Billy Corgan is pretentious, manic, egotistical, self effacing, depressing, overly self involved, and generally detached. And it is all of the things and more that makes Corgan's music with the Smashing Pumpkins nothing short of genius. I have been a Pumpkins fan from the start, and I have even been critical of some of their work. I thought Siamese Dream was good, but largely overrated, and a disappointing follow up to the mind numbingly incredible debut, Gish. I also think the Pumpkin's double CD, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, could have easily been pared down to one disc's worth of quality songs. But on the other hand, I felt Adore was completely underrated and under appreciated.

The new CD by the Smashing Pumpkins, Machina/the machines of God, is going to someday be considered a work of art. Right there with Floyd's The Wall, the Beatle's White album, and Nirvana's Nevermind. It's that good. Besides making songs that are deep, immensely listenable, and out right rocking at times, Corgan infuses his works with intelligent, albeit sometimes cryptic, lyrics. Whether Corgan wants us to draw our own conclusions, or whether he is trying to remain obscure, it doesn't really matter.

The songs on Machina are intense, driving, detailed, and full of sonic depth. The first single, The Everlasting Gaze, is a full out rock assault, which really gets the listener involved in the CD. You may have also heard the 2nd single released, Stand Inside Your Love. This song has the unique ability to be a love song, but to also rock. My personal favorites from the CD are I of the Mourning, This Time, and the last track, Age of Innocence. I am quite certain you will hear I of the Mourning, as the 3rd single from Machina.

I've noticed people love to hate Billy Corgan, for many different reasons, including many of the adjectives I used to start this review. I also feel he is largely misunderstood, and I think he and his band will be looked back on as the most talented, unique, and genre crossing phenomenon's of the 90's. I know plenty of people who dislike the Pumpkins, and especially Corgan, but almost all of them have to admit that the Pumpkins make unique, original music.




Recommended: Yes