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The Pumpkins' debut hit the music world at the height of the grunge phenomenon of the early 90s, and exhibited most of the usual characteristics - heavy rock riffs, often reminiscent of GN'R ("Siva," in particular), thrashing guitars and brooding, self-deprecating lyrics. However, GISH rose above the bulk of the college rock bands, revealing more refined songwriting sensibilities courtesy of Billy Corgan, and presenting astonishingly touching ballads ("Crush"). Clearly much more raw and naive than the band's later work on the accomplished SIAMESE DREAM and the ambitious MELON COLLIE..., this album, nevertheless, set out the Pumpkins' agenda for rock and hinted at what was to come.
Recorded at Smart Studios, Madison, Wisconsin.
Personnel: Billy Corgan (vocals, guitar); D'Arcy (vocals); James Iha (guitar); Jimmy Chamberlin (drums).
Recording information: Smart Studios, Madison, WI (12/1990-03/1991).
Photographers: Bob Knapp; Michael Lavine.
Smashing Pumpkins: Billy Corgan (vocals); James Iha (guitar); D'arcy (bass, background vocals); Jimmy Chamberlin (drums).
Rolling Stone (p.75) - Ranked #7 in Rolling Stone's '10 Best Reissues Of 2011' -- "[A] fireball of emotional torment and scouring-guitar psychedelia." Spin (12/91) - "...Without a doubt the debut album of the year..." Q (8/94, p.129) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...Through the hail of noise and reeling Corgan diatribes, there's melody aplenty and some incisive guitar salvos from James Iha. It's perhaps not as immediate as SIAMESE DREAM, but GISH is just as rewarding..." NME (Magazine) (5/28/94, p.34) - 7 - Very Good - "...So we're still several furlongs away from the startingly well integrated emotional blunderbuss of SIAMESE DREAM....the leap between between this and DREAM remains huge..." Paste (magazine) - "[I]t features qualities that would launch the band to superstardom -- Corgan's love-it-or-hate-it snarl, mixes with an over-stacked amount of guitars and Jimmy Chamberlin's jazz-inspired drum parts..." Record Collector (magazine) (p.93) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "On GISH, 'I Am One' and 'Siva' are cathartic, contorted expressions of angst and frustration." Uncut (magazine) (p.97) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]his was, by alternative standards, a fastidious piece of work....Vig's warm, radiant production proves a neat fit for Corgan's dreamy guitar expressionism..."
Amazing cd This stuff is loud and fast and melodic all at the same time. There is definitely a more unrefined feeling to this album over the others. Submitted by a reviewer (Westborough, MA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 3 found this helpful.
Begining of the Revolution in 90s Rock 'Gish' paved the way for Billy Corgan's career. A talented songwriter, amazing guitarist & unique voal techniques, Corgan gives us a good introduction to early Pumpkins. This is the perfect album for people who are interested in the band, but not into the later, more electronic & effect-rich albums. 'Gish' was the 1st album for the band, & features back-up vocals from bass-player, D'arcy. The band's other guitarist, James Iha also pulls some nice solos, & drummer Jimmy begins to show us wahat he is capable of. From easy listening, to heavier gut-wrenching solos, this 'Gish' has it all.
SINGLES- Siva, Rhinoceros. OTHER STANDUTS- I Am One, Bury Me Submitted by themarys_guitarist (Deniliquin, NSW, Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 3 found this helpful.
KILLER Greatest debut album of all time. It hasn't been given the credit it deserves. Best songs : Rhinoceros and Siva the singles. MUST BUY IT Submitted by wilch (SWITZERLAND) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Still a classic Just as important a band to forming the 90's rock scene as any other. Still a classic debut that rewards even after all these years. Submitted by lindermaniac (Chicago) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Still brings back memories! I had just popped this in today, for it seems like, an eternity. Still kicked my rear! I love this CD!!!!! Submitted by jason (indiana) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Begining of the Revolution in 90s Rock
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