listener101

My first post !

I've been researching the Smashing Pumpkins and Billy Corgan non-stop for 2 days and thought it's about time to get some genuine insight (and totally uninhibited opinions !) from those who are fans, as well as non-fans as well.

I've always been somewhat neutral about his music though I've always liked and respected 2 songs of his - 1979, and Bullet With Butterfly Wings.

I started my informal research by watching many of his interviews and found him to be quite the personality - very honest, a healthy (!) ego, and consistently intense. He certainly doesn't try to please the interviewer or compromise his true thoughts. I really admire his character.

But the whole Iha/Wretzky falling out seems to be just a bit of bad luck on everyone's part because apparently they didn't contribute much creatively and were just there to play the needed parts on stage ? Also, when the Drummer and the Bass player start doing hard drugs (as opposed to weed & coffee) I find it hard to sympathize.

So he's got (relatively) new band members and I can't really judge whether the needed band chemistry is there or not, yet. Apparently, they are easily technically proficient enough to play their parts live, but again, what about their creative input ? Is it all Billy ?

So this brings us to songwriting : the moment when Billy strums (for example) a C chord, then to a G6 chord on the guitar and starts the first lyrical line, of what might be a song which resonates with many or not. I'm really curious to hear what his next release is, because Ocenania revived much interest, though I'm not sure the caliber of his songwriting is at the level it was at in the 1990's.

Btw, I have no problem ignoring or even liking his idiosyncratic vocal style (which some might find overly whiny and too full of angst) and just paying attention to the bare elements of his songwriting.

So please chime in with any and all of your opinions on Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins, and especially comment on your perspective of him as a songwriter : what do you personally feel are his best songs, his most underrated songs, his songs with the greatest melodic themes, his most original songs, his weakest songs, and what you think he has left in him as a songwriter.

Urban Hat€monger ?

He's bald

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museikk

he's not anything particularly special...and his arrogance makes me like him less

his voice is piercingly annoying...if it wasn't for production(DE-essers, compression) I am positive his voice would be unbearable..

as far as his ability to write and arrange a song id say hes a 6-7 out of 10

1979, tonight tonight, bullet with butterfly wings all very different sonically and all individually awesome and unique songs...but its really just a regurgitation of the music of his peers

Black Francis

idk much about the smashing pumpkins i just know their popular hits but even those have good lyrics also it may be a bit played out but i luv the Zero lyrics

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"Hey Kids you got to meet the MIGHTY PIXIES!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbRbCtIgW3A

Moss

He was capable of genius (Rhinoceros, Drown) but nothing post Siamese dream has done much for me. I know one thing, they are 100% better with Jimmy Chamberlain on drums.

DoesntReallyMatter

Frankly: his egotistical persona in the media overshadows any lyrics.
I have heard some good covers, though.

listener101

Are you implying his songwriting cupboard is bare ?

listener101

Yes, it's a shame how often great chemistry is irreplaceable.

listener101

Interesting ! Thanks for your response.

I wonder if he's still a regurgitator, and if so, who is he gonna regurgitate next ?

Zer0

Never heard of him, is he any good?

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