Smashing Pumpkins: “Zeitgeist” and the Band’s Attempt to Reclaim its Former Hipness
Author: Chris DeLine
Finally catching up to the rumors that the band would reunite comes word that there would not only be a few festival dates but a new album, entitled Zeitgeist, set for release in July. But with only half of the original line-up in tact the band has received a number of criticisms as of late. Though I’d still probably consider the reunion successful without the inclusion of original bassist D’Arcy Wretzky - releasing new material under the moniker of Smashing Pumpkins without James Iha takes away much of the group’s luster. Melissa Auf der Maur has said that she’d partake in the group’s comeback as a stand-in bassist, just as she did for Wretzky after she left the group following the recording of Machina/Machine of the Gods. But with the current line-up there’s really little that separates the Pumpkins’ lineup from Zwan’s, which included Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin and a few space-fillers (though one can assume they’re going to be talented space fillers).
That being said I’m still anticipating the release as it’s going to at least be average. If all else fails each member, past and present, have proven that at their lowest they are capable of solid music and I don’t see this situation as anything different. Zwan wasn’t amazing, nor did the group really live up to the hype surrounding its birth, but it wasn’t entirely bad either. And though it was torn to shreds by many critics, Corgan’s 2005 solo album TheFutureEmbrace was at times solid - boasting a few genuinely enjoyable tracks. If Auf der Maur were to rejoin the group, which is still up in the air as it has been rumored that former Jane’s Addition bassist Eric Avery has auditioned for the band, she too boasts a solid solo album that proved to many her musical capabilities.
I doubt that the album will be as bad as many think it will be, but if it is at least we still have Siamese Dream.
Jun 2 2007 Rock Am Ring Festival - Nürburgring
Jun 3 2007 Rock Im Park Festival - Nürnberg
Jun 9 2007 Lisbon Festival - Lisbon
Jun 15 2007 Nova Rock Festival - Nickelsdorf
Jun 16 2007 Heineken Fetsival - Venice
Jun 17 2007 Greenfields Festival - Interlaken
Smashing Pumpkins: (Official) (MySpace) (Wikipedia)
Smashing Pumpkins “Zeitgeist” (album)
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Billy’s solo record was just abysmal
solace
February 9th, 2007
So, which will be the better record. This? Or “Chinese Democracy”? My vote goes to Pumpkins. At least there are two original members on it.
Jeff
February 9th, 2007
I was dissappointed w/Billy’s solo album, but I still dig the Zwan record, but I’m so incredibly excited that Billy’s bring the Pumpkins out of retirement. True James & D’arcy are not involved, but who cares! Their negativity isn’t needed. Here’s hoping Billy’s healthy, happy (but not too happy) and ready to rock! 7.7.7 is going to be a great day, I can’t wait.
eli
February 9th, 2007
I will miss James, but not D’arcy. (I have no reason)
David
February 11th, 2007
D’Arcy was a killer bassist, but after the group’s history with fatal drug OD’s she was just asking to be booted with her crack habit. I think Billy tried mending fences with James, but I think he’s feeling invincible after his stint with A Perfect Circle, despite presently only supplementing whatever paltry royalties he gets with DJ gigs.
I will buy the new album, and I will see them when they tour, but I remain at this time still a bit skeptical. And that’s from someone who owns all the Pumpkins albums (including Machina II and the singles), Zwan AND Corgan’s solo. Which was pretty but dull.
vjb2
February 12th, 2007
i dunno.. i think he’s kinda lost his edge.. there was something a little uninspiring and hollow about his solo album (there were some good tracks tho).. maybe he’s trying too hard.. anyways it’s a pumpkins album so i’ll buy it lol.. i can’t not listen to it heh..
Sean
March 4th, 2007
I don’t get the criticism of Zwan. I love SP but I think Mary, Star… is the 2nd best of Corgan’s works. It’s a beautiful album!
sp fan
March 26th, 2007
Fair opinion, though to say that it beats something like Mellon Collie as a second best effort might not add up when fully weighing in the bulk of the effort
Thanks for the feedback
Chris DeLine
March 27th, 2007
I hate the whole comparative ranking of albums of *any* band. It’s silly. I learned to thoroughly love every SP album. At the same time, I think Zwan was powerful and would have done extremely well in time. I’m uncertain that Billy can recapture SP’s essence. But I don’t think it’s required for the new SP to be great, either.
Matt
March 31st, 2007
I will probably buy the new album, but i don’t think it will have the same feel of a Smashing Pumpkins album with out James and D’arcy.
Travis V.
April 28th, 2007
There was talk recently of D’arcy being involved more in touring, heard anything about that?
Chris DeLine
April 30th, 2007