Holy Zeitgeist! The upcoming record from the newly-reformed (and technically Zwan) Smashing Pumpkins was inevitably leaked and has since been rearing it’s angry, bald head all over the damn internets. I’ve only given it a few listens, but I’m already regretting throwing away my old once-black-now-brown faded Zero t-shirt – because it’s pretty darn good.
While it’s no prog-rock masterpiece like the mighty Siamese Dream (though the lengthy 9 minute centerpiece “United States” would have you think otherwise) – it’s definitely the most pleasingly idiosyncratic record that Billy Corgan’s put together for quite some time. As expected, Corgan’s usual drummer/lap dog Jimmy Chamberlin returns to the kit, his ferocious drumming on opener “Doomsday Clock” proves he’s as essential to this group as the guy with no hair is. I’m sure some purists will refuse to accept Zeitgeist as a part of official Pumpkin’s folklore, due to the absence of original members James Iha and D’arcy Wretzky – but the truth is that an album released under the Pumpkins’ moniker hasn’t sounded this focused since Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
It’s also worth noting that Corgan is successfully upholding the general feeling of “not liking things” and “being angry about it” that the Pumpkins were so renowned for. Just look at the super subtle artwork for “Tarantula”. (Tip – being rich is evil and causes things behind you to explode!!!)
Smashing Pumpkins – Doomsday Clock.mp3
Smashing Pumpkins – Starz.mp3
Smashing Pumpkins – United States.mp3
people are always saying its not the pumpkins without the other two, but people forget that it was basically billy and jimmy playing on siamese dream because hes such a control freak, and that was a fucking masterpeice. i’m excited about hearing more from this album.
Am I the only one who finds it odd that Billy is upset with the conditions of the world, yet is selling off his music to Targer, Walmart, etc with extra bonus tracks.
The single and these three track do make me think the album, at least musically(and most importantly), will not be a throw a way :-)
There’s more tracks at fetalpig.blogspot.com.
Billy Corgan = Kirsten Dunst
I Never Expected them to come back. Even If they did so in only half capasity so to speak. I have every intention of getting this album anyway. These days we need music like this to cause a new but old inspiration to flow over these pathetic wannabe’s that have been showing up latley.