Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

"Formed in Chicago during 1988, The Smashing Pumpkins comprised of singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Billy Corgan, James Iha on guitar and vocals, bassist D'Arcy, and the exceptional drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Whilst their magical debut, 'Gish' and the fantastic follow-up, 'Siamese Dream' are classic recordings in their own right, it was the third full-length album by The Smashing Pumpkins (excluding the 'Pisces Iscariot' collection) that is regarded as their magnum opus. Masterminded by leader Billy Corgan, 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' is an ingenious double-disc set, containing twenty-eight songs, which explore a wide range of styles and emotions.

The epic proceedings open with the classically arranged piano tinkling of the title track, which segues beautifully into the string-laden rocker "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight". Corgan's lyrics are immediately compelling and remain consistent throughout the entire two hours of this recording, elevating 'Mellon Collie' to "work of art" status.

From here on there are lashings of thrash / alternative rock ("An Ode To No One", "Tales Of A Scorched Earth" and the hit single "Bullet With Butterfly Wings"), nestled amongst heartfelt ballads ("In The Arms Of Sleep", "Galapogos", "To Forgive") and good old-school rock ("Zero", "X.Y.U.", "Where Boys Fear To Tread"). Throw in the irresistible single "1979", a couple of gentle James Iha songs, an epic number or two ("Porcelina of the Vast Ocean", "Thru the Eyes of Ruby") and it all adds up to an incredible, sprawling, multi-dimensional listening experience.

In 1995 The Smashing Pumpkins were in the right place at the right time and they rode a huge wave of success with 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness'. It debuted at number one on the charts and went on to sell eight times Platinum in America. Sadly, their fortune spiraled downward on the 'Mellon Collie' tour after a notorious drug incident, which occurred in July 1996. This resulted in the death of young keyboard player, Jonathan Melvoin and the expulsion of Chamberlin from the group's ranks. The Smashing Pumpkins soldiered on after further line-up changes, with two subsequent albums ('Adore' and 'MACHINA: The Machines of God'), but ultimately disbanded in the year 2000.

'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' was / is arguably the best alternative rock album of the '90s - a landmark recording which was the pinnacle of the group's career."
- GEOFF (23rd July 2005)