Ah, the Smashing Pumpkins. The band that changes members more often than Mariah Carey changes shoes. 2007 marked the return of Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and two new members who I STILL can't remember the names of. Regardless, the new SP released Zeitgeist which was for the most part critically panned by critics and most die-hard fans because it wasn't another Siamese Dream, or even Machina. The first single they released was "Tarantula," a song that really got a lot of heads turning, kind words lavished, and sparkly doe-eyed fans looking forward to the new album with much hope and positivity. As expected, it was all a set-up!
Well...not really. Not every song had the same old SP feel as Turantula, but most of the songs were beautifully poetic and rockin'. I've personally loved Zeitgeist ever since I picked it up on a village-drowning rainy day in July. It was the perfect way to sink into relentlessly dark and angsty songs like Bleeding The Orchid and 7 Shades Of Black. Though, there WAS one big letdown in the fact that the album came in so many special editions - at least 6 - that I couldn't decide which one to get. However, I was more than satisfied with my pick: the "default" red album with the bonus track "Zeitgeist" (which, correct me if I'm wrong...was a Target-exclusive).
If you know SP your faith in them has probably dwindled after hearing about Jimmy Chamberlain leaving the band...but who cares? We're all still going to buy the next album to see where Billy Corgan takes things next, and how many different colored albums he's going to try and make us collect. Anyway, if you're new to SP start with the older stuff and listen to it IN ORDER if you can. It's the best way to experience how they - mostly Billy - changed over time.
Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist - comes in more colors than Kool-Aid.
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