kristoffer-witt
Never been a massive fan of Corgan's vocals when he goes overly nasal but apart from that, this is a fantastic album if a little long. Ambitious, powerful and heavy.
4
Never been a massive fan of Corgan's vocals when he goes overly nasal but apart from that, this is a fantastic album if a little long. Ambitious, powerful and heavy.
It’s funny, I namedropped Billy Corgan in yesterday’s review and he shows up today. Hmm, something something Neurosis. But no, I did rock with Smashing Pumpkins in my youth. I never really connected with Nirvana or Radiohead, so it took some time for me to embrace the other 90’s alt rock giants. But I did gravitate to most of the other ones in due time, and I played the fuck out of my Mellon Collie CD. In hindsight, it’s way too long, and the pattern is basic- heavy song, slow song, repeat with minor exceptions. But I can still feel the primal aggression in Bullet with Buttefly Wings, even if it’s pretty silly in hindsight, and I dig how weird some of the non-hits get while appreciating the softer tracks. It’s an imperfect thing, but I feel like this should still be essential listening for teenagers. B
Just as good as it was when I was 13 and first heard it. I love this album. 5/5
Always good to revisit this once in a while. It’s not their best work and it’s definitely bloated, but their ambition is realized in this collection that’s daunting for anyone who isn’t a Pumpkins fan. It’s a rewarding listen despite its overbearing presence, the singles hold up and are well-placed. I’d say it could use some editing, but two hours of this shit really sums up where this band was, egotistically, in the 90s. 3.5