Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
by 
acostill on July 10th, 2007
It’s been 7 years since the Smashing Pumpkins have released a new album, maybe they should have waited another 7.
The first problem is Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin going White Stripes style and becoming a duo on Zeitgeist. There is no depth in the music without any other musicians and Corgan’s guitar solos get stale real fast, as well as, his back up vocals which generate an unpleasant annoyance. In fact, the album gets boring about half way through.
The second problem is the band is trying to please fans from every era, which creates an album with no originality. While everything from Adore and on may have not been fantastic, at least the band was trying something different, while most of their peers relied on familiar music. Zeitgeistat times sounds like Billy trying to rekindle the spark that put the Pumpkins on the map, but it seems tried and flat. In fact, it even sounds as if Billy is trying to rip off other artists with the songs “Starz”, which as lines similar to Moby’s “We Are All Made of Stars” and the last track “Pomp and Circumstance” that reminds me of the Flaming Lips’ “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song”.
The third problem is Billy’s lackluster attempt at trying to make social or political statements. For example, the track “United States” which is 9:52 too long. Billy should write songs that focus on his own tormented soul before making music that should be left up to bands like Pearl Jam.
Of course, there are still some decent tracks on Zeitgeist. The opening track “Doomsday Clock” is pretty good and the first single “Tarantula” could be the best song on the album. Other standouts include “That’s The Way (My Love Is)”, the semi-loungy “Neverlost” and the unique “For God and Country”.
It’s great to the Smashing Pumpkins releasing new music, but let’s face it, Billy Corgan’s ego has officially sealed the fate of one of the greatest bands from the 90’s.
| 3.0 |
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POSTED IN: Album Reviews, Smashing Pumpkins
4 opinions for Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
Jul 10, 2007 at 8:52 pm
I haven’t gotten the album yet. I will tomorrow. Adore and beyond kicked ass. I’m sure if Billy did an entire album that sounded completely different, everyone would knock ‘em for not sounding like their earlier work. Stealing lines from Moby? You mean the same Moby who samples all kinds of other shit to make his own music? Politics up to Peal Jam? Are they the only band capable of making a political statement? Or is it that you’re so far up PJ’s a$$ you’ll knock anyone down? Can’t wait to check it out, the first 2 songs sounded good. And that’s what music is all about.
Jul 10, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Wow, you really liked the Machina albums that followed Adore, well to each his own.
My first response is that Moby actually writes most of his own music, not that I care for it, but just for your knowledge.
The second thing is that I used Pearl Jam as an example, but yes I will agree that I am bias towards them. The thing with Pearl Jam, unlike the Pumpkins, is that they are genuine in their political and social views which equals thoughtful and meaningful music. In my opinion, Billy is only using the current backlash in his favor to sell more albums, which means his ego can get filled. Anyways, there are other more current bands, besides Pearl Jam, that write social or political music, such as R.E.M., The Flaming Lips, Bright Eyes, Rage Against The Machine and now Green Day. In fact, Bright Eyes may be the best at political statements right now, but Pearl Jam being a peer to the Pumpkins made it an easier comparison.
Finally, Billy always made albums that were unique and had their own vibe, but not this time. Sure, I bet people would knock Billy down if he tried something different, but he could have given it a chance. Zietgeist justs sound uninspired and gets old real fast.
But, I’ve read some good reviews, so you may like it. At least we’re buying copies of the album to help Billy’s ego expand; which will eventually consume the Earth.
Jul 10, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Billy’s ego is the reason the Pumpkins exist in the first place. It has always been about Billy, and he has always done what he wanted to do. I think Billy intentionally made the album to feel “uninspired” because he’s always done that inspired stuff that everyone criticized. There’s nothing wrong with making music that you know people will enjoy.
Jul 11, 2007 at 9:38 am
My friend, you are contradicting yourself by saying that Billy does what he wants, but then doesn’t want to get criticized for it. The Pumpkins have always been about Billy, but I think now he figured out that people don’y care about him unless he is under the “Smashing Pumpkins” name, because his solo album and Zwan project floundered. Now, he can make bad music and realize that people will buy because it’s a Pumpkins album.
As for making music that everyone will enjoy, I think that’s very broad and bold for Zeitgeist. Right now the album seems to be getting a love it or hate it response. But please let me know what you think AFTER you listen to the album and be honest.
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