Zeitgeist Review

Release Date: Jul 10, 2007
Label: Reprise Records
Genres: Rock, Alternative
Number Of Tracks: 12
Although the Pumpkins have their moments on Zeitgeist, they still cannot yet reclaim their rock god status of the '90s.

Sound:	7.2
Lyrics:	6.2
Impression:	7
Overall rating:	6.8
Users rating:	8.1
Comments:	97

overall: 7.3

Featured review by: UG Team, on july 10, 2007

Sound: Billy Corgan has been on a fairly anti-climactic roller coaster for the past 10 years. After losing 2 key figures of the original Smashing Pumpkins, Corgan has just not been able to quite make things click musically. Yes, there will always be his staunch devotees who adore every note he plays, but albums like Machina/The Machines Of The Gods and his brief outing with Zwan failed to live up to the glory days of Siamese Dream. Now with the Smashing Pumpkins’ latest offering Zeitgeist, the creativity is still somewhat inconsistent. There are moments of brilliance on the 12-track record, but things get a little odd when the political side of the Pumpkins takes over.

When Corgan released a full-paged add in the Chicago Tribune in 2005 to express his desire for a Smashing Pumpkins reunion, the action only lured in drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Some may argue that Corgan has been the mastermind behind every Pumpkins’ song anyway, so Zeitgeist shouldn’t suffer from having only 2 original members. It’s true, the album is absolutely centered around Corgan’s trademark riff work and nasaly-yet-powerhouse vocals. While there are standout moments, the songwriting unfortunately doesn’t live up to earlier works.

If you’re a fan of the early '90s era of the Pumpkins, you’ll relish in the song “7 Shades Of Black.” The primary riff has a strong similarity to Melon Collie’s “XYU,” and the song just gets better from there. Between an unexpected key change and solid backing from Chamberlin, it’s easily one of the best tracks on Zeitgeist. By now it’s likely you’ve also heard the first single “Tarantula,” which likewise has that sonic-sounding guitar line running through it. “Tarantula” doesn’t quite match up to a classic like “Geek USA” or “Cherub Rock,” but it still features a brilliant solo that (when you listen through headphones) almost sounds like 2 dueling guitars.

“Bleeding The Orchid” starts off with a Beatles-esque harmonized intro and represents the best of the slower-tempo tracks on the album. Corgan really delves into harmonies on Zeitgeist and it paid off. The moments that really come to the forefront are the instances where Corgan throws in layer upon layer of vocals, adding a whole new dimension to the tracks. The harmonies only play against the band in “Pomp And Circumstances,” which at times feels eerily like a track that could have been on My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade. Corgan adds in some “la-la-las” at the start with more Beatles’ flair and it just feels a little contrived. That particular track is the closer, so it just feels like it’s trying too hard to be the grandiose epic of the collection.

Zeitgeist has plenty of moments that have been obviously well-constructed and thought out, but the songwriting is just not as memorable as past Pumpkins’ releases. “For God And Country” features a very cool, but subtle synth/piano track underneath everything, but the song itself is somewhat dull. “Bring The Light” has almost a love child feel to it, but the positive message can’t masquerade the mediocre songwriting. All in all, the production quality on the entire record is exemplary, but that’s not enough to make a flawless album. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: Smashing Pumpkins’ fans know that introspective, emotional lyrics have been at the core of Corgan’s work in the past, but the frontman has decided to go political this time around. It’s understandable that the present state of America is troubling to Corgan, but some listeners might find it all a bit too much. “For God And Country” is the main offender, and it gets a tad repetitive on top of everything. Corgan sings, “For God and country, I'll fight; For God and country, I'll die; For God and country, my soul is so alive, my soul is so alive.” The theme is absolutely significant, but it is a distinct jump from the romance-driven lyrics he’s written in the past.

The subject of love is still represented on Zeitgeist, but there’s been a definite decrease in the amount of songs dedicated to it. “That’s The Way (My Love Is)” and “Bleeding The Orchid” are the most prominent examples, with the latter being the most memorable. Corgan sings, “If life is my witness; Love is my song; If nothing means no one; Then blank, I belong.” The lyrics are laid out fairly simply, but there’s still a poetic quality about them. // 8

Impression: If you’re a Pumpkins’ fan like this reviewer, it’s never an easy thing admitting that Corgan, Chamberlin, and newcomers (bassist Ginger Reyes, guitarist Jeff Schroder, and keyboardist Lisa Harriton) fell short. Zeitgeist does not match up with earlier releases, but it’s not an overwhelming disappointment by any means. Some reviews have been merciless, and that’s probably directly related to the fact that Corgan has been, shall we say, a domineering personality in the past. If you can get past the personalities, the album is still fueled with some classic guitar solos courtesy of Corgan, and tracks like “7 Shades Of Black” and “Bleeding The Orchid” prove that the Pumpkins still have some magic in their arsenal. // 7

overall: 7.7

Reviewed by: ard1984, on july 13, 2007

Sound: I didn't use the guidelines that UG said to use when reviewing CD's. Sorry. Zeitgeist is a German term meaning "spirit of the age." Being the first true Pumpkins' record since 2000's Machina: The Machines of God, the title fits well. The music scene has changed considerably since Corgan decided to throw in the towel, not to mention the country and the world. The first Pumpkin's album in a post-9/11 world, it needed to be loud, fast and heavy. And it is. Basically a metal album with Pumpkins production and songwriting, it can hardly be called a "return" to their original sound. This is new territory for them. (Well, for Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, who are the only two listed in the liner notes as performing on the CD.) A few songs do invoke pre-Adore era Pumpkins, however. Mellon Collie's heavier moments like "Bodies" or "X.Y.U." would feel right at home beside the churning "7 Shades Of Black" or the album's first single, "Tarantula." // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The gentler moments of the record may be the standouts, however. From the snappy, lively beats of "That's the Way (My Love Is)" to the unashamed pop of "Bring the Light," the Pumpkins pack in the hooks on nearly every song. The album has a very deliberate, flowing momentum that seems to get more optimistic as it goes on. "United States," the album's epic 10 minute centerpiece, seems to be the turning point—the guitars hammer out tuned-down power chords while Corgan sings "Let me be something good. Let me prove something real like I should," and "I don't have to run scared no more." // 7

Impression: The Pumpkin already drew criticism from some of the early reviewers, such as Stephen Erlewine, saying the album's political and social overtone's detract from the appeal of the music, and the excessive amounts of guitar overdubs "saps Zeitgeist from any impact it may have." While the cover art may give the impression of impending doom for the United States and the world, this record is about Billy Corgan. This is Corgan's attempt at regaining his former spotlight, and he tells the listener that straight from the beginning. In the opening track "Doomsday Clock," the drums and guitar bang like thunder, while Corgan broods over "There's wages on this fear, Oh so clear, Depends on what you'll pay to hear," and "Please don't stop it's lonely at the top. These lonely days when will they ever stop?" As for the overdubs, they have basically been a part of the Pumpkin's signature sound since the opening riff of "Cherub Rock" on Siamese Dream. Layers upon layers upon layers of guitar. That was/is the Smashing Pumpkins. // 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on june 18, 2008

Sound: This album is sort of the re-introduction to the smashing pumpkins. I think they probably took aspects of all their albums from the past and turned them into songs. For example, when I heard 7 Shades of Black the first thing that cme to mind was Siamese Dream or Tarantula sounds like Zero, Bullet With Butterfly Wings, and X.Y.U. mashed together and I enjoyed both those songs. Unfortunatly, that also means that they included the songs For God and Country and Pomp and Circumstance which sounded very electronic, like Adore, and I didn't enjoy those songs. I think on some songs they strayed too far from their strengths. Overall their hardest songs like Doomsday Clock, 7 Shades of Black, Tarantula, and United States were pretty good. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics to this album weren't that great. They tried some political songs and they didn't work out that well. The only time, in my opinion, this worked out was United States which is one of my favorite songs. But when they used there normal topics they songs came out very well. // 6

Impression: This album takes bits and pieces out of previous Pumpkins albums in order to introduce someone who might not of heard of them before. I really liked Tarantula, United States, and That's The Way (My Love Is). I like their heavy songs but hate the eletronic songs. If lost/stolen I would buy Mellon Collie cause it's the best album ever! // 6

overall: 8

Reviewed by: interstate8, on december 20, 2007

Sound: Smashing Pumpkins' latest release, Zeitgeist, has an overall great sound. The thick guitar riffs mixed with ringing vocals and innovative drum beats make for an aweasome listen. I bought the extended version and I have to say the only song I don't really like is Pomp and Circumstances. I think that this album is headed in a different direction, but the sound lives on. The moderate use of strings like violin mix well with Billy Corgan's vocals. There are some great guitar licks on Tarantula. The delay effect and guitar on the intro of Stellar is perfectly harmonic. The use of vibrato is great. The sound is just phenomenal. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics in Zeitgeist are very down to Earth. I connected with a lot of the songs. Smashing Pumpkins did a great job mixing the lyrics with the music. I found Starz to have very enlightening lyeics.Also the battle-like lyrics of (Come On)Let's Go! are inspiring to say the least. Billy Corgan has one of the best voices in today's era of rock. His arsenal of tone is widespread and is used well. // 8

Impression: I stongly support this album. I think that it is righteous in sound and lyrics. When I tried to find a comparable album I really struggled. The best job I could do was to compare Jimmy Chamberlin's progressive drum beats to that of Rush and The Police. I love how the songs are sweet and sour. They'll play a heavy guitar riff, and then slow it down and then repeat. I do not like the soft sound of Pomp and Circumstance, but other than that minor flaw this album is incredible. If it were stolen I'd rush back to the store and buy another copy along with sone other Smashing Pumpkins album. I highly reccomend this album for both longtime fans and new fans. // 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on july 12, 2007

Sound: The Smashing Pumpkins have been by far my favorite band in my entire life. I'm shocked by this album. This band, in the 90s, recorded so many amazing songs (that were also amazingly produced) that it was difficult to decide if you enjoyed the albums or the b-sides better. Let me start by saying that the production on pretty much every song on this album is horrendous. It's not like Billy or the other two producers on the album don't have tons of experience. It's inexcusable. Every song could have been good, not great. All the levels are off in the recording. In some parts the vocals are way too loud, in others the drums are. The inspiring and creative trademark power-chord riffs are still present, but are nowhere near pushed to the front enough. // 5

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics have shifted from Corgan's trademark introspective dark outlook as well as lovey-dovey to politically charged rants that almost don't make sense and seem extremely forced. It's as if Billy decided he was getting to old too whine and profess his undying love for someone so he had to do something different. I'm sorry Billy, you were amazing about writing about feelings. Leave the political stuff to the likes of System Of A Down and bands that know how to write that way. Billy's vocals have never been so weak. No wonderfully charged whines and no sweet soft whispers. It's pretty boring, just as the lyrics are. // 2

Impression: This will be debated forever, but I truly believe the absence of D'arcy and James had a lot to do with the mediocre writing on this album. Every song sounds plain, but forced. All this said, it could still have been a good album anyway because Billy and Jimmy are extremely talented people, except for the fact that the vocals on the album may be the most disappointing thing I've ever heard. Corgan never had a great voice but there was something awe-inspiring about the way he whined and whimpered, and was somehow always amazing in key, despite the way he sang. On this album, he almost sounds monotone compared to the Billy of old. It's not a bad album. It's just extremely disappointing. And what happened to the things that made the pumpkins what they truly are. The great psychedelics and ballads. Songs like Rhinoceros and Thru the Eyes of Ruby or Disarm and, thirty-three, or 1979? I'm not saying it's good to try to recreate something you've already done, but stick to your guns. Be creative and progressive, but do it in a way you know how. You could listen to this and then turn on Machina (their worst outing) and be blown away by it. // 6

Comments

[Boristheb]

You think the production is exemplary? Its absolutely abysmal. The main offenders are the rock tracks, Doomsday, 7 shades and Tarantula. There the cymbals bleed into everything, the guitars sound very harsh and unrefined, the vocals sound off-key at times (the "you should want it all" part in doomsday sounds terrible). Tracks like neverlost and for god and country seem to come out unscathed but most the album is plagued by terrible mixing and production. Its a shame, because I think there are some fantastic tracks on here, in fact most the album is well written, particularly the slower tracks like bleeding the orchid, neverlost and for god and country. But tbh I can't listen to the first few tracks without cringing at how bad they sound, which sucks because they sound fantastic live.

[Dr. Metal Head]

I do find it odd, that the new songs sounded better live than on the record. Because I loved them live, but once I got the CD they weren't so great.

[perilouspete]

good, honest review, straighforward. i thought the song united states was pretty cool though, really showcases chamberlin.

[Table Salt]

This new album was something I was greatly anticipating a couple weeks ago. But now that I've heard their material I'm a bit disappointed. I thought that even without James and D`arcy the songs would still be great since Billy was usually the main factor in their songs, but I thought wrong. Although I do like a few tracks, this album just doesn't live up to the expectations I had for the pumpkins. It seems like the Pumpkins will never be as great as they once were.

[k*CMYK]

Errr, am I the only one who thinks the prodution sucks a lot and the hole album sounds like crap?

[Shredder Guitar]

ive only heard tarantula on the radio, its pretty decent. theyll never live up to what they used to be, but who cares? a band's gotta do something different once in awhile.

[Edkohl420]

I wanted to like this albumn but I just couldn't. Tarantula is the only good song.

[electric7]

it isnt bad.

[Agony098]

I love the new album. I guess I'm just one of those "staunch devotees who adore every note he plays" lol

[blueskid99]

ummm...am i the only one that believes a band should sound better live than on the album?so what if some of the album isn't up to par if they can do the songs justice live...

[Kurt_Rosenwinkl]

man ive been a pumpkin fan forever, i heard the new album and am dissapointed. but i do appreciate the fact they are treding new water, where as when i listen to bands like tool i just get the same old stuff every cd (which i absolutely dispise in an artist). Id rather a band have a crap st. anger cd than hearing a mildly different master of puppets again. I dislike this new pumpkin album, but i do appreciate where they are going. and im glad they are moving in a different direction.

[fender_NiNE]

i havent gotten the album, but that "Tarantula" song was pretty good i thought....

[Aidy Damage]

It's a grower, but I like it. Just give it some time.

[sum1udunno]

i've been waiting for this album since i heard that the pumpkins were reuniting. if zeitgeist isnt as good as everyone says then maybe james iha and d'arcy were more important to the band than most ppl thought. i personally would rather hav iha back because he contributed more to the band than d'arcy who was just an average bassist at best.

[Funky M0nk]

Its ok...a few good songs and a few average songs, I love United States though.

[Nerdo-sez-bo]

Chamberlin makes SO much difference. The critics are pretty harsh with this album, but I think it's great!

[D. Hero]

I really like the new album. Maybe it's because there hasn't been a new album out in quite a long time, but I'm really liking it!

[NewGuitarist20]

i'm a huge fan of them when the kicked ass in the 90's but this cd i have mixed feelings about. i watched the tarantula video on the internet and i was like what the hell is this. then i heard they were gonna be on letterman and i watched the live performance of tarantula and i was like holy ****. it was an awesome song when done live. billy was awesome with the solo.

[bassbizzle]

unless atleast iha came back, the smashing pumpkins will NEVER be what they used to be. which pains me especially since they were my fav band.

[S2S]

Originally, I placed this entire album on my iPod and gave it several full listens through. After a few days, only "Tarantuala", "That's The Way (My Love Is)", "(Come On) Let's Go", and "Bring the Light" remain. I'm pretty dissatisfied with the rest of the CD. Billy's voice sounds exactly the same to me on every track.

[terry pierson]

Damn, you people are harsh.

I don't know why everyone hates it so much. I think alot of the songs are really strong and the worst songs can only be called mediocre (and there are not many of those). It may not live up to Siamese Dream but I'll take it above anything Corgan has done since 1994.

Haters.

[tomkele]

well i think its pretty gd the production may not be so gd but the songs them selves are great and they can tear any place up live, plus corgans voice is unique it make any record great

[Agony098]

terry pierson wrote:

Damn, you people are harsh.

I don't know why everyone hates it so much. I think alot of the songs are really strong and the worst songs can only be called mediocre (and there are not many of those). It may not live up to Siamese Dream but I'll take it above anything Corgan has done since 1994.

Haters.

Word.

[ilovemyepi]

haha you're complaining because Billy's voice sounds the same on every track? So does every other singer's voice, you act like people change their voices for separate songs or something.

[spaceboy85]

i havent heard all of it but what i have heard the mix sounds flat and his voice sounds separated from the instruments, almost like karaoke. which is too bad cuz im sure it would make the album so much better if it was mixed right. i saw them live on letterman last night and they sounded amazing. oh well can't win 'em all

[spaceboy85]

oh and i guess billy has a thing for weird-yet-hot female bassists...but who doesn't?!

[CousticStrangla]

I had low expectations for this album anyway, and because of that I can say I do actually enjoy some of it. Going into hearing this album I knew it wouldn't be even close to old school Pumpkins, and so I was not expecting that because I just knew they would never match or outdue their older material. Either way, the album has some good moments and it falls about right where I expected.

[Twikki]

Agony098 wrote:

terry pierson wrote:

Damn, you people are harsh.

I don't know why everyone hates it so much. I think alot of the songs are really strong and the worst songs can only be called mediocre (and there are not many of those). It may not live up to Siamese Dream but I'll take it above anything Corgan has done since 1994.

Haters.

Word.

agreed

nobody shows any love for starz though =[

[Wir3d]

Its a lot better than i expected i give it that

[k*CMYK]

@Wir3d: then you're a big pessimist..

[troche041]

i actually really really like this album it has plenty of faster, more hard core rock songs in it and thats when i think the pumpkins are at their best ( Zero is my favorite Pumpkins song ever)

[lordpaco18]

im glad they are putting out new material nonetheless

on a side not, billy corgan is a dick in person, he lives a few blocks away from me

[dhav211]

I thought the album was pretty good . . . better than Machina anyways.

[Sense()Offender]

Heard a new song at the end of Transformers (movie), and knew it was SP instantly from his voice - heavy ass song, though. What's the name of it? If the album's like that, I"ll get it. It'll be the first pumpinks cd i've ever bought.. haha.

[flambe chicken]

i quite enjoyed the album, although siamese dream is my favourite. Jimmy Chamberlin is truly one of the best drummers ever imo.

[kevinw]

wtf, whoever wrote this review needs to smarten up. This album was rocking.

[thrashy17]

lordpaco18 :
im glad they are putting out new material nonetheless

on a side not, billy corgan is a dick in person, he lives a few blocks away from me

that does not surprise me for some reason lol
i didnt like the new album the first time i listened to it but im trying to give it another chance. still not enjoying it too much though.

[grunger549]

i think its good
Siamese Dream isnt the only album the smashing pumpkins made lol. every1 acts like "if it isnt as goood as siamese dream its bad" but theres not many albums as good as siamese dream.
Zeitgeist is more like Gish

[gibsonplyr202]

i think its good that the pumpkins are broadening their sound, but they deffinetly need to bring back James Iha

[justwonderful]

Eh, there's a lot of similarities with Zeitgeist and ALL the pumpkins albums. I think it fits into almost every era, especially the Zwan era (Starz, That's The Way). In fact, I was listening to "Geek U.S.A." yesterday and the next song was "Tarantula"... I was surprised, how similar they both are.

Personally I'd give this disc a 7 or so. I'm hoping this IS like "Gish", and the next disc (if there is one? I'm holding out) is a real masterpiece, like "Siamese Dream".

(Not sure if this was answered, but the song at the end of Transformers was Doomsday Clock, and it's a lot like the rest of the disc.)

[Sense()Offender]

justwonderful wrote:


(Not sure if this was answered, but the song at the end of Transformers was Doomsday Clock, and it's a lot like the rest of the disc.)

Thank you! And if it's a lot like the rest of the disc, I will get it. Muchos Gracias, amigo. Paz Y Libertad. :P

[justwonderful]

I know Zwan isn't a Pumpkins disc... that was a wording error on my part, oops. (shiz...)

[Pete-Doherty]

Sense()Offender wrote:

Heard a new song at the end of Transformers (movie), and knew it was SP instantly from his voice - heavy ass song, though. What's the name of it? If the album's like that, I"ll get it. It'll be the first pumpinks cd i've ever bought.. haha.

it's Doomsday Clock
and I really enjoy the album, my only complaint would be that it doesn't showcase the different genres Billy has attempted in the past. there is some variation, just nothing like older pumpkins albums
great album though

[rrp6119]

Wow, everyone seems to be quite the pretentious Rolling Stonesque critic these days. The mixing is flat, the drums sound bad, the vocals stick out too much, these aren't the original members, it's mediocre, they're not rock gods anymore, blah blah blah. Who cares, it's a Pumpkins album. Enjoy it, and bow down to Willy Corgan and all his majesty. :-P It's a good listen, and it takes me back to the nineties.

[ylwsub68]

The only quips I have about this album are, as previously mentioned, the "you should want it all" moment on Doomsday Clock **cringe** and the fact that the vocals sound kind of separated from the music. I've already listened to the album like 6 times and it's grown enough on me to where I don't even really notice anymore. So yes, I think it's great.

Some of the tracks are a nice callback to the Gish days, but they've really established a new sound for them.

I'm also glad they're still using Eb tuning, and they're even moving into drop Db, which is kind of cool. Makes them sound kind of like A Perfect Circle.

I give this album a 9.5 out of 10.

[ModestPixies16]

I think best songs on the cd are Doomsday Clock, Neverlost, and Bleeding The Orchid. Otherwise I think the other track are kind of poor. I think if Trantula had better production that could be my favorite track on the cd. Honorable Mention to United States however because the drums are spot on, and the last part of the song is possibly the most kickass part on the entire record.

[ylwsub68]

Almost forgot to mention my favorite tracks:
7 Shades, Orchid, Tarantula, Starz, United States, Come On Let's Go

[viva-la-stan182]

Hey Dudes.New Album Rocks!Go Smashing Pumpkins

[JFenderBender]

dude i love the album the smashing pumpkins are one of my favorite bands. my favorite songs are probably tarantula,doomsday clock,united states and since i got the target exclusive version the song zeitgeist. yes the pumpkins do sound different from what they used to be but i dont care the still kicks ass and im happy theyre back.

[shoegazeunite]

Anticipation of being disapointed
When I heard they were making a new album, I knew it would suck. I was gravely disapointed in the works of "Adore" and "Machina" because it was the pop sensation no one wanted them to be.
Now Corgan is trying to re-live the glory of his hard rocking sweetness, which made this album come out into a blur. The Pumpkins are still my favorite, I just hope I can live in the beauty of the past and forget the sketchy present.

[xtreme3384]

anyone else love the song "Neverlost"??

[archangelseren]

hardcore fans, let the past go and embrace the now. so what this album isnt their other stuff and alot of it sounds a bit the same but theirs still some good stuff on it..... let the past go! why would you want to make the same album twice

[hardrocker64]

AGREE! it is in the mix. Some really good tunes on there but just sound all muddled or something

spaceboy85 wrote:

i havent heard all of it but what i have heard the mix sounds flat and his voice sounds separated from the instruments, almost like karaoke. which is too bad cuz im sure it would make the album so much better if it was mixed right. i saw them live on letterman last night and they sounded amazing. oh well can't win 'em all

[ModestPixies16]

xtreme3384 wrote:

anyone else love the song "Neverlost"??

Yeah absolutly, that song really sticks out from all the other tracks on the cd, which is a really good thing because after united states I was already starting to get tired.

[Obie]

Shredder Guitar wrote:

ive only heard tarantula on the radio, its pretty decent. theyll never live up to what they used to be, but who cares? a band's gotta do something different once in awhile.

damn, well said.

its nice to see rational, open-minded people still exist

[Rebourne]

actually I thought the album was quite good it deserves an 8.2 or higher overall...

[nandezfranchise]

The revue itself was fair, but how can you revue this album and not mention "starz". That sticks out every time I listen to it. Wicked song.

The more bad reviews and angry pumpkin fans I hear, I think I like this album even more.

[hadukenzero]

the album is Great! sounds like the orignality SP has always brought us. the lyrics are different, but all that shows is that billy could do more than we thought. and if your a real fan you would except that.

[hadukenzero]

the album is Great! it shows the origanality that SP always brought us. the lyrics are different, but all that shows is that billy could do more that we expect. and if your a real fan you would accept it.

[False_God]

people are too harsh to judge this album! Just like with alot of albums.

Pumpkins 90's album were amazing and it seems like people are trying to compare and expect stuff like that!

they still have their sig sound and some brilliant songs on it so be happy! People expected too much! So they crit it too harsh. We should be just happy they are gigging!

[haunted_soul]

nothin is ever going to match MCIS and SD so it's pointless compareing the new album.

im a hardcore pumpkins fan from way back, i'm gonna buy the album straight away but im still how do you say 'worried' about it.

good review though!

[Geekis_Khan]

I actually like this album better than their other stuff. I think it's far more consistent. Even though it doesn't ahve an amazing great anthematic track like "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" (although "United States" could probably attain that status if it was shorter), it has far less filler and far less crap than the other stuff. Of course, if you're a big fan of the older stuff, your odds of liking this is lessened. Mostly because you've probably already idealized "Mellon Collie..." and "Siamese Dream", adn nothign will ever live up to that for you.

But I gave it a nine.

[I_Collect_Picks]

Bleeding the Orchid is a ****ing genious song..
apart from that, Doomsday Clock, 7 Shades of Black, Come on Lets Go, Starz and Tarantula are rocking
but theyre all good =]=]

[backtobasic]

oh how i love Siamese Dream.

[Guitar|Freak]

I was always dreading the smashing pumpkins reunification ever since I heard the rumours.
Their new songs will never live up to their old ones.

[reaume140]

This album is really good, i enjoyed every song on it, and i will listen to it again..a lot.

[Like I Is]

Bummer.

[Aidy Damage]

Reeeeevolution!

I love this album!

[VLVTRVOLVR13]

You cant expect the pumpkin to sound anything like they use to, they have gone through line up changes, disbanded, and re-united several years later.

Good album

[beefy_101]

Good album. United States, Bleeding the Orchid, Doomsday Clock, 8 Shades of Black, Tarantula, are fantastic. Although I think Pomp & Circumstances is my favourite off this album. No one has shown love for that beautiful track. Of course this album didn't show all sides from SP's past, it's still a solid album.

Although some of the tracks aren't as strong, they aren't bad. 9/10 for me.

[llama_guitarist]

spaceboy85 wrote:

oh and i guess billy has a thing for weird-yet-hot female bassists...but who doesn't?!

i thought i was the only one who noticed this haha, cause no one ever said anything about it.

perilouspete wrote:

good, honest review, straighforward. i thought the song united states was pretty cool though, really showcases chamberlin.

exactly my thoughts.

i like this cd...sue me. and i'm a die hard pumpkins fan. yep.

[onthelongview]

at first I didn't care fo rthe album too much but once I added all the bonus tracks (only bought the best buy version, shoot me I'm not a big comic nerd) it felt a lot more complete. I will agree with songs being better live thought (listening to Billy's voice at parts of united states annoys me especially when he just gives that weak "ow" when in the live he shouted it like he should have). Shades of black sounded like it needed more on it and sounded kinda like a b-side from mellon collie from poor production. The rest of the songs though I didn't mind and I thought it was a great album (side from on slower songs you have those kinda sappy vocal overdubs). Still beats the shit out of Zwan and machina, and in the end isn't that all we can hope for at the least? Best thing Billy's done since Adore in my opinion.
Favorite songs
Tarantula, thats the way my love is, starz, united states, bring the light, death from above, stellar, pomp and circumstances, and Zeitgeist
soooo 9 good songs...3 of wich are the bonus songs...thus why I highly recomend getting those makes the albummmm SOOOO much better and much more complete.

[ard1984]

This is a really great album. A lot of people seem to be complaining about how it is not as good as the Pumpkins earlier stuff. And they would be correct. It is not half as good as Mellon Collie or Siamese Dream. But it is better than their last two albums. Billy is still pissed off, just maybe not at himself anymore. And the guitars rule on this album! Come on people, give it a chance. That being said, some more acoustic songs would have been nice.

[Son_of_Kyuss]

I still think Zeitgeist is better than a lot of the other stuff floating around out there in the modern rock arena. It's not the best shit Billy's ever done, but even a "mediocre" Corgan and Chamberlin record smokes the cock off a lot of new shit that's on shelves.

[tbarrettl]

grunger549 wrote:

i think its good
Siamese Dream isnt the only album the smashing pumpkins made lol. every1 acts like "if it isnt as goood as siamese dream its bad" but theres not many albums as good as siamese dream.
Zeitgeist is more like Gish

I agree completely this is still great just not the #1 or #2 for the Pumpkins but still better than the Majority of the mainstream.

[lostinpieces]

would have enjoyed some acoustic stuff on it.

[Nickman3000]

Boristheb wrote:

You think the production is exemplary? Its absolutely abysmal. The main offenders are the rock tracks, Doomsday, 7 shades and Tarantula. There the cymbals bleed into everything, the guitars sound very harsh and unrefined, the vocals sound off-key at times (the "you should want it all" part in doomsday sounds terrible). Tracks like neverlost and for god and country seem to come out unscathed but most the album is plagued by terrible mixing and production. Its a shame, because I think there are some fantastic tracks on here, in fact most the album is well written, particularly the slower tracks like bleeding the orchid, neverlost and for god and country. But tbh I can't listen to the first few tracks without cringing at how bad they sound, which sucks because they sound fantastic live.

I can so relate too that, i found that the vocals, especially on Doomsday Clock, were turned up way to loud in proportion to the guitar and bass in my opinion as i love the intro to Doomsday Clock, but it needed to be louder so it could rip your face off. But unfortuunatly, songs like that having fallen victum to madern production, a real bummer

[corponicus]

I think people should stop complaining that Zeitgest isn’t as good as MCIS or Siamese Dream and just be thankful that the pumpkins wrote albums that good in the first place. It wouldn’t surprise me if a rock album better than the two mentioned will never be produced again. Billy is being crucified because he hasn’t been able to maintain his high standards. Zeitgest is a good album; it just takes a while to grow on you. Give Billy a break and be thankful for what he has given to the music world.

[GrEgUms1991]

i really liked the album, i think its fine. you can't win because people complain about a band if they dont sound like they used to, but if a band keeps there sound they get hated on for not 'experimenting' so ya know...

[moup]

I think you either like it or you don't. Another thing is critics are way too harsh and expecting perfection around every corner. Also, I think another reason people are pretty harsh on Zeitgeist is because they're probably expecting Siamese Dream Part 2 or Mellon Collin Part 2. It's hard when an artist or band has released something very great in the past. I think this album will grow on people with time but maybe it will have a cult-like following. No matter what though, it beats out everything else mainstream nowadays (Rhianna- Umbrella, etc). Be happy, it's a good album, lay back, crank it up and just enjoy.

[soundgardenfan]

which of the three bonus songs are the best?

[Geek_Aus]

I don't like Tarantula a hell of a lot but it's beginning to grow on me...so I'm gonna buy the album.

[Something-Cool4]

I love the album. Their are a few spot fillers like pomp and circumstanses and stellar (bonus Track) but overall the album lives up to the other ones. By the way I am ****in excited because i'm going to their concert in october!

[Something-Cool4]

moup :
I think you either like it or you don't. Another thing is critics are way too harsh and expecting perfection around every corner. Also, I think another reason people are pretty harsh on Zeitgeist is because they're probably expecting Siamese Dream Part 2 or Mellon Collin Part 2. It's hard when an artist or band has released something very great in the past. I think this album will grow on people with time but maybe it will have a cult-like following. No matter what though, it beats out everything else mainstream nowadays (Rhianna- Umbrella, etc). Be happy, it's a good album, lay back, crank it up and just enjoy.

Moup is right, this album does take time to grow on u so listen to it a few times and you'll be able to appreciate it. After hearing it a few times i definetly believe this album will live up to everyone's expectations. Trantula and Come on! let's Go, and thats the way (my love is) are my favorites.

[Stuminton]

lol looks like not many people like it. personally i like it

[imburningstar4]

soundgardenfan wrote:

which of the three bonus songs are the best?

Death From Above.

[Mattyohh]

Corgan is so far up himself he's almost coming out his own nose.

[laxkid2]

i think this is the best ive heard from the pumkins. the songs just seem a lot better, and the cd as a whole kicks ass

[OMGitsPinkFloyd]

nice album.. thought that the guitar riffs could be expressed a little more. Other than that its sounds good.\

Doomsday clock, bleeding the orchid, tarantula, starz, United States < Awsome songs

[EpiphoneXII]

i really enjoy the album especially the soloing in Tarantula

[potty_pete24]

i love the pumpkins the new ep is awesome and i love tarantula and thats the way my love is siamese dream is still my favourite but billy rocks what a ledgend!!

[bassetrox]

Oh well, i like machina the most of all the old albums, so I'm quite keen on "that's the way". All the sp albums have had to grow on me individually, so I'm quite willing to give this one its fair shot, I like what I've heard so far on 1 listen through. I've got 2 weeks to get to know it before i see them in manchester. Tarantula was great at leeds, so i have high hopes.

[bassetrox]

also, i could never understand a word of what he was singing anyway... he can sing nursery rhymes for all i care, i just like the way the sound of his voice fits in the band.

[70'sdude]

Zeitgeist just sounds like Billy aslapped Smashing pumpkins on the album to make it sell better. No one would have paid any attention to this album if it had been a Billy Corgan solo record, which it basically is. Even though Billy Corgan was the mastermaind behind The Pumpkins, the band was called The Smashing pumpkins, not Billy Corgan and The Smashign Pumpkins, so the album should've featured all the original members. I was so excited to hear the new album, and even after I was dissappointed by "Tarantula" after hearing it on the radio, I went out and bought it. But it was a waste of money. I'm gonna go listen to the REAL Smashign Pumpkins now, Gish here I come.

[IamGod 666]

ilovemyepi wrote:

haha you're complaining because Billy's voice sounds the same on every track? So does every other singer's voice, you act like people change their voices for separate songs or something.

Sublime did that, STP did it too.

[The_blind_kid]

Everybody needs to realize that on all Pumpkins tracks ever, Billy wrote and recorded all vocals, guitar and bass, and Chamberlin did all drums. The other membres were just to fill out the image of a "band" and to play on tour. The same holds true for Zeitgeist, so there is no difference between this record and prior releases in who is playing. Like Iha and Wretzky, Ginger and Jeff play nothing on recordings. Get It straight.

[The_blind_kid]

Ginger and Jeff play nothing; Iha and Wretzky play almost nothing.