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CD review: Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist |
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Written by krotzyk
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Thursday, 19 July 2007 |
Zeitgeist is a German term meaning "spirit of the age." Being the first true Pumpkins' record since 2000's Machina: The Machines of God, the title fits well. The music scene has changed considerably since Corgan decided to throw in the towel, not to mention the country and the world. The first Pumpkin's album in a post-9/11 world, it needed to be loud, fast and heavy. And it is. Basically a metal album with Pumpkins production and songwriting, it can hardly be called a "return" to their original sound. This is new territory for them. (Well, for Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, who are the  only two listed in the liner notes as performing on the CD.) A few songs do invoke pre-Adore era Pumpkins, however. Mellon Collie's heavier moments like "Bodies" or "X.Y.U." would feel right at home beside the churning "7 Shades Of Black" or the album's first single, "Tarantula." The gentler moments of the record may be the standouts, however. From the snappy, lively beats of "That's the Way (My Love Is)" to the unashamed pop of "Bring the Light," the Pumpkins pack in the hooks on nearly every song. The album has a very deliberate, flowing momentum that seems to get more optimistic as it goes on. "United States," the album's epic 10 minute centerpiece, seems to be the turning point—the guitars hammer out tuned-down power chords while Corgan sings "Let me be something good - Let me prove something real like I should," and "I don't have to run scared no more." The Pumpkin already drew criticism from some of the early reviewers, such as Stephen Erlewine, saying the album's political and social overtone's detract from the appeal of the music, and the excessive amounts of guitar overdubs "saps Zeitgeist from any impact it may have." While the cover art may give the impression of impending doom for the United States and the world, this record is about Billy Corgan. This is Corgan's attempt at regaining his former spotlight, and he tells the listener that straight from the beginning. In the opening track "Doomsday Clock," the drums and guitar bang like thunder, while Corgan broods over "There's wages on this fear - Oh so clear - Depends on what you'll pay to hear," and "Please don't stop it's lonely at the top - These lonely days when will they ever stop?" As for the overdubs, they have basically been a part of the Pumpkin's signature sound since the opening riff of "Cherub Rock" on Siamese Dream. Layers upon layers upon layers of guitar. That was/is the Smashing Pumpkins.
Written by ard1984 on Rolling Stone
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