founder of the hats for cats society :D every cat deserves a hat. likewise, every hat deserves a cat...
founder of the hats for cats society :D every cat deserves a hat. likewise, every hat deserves a cat.
Member since:18.10.2005
Reviews:18
Members who trust:4
Finally, after a long era of virtually nothing from the ex Smashing Pumpkins frontman (there was Zwan, but they were fairly disappointing), Billy Corgan returns with some of the most engaging, insightful music of his career. His high-pitched snarling whine combined with the grandly melancholic harmonies and progressions of electronics pick up where the Pumpkins 'Adore' left off. Corgan's voice blends perfectly with the dark electronic beats to create a highly emotionally charged album that conveys his longing for connection and salvation. There is a sense of close urgency that can be found in songs such as 'Tolovesomebody' with the heatfelt declaration "You don't know what it's like/To love somebody the way i love you", but not the passionate rage that pumped and echoed through much of the Pumpkins music. The album cover/artwork conists of a naked Billy (yes please) in various poses with his birthmarked hand - a mark that throughout his life has been a source of shame, especially in childhood when he was bullied and taunted by children and even their mothers becuase of its appearance.
Highlights of this album are defiantely the heavy, darkly tinged electronic thrusts of Mina Loy (M.O.H) where Corgan asks "can i give my own heart to you?" - a deeply heartfelt tune that nevertheless makes you want to move. When the heavy electronic bass line breaks in on A100 with the beat, you know this is also gonna be a great tune, then Corgan breaks it down before moving into the chorus "Some might say my love devours you whole..." One of the singles off the album, 'Walking Shade', is one of the tunes which grips you immediately with its relentless electronic drum rhythm and underlying synths. Corgan finishes the album with the highly ethereal, more low-key 'Strayz', in which he sums up his first solo masterpiece with the words "You know I'm true/Wasn't born to follow".
Unless you are a big Smashing Pumpkins/Billy Corgan fan such as me, i can guarantee that this album would soon get on your nerves. Corgan has moved tentatively into new ground that may perhaps not even appeal to the hardcore Pumpkins fan, and Corgan's high-pitched whine is often not everyones cup of tea. But give this highly anticipated and lovingly created piece of Corgan art a good few listens and i can guarantee it will grow on you as it did me.
Nice one Billy!
Also if you are interested, you can check out Billy's 'confessions' on http://www.myspace.com/billycorgan, and his first published book of poetry is availiable in the shops now too - 'Blinking With Fists' (give it a read!)
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Good first review, but I think you need to include more information on each individual track. Happy to re-rate if you edit this to include more information, just put a note in my guestbook when you're done.
The past is a foreign country but the new dawn alluded to by the title of Billy Corgan's ... more
debut solo album TheFutureEmbrace is actually an overcast day in an Eighties post-punk Britain of raincoats, chimneys, riots and run-down heavy industry. That migh...
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The past is a foreign country but the new dawn alluded to by the title of Billy Corgan's ... more
debut solo album TheFutureEmbrace is actually an overcast day in an Eighties post-punk Britain of raincoats, chimneys, riots and run-down heavy industry. That migh...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: New music from Billy, a fresh direction that often satisfies. Nice cover art and booklet Disadvantages: Not anywhere near as good as the pumpkins. Might not stand up to repeated listenning
Advantages: New music from Billy, a fresh direction that often satisfies. Nice cover art and booklet Disadvantages: Not anywhere near as good as the pumpkins. Might not stand up to repeated listenning
Oct 19th, 2005
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