Zeitgeist

by

The Smashing Pumpkins

Edit

Is this really a Smashing Pumpkins album? That's the question most people seemed to be concerned with, first and foremost, with regard to the "band's" new album "Zeitgeist" (2007).

The cynicism is totally understandable. After all, only two musicians who were part of the original band that broke-up in 2000, actually play on the album, singer/songwriter Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The other members, bassist D'arcy and guitarist James Iha declined to join in on the reunion. On a related note, some people are wondering why Corgan is using the name "Smashing Pumpkins" at all. After all, Chamberlin played on Corgan's side project ZWAN, for their lone album "Mary Star of the Sea" (2003). So why not just call this project ZWAN's second album as opposed to the Smashing Pumpkins sixth? (seventh if you include 2000s "Machina II").

So is this CD just a cash-grab from Corgan, who wants to milk the name "Smashing Pumpkins" for all its worth? Perhaps. But while the cynic in me says that may be the case, I would still argue this to be a Smashing Pumpkins album.

For better or worse, Corgan is, and always has been the Smashing Pumpkins. When the Pumpkins were officially "a band" throughout the 90s, in addition to being the band's lead singer/songwriter/guitar player, Corgan would also play over D'arcy and Iha's parts if he wasn't satisfied. Truth of the matter is, Iha and D'arcy were probably less important to the overall sound of the Pumpkins than Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell were to the sound of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. So if Corgan wants to resurrect the moniker "Smashing Pumpkins," without the others, it's really his right to do so. Since Corgan is the major creative force in whatever project he undertakes, whether it is the Smashing Pumpkins, ZWAN or a Corgan solo album, the name doesn't really matter, as Corgan calls the shots. If he wants to make an album under the Smashing Pumpkins banner, more power to him.

I think a lot of people want this album to bomb. There seems to be an almost irrational hatred towards Corgan, an artist that these same critics were praising a decade ago. I've read a couple reviews and most of them mainly focus on how using the name "Smashing Pumpkins" is intellectually dishonest and call Corgan a has-been, etc.

I say enough already. Give the cue-ball a break. If it's a good album, it's a good album, if it sucks, it sucks; but at least judge "Zeitgeist" on its own merit...which brings me to my review...

"Zeitgeist" is a good album. Is it that best I've ever heard or even the best Smashing Pumpkins album? No, but it's still a good CD.

"Zeitgeist" is probably most comparable to the Pumpkins (official) swan-song "Machina/the Machines of God," in that it's a straight-up rock album, for the most part eschewing the dream-pop, "alternative" leanings of the band's early work. Compared to "Machina," however, "Zeitgeist" sounds less polished and a little more organic. And while there are some ambitious moments on "Zeitgeist," like the nearly ten-minute long "United States," or the lush closing "Pomp and Circumstance," the album overall is less arty, more meat-and-potatoes and to the point than its predecessor.

Fans of the Pumpkins early work, "Gish" (1991) Siamese Dream, (1993) and "Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness" (1995) who didn't like the arena rocking "Machina" may be turned off by the sound and style of "Zeitgeist." However, the new SP album should please those fans that did like "Machina" and should also please rock fans in general. So give ol' baldy a break, forget about the reasons for him using the name "Smashing Pumpkins" and try to go into this CD with an open mind.

look, i was pissed as anyone when i first started hearing all the negative reviews being a big pumpkins fan. but when i actually listened to the album, i could see where they were coming from. seriously now people, you cant tell me this comes even close to any of their previous albums (except maybe machina). its a pure and pretty ordinary pop-rock album with little personal energy, passion or thought put into it. its just a manufactured album put together for the sake of it. dont just be loyal! it seriously lacks any of the substance and emotion and progression of previous pumpkins songs and albums, i was very dissapointed. a lot of the songs lack a hook or anything memorable about it, and some are quite annoying really. the riffs are solid in parts, but on the whole this album really does not rock and the vocals in parts are quited flawed. seriously, if this album were put out by anyone else but the smashing pumpkins, it would not have people giving it 5 stars. it is very ordinary, i could hear the same on any other anonoymous rock band's album. did he take a new direction? if so, i dont like it personally as i dont think as much work or imagination was put into it. it seemed rushed, and just a money making venture. and dont worry i was as big a pumpkin fan back in the day just as much as the next man and it hurts me to say it. i cant believe the same man who was behind gish, siamese dream, mellon collie and the infinate sadness and even adore could put this very bland and simple album together....the choruses especially lack anything special about them and the the sadness, the anger, the joy, the darkness and the musical and guitar progressions that was present in almost every pumpkin song released previously is not really here. guys, this is no masterpiece....it is a very ordinary album that does not represent the pumpkins i came to know and love. so yes, i am disappointed and everyone i know personally has agreed whole-heartedly with me. dont give 5 stars out of loyalty !! minus about 3 songs, its pretty terrible really