Rock has long been ruled by the self-important and goliaths of 90s US stadium alt-rock, the Smashing Pumpkins, were arguably nothing more than the vehicle for outrageously egotistical lead singer/guitarist Billy Corgan.
Pompous, multi-platinum, pretentious, magical and hugely credible in equal measure, the Smashing Pumpkins emerged in 1990 as the bastard offspring of grunge, punk, prog and goth metal fuelled by tormented personalities, conflict, drugs, depression and incestuous relationships. This heady brew would inevitably lead to only one outcome, self-destruction, but along the way proved to be a vastly inspiring and creative force.
With the signature nasal vocals of Corgan at the fore, the Pumpkins spawned a raucous and unique style of their own weaving layers of ambitious distorted guitar courtesy of Corgan and James Iha over self-abusing, confessional lyrics and the piercing, military precision of Jimmy Chamberlin's drumming.
Keen to maintain their independent cool from the outset, the band released their first two singles - 1990s 'I Am The One' and 'Tristessa' (both strangely omitted here) - from the lo-fi surroundings of the Limited Potential and Sub Pop labels respectively before graduating to Virgin who could facilitate their monstrous career dreams.
Because far from wanting to remain within a cottage industry, the Smashing Pumpkins and especially Billy Corgan couldn't resist playing the rock star game at every opportunity whether through his abrasive attitude in the press or through the near perfect production values that made them radio favourites for almost a decade.
Corgan and co quickly achieved their goal of rock star status through the faultless albums 'Gish' and 'Siamese Dream' before the double-album 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' signalled a career zenith any band would find hard to match. The Pumpkins had created three of the best rock albums of the decade each time elevating their performance to a higher level but it was a path that would lead to their demise as the 'Adore' and 'MACHINA: The Machines of God' albums failed to recreate past triumphs.
Although there's no substitute for wallowing in the first three albums in all their glory, the 'Greatest Hits' captures enough moments in one place if you're in need of a quick fix. Special mention must go to the magnificent 'Siva' that sums up everything great about this band (a towering opening riff, punishing drumming and some wild solos), 'Cherub Rock' for its five-minute wall of guitars and 'Tonight Tonight' for its flamboyant orchestral majesty.
Diehard fans should definitely get hold of the limited edition, two-CD package which features a new compilation of b-sides and rarities culled from the band's sessions for the 'Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness', 'Adore', and 'MACHINA' albums that include ten previously unreleased tracks.
