Album: Mellon Collie & the Infinite Sadness
Artist: The Smashing Pumpkins
Year Released: 1995
I really got into this album...
Circa 1996/Summer 1999
Favorite songs include...
“Thirty Three“
“1979”
“Thirty Three”
Why it’s so good...
One of the foundational albums of my musical self. This was one of the handful of albums (and bands) that really made a significant impact on me as I first began to really listen to music as a pre-teen. Soon I wanted to be Billy Corgan and shave all my hair off, wear all black and appear as a goth, but actually write beautiful emo-infused love songs. But, you know, mix them with face-melting heavy songs.
Yes, I grew out of that dream. I love my hair, I could never be that pale, and I have come to idolize Mr Corgan much less.
But if I'm going to be completely honest, I've always had a dream to put together a concept album as beautiful and artistic, and hard and heavy as Mellon Collie.
It's what any emo teen needs- the beautiful and the angst-driven.
How they did it, I'll never know. The album begins with this gorgeous piano instrumental, followed by a love ballad (accompanied by a full orchestra), then they break into some seriously heavy guitar riffs. From there they suddenly pour out this mixed bag of pop love music and heavy alternative rock. AND THAT'S JUST THE FIRST OF 2 CDS!
The second half is definitely my favorite though. Because it appeals to the teenage Poston Panther within me that just wants a girl to love and write songs about. There are some real downers on that second half ("Love is suicide" repeated several times in one song), but you know it's all being told from this emotionally-driven individual who got a blue on his personality test.
And what's most amazing- it all works together.
It's like a human being, complicated and diverse and so very deep.
And gorgeous- absolutely gorgeous.
I'm glad you mentioned being a Poston Panther in this post because it was a formative album for me in those years as well. So many great tracks.
ReplyDeleteI could never really get into this album... But maybe that's because I was 15 when I tried listening to it. I might like it more now if I heard it again.
ReplyDeleteUnlike most people, my favorite song from Mellon Collie is actually "Muzzle."