OK people,
On the eve of the release of the new Smashing Pumpkins album (I think we all presumed this Corgan moniker was dead, no?), I thought I'd add my 2 pence on the matter of bands reforming.
Some have been expected (Dinosaur Jr.) some have caused raised eyebrows (The Verve) but is it a good thing?
Personally, I think the act of reforming is somewhat natural and as I try to view this as an opportunity of legions of fans to see bands they've only heard on record (me and the 'Pumpkins, for example) but there are some questions as to the motivations for these moves.
The record industry money behind these moves are MASSIVE. Which, I have no problems with provided there's an element of honesty. Clearly a lot of bands (especially faceless drummers and bassists) are now broke. Footage of The Stooges at Glastonbury looked painful as a bunch of guys looking like they're on a fishing trip proficiently motor through a range of hits as Iggy roars out wistful gravel like the past 20 years had never happened. I'd have been satisfied if it wasn't for the interview I'd seen the day before whilst the guys desperately skirt round the topic of money when asked "So, why are you guys back on the road?".
Unfortunately, this seems to be the reaction of everyone is their position. This saddens me, but not as much as the prospect of a wealth of second-rate albums. This will undoubtedly be the case the new Smashing Pumpkins record, who as a band have consistently failed to make an impeccably flawless record since "Siamese Dream". The new single "Tarantula" is pretty 'meh', which is slightly better than anticipated.
A new single from McCabe, Ashcroft et al is not likely to yield such mediocrity and will almost certainly be awful, which as a massive fan of "Urban Hymns" will be most distressing.
Should these bands really be hoping to attain mediocrity? They certainly wouldn't have excepted it in the past so why now? As in so many industries, integrity has been replaced by financial gain. Sad
Before: Smashing Pumpkins - Today
After: Smashing Pumpkins - Tarantula
