The World Is A Dracula - One

A Smashing Pumpkins Album Review/Concert Research Series

The versions I bought, ‘cause I’m a sucker.

Zeitgeist

The return that should have made more of an impact than it did. A sonic assault that should have silenced all the apprehensive critics that were wondering if they “still had it.” An underrated and overlooked mystery, if only for the fact that it’s not available on streaming services¹.

There is a contingent of Pumpkins fans that find the production on this album to be an obstacle in their enjoyment of it. However, I believe it is nowhere near as egregious as Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter. The huge compressed sound benefits the brass balls guitar distortion without making the drums sound artificial (they could be just a tad louder, though). Corgan’s voice also has less of his signature whine, which was probably a deal-breaker from the get for people what would otherwise not have given them a chance.

Then there’s this guy that I refuse to buy digitally.

American Gothic, et alia

Then there is this four song acoustic EP and three additional singles. Nothing spectacular, but this also marks the end of my stronger familiarity with their catalog.

I have talked about “FOL” previously, and along with “G.L.O.W.” and “Superchrist,” these songs sound like a swan song going-out-with-a-bang sort of bookend for the Pumpkins, especially considering that the next project is missing Jimmy Chamberlin² behind the drumkit.

It seems like they’re sticking to a singular setlist for the European tour they’re on right now, and the only songs from this group they’re playing is “Doomsday Clock” and I kinda guess, maybe “Gossamer” counts too (it was debuted live around that time, but was never recorded). I don’t know if that’s how they normally do their shows and I’ve just been spoiled by the variety of Pearl Jam setlists, or if it’s because they’re giving the new touring guitarist time to acclimate.

The question is, though: Do I take a look at a couple setlists once they come back for the rest of their US tour, or just go in blind in September?

I’ll be back next time after I listen to the ill-fated Teargarden songs...

1. There are so many used copies on Discogs that you can get it for less than it will cost to ship (most likely). And why should not having a CD player stop you, since you can get external CD/DVD drives now for less than the cost of a vinyl record at Target!

2. If you haven’t watched the Rick Beato interview with him, then clear out an hour and change in your schedule. He’s so fun to watch!