Smashing Pumpkins Release New Song, 41 More To Come
By Travis Woods
When looking up the word ‘subtlety” in the dictionary, one the very last things you’re likely to see next to the word’s definition is a picture of Billy Corgan’s big bald head. This is why his newest Smashing Pumpkins project, a 44-track album entitled Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (to be released as a series of 11 four-song EPs, so as to “hear the album as it’s being made,” according to the head Pumpkin) isn’t entirely surprising – of course someone like Corgan would deem a 44-song collection as nothing less than appropriate. We all loved Zeitgeist, right? And TheFutureEmbrace? And Zwan?
Ok, perhaps that runs a little south of fair – Zwan wasn’t that bad – but you get the point: coming from a man who hasn’t generated relevant music since the end of the ‘90s, 44 new songs may be a little less than necessary. What is surprising, however, is the third salvo in Corgan’s blitzkrieg: the gorgeous, ‘60s-styled psych-folk of “A Stitch in Time.” A lovely three-and-a-half minutes of winding guitars and glassy synths, it sounds as if Donovan was hijacked by a new wave band. In a good way (this may mark the first time in nearly ten years in which the words “Corgan” and “good” have shared space in the same paragraph).
While it may not be enough to justify nearly 50 new songs from an artist whose heyday is now 15 years past, it’s certainly worth a listen. The song is available for free on the Smashing Pumpkins’ website, and will be released in EP form on April 20th.
What do you think of the lengthy album?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 9:06PM
Hello? The Asheville and Fillmore residencies of 2007 were awesome, and the subsequent DVD "If All Goes Wrong" captured the great vibe of the shows and the brand new music. The 20th Anniversary shows, despite the negative reviews (from critics who would have rather heard Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie tunes done over and over again) showed how far Corgan has come as songwriter. He shared the stage with 8 other talented people fleshing out new arrangements of old songs and newer songs with horns, keyboards, and a double-necked violin. Then the Spirits in the Sky shows unveiled several of the new Pumpkins tunes which hold a lot of promise. Dig a little deeper next time. Just because Billy doesn't sell records like its 1995 (who does anymore?) doesn't mean his music sucks. Don't bring him down for trying something new, give him credit, no one else has the balls to do what he is doing.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 1:49AM
I think the song is excellent and am looking forward to the next 41 songs in this journey!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 3:33AM
You' re harsh. I bet if you had been obliged to hear every songs Pumpkins, Zwan and Billy have released in those 15 years, you'd have been obliged to realize there were tremendous songs amonst them. For all taste. If you did not like the singles or even the songs on albums, Billy always kept on releasing music that old fans could hardly dismiss.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:23AM
Forty-four songs is a bit much? This lack of vision is killing music. I want to hear the immensely talented Billy Corgan write an opera; I want to hear him write a symphony. We used to expect our composers to keep writing until they died of old age.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 7:49AM
It is so freaking lame how people bash Billy Corgan and his music. Seriously pathetic. And for what? Does it make you feel important? Smart? So easy to shoot at targets when they're far away….. The man is a musical genius. "Relevant" music? Here's a question for you – how has ANY music in the past 10 years been relevant to…..anything???? Just because it's on the radio doesn't make it relevant. Morons.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 3:43PM
I've been following (and enjoying) Billy's musical output throughout this decade, and I have no problem saying that I loved Zwan, TFE, and Zeitgeist. They're certainly different from the work he did in the 90's — but Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie, etc. are already burned into my memory, so why would I want a rehash? I like how Billy is always trying something new & surprising — that's what makes him relevent. I agree, "A Stitch in Time" is a great tune, but the kind of sneering backhanded compliments you put in this review are lazy and presumptuous.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 10:07AM
i love this new song and am really excited about watching the whole project develop.
i’m not sure what this hang up everyone has lately about music or artists having to be “relevant” is all about. relevant to whom? music is personal. if you like the music being made, then it’s “relevant”.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:20PM
How about a 12 or 16 song album where all songs are great instead of 44 mediocre songs. Come on Billy, please.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:45PM
Billy is a musical genius. The Pumpkins never got the credit that was always given to Nirvana or Pearl Jam. Alice In Chains fell in the same boat of eclipse. I look forward to the new goods.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 8:58PM
Billy is Brilliant!, and I am pleased to hear he's making more incredible music for us to enjoy!. This review is beyond rude and one-sided, it is one thing to be informative, but there's no need to be so opinionated, especially to put down Billy and his talent.
I hope they continue making lovely music for us, the melodies, lyrics and videos are as beautiful as art.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:31PM
"hasn’t generated relevant music since the end of the ‘90s"?
Really?
And what would you call relevant?
Come on–relevant isn't a relevant concept anymore.
I mean, we live in a world where Maroon 5 and Nickelback sell more records than anyone–but that isn't because more people like that kind of music–it's because only morons buy music.
Zwan was great music. Zeitgeist was great music. Maybe they don't sell as many copies, but they reach more people on deeper levels.
Pumpkins4Life
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 11:22PM
Travis Woods… you're an idiot. End of. Even though the Pumpkins will never have the original lineup, will never be the 90's powerhouse it once was (because it isn't the 90's anymore) and even though Billy is definitely an eccentric guy, he's effin as talented as can be. Don't be an ass and make these ridiculous comments about someone whose complete musical repertoire you clearly know nothing about. Sad, it seems the only thing you made relevant to Billy Corgan was tasteless insults. Bring on the 11-part album! And watch everyone else who agrees with your idiotic relevancy comment download the whole thing off the Internet for free.
Thursday, March 4, 2010 4:46AM
I have been a fan of Billy's work for a while. I have no problem saying that Adore is one of my favorite album. It is certainly different from his newer work and his early work but that doesn't mean his 44song thing is gonna suck. As a fan, imma support him no matter what he does.
People need to stop hating on him since he is kinda like Axl Rose now.
Saturday, March 27, 2010 3:14AM
I love Billy Corgan's work, I just think he is so talented. Enjoying and looking forward to all the new songs. Maybe the last 15 years haven't been like the first 10, but that is the evolution of a good and true artist. He has not been riding on the first 10 years of work for the last 15 years, why else would he garner this much attention?