The Smashing Pumpkast
By The Smashing Pumpkast
PATREON UNLOCKED: The Pastiche and Novel Songs of The Smashing Pumpkins w/ Zlong Azayasam
No April Foolin' here! From behind the Patreon paywall - Pumpkast Patreon member Zlong Azayasam cashes in his Patreon pick by discussing the pastiche and novel songs of The Smashing Pumpkins.
It's a lengthy chat about the diverse and fun dimensions of the Pumpkins' catalog! Add your favorites and why in the comments!
Songs discussed in this episode:
Fat Man Blues
Bullet Train to Osaka
French Movie Theme
Jazzin’ (Starchildren)
German’s in Leather Pants
Special Winner’s Song
The Boy
We Only Come Out At Night
Annie-Dog
Pomp and Circumstance
Lizard Blues
Cottonwood Symphony
Owata
Minerva
Hooray!
Before We Were Lonely
Ishla Ba Dreb (James Iha)
Indecision
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25 Years of MACHINA/The Machines of God w/ Asherella, Chris Dragan and Spose
Happy 25, MACHINA (6 in leap years)!
Today on the Pumpkast, we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Machina/The Machines of God. Joining Frank to discuss Machina (and other related Pumpkin topics) are fellow ghost children, Asherella, Chris Dragan and Spose.
We also hear from friends of the ‘kast Justin of the Deep Dive, Don Dobos, Jeff aka grungingpumpkins, John Riccio and Nin van Acht about their Machina memories, thoughts and even a poem inspired by Machina!
Who wouldn't be the one you love, Machina?!
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2024 End of Year Listener Stories
As 2024 comes to a close in Pumpkinland, we here at The Smashing Pumpkast wanted to hear from YOU about your experiences seeing the Pumpkins live in ’24. In this episode, we hear from fans all around the globe about what they enjoyed from the Pumpkins this past year and what they look forward to from the band in 2025. We even have our first email read entirely in español (thanks to friend of the pod Shaun Cruz)!
We also get a special message from the always generous and amazing Jack Bates to the fans.
Thanks to Andrés Perretti, Asherella, Cameron Narimanian, Charlie Cullen, Chris dela Torre, Don Dobos Jr. Gianluca Sanfrances, James Prest, Jamie Spahni, Joey Musca, John Vincent Riccio, Justin Corwin, Logan Cooper, Matthew Robinson, Newton Dixon Jr., Spiderflush, Stephanie Conway and Jack Bates for submitting their stories and thoughts.
Happy New Year! See ya in 2025, Freaks and Ghouls!
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ATUM w/ JUSTIN from THE DEEP DIVE
Our capsule has returned from space exile and our AI carnival robot infused with our pure essence is up and running! That’s right, the ‘kast is back with an album deep dive!
On May 5th, 2023, The Smashing Pumpkins released a sprawling 33-song rock opera entitled “ATUM”; The third concept album in the trilogy of Zero (Mellon Collie) / Glass (Machina) and Shiny (current). Songs debuted weekly for 7 months leading up to the album’s release on Billy Corgan’s “Thirty-three Podcast” along with commentary explaining the epic rock opera story.
Justin from The Deep Dive Channel (from our CYR episode) returns to guest-host and to talk ATUM track by track in glorious nerdy Pumpkin detail.
In this almost 5 hour episode (we had a lot to say), we discuss the deep layers and easter eggs in the production, supposed “cancel culture”, the ethics of AI, ATUM’s connection to Corgan’s solo albums, Neil Young and Metallica nods, glorious chorus soaked guitars and bass and making a genuine and enthusiastic case for “Hooray!”
Like many Pumpkins albums, it’s an audio treat that deserves a proper listen front to back with a good pair of headphones.
“It ain’t right” if you skip this episode of The Smashing Pumkast!
(and yes- we will cover Zodeon at Crystal Hall once it gets a proper release)
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BONUS EPISODE: Failing Stars - The Smashing Pumpkins Tribute Band from Flint, MI
On this special Bonus Episode of The Smashing Pumpkast, Frank chats with Don and Jay of the Flint, Michigan Smashing Pumpkins Tribute Band, Failing Stars, who have a show on Friday, November 1st at The Machine Shop!
They discuss how they got into the Pumpkins, their goals as a tribute act and eliminating the stigma associated with tribute bands. They also perform a special acoustic rendition of "Mayonaise" for us.
Check them out if they ever come to your area!
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BONUS EPISODE: Los Angeles Concert Report (SiriusXM, SoFi Stadium and Jimmy Kimmel Live)
In today's Bonus episode, Frank reports on the three shows he attended in September (SiriusXM, SoFi Stadium/Saviors Tour and Jimmy Kimmel Live). We also hear from Trev of the SP subreddit who talks about his experience at the Jimmy Kimmel Live performance.
And ATTN: Pumpkinheads! We want to hear from YOU about the SP shows you saw this year! Submit your voice memos or e-mails to thesmashingpumpkast@gmail.com
Please submit by the end of October. Rawk.
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Aghori Mhori Mei First Impressions w/ Chris Dragan
One month later and fashionably late, the Pumpkast is back to discuss first impressions of the excellent new Pumpkins album "Aghori Mhori Mei". Joining Frank to discuss overall thoughts on AMM is Pumpkast listener and Pop-Abstract-Bricolage artist Chris Dragan!
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PATREON UNLOCKED: Eurockéennes Festival 7-4-1997 w/ Rob Tedesco
In celebration of the 4th, we're freeing this episode from the tyranny of Patreon! But for real, we thought it would be fitting since the performance we discuss is from July 4th, 1997. Originally released on our Patreon in January 2023. Enjoy!
"Patreon member Rob Tedesco cashes in his Adore reward and chose to talk about the incredible Smashing Pumpkins performance at the 1997 Eurockéennes Festival! You can watch the performance HERE!
This show finds the band in prime form after the setbacks and tragedy of the previous year. Matt Walker executes with precision and the band decimates the other top acts of the festival (with some smiles and laughs thrown in for good measure)!
Also...we recorded this episode before the Zwan revelations on the 33 pod, so the Zwan talk towards the end was before we knew about the reissue being worked on."
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BILLY CORGAN'S ADVENTURES IN CARNYLAND w/ MATTHEW NANES
Kyle's gonna Kyle, and the Smashing Pumpkast is gonna 'kast! Frank puts his distaste of reality shows aside and enters the funhouse that is- "Billy Corgan's Adventures in Carnyland"!
Joining Frank in the 'kast ring is Pumpkinhead and wrestling enthusiast Matthew Nanes!
Frank and Matthew discuss WPC's business side, the difference between "fake" and "scripted", the benefits of having talent from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, recognizing wrestlers in comedy sketches, blue skying a Pumpkins dating app and so much more.
Frank even makes a small cameo in the series (unfortunately not as the flower girl at Billy and Chloe's wedding).
"Return the faith" and get on the mat with the 'kast!
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BONUS EPISODE: TALEEN KALI / AVA ADORE COVER
On this special Bonus episode of The Smashing Pumpkast, we talk to L.A. musician Taleen Kali and her band's latest single - a cover of SP's "Ava Adore"!
We also discuss the upcoming Dum Dum Fest, her connection to former Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder, a West Coast Tour with Ringo Deathstarr and more.
We know you'll *adore* this chat.
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JIMMY CHAMBERLIN
We got a super special one today, Pumpkinheads! We finally did it...we had the immense pleasure of interviewing the one, the only - JIMMY CHAMBERLIN!!!
We discuss Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, parenting, cars, life philosophies, why something does or doesn't make the cut for an album, why failure is essential, practicing your craft, facing fears and going for it and why Machina is one of his favorite Pumpkins albums.
We hope this interview will “make your palms sweat”.
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Patreon Announcement and Overdue Shout Outs
Short and sweet announcement to let you know about our new Patreon-only series, "Deluxe PODition", a new series that will be exploring the bonus tracks found on the SP Reissues from Gish to Adore.
We also give some overdue shout-outs to some of our new Patreon members!
Rawk
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BONUS EPISODE: COMEDIAN ADAM NEWMAN
We keep the SP cover/tribute band discussion with an old comedy pal of Frank's, Adam Newman! Adam discusses his Pumpkins fandom, his SP cover band in college, Squishing Squashes, and a rather bawdy connection to SP that he mentions in his new comedy special, "Jew Versus The Volcano", out on March 22nd.
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PATREON MEMBER PICK: Siamese Dream Band w/ Josh Hendricks & Amy and Steve of Siamese Dream
Pumpkast Patreon member Josh Hendricks (aka liquidsun) cashes in his Patreon pick by talking about (and to) Atlanta based Smashing Pumpkins cover band, Siamese Dream!
Josh talks about his history with the Pumpkins and then we chat with Steve and Amy of Siamese Dream to discuss what inspired them to start a Pumpkins cover band, their history with their fandom, setlist choices, some super nerdy tech talk for you gear freaks and ghouls and so much more!
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CYR w/ JUSTIN from THE DEEP DIVE
Happy New CYR, Pumpkinheads! Today on the Pumpkast, Frank is joined by guest co-host Justin of The Deep Dive Channel to discuss the pandemic Pumpkin darling "CYR" (aka Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol.2). A love letter to Corgan’s new wave, goth and industrial record collection and once again, another Pumpkins album that grows better with time.
Frank and Justin discuss sputter drums & goth synth pads, Starrcraft's Rocket and ATUM connection, The Cure (of course), Billy's version of “Lose Yourself”, Birch Grove devastating our Dad hearts, Aesop’s fable of damned if you do damned if you don’t, The "Empire Strikes Back" track and...songs for cats?! And SO much more.
It'll rock your mind and make you "swooooon", dauphins!
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The Smashing Pumpkast 2023 End of Year Roundtable with Asherella & Dean
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, Pumpkinheads! Special guests, Asherella and Dean, join Frank to discuss the Pumpkins in 2023.
See ya in 2024, freaks and ghouls!
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BONUS EPISODE: Blackdot x John Craig (MCIS) collaboration w/ Joel Pennington
In this special Bonus episode, we talk to Joel Pennington, Founder and CEO of Blackdot (an innovative company out of Austin, TX) about their special collaboration with collage artist John Craig to make his iconic artwork from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness available as officially licensed tattoos.
We discuss Joel's history with the Pumpkins (31 shows across 3 continents over the past 31 years), his company Blackdot and the importance of supporting artists and their work.
[DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a paid advertisement and is NOT an official collaboration with The Smashing Pumpkins - but IS a collaboration with John Craig]
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HOWARD WILLING
It's finally here - Frank's interview with Pumpkins producer, engineer and mixer Howard Willing!
Frank and Howard discuss his beginnings in the music business, how he got involved with working with the Pumpkins, what it’s like working with WPC and the band, what makes a good producer, mixer and engineer and SO much more.
And yes, of course, we talk a little bit about the elusive Machna Box Set.
Happy Thanksgiving weekend, Pumpkinheads!
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THE WORLD IS A VAMPIRE TOUR RECAP and LISTENER STORIES
Frank and Pat chat about their excellent time at The World Is A Vampire show in Irvine, CA and then present some listener-submitted stories about their experiences (in Australia and America) at the shows. Thanks to Rindi, Simon Mateljan, David Jepesen, Matt from Brisbane, Asherella, Joe DiNoto, Kourtney, Chad Raven, EL from Orlando, Catherine aka settheraytocathy, Evangelina Sanchez. Justin Reeves, Stephanie aka our_retro_life, Danielle Anawati, a.crashing.melon and Charlie Cullen for submitting their stories.
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BONUS EPISODE: MADAME ZUZU'S SIAMESE DREAM 30TH ANNIVERSARY ACOUSTIC SHOW
In this Bonus episode, Frank recounts his very quick trip from Los Angeles to Chicago to catch the special Siamese Dream 30th Anniversary Acoustic show at Madame ZuZu's. This intimate acoustic set recreated the band's Tower Records in-store appearance at midnight, on July 27, 1993, for the release of Siamese Dream (plus some extra goodies). Over that special weekend, Madame ZuZu's transformed into a Tower Records throwback with tons of Siamese Dream and Tower Records-themed merch. It was a whirlwind experience that Frank will never forget.
Very special thanks to Kim, Andy, Jeff, Owen, John and Mandy!
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PATREON UNLOCKED: VIEUPHORIA COMMENTRARY TRACK
While you wait for new episodes of the Pumpkast, we decided to unlock one of our Patreon goodies. In celebration of the 29th anniversary of Vieuphoria, we have decided to release the audio from our Vieuphoria commentary. If you want to watch the video with our commentary (all in one), you can do so on our Patreon. Otherwise, fire up your old VHS or DVD copy (or rip), and follow along with us. Thanks for all your support and your patience!
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JIMMY CHAMBERLIN COMPLEX - HONOR EP
Today on the Pumpkast, Frank and Pat discuss the 2020 EP, "Honor", from the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex! Look, you already know 90% of this episode will be us just praising Chamberlin.
We discuss Jimmy's version of "the talk", why the EP is a perfect length and how this EP stands up there with JCC/Chamberlin's best solo work thanks to a powerfully eclectic and talented crew (including long-time collaborator and musical savant Billy Mohler).
Also, we put it out into the Universe and keep our fingers crossed for Jimmy to pay a visit to the Pumpkast before the year is done. May the Pumpkin Gods smile upon us!
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WILLIAM PATRICK CORGAN - COTILLIONS w/ PAM FISHER
In 2019, Billy Corgan released his 3rd solo album (2nd under the name William Patrick Corgan), "Cotillions". A double-album written in 2017 during Thirty Days – a month-long journey Corgan took across America. For this album, Frank needed a special guest who has a particular affinity for the album and all things Pumpkins and WPC. Enter the Pumpkin Queen herself, Pam Fisher! Frank and Pam dub this album "Cosmic Country" and navigate the starry country backroads that inspired this special album.
They discuss "complexity couched in simplicity", WPC's family history connection to E.T. and Gremlins, identity & history (and where the two meet), "Big G", pitching a kid's book to WPC based on "Neptulius" and romanticization vs the dark truth of American history and distilling how you feel about the two.
We also show some love for the wonderful Katie Cole, the diverse embarrassment of riches in the Corgan/SP catalog and even a bit of Duran Duran.
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30 Years of Siamese Dream w/ Jacob Givens
Today (pun intended) marks the 30th Anniversary of the seminal Pumpkins album Siamese Dream. Joining Frank to discuss the anniversary of Siamese Dream is someone who is no stranger to the Pumpkins community, Jacob Givens! We reminisce about our memories of hearing the album for the first time and the lasting impact it's had 30 years later. Happy 30th, Siamese Dream!
(apologies for some of the wonky Zoom audio)
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BONUS: SP ADMIN CORRINE LUXON Q& A
SP Admin Corrine Luxon was kind enough to stick around after our last episode to answer some questions! We talk Machina (of course), SP merch and even a little bit about her personal life.
We appreciate all the hard work and love Corrine puts into her work with the Pumpkins camp (and hopefully you do too!).
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ADORE 25TH ANNIVERSARY w/ CORRINE LUXON
On June 2nd, 2023, Adore turned 25. In honor of this special anniversary, Frank chats with SP Admin Corrine Luxon about her special connection to the album and the ever-growing love and admiration for the album from fans (some would even say "adore"?). It's a wonderful conversation that will continue into a bonus episode where Corrine was kind enough to answer some listener questions. Look out for that bonus episode soon!
Happy 25th Anniversary, Adore!
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SHINY AND OH SO BRIGHT - VOL. 1 / LP: NO PAST. NO FUTURE. NO SUN. w/ Evangelina Sanchez
In 2018, it was announced that James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin would rejoin The Smashing Pumpkins. A tour and new music (produced by Rick Rubin), were announced to celebrate the reunion. Those Rick Rubin sessions were originally conceived as 2 EPs, but over time it became an album (or not according to Billy?). The result was Shiny and Oh So Bright - Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. Joining Frank to discuss SAOSBV1LPNPNFNS is fellow Pumpkinhead Evangelina Sanchez!
Evangelina and Frank discuss the feeling of being all "alone - together" as Pumpkins fans, how Shiny fits into the ATUM storyline, being a creative trying to rise above your mammoth past, a wishlist of Shiny songs to hear live, modern production pros and cons and Solara speaking to why we gravitate towards the Pumpkins.
While some fans heralded the return, others were dismissive. It's an album that has a complicated history with fans, critics...and possibly the band? But much like Monuments To An Elegy, there's a lot here to still dig into and enjoy.
Will the "Woahwoahwoahwoahwoahwhoah" crowd rise?! Become the owl at midnight!
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BONUS EPISODE: Adore 25TH Anniversary - Howard Willing Shares An Adore Memory
Happy Adore 25th Anniversary! Frank recently had a chat with Pumpkins producer, engineer and mixer, Howard Willing, and one topic that came up was his experience working on Adore. We thought it would be fitting to share a snippet from this interview in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Adore. The rest of the interview, plus a proper Adore 25th Anniversary episode will be out later this month.
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JIMMY CHAMBERLIN COMPLEX: THE PARABLE w/ Patreon Member Joe
In 2017, the wheels were in motion for Jimmy Chamberlin's return to the Smashing Pumpkins. But before his triumphant return to the Pumpkins, he returned with his other band, the "Jimmy Chamberlin Complex" and released his 2nd JCC album titled "The Parable". A jazz/fusion itch Jimmy gets to scratch outside of the Pumpkins. Joining Frank as guest co-host (returning from the SKYSAW episode) is Patreon member Joe!
We talk about the more jazz/fusion angle "The Parable" takes as opposed to the jazz/alternative rock feel of SKYSAW and "Life Begins Again", Sarsten Noice's art for the album and how it associates with its themes (and with Jimmy) and we heap tons of praises, as always, for Jimmy's incredible skills.
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WILLIAM PATRICK CORGAN - OGILALA w/ DR. THOMAS WHITFIELD
In 2017, Billy Corgan released his 2nd solo album, "Ogilala", but this time under the name William Patrick Corgan and with a much more organic and stripped-down sound. It's an album containing some of Corgan's best work and illustrates the power of his songwriting and ability to bend and shape the core of a song into the sound he envisions.
Joining Frank as guest co-host is a long-time friend and Pumpkinhead, Dr. Thomas Whitfield. Thomas digs deep and uses his Ph.D. to help break down the lyrics with surgical detail. If getting super in-depth and nerdy diving into WPC lyrics is your bag, then this episode is for you!
Frank and Thomas discuss being wary of people who aren’t passionate about something/anything, hiding Mellon Collie and the Goosebumps books from religious parents, seeds of CYR and ATUM found in Ogilala and Thomas' “Special K” experience with the album.
Plus a quick chat about the gorgeous short film, Pillbox, co-directed by Linda Strawberry.
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MONUMENTS TO AN ELEGY w/ STEPHEN PATRICK ZAPATA-KELLY
And then there were two. With the departure of Mike Byrne and Nicole Fiorentino, Corgan led the charge with guitarist Jeff Schroeder to make 2014's Monuments To An Elegy. An album with nods to its rock past as well as the Pumpkins' synthy future. Joining Frank as guest co-host to do a track-by-track breakdown of this album is former guest of the 'kast, Stephen Patrick Zapata-Kelly!
Down a drummer, Corgan & Schroeder turned to Mötley Crüe's Tommy Lee for an assist to achieve the bombastic and skilled attack needed to match the energy of the songs (as well as Rage Against The Machine's Brad Wilk on drums and The Killer's Mark Stoermer on bass for live shows).
As the Teargarden project aspirations faded away (and with the subsequent abandonment of the Day For Night album), the future of the Pumpkins was looking dire once again. Luckily, time has shown that the Pumpkins are still going strong and with hindsight, a revisit of Monuments yields great rewards. Especially for fans who may not love the sounds of CYR or Atum (even though we get some glances in a few of Monuments' tracks).
Ultimately, Monuments is an album that Stephen and Frank agree is "like a good slice of pizza".
Lover, you're strange if you miss this episode!
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JACK BATES: CHAPTER 3 – BASS-ABELLUM
Pardon our John Wick nod in the title, but another badass, Jack Bates, is making his third appearance on the 'kast!
Jack joins Frank to discuss the Spirits on Fire Tour, the Mexico City World is a Vampire Festival, the upcoming Australian tour and so much more!
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BONUS: OCEANIA 2012 AUSTRALIAN TOUR W/ SIMON MATELJAN OF OZPHORIA
Simon Mateljan of Ozphoria joins Frank to discuss his experience with the 2012 Oceania Australian tour!
(Link for Wil Anderson interview mentioned in the show HERE.)
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OCEANIA
Yod He Vau He Om, Pumpkinheads! Today on the 'kast, we cover the critically acclaimed, post-reformation fan-favorite album OCEANIA! An album so special, Frank and Pat just had to assemble in person at Pumpkast HQ to dive head first into its briny depths.
Frank and Pat discuss "deep" concepts like the "God umbrella," the beautiful truth of the lyric, "everything I want is free," and the spiritual connection "Pale Horse" has to "Adore." All that plus a possible nod to the Italian horror classic "Suspiria" and some speculation as to exactly what kind of "Special K" we're talking about on "The Celestials" (wouldn't be the first time Billy made reference to a beloved breakfast food – Pop Tarts, anyone?).
We also thoroughly sing the praises of this incarnation of the band, which included Jeff "The Shredder" Schroeder, Mike Byrne's undeniable drum chops and the incredible bass contributions and backing vocals of Nicole Fiorentino.
We hope you love this episode "101 percent"!
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Oceania Intro & History w/ Kim Rosas
Before we dive in for the track-by-track breakdown of Oceania, we take some time to cover the history of the album and this particular era of the Pumpkins.
Joining Frank as guest co-host this episode is previous Pumpkast roundtable guest and dedicated Pumpkinhead Kim Rosas! In addition to covering the history of the Oceania era, Frank & Kim discuss their Pumpkin fandom around 2012 (and now), what it was like waiting for the song you wanted to listen to/record on the radio in the 90s, an unusual gymnasium SP show at the Florida State Fair and how the music of Billy/SP feels like fate and why we're devout members of the Church of Pumpkins (Churchkins?).
Plus, we give mad props to the impossible task Mike Byrne found himself in and throw in some much-deserved love and praise for bassist Nicole Fiorentino and guitarist Jeff Schroeder.
It's a special and unique era for the Pumpkins that over time (as usual) finally got the love and recognition it deserves.
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JAMES IHA - LOOK TO THE SKY + Bonus Tracks w/ David Jepsen
We end 2022 by covering the 2012 James Iha solo album "Look To The Sky", the sonically ambitious follow-up to Iha's first solo album "Let It Come Down". Pat remains out and Frank battles a cold but here to help Frank cover this overlooked gem is Patreon member and Aussie Pumpkinhead David Jepsen!
We talk about the album's excellent production, James gettin' sleazy by aping Iggy Pop, "Sad Happy Songs" and the incredible stable of James' talented friends appearing on the album including Karen O & Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara, Mike Garson, Tom Verlaine of Television and Nathan Larson of Shudder to Think.
Pump this 'kast while your eyes are glued on a valium gloomy day!
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SKYSAW- GREAT CIVILIZATIONS w/ Patreon member Joe
In 2008 Jimmy Chamberlin decided to walk away from the Pumpkins in order to focus on family and other projects. One of those projects was the short-lived Skysaw (originally named "This"). In 2011 Skysaw released its first and only full-length album "Great Civilizations", which mixes prog, alternative and a little country and jazz? Joining Frank to discuss this album is guest co-host and Pumpkast Patreon member "Joe".
In this episode they discuss Jimmy's essential instincts to provide what's best for a song, subtle nods to "Disintegration" and what exactly is the secret in Mike Reina's pocket?
One thing's for sure, "Jimmy is Gandalf".
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BONUS: The Tarot and Teargarden w/ Diana Dagaz of Mystic Mixtape
Our Teargarden coverage is coming to a close, but before we move forward on the Pumpkin/WPC timeline, Frank chats with Diana Dagaz from Mystic Mixtape about Teargarden's connections to the Tarot as well as other interesting topics related to the album, WPC, the Pumpkins (and our lives).
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BONUS: Super Quick thoughts on Billy Corgan solo acoustic KROQ performance, Hollywood Bowl show and ATUM Vol 1
Frank and Pat were fortunate enough to catch an intimate Q&A/Acoustic set with Billy Corgan at the KROQ DTS Sound Space and decided to record an impromptu Bonus episode giving out a quick and brief recap of the KROQ acoustic set, the Hollywood Bowl show and first impressions of ATUM Vol 1.
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TEARGARDEN BY KALEIDYSCOPE w/ James Young
On this episode of The Smashing Pumpkast, we do a track-by-track deep dive into the often-overlooked Teargarden By Kaleidyscope! Joining Frank as guest co-host this episode is James Young!
We talk the psych yet Zep influence of Vol 1. , the colossal shoes Mike Byrne had to fill and how he may have unfairly been judged at the time, the nods to Oceania to come and Frank has a profound breakthrough thanks to "A Stitch In Time".
We are one of many...fans of these songs!
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Teargarden Intro & History w/ Paul Levins
Our coverage of the Teargaren era kicks off with our Intro and History to Teargarden By Kaleidyscope. Joining Frank while Pat is still away is guest co-host Paul Levins. We discuss the history of the Teargarden era, appreciating the journey of the Pumpkins sound, The "war buddy" aspect of the fellowship of Pumpkinheads and we even chat a bit about the infamous 20th Anniversary Shows. Frank also wonders...are the Pumpkins the new Rush?
Are you with us or against us?! Stay tuned next week for the proper track-by-track breakdown of Teargarden By Kaleidyscope!
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BONUS: Favorite (Recorded) Billy Guitar Solos w/ Dean Schaffer
It's our first Patreon listener-selected episode! Joining Frank is Patreon member and musician Dean Schaffer. Dean joins Frank to discuss some of their favorite Billy guitar solos (and even a few leads). What are some of YOUR favorites?
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The Zeitgeist Listener Appreciation Episode
Zeitgeist Summer comes to a close (yes, in November) and we bid adieu (for now) with another Listener Appreciation Episode! Pumpkast listeners chime in to show some love for Zeitgeist and the Zeitgeist era.
Thanks to everyone who submitted (Spose, Evangelina Sanchez, James Puckett, Dean Schaffer, Carlos David Glass) commented and joined us during this hot hot hot Zeitgeist Summer. The cool winds of Teargarden are just around the corner!
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BONUS: 2022 Metro & Irving Plaza Club Shows Roundtable
In this special Pumpkast Bonus episode, Frank hosts a roundtable discussion with Pumpkinheads (Diana Dagaz (Mystic Mixtape), Eve, John LaMantia and Kim Rosas) who attended the recent Metro and Irving Plaza club shows!
(Audio pulled from Zoom session)
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If All Goes Wrong
The sun is setting on Zeitgeist Summer and today we take a look at the 2008 documentary/live performance feature "If All Goes Wrong".
This warts and all documentary covers the Pumpkins infamous residencies at The Orange Peel in Asheville and The Fillmore in San Francisco in the summer of 2007.
Frank and Pat talk about their deep appreciation for the Zeitgeist-era lineup, Billy's love-hate relationship with the fans (and vice versa), the uncomfortable moments of watching a band and the members we love having a rough time and of course, more Jimmy adulation.
And also...Gossamer. GOSSAMER!
We also share news of how the Pumpkast episodes will operate moving forward.
Cuddle up to your homemade Billy bust and enjoy this episode!
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BONUS: First impression of ATUM news! Beguiled, Atum, Butterfly Suite, Empires and Thirty-Three podcast reactions and more!
In this Bonus episode, we give our first impressions of ATUM news, we give quick thoughts on new tracks "Beguiled", "Atum", "Butterfly Suite" and "Empires". Plus, Thirty-Three podcast reactions and Pat announces a temporary step back from the Pumpkast.
SO MUCH to cover! Blast us into space exile 'cuz we're in for the epic ATUM rock opera odyssey!
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F.O.L / SUPERCHRIST / G.L.O.W. and More
Zeitgeist Summer burns on as we cover even more Zeitgeist-era goodies. Today on the 'kast we discuss the tracks "F.O.L", "Superchrist", "G.L.O.W.", "Strength In Numbers", "I Don't Mind", "As Rome Burns" and "The March Hare", posing the questions: What exactly is selling out these days? Is "Superchrist" Christian Rock that actually rocks? Do some of these tracks hint at the heavy-psych-jam Pumpkins album that never was? Does it make a difference to have an outside producer? Is "The March Hare" the other side of the "Suffer" LSD trip? Do you need a safeword to listen to "As Rome Burns"?
And, IS there such a thing as "Toxic Positivity?” One thing is certain, BC/JC keep the band’s rock muscles toned and tanned with this little island of misfit tracks.
Come on and feel our love... for these songs!
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BONUS: ITHAX & SCIMITAR ACOUSTIC DEBUTS AT TOGETHER AND TOGETHER AGAIN BENEFIT
We give our quick thoughts on two new songs (Ithax/Photograph & Scimitar) that were performed acoustic at the Together and Together Again Benefit.
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AMERICAN GOTHIC EP
"ZEITGEIST SUMMER" continues to sizzle on as today on the 'kast, we delve into 2008's AMERICAN GOTHIC EP. If Zeitgeist was the big swing to prove the Pumpkins still had their rock chops, this iTunes-exclusive continuation of the Zeitgeist project represented the pendulum swinging in the other direction, reestablishing SP's mastery of the "softer" side of things.
We're filling in the gaps of our Pumpkins history with this one, gang. 2008 was a heady time for your hosts and (in addition to being the year we met!) our Pumpkin antennas were not fully plugged in at the time of its online release. After addressing the ele-font in the room... we have a great time digging deep into this textured, crunchy EP, exploring the meaning of “thrumming” and discussing how "The Rose March" hit Frank at exactly the right moment.
We'll lay roses at your feet 'til you decide there is something great in you, Pumpkinheads! ❤️
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ZEITGEIST
Fifteen years ago the Pumpkins released their infamous, quasi-political, strangely prescient comeback album, ZEITGEIST. It was originally rolled out in an array of different colored CD and digital versions with slightly different tracklists, but today we're merging them all into one 16-track "complete" version of the album. A sort of unofficial "Rainbow Edition" if you will.
We dive deep into each of these tracks, really savoring ones like "Stellar" and "Ma Belle" that us basic red-version kids never got to fully experience at the time of the album's release. We also contemplate the massive weight of expectations a band must feel when coming back after seven years sans two original members, the Danny Elfman collab track that almost was, and the hot take: are several of these songs expressions of Billy's love for Jimmy? Discuss.
All that plus the big questions: Was Zeitgeist Billy's response to the state of the nation...of Rock? Is this a 2000s rock radio album or an ode to rip-ass Scorpions rock of the ’70s and ’80s? And finally, is it STILL considered underrated when most of the fanbase laments its absence from streaming services? This episode has it all, including an interruption from a black cat trying to kill a squirrel in front of us.
A million watts of sound can't compare... to the fun we had talking about this album! WE. ARE. STARZ. We arrrreeeeeeeee!
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