In the other "Classic Albums" thread, some people have commented about which albums they feel should be covered by this series, so for fun let's compile a list of which ones we nominate and why.
Here's my first:
Smashing Pumpkins "Siamese Dream”
Released around the same time as Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” this album seemed to be just the opposite of what was going on in the grunge movement. Whereas “grunge” was more about attitude and energy, SD captured the spirit of 70’s AOR (think Boston, especially since they were such a big influence on Billy Corgan) and spawned several hits (Cherub Rock, Today, Disarm, Rocket), all the while challenging the listener’s ear with some truly otherworldy musical soundscapes.
In my mind, the interviews would be with Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and producer Butch Vig (since D’Arcy is MIA and James Iha has moved on to other projects) and oh my, would they have PLENTY of tracks to dissect. Aside from the fact that these songs are excellent and hold up even when stripped of all of the studio effects, I think it’d be a blast to watch Butch and the boys “pull back the curtains” so to speak and uncover the little details that went into the making of this album. I mean, “Soma” in and of itself has been purported to have 40 tracks of guitars. These sonic things, plus the strife going on inside the band (Billy’s severe case of writer’s block, his marriage falling to pieces prior to the making of the album, Jimmy’s building addiction to heroin, James and D’arcy breaking up and the rumor that Billy played most of the guitar & bass parts on his own with Jimmy playing drums) amounts to really some interesting background information that could be explored.
To me, this is one of the greatest albums of modern times (musically and sonically) and I for one would LOVE to see a documentary on it’s making. Also, at this point in time with SP being “reunited,” I think it could provide some publicity for the newly reformed band and be somewhat therapeutic for Mr. Corgan!
Here's my first:
Smashing Pumpkins "Siamese Dream”
Released around the same time as Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” this album seemed to be just the opposite of what was going on in the grunge movement. Whereas “grunge” was more about attitude and energy, SD captured the spirit of 70’s AOR (think Boston, especially since they were such a big influence on Billy Corgan) and spawned several hits (Cherub Rock, Today, Disarm, Rocket), all the while challenging the listener’s ear with some truly otherworldy musical soundscapes.
In my mind, the interviews would be with Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and producer Butch Vig (since D’Arcy is MIA and James Iha has moved on to other projects) and oh my, would they have PLENTY of tracks to dissect. Aside from the fact that these songs are excellent and hold up even when stripped of all of the studio effects, I think it’d be a blast to watch Butch and the boys “pull back the curtains” so to speak and uncover the little details that went into the making of this album. I mean, “Soma” in and of itself has been purported to have 40 tracks of guitars. These sonic things, plus the strife going on inside the band (Billy’s severe case of writer’s block, his marriage falling to pieces prior to the making of the album, Jimmy’s building addiction to heroin, James and D’arcy breaking up and the rumor that Billy played most of the guitar & bass parts on his own with Jimmy playing drums) amounts to really some interesting background information that could be explored.
To me, this is one of the greatest albums of modern times (musically and sonically) and I for one would LOVE to see a documentary on it’s making. Also, at this point in time with SP being “reunited,” I think it could provide some publicity for the newly reformed band and be somewhat therapeutic for Mr. Corgan!
