino and Mike Byrne) have been all about in recent years. It has had a bit of a reverse effect on me…. Now that they are re-releasing the classics, I want to know more about the new stuff! The recent news also compelled me to do an inventory of which Smashing Pumpkins albums I still have in my possession. I’m rather pleased to say that, after rummaging through my collection of dusty compact discs, I have in my Pumpkins arsenal (original copies of):
Gish (1991),
Siamese Dream (1993),
Pisces Iscariot (1994),
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995),
The Aeroplane Flies High (5-disc box set, 1996),
Adore (1997), and
Greatest hits album Rotten Apples.
So sad though-- No longer do I have all of my old tour memorabilia, a couple Smashing Pumpkins VHS tapes, posters and a European import or two that I know I once had. Insert sad face.
With its 23 year history, brave explorations into different genres and realms of sound, a revolving door of band members, and plenty of press (both good and scandalous), the machine that is called, Smashing Pumpkins, will always be one of the most beloved musical acts of GenX-ers, my generation and beyond. Kudos to the Smashing Pumpkins for beginning an apropos recap of your amazing place in American Music History!
~Meow~
Pennies
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