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First Impressions: Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist (Reprise)
Release Date: 07/07/07
Tracklisting:
Doomsday Clock [3:41]
7 Shades Of Black [3:15]
Orchid [3:58]
That's The Way [3:44] <- KEY TRACK
Tarantula [3:47]
Starz [3:41]
United States [9:50]
Never Lost [4:13] <- KEY TRACK
Bring The Light [3:35]
Come On (Let's Go) [3:15]
For God And Country [4:51]
Pomp And Circumstance [4:18]
Background:
Produced by Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin, with Roy Thomas Baker and Terry Date working separately on various tracks.
Billed as a "reunion", though only Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin are present.
It's the first Smashing Pumpkins album since 2000's Machina suite. In the interm Corgan has done one Zwan album and one solo album.
First Impressions:
Tracks #1 thru #7 are all aggresive, up-tempo guitar rock except for #4, "That's The Way", which is our guess for 1st single as it's the most "pop" track with a catchy verse and chorus.
"Never Lost" is one of the only ballad-y tracks. Like many of the Pumpkins' classics, it is low-key, but still driven by its composition and melodies. Plus there are strings.
The last two tracks are the only ones which are keyboard driven, with "Pomp And Circumstance" sporting timpani drums, choir-like vocals and squelching guitar.
Corgan's signature guitar tone is still as rich and forceful as it ever was.
As we have seen with the new lineup, Corgan's voice is what (supposedly) defines the Smashing Pumpkins as a band. But, much like in Zwan, here it seems that his natural angst is somewhat artificial and his screaming seems mellow in comparison the Pumpkins of the past.
Prediction:
With the recent commercial success of new bands like Silversun Pickups, it's uncertain whether or not the those outside the core SP fanbase will feel the need to reacquaint themselves with Smashing Pumpkins.
