Staff Reviews

Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream (Deluxe Edition)

Review by Paul Stephen Gettings

This Deluxe Edition only serves to cheapen the legacy of a truly great piece of music history. »

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remastered cd version. when 'siamese dream' was initially released in the summer of 1993 it was hailed as alternative rock's first great post-nevermind hope. and while it has gone on to become an overwhelming commercial success, it has also helped further re-draw the artistic borders of 'alternative' music. by combining neo-psychedelic aor guitars (band-members proudly claim boston as an influence) with pumpkin auteur billy corgan's 'outsider' lyrical stance, 'siamese dream' creates a rebel image; but one with a wandering eye towards mainstream acceptance as well. consequently, smashing pumpkins are equally successful relating to young lollapaloozers and to classic rock radio. the album's immediate attraction is plain to see. corgan and co-producer butch vig have sculpted a sonic wall of guitars - in some cases, using up to 32 separate guitar tracks on a single song - that is electrifying in its sheer scope and power. along with jimmy chamberlin's powerhouse drumming, guitarists corgan and james iha's thick sound endows 'siamese dream' with a fresh feel that holds up even on repeated listens - and how many other 'top ten' albums can you say that about?
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