Smashing Pumpkins - Oceania (2012)
 

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So this has been streaming on iTunes today, so of course I had to listen to it. Initial thoughts are that this is better than Zeitgeist and maybe slightly better than the stuff he has released for the Teargarden project. That's not saying too much, though. Definitely not his best since Mellon Collie as he has claimed.

Ok...I'm gonna go ahead and say it. No more beating around the bush. The above paragraph is more of my defensive fanboy side coming out. WHAT. THE. ****. HAPPENED? Did Billy Corgan just forget how to write great songs or something? I'm not even all the way through the album and I have to go ahead and write this. For every release since he reformed the band, I've given him a chance. Every time I've bought into his nonsense about how he's giving the fans what they want and THIS time it's awesome. Every time I sit here and try to convince myself that what I'm listening to isn't a shadow of the band that changed my life.

First, I'll address how Billy has described the album. More mellow, has all the emotional textures people are used to from the Pumpkins. More introspective like it used to be. Nope. Throwing in some 60's psych-inspired keyboards and a couple extra guitar effects doesn't make it more emotive. It just means you are trying too hard. It was a band effort. Well, either that is bull**** or everyone else in the band just sucks. I'll give Mike Byrne some credit, though...it's tough to fill Jimmy's shoes, but his drumming actually holds it together for the little interest I have in these songs. It's got that "Pumpkin-ness" while not retreading old material. Well, it doesn't retread old material. Because it's boring. Still no Pumpkin-ness, though. Adore and Siamese Dream are COMPLETELY different, but you can still tell it's the Pumpkins. I seriously don't know what happened, but Billy's lost it.

While slightly more interesting than the Teargarden stuff, it's still Zeitgeist with some keyboards and some "slower" moments. Maybe it's true...Billy really does have to be sad to make good music. Or something. I don't even know if that is it...because I really liked the one Zwan album and he sounded pretty happy on that one. This isn't even one of those things like with Machina where it didn't sell well, but the songwriting was still there. It wasn't his most popular album, but there is some seriously beautiful songwriting there. Even the throwaways on Machina II were amazing. To me, Billy could do no wrong. But now he is convincing me with every release that he should just pack it in.

Now, maybe I can be criticized for just giving the album one listen before writing this. Well, you go listen to it and you will see there was about as much care and forethought put into this review as there was put into those songs. Either that, or it is worse than I thought.

Billy, why don't you cut the crap and just explain why you can't write inspired songs anymore. I'm tired of getting my hopes smashed. See what I did there?

I actually think this is a great album. 5/5 for me so far. It's taken around 7 listens for me to really warm up to it. While some songs might not shine on their own, as an album it's great!

I've been reading a lot of reviews that have been raving about it as well. I just don't know. I'm going to listen to it more to see if my opinion changes since I'm a sucker and I eat up everything Billy Corgan throws at me, but I just had different expectations. I keep forgetting when people say it's the best since Mellon Collie, those people don't like Adore or Machina. Personally, I think those albums are amazing and this one still doesn't beat them.

Once I lower my expectations a little it might start growing on me.

yeah man, definitely give it more of a chance! i think its possibly better than machina. (probably not Adore though)

Personally, this is my least favorite work. I miss the dark, driving guitars or even Billy's quivering vocals as was used in their previous work.

I used to love the Smashing Pumpkins, i also liked Zwan and his solo effort. But since Zetigeist I think Billy lost it...

Though I was really excited when I first listened to the samples, and was somewhat amazed when I first listened to Oceania, in the end, is just an average forgetable album.

It is way better than Zeitgeist and every other inferior song on TGBK, but it isn't something to be called "The Smashing Pumpkins". He should just forget about rock and roll and continue with his synth pop thing, like in The Future Embrace. It wasn't amazing, but at least it seemed to be honest...

I didn't go into this album expecting much, considering the wave of frustrating mediocrity that was Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, but here we go. This album isn't actually too bad. Not particularly great either but seems better than everything that Billy has released under the Smashing Pumpkins name since it was revived. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I would respect Billy a lot more if he released this under his own name as a solo project rather than under what was once one of the greatest bands of the 90's. Nothing can compare to the likes of Siamese Dream, Gish and Adore so there is no real point trying to better those albums and this album isn't going to come close either.

That said there are some good songs on this album, namely 'The Celestials', 'Glissandra' and 'Inkless', the latter has a main riff very reminiscent of early 90's Pumpkins songs like 'Hummer'. There are some very average and forgettable moments as well but overall not bad and could have been a lot worse.

That's exactly what I was hoping to avoid saying for this album... "it could have been worse". There has been plenty of "it could have been worse" churned out by them recently. I just can't stand it because I know what Billy is capable of. There was a point where even his throwaway tracks were worth tracking down. I'm going to chalk it up up to being middle aged I guess.

Good for Jimmy getting the hell out.

I really don't think he's capable of reaching such heights again, he said all he needed to say a long time ago, which is why I (reluctantly) went into this album with very low expectations.

I'll probably only end up listening to this album a few times and then confine it to the same fate as Zeitgeist. We pretty much have all the Pumpkins music we could ever need with their classic albums and the insane amount of non-album material, I don't really see the need for any more.

Well, the thing is that their music is so diverse that, in the end, I kinda of hope there's still some aspect that billy hasn't fully developed, like the electronic side, which I think is awesome... But after Zetigeist and Oceania, I realize this is silly...

Admittedly I haven't checked out much of anything by Corgan and Co. since the final batch of compilations that were released after Machina (Rotten Apples / Judas 0) but from what I'm finding on youtube it's not doing much for me.

The title track is overdrawn and gets boring, the heavier live tracks like Quasar are so reminiscent of their early material that it sounds like a clone. There really is no going home again. One of the comments for Quasar really sums it all up - It sounds like I Am One. The 'new' song sounds like the first song from the first album from 20 years ago, I suppose it's fine for a new generation of people, but as an old school fan if I want to hear something that sounds like 1992, I'm gonna dig out an album from 1992. Not really interested in new material made to revisit covered ground.

This raises a big red flag for me. If he's trying to please the masses he's always going to fail - they'll never be satisfied because they're never able to fully remove the nostalgia filter from their memories. As a result it sounds like he's trying instead of doing, there's no feeling of '... alright this take, don't give a f*ck' as is revealed in the final seconds of the classic Silverf*ck.

He's obviously still got a keen ear for production though, I don't know why he doesn't move into a more studio based / mentor role for newer bands. Time to pass the torch Billy.

It's a shame too. The Smashing Pumpkins are one of the best 90's bands and easily one of my favorite bands, but if Billy keeps churning this **** out, there's no hope for the Pumpkins anymore.

To be fair, SP pretty much always has been Billy's solo name (save for Jimmy's help). But his album is actually a solid contribution from all band members. I'm really loving this album so far.

I liked this album but not as much as I was hoping to...I came into it with low expectations but it wasn't as sell out-ish as Zeitgeist was I don't think. Ill give it a 7/10. I wanted to like this way more but I just feel like the pumpkins will never have the soul they did in 91-94. I just loved Gish and Siamese dream so much as a kid that my expectations are too high for Billy. ****..I even have a Gish tattoo. :thumb:

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I've given it a couple more spins and while I think it has more of the Pumpkins feel than Zeitgeist did, it just isn't there. When the music is good, the lyrics are ridiculous. When the lyrics are good the music is boring as hell. I know Billy can write great lyrics, too... Just listen to Adore. There are some enjoyable moments, but I'm a little surprised at the positive reaction this album has been getting from critics. I'm happy for the band, but I really want to enjoy this more.

Siamese Dream > Mellon Collie > Adore > Gish > Machina II > Machina > Pisces Iscariot > Oceania > Zeitgeist

Nice tat! Have you checked out the re-release for gish and siame dream?

I've just gave it another spin, and I agree with you. It is better than zeitgeist, but zeitgeist was just impossible to listen to...

Though I disagree about Piscies, it's just great. Starla, Whir, and their awesome Girl Named Sandoz cover...

Yes, but please keep in mind that I'm the kind of person who finds their pre-Zeitgeist albums to be flawless. It's hard for me to rank them. Even Pisces Iscariot is genius... the other albums just edge it out a bit more. The only one that beats them all is Siamese Dream, which is the greatest album ever recorded in my opinion.

I do agree that the lyrics sometimes suck, but I'm really digging this record as of now. SP sounds revitalized and I could see this album as being a stepping stone to a great recording band again.

Now, I can actually agree with that. Since there is so much positive press going on, hopefully that will motivate Billy to crank out some more creative material. The Chili Peppers' Californication reinvigorated them and they pumped out By the Way next - one of their best albums. We shall see.

I'm still really looking forward to the reissues... I can't wait for Machina II to be released in all its mastered and non-fuzzy glory.

I have..just not enough money right now :(

@Duga: Hell YES on Machina II. I'm f-ing pumped man, you don't even know. :beer:

Machina II is amazing and I still prefer it over Machina. I'm still itching for a proper release of it or at least a good quality mp3 version.

My opinion on Oceania hasn't really changed much so it's still stuck in average territory for me.

I love Violet Rays. But... that's about it. Pretty average album I'd say, although I've always just set myself up to anticipate that when old artists make new albums, it usually falls short of how they once were. I'm making exception for the new Tool album though... I hoping Maynard gets it right like he always does, save Puscifer.

They are very promising but I haven't gone past snippets of Siamese Dream, Adore, besides from owning Mellon Collie.

Do people consider that album worthy of a reissue?

Well I sure as hell do. The songs are arguably better than Machina. The fact that all I've had are crappy digital vinyl rips has frustrated me for over 10 years.

Same here. The songs are great and catchier than the songs on Machina 1.

This record is OK, but I think people need to stop getting into records and trying to compare them to an artists previous work(s). The days of the Pumpkins are long gone and we'll never get that great feel back from them. But we still have more than enough great records to choose from in their catalogue.

sounded pretty good on first listen

but the relisten just didn't get me

still voted "good" anyway

think it'll grow on me in a bit

It's grown on me a bit... But it's still nothing I'm dying to listen to. I'm happy they have been getting good reviews though... Maybe it'll give the new guys some confidence and their next album will be better. I guess I never will actually give up hope....

at any rate, the Pumpkins aren't the "Pumpkins" without Iha, D'Arcy and Chamberlain

Nah, I'd argue they aren't the Pumpkins without Jimmy. Billy and Jimmy were the core... Darcy and James were good for the image but nonessential.

I personally thought it was good.
Obviously Billy has made way better records but i've seen bands fail harder with their recent stuff vs their old than this.
Its not the easiest thing to just keep on making OK computer and Mellon collie albums all your life.

I've been spinning this album for a few weeks now, and although its intricacies are subtle-- I think it's outstanding. My top tracks are Violet Rays, My Love is Winter, Pale Horse, Inkless, and the the title track. This one is a 9 of 10 for me, and that's after a critical analysis. I'll post my review in this thread once I finish it.

I love these lines from "Inkless"... "And what you need of me you've got inside you/ You just take me home, take me home don't fight/ But drive me home the wrong way"

Were you a fan of the Smashing Pumpkins before this album?

Casual fan... This is the first album that I've bought since their first three, but I know their history, and I am familiar with their different albums, styles, and line-ups. I certainly wouldn't consider myself a hardcore fan, but this album makes me want to go back and explore Adore, the Machina albums, and the Zeitgeist.

Is the Teargarden stuff before Oceania any good or similar to Oceania?

I only ask because I've been curious how someone who had never heard them or isn't a big fan perceives this album... its been getting decent reviews and I'm wondering if it is coming from newer fans who don't know how good their older stuff is. While I'm happy for them... And while the album is enjoyable somewhat... It truly does not stack up to their classic material.

As for the Teargarden stuff, yeah it's similar to Oceania so you might enjoy it if you like that. I'm not really a fan of that, though.

Smashing Pumpkins: Oceania- 2012
 

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Smashing Pumpkins Oceania- 2012
RMR Album Rating- 9
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Although Oceania is very subtle and often subdued, it is soaked with stunning intricacies that eventually reveal a brilliant and beautiful album.

The album opens with “Quasar,” “Panopticon,” and “The Celestials,” which are all heavy guitar driven tracks; however, they don’t set the tone for the rest of the album which is better defined by the more subtle songs like “Violet Rays,” “My Love Is Winter,” “Pale Horse,” “Inkless,” and the epic title track.

Instrumentally, “Violet Rays” is played over a foundation of electronica that is cleverly masked by its melodic guitar and drum work. Corgan’s vocals are also compelling as they cry out in desperation for requited companionship. “My Love Is Winter” is played at a quick pace, but it is not heavy like the first three opening tracks. Its theme of lost love sets a very empty and cold tone for the song, so the main chorus of “my love is winter” is perfect.

“Pale Horse” and “Inkless are two more champions of the record. “Pale Horse’s” chorus repeats the two words “Thora Zine,” which if put together form the one word “Thorazine,” which is a drug used to treat schizophrenia. Taken in that context, the rest of lyrics make sense as well (“You think I’d swallow that?”), and the slow, desolate tone of the music matches the lyrics. “Inkless” is built around a great guitar riff, and Corgan’s delivery of the lyrics “just take me home, take me home/ don’t fuss/ but drive me home the right way” are some of the best on the album.

“Oceania” is the 10-minute centerpiece of the album. The standout moments are the main theme that highlight the synchronicity of Corgan’s guitar and Byrne’s drums, and the final 2+ minute guitar solo that concludes the song. There are also emotive lyrics and vocals throughout the whole track. “Oceania” represents everything that is great about the record. The song is subdued, yet once each of its many layers of subtly is peeled back, it reveals pieces of all the sound elements on the album.

Thematically, Oceania’s lyrics seem to focus on companionship and love, and these themes these are presented in an emotional, and sometimes, dreamy style. Oceania is also part of a larger collection of songs called Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. Teargarden is a working concept created by Corgan, which consists of 44 songs. Originally, Corgan intended to release the songs one at a time over the course of several years. Oceania is the 4th installment in Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, and it accounts for songs 11-23 of the project. The Smashing Pumpkins refer to it as an “album within an album.” Corgan has stated that he intends to finish the 44-song concept album, with a possible mix of more single releases and complete albums.

Oceania is a complete success. It has heavy moments; it has synthesizer driven moments, and it has soft and subtle moments, but they all ebb and flow together to form a amazing album from start to finish.

My two top tracks: "Pale Horse" & "Inkless"

I would only say that its an awesome album to listen to it i would appreciate the composer of this album who made this wonderful album.........