The Future Embrace

The Smashing Pumpkins have been my favorite band since Siamese Dream in 1993. But for those familiar with the band, you know it's been a down-hill slide driven by a man with an ever-dwindling sense of the music his fans want to hear. A man that's slowly losing touch.



Noone seems to be able to work with him, and he's been hell-bent on being a self-promoted leader of rock that takes the genre in a completely new direction. He went in a new direction, but noone followed. And yeah, rock probably needed a new direction, but I don't think you can go down the road that Corgan went -- to unenjoyable sound with no artistry.

But with every fall, something's due to rise. Ebb and flow.

Pumpkin-heads everywhere were given a sigh of relief when Zwan released it's only album. But the band's short life sent most of us back underwater.

The newest rise in Pumpkin-land comes with 'The Future Embrace.' Albeit, normal 'Pumpkin-heads' will miss the dreamy guitar rifs, the melodramatic verses of teenage-angst, those of us that grew up a little since 1998 realize that 'The Future Embrace' is a solid first step for Billy.

In this album, Corgan forgets trying to push rock in a new direction and returns to producing good sound and good music. Though this album won't find a big audience, the album will be on 'repeat' for those who never lost faith. Bravo-zulu, Billy Corgan.

Sure, the other reviews you hear will say that the album is crap, that Billy is middle-aged, and that's what he's got left. But do yourself a favor, listen for yourself. NO MATTER WHAT BILLY CAME OUT WITH, THE MEDIA GANG WAS STANDING AT THE DOOR WITH BATS IN HAND.

Oh, but one last thing, Billy. Your album-art sucks this time. You need to re-think it. Anyone that hates where rock has gone, and can't stand these copy-cat new version of the teen-bands, here's your message: This album isn't going to save rock and roll. Not even close. Who can? I'll be waiting, as must you.