About 2 years ago, I read on the official "Smashing Pumpkins" website that Billy was trying to rebuild the band. I was happy. It was great news, and I anticipated the new Pumpkins album.
First of all, I should give you a little Ethan/Pumpkins history. My dad found a Smashing Pumpkins B-Sides album lying on the road up the street from my townhouse. He picked it up, and came home with it. I, being the curious little snot I was, inquired him about it upon his arrival home. "I have to listen to it first, but I'll give it to you if I approve." I waited 3 days for him to finally put it into my hands. (At this point, I was listening to all his old vinyls. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Roxy Music, Blue Oyster Cult, and a Kiss album.) I craved new music, modern rock. It was 1995 (I think), and the alternative grundge rock sound prevailed the radio airwaves. The only modern bands I was listening to was Offspring and Green Day. (Think "Bad Habit" by Offspring. Favorite song in elementry school, albeit the R rated lyrics.) I had in my hands a lovely green out of focused CD cover of the Smashing Pumpkins (arguably) best album: "Pieces Iscariot". Dad gave it to me, and stated he even liked most of the songs.
I listened to it day and night for a month. It was amazing. It was unique. It was so well done. The album cover was influential to apathetic art I later tried to emulate. I loved this album so much, and everyone that knew me had heard it.
I got other Pumpkins albums from a friend, David, up the street. My dad would copy them (and screen out the objectionable songs.) I loved "1979". (Funny story about that. At a local amusement park, people were making a "music video" to that song. I thought that was lame. You hop around, lip sync, and then pay $20 bucks for a VHS. Ugh.)
They came, and then went. D'Arcy and James got sick of Billy, and booked. James later played in the band "A Perfect Cirle" and D'Arcy started a recording studio. Billy tried, but the band became too different and too modern and unique to appeal to a mass audience. The "Machina" recordings finally put an end to the band's career, if "Ava Adore" didn't previously.
Billy tried with "Zwan" to rekindle something, making a sub par video for the mildly catchy song, "Honestly". The only halfway decent song on the record.
Then, Billy announced the bands triumpant return: and I had hoped he got D'Arcy and James back. Nope. Just Jimmy....(an amazing drummer.)
So, here we are today with the great "Tarantula" as the first single, and "Doomsday Clock" was also promising. BUT, something is still amiss.
CRAPPY video for "Tarantula"....I guess Billy just invited all his friends to be in it, to act like they're a part of the band. What gives with that one, I dunno. Then, some marketing genius decided to come out with 6 different "Zeitgeist" albums. Each with different bonus tracks. Then a "Zeitgeist" book/album. NOW, just announced, the "Zeitgeist" album with bonus songs and a DVD.
Thanks a ton guys, for not only a very sub par album, but releasing crap in 7 different ways. That really put the nail in the coffin.
They're like an old neighborhood friend that you finally get into touch with after years of missing, and all they do is ask you if you'll buy life insurance from them.
The pumpkins are smashed. At least I can still enjoy Gish.
