View Full Version : Best Smashing Pumpkins Album
Just a note that I didn't include the various compilations available. For those who aren't aware, there was actually an internet-only follow-up to the last 'commercial' release ('Machina - The Machines of God'), that being 'Machina - Friends and Enemies of Modern Music'.
Personally, I thought both of the last two Machina records were pretty average. Half of the songs on each release were very good, yet, the other half sucked (not to mention the 'theme' that resembled a Billy Corgan dream gone bad). I have always wondered why they didn't just release one great album, since there was obviously enough songs written to do so (although, I guess it's a case of varying my taste to that of the band, perhaps).
Personally, I went for Siamese Dream as being their best record. It's probably my favourite album of all time - an absolutely brilliant, classic masterpiece. I also think that Gish, and Adore are fantastic records (neither are very far behind Siamese Dream). Likewise, while there are flaws in Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, I still believe it's a very good record, with some brilliant songs.
If only they'd decided to make one brilliant record to go out on, instead of the two disjointed Machina efforts, each of which only which only had half a list of decent songs.
Desredandwhite
10 Jan 2003, 09:46
My vote is for Mellon Collie - though it was very close between that and Siamese Dream. While SD was an overall tighter and stronger album, I felt that MC was the better achievement (if that makes sense). Even split over 2 CDs, there was hardly a filler song to be seen, and works pretty well as a concept album.
also go with mellon collie but its a tough call. whats the deal with the Vieuphoria release? heard its live takes and b-sides etc. anyone got it?
Mcchawk
10 Jan 2003, 10:47
Mellon Collie has to be one of my fav albums, still play it almost every saturday morning. I love the layout of the album with the loud gutairs and then the soft piano. I love this album. Can't write anymore as I have to work but wish I could :(
The_Flying_Egg
10 Jan 2003, 11:10
Mellon Collie
St-KriS
15 Jan 2003, 06:29
you forgot 2 albums! The Aeroplane Flies high & some album that came out between Gish and Mellon Collie...I think it was just a B-Side release, but it was offical.
Anyway, my pick is Mellon Collie JUST over Simease Dream.
Originally posted by St-KriS
you forgot 2 albums! The Aeroplane Flies high & some album that came out between Gish and Mellon Collie...I think it was just a B-Side release, but it was offical.
As I mentioned earlier in my previous post, I was only considering 'studio' albums in the poll, not box-sets or b-side compilations.
'Studio' albums (especially by Smashing Pumpkins, at any rate), tend to have more of a theme, or running structure, than do compilations which often end up being a throw-together of loosely related songs (often later released as a cash-in, and made up of singles, or other songs which weren't originally deemed 'good enough' for album release, but yet provide interest for serious fans). For this reason, I tend not to compare 'studio' albums to compilations and the like, the basis behind creating such albums differs.
'The Aeroplane Flies High' release was a box-set of singles (some with extra b-sides) from MC&IS, while 'Pisces Iscariot' was a compilation of b-sides and out-takes from the pre-Siamese Dream era. Both contain some very good songs that could have fitted easily onto albums released at the time.
I actually think some of the songs on 'The Aeroplane Flies High' box-set, SHOULD have made it on to MC&IS, in favour of some of the songs which did in fact make it on to that particular record.
Originally posted by ramjet
whats the deal with the Vieuphoria release? heard its live takes and b-sides etc. anyone got it?
It is basically a 'band movie/documentary' which has various footage of the band playing at live shows and on TV, as well as just general clowning around, and short interviews with the band and others.
Most of the live songs on the video are from Siamese Dream, however, there are some performances of b-sides and Gish songs from various shows.
There was also an accompanying CD release, called Earphoria, however, I believe this was only for promotional purposes, and not a commercial release. You would be able to get it through boot-leg, however, you can find better live takes of songs on other boot-legs, and you may as well buy the video anyway, if you are going to get it at all. ;)
There was an 'Adore' documentary which was 'completed' at one stage, and perhaps even two (depending on which rumours you believe). Unfortunately it hasn't been released as of yet - it sounded very good though. When Billy gets his **** together we may see it, I guess, along with a SERIOUS attempt at compiling some interesting post-humous band releases.
Interestingly enough, there were even rumours at one stage, that the band had re-recorded 'Adore' in entirety, with Jimmy Chamberlain on drugs, err, I mean, drums (he was sacked prior to the album's original recording, and didn't reappear until the following album).
I'm with Stocka on this one. Siamese Dream for mine.
This is as close to a flawless rock album as it gets. You can tell that ever song has been laboured over to the enth degree and Butch Vig's production presents the band (well Corgan who by all accounts played everything on it except drums) at their sonic and dynamic best. Its ironic that its such an enjoyable, effortless listen, yet the making of it was apparently hell and nearly split the band up.
And Jimmy Chamberlain's playing on it is one of the best performances by a rock drummer that i've heard. And it helps that Butch Vig's production sits everything nicely in place and everything to be heard.
Gish was a terrific album as well though. I always found Mellon Collie to be a touch over-rated. It was like he wanted to make an album for the kids and really cash in on their popularity, and there are alot of self endulgent moments on it IMO. And the production is a disgrace.
Adore was a shattering disappointment IMO.
The Ewok
19 Jan 2003, 19:38
The 2003 version of the Smashing Pumpkins (Zwan) have released a single which is getting flogged to death by Channel [V]
Straight out the mid 90's
go team
20 Jan 2003, 08:38
as is the whole album... i love it!
Originally posted by Carlos
I'm with Stocka on this one. Siamese Dream for mine.
This is as close to a flawless rock album as it gets. You can tell that ever song has been laboured over to the enth degree and Butch Vig's production presents the band (well Corgan who by all accounts played everything on it except drums) at their sonic and dynamic best. Its ironic that its such an enjoyable, effortless listen, yet the making of it was apparently hell and nearly split the band up.
And Jimmy Chamberlain's playing on it is one of the best performances by a rock drummer that i've heard. And it helps that Butch Vig's production sits everything nicely in place and everything to be heard.
Gish was a terrific album as well though.
I agree with all of that, and could go on for a lot longer about Siamese Dream - definitely my favourite album of all time. I can not find one fault with it, and I think it is incredibly under-rated by many who would sweep it under the carpet as merely another "grunge record".
The sounds on Siamese Dream are absolutely incredible - there is nothing that you could really change on it to make it better, production wise, or playing wise. The songwriting is also brilliant too - and although Corgan changed his manner of writing in later years, I still think Siamese Dream presents him at his best (along with Adore).
Originally posted by Carlos
I always found Mellon Collie to be a touch over-rated. It was like he wanted to make an album for the kids and really cash in on their popularity, and there are alot of self endulgent moments on it IMO. And the production is a disgrace.
I would probably agree with most of that. I don't necessarily think the production was bad though - although, it certainly had a different emphasis than on previous records (more of a favour towards the overall 'mood' of the sound, as opposed to trying to get a kick-arse guitar sound, etc.).
The production on Siamese Dream and Gish is hard to beat, IMO.
The songwriting is very good on some songs, and seemingly half-hearted on others. IMO, there are a number of tracks which could have been cut, with some of the better b-sides of the time taking their place.
Originally posted by Carlos
Adore was a shattering disappointment IMO.
I really liked Adore. It wasn't really a "Smashing Pumpkins" album in the manner of what the band was really about (ie: the first two albums), but rather, more of an album done by Smashing Pumpkins, of a totally different style.
Personally, I think the songwriting is very good, and the album holds together quite well as a piece of work, especially over repeated listens. There are times when I think the actual performance of the songs on the album could have been changed - especially when listening to their live rendition, however, Corgan and the band have said many times that they meticulously chose the performance style of the songs on the album, with most songs having 3 or 4 alternative styles of being played.
It would be interesting to see/hear a re-performed Adore much more like the live performances of the album (with Jimmy on Drums), as I mentioned I had read a rumour about at one stage.
Originally posted by go team
as is the whole album... i love it!
Nice avatar.
I tend to get the impression that Zwan will sound much like a cross between Smashing Pumpkins and Mogwai. Some of the stuff I have heard so far has been very good, while other stuff has seemed like it may take a while to get into.
go team
21 Jan 2003, 09:39
thanks stocka.. hey i like your avatar too...funny that