About

The third studio album and first double album by the Smashing Pumpkins, produced by vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan, alongside producers Flood (Depeche Mode, U2, The Charlatans) and Alan Moulder. The lengthy 28-track album was released as a two-disc CD and a triple LP. It features a wide array of musical styles, including art rock, grunge, alternative pop, and progressive metal.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness was one of the most generous records of the 90s. Smashing Pumpkins took it upon themselves to make a record that only teenagers could love and for many it was the only one they needed. They didn't shy away from making the follow-up to the grand, intricate Siamese Dream. With Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, the band turns in one of the most ambitious and indulgent albums in rock history. Lasting over two hours and featuring 28 songs, the album is certainly a challenging listen. To Billy Corgan's credit, it's a rewarding and compelling one as well. Although the artistic scope of the album is immense, the Smashing Pumpkins flourish in such an overblown setting. Corgan's songwriting has never been limited by conventional notions of what a rock band can do, even if it is clear that he draws inspiration from scores of '70s heavy metal and art rock bands.

Instead of copying the sounds of his favorite records, he expands on their ideas, making the gentle piano of the title track and the sighing "1979" sit comfortably against the volcanic rush of "Jellybelly" and "Zero." In between those two extremes lies an array of musical styles, drawing from rock, pop, folk, and classical. Some of the songs don't work as well as others, but Mellon Collie never seems to drag. The Smashing Pumpkins prove that they are one of the more creative and consistent bands of the '90s. — (via AllMusic)

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Label: Virgin
Format: 4 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Repress, 180g, Box Set
Reissued: 2023 / Original Release: 1995
Genre: Rock
Style: Alternative Rock

File under: School Of Rock
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