theVelvetRoper said:

Not to add to the argument or anything. STP were totally derivative. If they didn't have such a charismatic frontman, there would be nothing interesting there. Pearl Jam basically found their groove on the first album and didn't evolve much after that. They're basically glorified classic rock. The Pumpkins on the other hand, like them or not, were very unique. They're an art rock band, which is decidedly less commercial than the other 2 bands in question. Billy Corgan is an amazing guitarist and songwriter, the true creative force behind the band. With the other two, there is no centralized source. Jimmy Chamberlain is one of the best drummers going. James Iha and D'arcy just add to the fabulousness, androgyny and showmanship. They could do grunge, classic rock, prog, new wave, ambient, acoustic ballads, electronic and heavy metal. You may not like Billy Corgan or his voice, but he's able to convey a huge range of emotions with it. He can sound like a totally innocent young boy or a possessed witch in the same song. Nirvana gets all the credit for sparking alternative music. But The Pumpkins gave it a lasting artistry that will keep people coming back to the era long after they broke up.

Don't get me wrong, I do like the Smashing Pumpkins, I just don't particularly care for Billy Corgan, and I don't think they're the best modern rock band.

MrWhatever said:

Obviously you haven't seen them live. They're amazing. I have, however, seen Smashing Pumpkins live, and I wasn't impressed. They were mediocre.

theVelvetRoper said:

I was a big pumpkin fan but live they were awful. D'arcy was too stoned to provide decent backup vocals and Corgan whined like a alley cat. Machina, their last studio album, was massivelly underrated though and overall i thought it was a better set than the overrated Mellon Collie, which had way too much filler. Siamese Dream though was their masterpiece.

I was a big pumpkin fan but live they were awful. D'arcy was too stoned to provide decent backup vocals and Corgan whined like a alley cat. Machina, their last studio album, was massivelly underrated though and overall i thought it was a better set than the overrated Mellon Collie, which had way too much filler. Siamese Dream though was their masterpiece.

It's nothing to do with a bigger seller. In fact, STP and Pearl Jam are far less commercial than the Pumpkins. They're just better bands, and Eddie Vedder and Scott Weiland are better frontmen than Billy No-Personality Corgan. Eddie has a much better voice, and Scott is much more entertaining.

the Pumpkins were a great band. They made some really cool videos too, check out their DVD, its alot of fun.

They really had an awesome sound on Gish, Iscariot, and Siamese. There was a sense of optimism and enthusiasm buried underneath all the rage. Unfortuneatly that was totally missing on Adore and Machina, but there's still some great tracks on both those albums.

Mellon Collie is alot like what SOTT was to Prince. It's almost like listening to 2 or 3 seperate albums mixed together.

Their singles collection is great as well. Alot of great hard rock and instrumentals.

It's a shame that Billy couldn't keep Zwan together. I thought that new project had some good potential. It also showed a side of Billy that we hadn't seen. He was jolly and festive for a change.

theVelvetRoper said:

Don't you mean Scott is much more high?

I should thank you for making me bust out his solo CD (damn, what's that thing called again?) ... just listened to Barbarella in the car...NICE. And Vitalogy is a GRRREAT album. I think Billy's by FAR a more charismatic performer than both of those other guys combined.

theblueangel said:

I realize your sarcasm, but "Barbarella" is a great song, and Vitalogy is one of the best rock albums there is.

And "Don't you mean Scott is much more high?" What is this, third grade? And I'm sure Billy isn't exactly clean himself. He sure is so boring that he acts doped-up.

I realize your sarcasm, but "Barbarella" is a great song, and Vitalogy is one of the best rock albums there is.

And "Don't you mean Scott is much more high?" What is this, third grade? And I'm sure Billy isn't exactly clean himself. He sure is so boring that he acts doped-up.