Going Smashing With the Pumpkins

There was a time in our lives when we were convinced the Smashing Pumpkins were going to save rock n' roll. There was also a time in our lives when we were convinced Billy somehow plugged into our subconscious and in "Gish" captured the sound we dreamed of in the middle of the night. That was a long time ago.

So we're not sure what to think of the announcement today that the Pumpkins 2.0 are going to play eight shows at the Fillmore from July 22 to August 1. On the one hand, the sound of Billy stepping on the fuzz box and creating a huge pillow of sound still makes our hair stand up. On the other hand, the sound of a bald goth Billy twiddling with drum machines makes us want to listen to something, anything else. We are also not quite convinced that the word "reunion" fits a band in which two original members will not be there and probably two unknowns will be taking their place. Yes, Billy played all the guitar and bass on "Siamese Dreams" but Iha was the sh--.

Anyways, tickets for the eight shows go on sale Sunday for only $25. According to Live 105, the show will be all Grateful Dead like (in a good way) and will have different set lists each night, consisting of whatever the hell the band feels like playing. And if you want to hear a snippet of what the new Pumpkins sounds is like, go here. Meh.