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The Smashing Pumpkins reunion starts with “Tarantula”

Tarantula -- Download the single on iTunes I’ll be the first to admit that when I first excitedly started to listen to the Smashing Pumpkins new single, “Tarantula” (iTunes download), I was so disappointed I turned my pumped-up headphones down a notch to be able to get through the song.

But, after that first listen, I forced myself to listen again… and then I wanted to listen to it again… and then I was hooked.

The song hearkens back to the earlier days of Smashing Pumpkins, the Gish-era Smashing Pumpkins.  Shredding solos throughout the song, incomprehensible Billy Corgan lyrics, and loud, pounding drums.  This isn’t Mellie Collie and the Infinite Sadness or Adore Smashing Pumpkins.  This is Billy Corgan being loud and not trying to be a pop star.  (See Zwan and Billy Corgan solo project.)

Ironically, the harder Billy tried to be popular, the less popular he became.  There’s a life lesson, here.

But, back to Tarantula — when I first heard it, I thought to myself that it had a definite AC/DC pace to it.  James Iha’s trademark Digitech Whammy is missing, but Billy’s distorted guitars and Jimmy Chamberlain’s pounding beat are present.  The lack of James gives it a different feel than many Pumpkins songs, but in the end, Corgan is always was the main driving force — and I bet the crowds will pack the arenas to see them, with or without Iha.

As well they should, if the album sounds like Tarantula.  The song is strong throughout, once you get over the initial hit of the pounding sound and pulse (assuming, of course, you got used to later-era, softer Pumpkins).   The breakdown at 2:55 is an honest nod to Siamese Dream — the softly strummed, non-disorted electric guitar is an exact replica of the unmistakable Mayonaise sound.

I’m excited to hear the rest of this album, and I look forward to getting to a show on the reunion tour.  But I’ll be bringing my earplugs — it’s going to be loud.

Tue May 22nd, 2007 11:18 pm

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