Album Information:
Album ID: 10286
About Smashing Pumpkins:
Smashing Pumpkins is an alternative rock band from Chicago, Illinois. They are known for their distinctive sound that blends elements of heavy metal, punk rock, psychedelic rock and progressive rock. The band was formed in 1988 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan, with bassist D'arcy Wretzky, guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.
The band's early music was characterized by heavy use of distortion, unconventional guitar riffs, and complex lyrics covering dark and emotional subjects. Their debut album 'Gish' was released in 1991 and received critical acclaim. Their second album, 'Siamese Dream' released in 1993, was an even bigger success and established the band's signature sound.
In 1995, the band released their most successful album 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' which was a double album featuring 28 tracks. The album showcased the band's diversity and ability to experiment with different styles and genres. It went on to receive seven Grammy nominations and sell over 10 million copies worldwide.
The band faced various lineup changes over the years, with James Iha departing in 2000 and D'arcy Wretzky leaving in 1999 due to personal conflicts. The band released their final album 'Machina/The Machines of God' in 2000 before disbanding in 2001.
In 2006, Billy Corgan reformed Smashing Pumpkins with a new lineup and released their sixth album 'Zeitgeist' which was a return to their heavy sound. In 2012, the band released 'Oceania', a concept album that was lauded for its creativity and experimental approach.
Despite facing ongoing turmoil and lineup changes, Smashing Pumpkins remains one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 90s and continues to tour and perform today. They have sold over 30 million records worldwide and have left an indelible mark on the music world.
About the album Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness:
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is the third studio album by American alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins, released on October 23, 1995, through Virgin Records. The album features 28 tracks that are divided into two discs: 'Dawn to Dusk' and 'Twilight to Starlight,' each with their own distinct sound and tone.
The first disc, 'Dawn to Dusk,' is the more straightforward and rock-oriented section of the album. It kicks off with the explosive opening track 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,' which features distorted guitars, pounding drums, and Billy Corgan's signature angsty vocals. This sets the stage for the rest of the album, which is full of powerful guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and catchy hooks.
Other highlights on 'Dawn to Dusk' include the infectious 'Tonight, Tonight,' which features strings and horns, and the grungy 'Zero,' which has become one of the band's most famous songs. The album also includes some softer tracks, like the acoustic 'Thirty-Three' and the piano-driven 'Porcelina of the Vast Oceans.'
The second disc, 'Twilight to Starlight,' is a more experimental and atmospheric section of the album. It features more ambient sounds and experimental music, and the songs take on a more reflective and introspective tone. The album transitions into this second disc with the haunting 'Where Boys Fear to Tread,' which immediately sets a different tone than the first disc.
The standout tracks on 'Twilight to Starlight' include the dreamy and atmospheric 'Galapogos,' the melancholy 'Cupid de Locke,' and the epic closing track 'Farewell and Goodnight.' Each song on this second disc flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
Overall, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is a masterful album that showcases the band's musical range and versatility. Its combination of loud rock anthems and introspective, atmospheric tracks makes for a stunning listening experience from start to finish.
Members:
The key members of the Smashing Pumpkins are:
1. Billy Corgan (vocals, guitar, keyboard): Billy Corgan is the founding member of Smashing Pumpkins. He was born on March 17, 1967, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, USA. Corgan started playing guitar at the age of 14 and formed the Smashing Pumpkins in 1988. He is the primary songwriter and lyricist for the band. Billy Corgan has also released several solo albums and worked on various side projects.
2. James Iha (guitar, vocals): James Iha was born on March 26, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He joined Smashing Pumpkins in 1988 as the band's second guitarist and remained a member until its breakup in 2000. Iha has also released two solo albums and worked on various other projects as a producer, engineer, and collaborator.
3. D'arcy Wretzky (bass, vocals): D'arcy Wretzky was born on May 1, 1968, in South Haven, Michigan, USA. She joined Smashing Pumpkins in 1988 as the band's bassist and remained a member until 1999. Wretzky has also played in several other bands, including Catherine and Thee Heavenly Music Association.
4. Jimmy Chamberlin (drums, percussion): Jimmy Chamberlin was born on June 10, 1964, in Joliet, Illinois, USA. He joined Smashing Pumpkins in 1988 as the band's drummer and remained a member until its breakup in 2000. Chamberlin has also played in several other bands and released solo material.
5. Melissa Auf der Maur (bass, vocals): Melissa Auf der Maur was born on March 17, 1972, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She joined Smashing Pumpkins in 2000 as the band's bassist and remained a member until its breakup in 2000. Auf der Maur has also played in several other bands, including Hole and The Chelsea.
6. Jeff Schroeder (guitar): Jeff Schroeder was born on February 4, 1974, in Los Angeles, California, USA. He joined Smashing Pumpkins in 2007 as a touring member and became an official member in 2010. Schroeder has also played in several other bands, including The Lassie Foundation and The Violet Burning.
Note: It's worth mentioning that Smashing Pumpkins has had several other members who have played with the band for shorter periods, but the six members listed above are the key members that have had the most significant impact on the band's sound and legacy.
Track List for Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness:
1. 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' (2:52) - The title track sets the tone for the album with its melancholic lyrics and heavy guitar riffs.
2. 'Tonight, Tonight' (4:14) - A fan favorite, this iconic track features orchestral elements and soaring vocals, creating a cinematic feel.
3. 'Jellybelly' (3:01) - This fast-paced track is a punk-inspired anthem with Billy Corgan's aggressive vocals and heavy guitar riffs.
4. 'Zero' (2:41) - Another popular single, 'Zero' features a catchy chorus and intense energy, with Corgan's vocals expressing a rebellious spirit.
5. 'Here Is No Why' (3:45) - A more introspective track, 'Here Is No Why' combines dreamy guitars with heartfelt lyrics about feeling lost and disconnected.
6. 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings' (4:18) - One of the Smashing Pumpkins' most well-known songs, 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings' is an angsty anthem with a memorable chorus and iconic opening riff.
7. 'To Forgive' (4:17) - A more subdued track, 'To Forgive' features acoustic guitars and introspective lyrics about forgiveness and acceptance.
8. 'An Ode to No One' (4:49) - This intense track is driven by heavy drums and guitars, with Corgan's vocals expressing a sense of disillusionment and frustration.
9. 'Love' (4:21) - With its soaring chorus and heartfelt lyrics, 'Love' is a standout track on the album, showcasing the Smashing Pumpkins' ability to create emotional ballads.
10. 'Cupid de Locke' (2:50) - A whimsical and dreamy track, 'Cupid de Locke' features delicate vocals and a playful melody.
11. 'Galapogos' (4:45) - This atmospheric track features ethereal guitars and introspective lyrics about self-discovery and existential questions.
12. 'Muzzle' (3:44) - One of the Smashing Pumpkins' most beloved songs, 'Muzzle' is a triumphant anthem with a powerful chorus and inspiring lyrics.
13. 'Porcelina of the Vast Oceans' (9:22) - The longest track on the album, 'Porcelina of the Vast Oceans' is an epic masterpiece, featuring a wide range of musical styles and emotions.
14. 'Take Me Down' (2:52) - A stripped-down and intimate track, 'Take Me Down' features acoustic guitars and vulnerable vocals about finding peace in moments of chaos.
15. 'Where Boys Fear to Tread' (4:22) - An intense and aggressive track, 'Where Boys Fear to Tread' features heavy guitars and frantic drumming, expressing a sense of anger and rebellion.
16. 'Bodies' (4:13) - One of the heaviest tracks on the album, 'Bodies' is a powerful and aggressive anthem with a memorable chorus and intense guitar riffs.
17. 'Thirty-Three' (4:10) - A more introspective track, 'Thirty-Three' features a gentle melody and nostalgic lyrics about the passage of time.
18. 'In the Arms of Sleep' (4:11) - With its dreamy guitars and haunting vocals, 'In the Arms of Sleep' creates a hypnotic and ethereal vibe.
19. '1979' (4:25) - One of the Smashing Pumpkins' biggest hits, '1979' features a catchy chorus and nostalgic lyrics about teenage rebellion and the search for identity.
20. 'Tales of a Scorched Earth' (3:46) - A frenzied and chaotic track, 'Tales of a Scorched Earth' features intense vocals and heavy guitars, expressing a sense of chaos and destruction.
21. 'Thru the Eyes of Ruby' (7:38) - One of the most epic tracks on the album, 'Thru the Eyes of Ruby' features intricate guitar work and a wide range of emotions, from despair to hope.
22. 'Stumbleine' (2:54) - A gentle and romantic track, 'Stumbleine' features delicate acoustic guitars and romantic lyrics about falling in love.
23. 'X.Y.U.' (7:07) - The final track on the album, 'X.Y.U.' is a relentless and chaotic masterpiece, featuring aggressive guitars and intense drumming, expressing a sense of catharsis and release.
Discography for Smashing Pumpkins:
Here is a complete discography for the artist Smashing Pumpkins in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. Gish (May 28, 1991)
2. Siamese Dream (July 27, 1993)
3. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (October 23, 1995)
4. Adore (June 2, 1998)
5. Machina/The Machines of God (February 29, 2000)
6. Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music (September 5, 2000)
7. Zeitgeist (July 10, 2007)
8. Oceania (June 19, 2012)
9. Monuments to an Elegy (December 5, 2014)
10. Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. (November 16, 2018)
11. Cyr (November 27, 2020)
Singles:
1. 'I Am One' (December 1990)
2. 'Tristessa' (1991)
3. 'Siva' (1991)
4. 'Rhinoceros' (1991)
5. 'Cherub Rock' (1993)
6. 'Today' (1993)
7. 'Disarm' (1993)
8. 'Rocket' (1994)
9. 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings' (1995)
10. '1979' (1996)
11. 'Zero' (1996)
12. 'Tonight, Tonight' (1996)
13. 'Thirty-Three' (1996)
14. 'The End Is the Beginning Is the End' (1997)
15. 'Ava Adore' (1998)
16. 'Perfect' (1998)
17. 'The Everlasting Gaze' (2000)
18. 'Stand Inside Your Love' (2000)
19. 'Try, Try, Try' (2000)
20. 'Untitled' (2000)
21. 'Tarantula' (2007)
22. 'That's the Way (My Love Is)' (2007)
23. 'G.L.O.W.' (2008)
Other releases:
1. Pisces Iscariot (October 4, 1994) - compilation album
2. The Aeroplane Flies High (November 26, 1996) - box set
3. Rotten Apples (November 20, 2001) - greatest hits album
4. Earphoria (November 26, 2002) - live album
5. Zeitgeist Live (2008) - live album
6. Teargarden by Kaleidyscope (2009-2011) - 44-song concept album released as 11 EPs
7. American Gothic EP (March 25, 2008) - limited edition EP
8. If All Goes Wrong (November 11, 2008) - live box set
9. Oceania: Live in NYC (September 24, 2013) - live album and video
10. Monuments to an Elegy Demos (January 2015) - limited edition EP