If All Goes Wrong Review

Released: November 11, 2008
Although the new DVD If All Goes Wrong doesn’t deliver all of the Smashing Pumpkins’ well-known hits, it still provides a compelling look at the iconic rock band.

Sound:	8
Content:	9
Production:	10
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	9
Users rating:	9.6
Comments:	27

overall: 9

Featured review by: UG Team, on november 21, 2008

Sound: Back in 2002 Jerry Seinfeld released the film Comedian, a documentary that chronicled the ultra-famous TV star’s efforts to perfect his standup act. It wasn’t always pretty, and many critics praised Seinfeld for allowing audiences to see that even he, the all-powerful Seinfeld, didn’t just walk onstage with a flawless act. Why I am talking about comedy during a music review? Because the latest Smashing Pumpkins’ 2-disk DVD release If All Goes Wrong is done in the same vein, following Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, and newcomers Ginger Reyes, Jeff Schroeder, and Lisa Harriton as they perform a string of dates in Asheville, NC, and San Francisco, CA – playing a good deal of all-new material. The documentary portion on disk 1 looks at the trials and tribulations that occur along the way, and like Seinfeld, Corgan is shown in more of a humanized light than most of us have seen him before.

The Smashing Pumpkins are evolving into something that is very different from their heyday in the 1990s, and not every fan might be ready to go along for that ride. It’s made very clear in the documentary, however, that Corgan and the band were well aware of this fact when it was filmed back in 2007. Even The Who’s Pete Townshend provides commentary in the documentary (and in bonus footage) about the ever-changing relationship between a band and it's fans. Regardless of where you stand at the end of it all, it is still very cool to see the singer/guitarist’s mind at work. Some of the strongest in the documentary are when Corgan (all decked out in his pajamas) is in the first stages of writing new material, and only moments later we’re shown how the tracks go over when they’re performed for the first time only a day later.

What spawns from all of these intimate, bedroom sessions is usually a stripped-down, almost folk music-like result. In fact, Corgan uses a harmonica a la Bob Dylan in a few of the songs. When the Pumpkins take their act to the little town of Asheville, North Carolina, the diehard fans are unsure, but accepting. That’s not so much the case at all the dates in San Francisco’s Fillmore. Bashed by the critics for being indulgent (thanks to the 30-minute-long electric jam “Gossamer” and the 3-hour set of new material), the Pumpkins’ performance is still captivating for being so foreign. Songs like “Superchrist” give the set an amazing jolt in the midst of the laid-back numbers, but some fans will still likely be on the fence about the band’s new approach. // 8

Content: With over 4 hours of material on 2 disks, If All Goes Wrong gives a fantastic up-close-and-personal look at Corgan. While the other members are interviewed and given some air time, it’s obvious this is about the creative mind of Corgan. Unlike some DVDs out there where the filmmakers go out of their way to present the artists in a positive light, there is no sugar coating in this one. More times than not you’ll likely find Corgan is a bit bossy or overly self-assured – but also honest. In one instance he pisses off new guitarist Jeff Schroeder onstage, and in another moment he discusses why he won’t play “Soma” (apparently it’s too heavily connected with former member James Iha). Not every musician would be that candid, and you have to give Corgan credit for not creating a false façade.

The live concert at The Fillmore featured on disk 2 does not include any of the huge hits, so be warned. While there are some familiar titles like “Starla” or “Zeitgeist,” there is still a huge helping of obscure titles. It’s a great-sounding concert nonetheless, and although it may seem otherwise from footage in the documentary, the majority of the setlist is electric. Bonus material includes an insightful interview with Pete Townshend (who often draws comparison to his time in The Who and the current state of The Smashing Pumpkins) and some extremely fun, but brief interviews with diehard fans. // 9

Production Quality: If All Goes Wrong is beautifully edited, and it’s obvious that the filmmakers spent a good deal of time compiling footage and editing the entire package. The documentary portion uses a variety of camera styles and storytelling techniques, including some very cool moments where it almost feels like a hidden-camera type of setup. Of course, in those moments, Corgan is “caught” in one of his many human, flawed moments. The live Fillmore wisely stays away from jerky camera techniques and maintains a sleek look throughout. // 10

Impression: I came away from watching the 2 DVDs a little conflicted, as many old school Pumpkins’ fans also will. As documentaries go, If All Goes Wrong holds your attention to the end and reveals more than you might expect about the mind of Corgan. While most of us can appreciate the fact that the Smashing Pumpkins tried something new – in this case playing day-old material for devoted fans in North Carolina – it’s still difficult to completely wrap your arms around it. There are a lot of factors that leave an uneasy feeling, whether that’s due to nostalgia, Corgan’s disconnect from the people who have bought his records (at times it was downright uncomfortable to watch him interact with fans), or the simple fact that the music on disk 1 is still rough around the edges. To put it simply, if you’re wanting to relive the Pumpkins’ “reunion” via If All Goes Wrong, you might be left feeling a little shortchanged. But in the end, the DVD provides a compelling, tumultuous look at the iconic Smashing Pumpkins. // 9

Comments

[archangelseren]

but is this it?

[TwistedLogic]

Why are the Pumpkins called "iconic"? They had a couple of amazing releases in the middle 1990's, Siamese Dream, and Mellon Collie and The Infinate Sadness, then sort of fell off the map if I recall. That is not much of a career.Correct me if I am wrong. Nice review BTW.

[kgesme21]

If it is anything like he said about it being like Comedian, then I think I'll have to at least rent this (Netflicks to the rescue!).

[fireoptic]

TwistedLogic wrote:

Why are the Pumpkins called "iconic"? They had a couple of amazing releases in the middle 1990's, Siamese Dream, and Mellon Collie and The Infinate Sadness, then sort of fell off the map if I recall. That is not much of a career.Correct me if I am wrong. Nice review BTW.

So you have to keep releasing platinum albums to have a career? Just being able to put out albums on an indie label and go on tour is a career. If it pays the bills and you have opportunity to go further, it's a career.

[reignofrock]

Corgan is still a tool in whatever light you shine on him.

[slashfan414]

reignofrock :
Corgan is still a tool in whatever light you shine on him.

+1

but i also agree w/ fireoptic.

[red157]

I don't even like the Pumpkins that much, but this DVD sounds interesting.

[Joeldix]

This DVD is amazing, and its a real FUCK YOU to all the billy haters, and pumpkin haters in general, its a shame only the fans will be the ones to get the message as they will be the only ones buying it. It is really well done

[PumpkinPieces]

I was iffy but this review tells me to go out and take a look at it. I'm a very passionate pumpkins fan and although I don't really relate to the new music, they're still interesting to me as a band.

[AnimatedHand]

How ironic is the title after whats happened at a few recent gigs?

[DrPooh]

Woah, fitting title!

[*Loooza_LotZ!*]

unlike most pumpkins fans, i only really got into them when Zeitgeist came out- but thats only because i was about 2 years old when they first started! It sounds a really interesting DVD after seeing them earlier this year and watching the guitar genius Corgan at work. Really compelling. Btw, really detailled review, nice one!

[GuitarCrazyFrog]

*Loooza_LotZ!* wrote:

unlike most pumpkins fans, i only really got into them when Zeitgeist came out- but thats only because i was about 2 years old when they first started! It sounds a really interesting DVD after seeing them earlier this year and watching the guitar genius Corgan at work. Really compelling. Btw, really detailled review, nice one!

I was 4 months when they hit it big with Siamese dreams, and yet I have been a huge fan for about 5 years now. And, yeah, I actually do like Zeitgeist. People were way overly harsh on it.

[olp63]

The Smashing Pumpkins are a such an original band, I love them!

[Jerry Seinfeld]

AnimatedHand wrote:

How ironic is the title after whats happened at a few recent gigs?

That was part of the marketing plan for the new DVD!


And yeah, check out my hilarious and insightful documentary 'Comedian', starring me, Jerry Seinfeld, as mentioned earlier.


Regards,
Jerry Seinfeld

[Zero-Hartman]

Jerry Seinfeld wrote:

AnimatedHand wrote:

How ironic is the title after whats happened at a few recent gigs?

That was part of the marketing plan for the new DVD!


And yeah, check out my hilarious and insightful documentary 'Comedian', starring me, Jerry Seinfeld, as mentioned earlier.


Regards,
Jerry Seinfeld

Haha, dude. awesome.

Can't wait to see this DVD though, saving up for it.

[travislausch]

TwistedLogic wrote:

Why are the Pumpkins called "iconic"? They had a couple of amazing releases in the middle 1990's, Siamese Dream, and Mellon Collie and The Infinate Sadness, then sort of fell off the map if I recall. That is not much of a career.Correct me if I am wrong. Nice review BTW.

One word: Cynic

[Axl_Explosion]

I borrowed this from a buddy of mine and watched it and I don't know how I feel about it, truth be told. I mean, I like Pumpkins ok, and it was interesting to see the backstage aspect of it all, but a lot of times, Billy Corgan seemed to be kinda stuck in this like self-indulged, almost Axl Rose mode. And that part where he pissed off his guitar player, and where he won't play Soma because of it's past, it's like "Really? You really think you are that important?" Hell, that would be, for lack of a better example, Axl Rose going on stage and saying "Yeah, we're not playing Welcome To The Jungle tonight because Slash and Duff and Izzy were all too big a part of it." There would be a riot.

That aside, though, it was a very interesting watch, but if I were Billy Corgan, I'd maybe try to stop being so high and mighty over everyone else, because he's really not that big of a deal anymore, lol.

[narcoticsfairy]

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I love the Pumpkins, but every time I see him, he sounds like more of a prick than last time; it hurts me to say that, but that's what bugs me about the DVD lol.

[Fargalas]

travislausch wrote:

TwistedLogic wrote:

Why are the Pumpkins called "iconic"? They had a couple of amazing releases in the middle 1990's, Siamese Dream, and Mellon Collie and The Infinate Sadness, then sort of fell off the map if I recall. That is not much of a career.Correct me if I am wrong. Nice review BTW.
One word: Cynic

I agree with you, travislausch. Cynic released one album(though they've gotten back together), and that one album was massive.

In the same way, many Pumpkins albums have been interesting, and Mellon Collie alone is one of the towering musical achievements in music in the '90s.

[damn!]

if any of us had written songs like 1979, tonight tonight, drown, perfect, we'd probably all act like pricks too@! ha ha the pumpkins are kick ass. some of my favorites. ill have to check this dvd out.

[Confetti]

TwistedLogic wrote:

Why are the Pumpkins called "iconic"? They had a couple of amazing releases in the middle 1990's, Siamese Dream, and Mellon Collie and The Infinate Sadness, then sort of fell off the map if I recall. That is not much of a career.Correct me if I am wrong. Nice review BTW.

Sex Pistols relised one album. Still they are more iconic then The Ramones, The Clash, and other great legendary punk bands combine.

Pumpkins relised Adore, and MACHINA 1 & 2. All more then great albums.

[Confetti]

+ the previously mentioned album's

[steve_muse]

Great review. I'll be buying this soon.

[fireyqwerty]

you know its funny a coule days ago i saw this review posted and thought "ive never really listened to them except for those softer songs that i dont like much" but i decided to listen to them anyway and man i have never gotten addicted to a band so fast i started with bullet with butterfly wings and hit it off im working on getting the entire discography now and im super excited to go and buy Mellon Collie and i will probably get this dvd when i can to, Pumkins are awesome yet another band to add to my top 5 list

[Catharsisaurus]

I think people need to stop looking at the future of a band through the scope of the past. Regardless of how much you liked their previous releases, the Smashing Pumpkins new music has more merit than people give credit for.

Regarding the movie: Watch it. Its good, and for all you people who think that the Pumpkins are washed up, the title Track that he plays at the end will astound you, and having you regret the fact that you ever doubted him.

[BOOMcoldX]

After watching this dvd, i actually realised how much of a prick billy is. It pretty much gives you this feeling that since Zwan and his solo career failed, hes "reunited" the pumpkins to leverage his new stuff. As a pumpkins fan i would be pretty pissed if i bought a ticket n he didnt even play any of their old stuff.