OurLadyCoolbean
01/04/10, 09:42 PM
Smashing Pumpkins - American Gothic
Record Label: Reprise
Release Date: February 12, 2008
After the release of the polarizing reunion album Zeitgeist in 2007, the Smashing Pumpkins went back to the studio and created a little masterpiece in the form of the 4-song American Gothic EP. As it is, it is a relatively unknown piece of work, being released only on iTunes in the U.S. A collection of acoustic songs, it is how the Pumpkins should have come back in terms of the quality of music. However this isn't your stripped-down coffee shop acoustic material. Drummer Jimmy Chaimberlain makes his presence known in what would turn out to be his last body of work released with the Pumpkins. The percussion is never too loud, but there when an impact must be made, used for articulation and balancing out the guitars for a stunning result.
The first of the four songs is "The Rose March", starting with an almost catchy guitar part while Billy Corgan layers his voice over top singing some lalala's. This vocal part is one of the few small blunders on the EP, but don't be fooled. The song shifts into some guitar chords, astonishingly sounding almost happy, and then very dark, all in the span of a few seconds. Lyrically the song is cryptic, containing lines like, "The universe is full of black holes and anniversary nights," and "We've only just begun to grieve the space, the space." The song closes with the opening guitar part and we move into "Again, Again, Again (The Crux)", another standout track. The percussion blends perfectly to give the song a steady beat while Corgan sings to a loved one "When will I see you again?" The bass is mixed in perfectly as well, accompanying the guitar on certain beats. The song picks up pace as Chamberlain begins to hit the snare and a sense of excitement builds - and the song does not disappoint as Corgan's voice reaches higher. For those that enjoy Billy's voice, it's a real treat. For those who don't, your opinion is sure not to change here.
The second half begins with "Pox", a song once again utilizing the acoustics, bass, and drums mix. Following some obscenities in the verse, the chorus contains the simple phrase "We're giving back the dream." It's the least impressive song on American Gothic; however, considering the quality of the other songs, this can hardly be called a stumbling point. The EP ends with "Sunkissed", a gorgeous way to close it. It somehow manages to sound bright and hopeful yet strangely melancholic at the same time, which really is perfect, considering it's a mix of the moods found on the rest of the EP. It also contains the best lyrics, giving a sense of beauty and wonder. While any lyrics that could be inserted here may come off as cheesy or odd, viewed as a whole and listened to in the context of the song, it is a truly moving experience. As the song fades off you are left with a sense of happiness, which just may be a new thing for a Pumpkins record.
American Gothic proves that Billy Corgan can still write great songs and moving melodies. It truly is a modern masterpiece, one only the Smashing Pumpkins could have pulled off. It's great to know that there could be a different sort of greatness ahead for this band, not like the angst-fueld '90s, but one more peaceful, and it's a shame to know that very few heard this amazing body of work, one that for the first time provides a warm feeling: optimism.
Record Label: Reprise
Release Date: February 12, 2008
After the release of the polarizing reunion album Zeitgeist in 2007, the Smashing Pumpkins went back to the studio and created a little masterpiece in the form of the 4-song American Gothic EP. As it is, it is a relatively unknown piece of work, being released only on iTunes in the U.S. A collection of acoustic songs, it is how the Pumpkins should have come back in terms of the quality of music. However this isn't your stripped-down coffee shop acoustic material. Drummer Jimmy Chaimberlain makes his presence known in what would turn out to be his last body of work released with the Pumpkins. The percussion is never too loud, but there when an impact must be made, used for articulation and balancing out the guitars for a stunning result.
The first of the four songs is "The Rose March", starting with an almost catchy guitar part while Billy Corgan layers his voice over top singing some lalala's. This vocal part is one of the few small blunders on the EP, but don't be fooled. The song shifts into some guitar chords, astonishingly sounding almost happy, and then very dark, all in the span of a few seconds. Lyrically the song is cryptic, containing lines like, "The universe is full of black holes and anniversary nights," and "We've only just begun to grieve the space, the space." The song closes with the opening guitar part and we move into "Again, Again, Again (The Crux)", another standout track. The percussion blends perfectly to give the song a steady beat while Corgan sings to a loved one "When will I see you again?" The bass is mixed in perfectly as well, accompanying the guitar on certain beats. The song picks up pace as Chamberlain begins to hit the snare and a sense of excitement builds - and the song does not disappoint as Corgan's voice reaches higher. For those that enjoy Billy's voice, it's a real treat. For those who don't, your opinion is sure not to change here.
The second half begins with "Pox", a song once again utilizing the acoustics, bass, and drums mix. Following some obscenities in the verse, the chorus contains the simple phrase "We're giving back the dream." It's the least impressive song on American Gothic; however, considering the quality of the other songs, this can hardly be called a stumbling point. The EP ends with "Sunkissed", a gorgeous way to close it. It somehow manages to sound bright and hopeful yet strangely melancholic at the same time, which really is perfect, considering it's a mix of the moods found on the rest of the EP. It also contains the best lyrics, giving a sense of beauty and wonder. While any lyrics that could be inserted here may come off as cheesy or odd, viewed as a whole and listened to in the context of the song, it is a truly moving experience. As the song fades off you are left with a sense of happiness, which just may be a new thing for a Pumpkins record.
American Gothic proves that Billy Corgan can still write great songs and moving melodies. It truly is a modern masterpiece, one only the Smashing Pumpkins could have pulled off. It's great to know that there could be a different sort of greatness ahead for this band, not like the angst-fueld '90s, but one more peaceful, and it's a shame to know that very few heard this amazing body of work, one that for the first time provides a warm feeling: optimism.