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The Smashing Pumpkins - MACHINA: The Machines of God
Album Cover and the fable Glass and the Machines of God are hosted by Siva.
Band/Album General Information
Billy Corgan: Guitar, Vocals
James Iha: Guitar
D'arcy Wretzky: Bass Guitar
Jimmy Chamberlin: Drums
Release Date: February 2000
About The Album: Background
Machina was the Smashing Pumpkins' last album with the exception of the vinyl turned MP3 release of a partially produced followup album, Machina II. All songs were recorded in 1999, and as such D'arcy did play much of the bass on the album before leaving the band the same year. Melissa Auf der Maur joined as bassist for the Machina tour, and also appears in the Machina era music videos.
The time period after the 1998 album Adore was an interesting one for the Smashing Pumpkins. Adore had been a break from the Pumpkins' successful style of hard hitting guitar riffs mixed with deep lyrics and romantic ballads as a result of Billy Corgan's desire to try something different after announcing the death of rock, as he saw it. Although the album explored different styles of songs, it did not venture far from rock. The lack of a full time drummer (Chamberlin had been kicked from the band for his drug habits) and the disappointment of many fans who wanted another true Pumpkins album did not help the success of Adore.
So came Machina, in all its blazing rock glory. Chamberlin quit his drug habit and returned to the group. The album is a welcome return to the old style of the Pumpkins, compared to Adore, with enough new content to be a very distinct work. And once again, no one came. People had given up on the Pumpkins by this time. The problem was probably that fans of the band wanted something with the sound of Machina when Adore came out, and vice versa.
About The Album: Concept and Purpose
Machina is a concept album mixed along with a fable called Glass and the Machines of God Corgan wrote and divided into parts. The first section of the story appears in a difficult to read hand-inked style font within the CD booklet for Machina, which has the look and feel of an antique book. Other parts of the story were to come on later releases (such as the 25 vinyl copies of Machina II) and in other places, such as a spoof handout at a concert, and even the now-down official website. The story is one worth reading in its entirety if you are into Machina, and might have led to the album faring better if it had been made a bit less mysterious at the time (people did not realize the album was a concept album).
The story basically follows a rock singer named Glass, the lead member of his band Glass and the Machines of God. The band seems like it is meant to mirror the Smashing Pumpkins. The different parts of the fable highlight different times in Glass' life, such as his rise to fame, the meeting of a girl he falls deep in love with, and having everything collapse around him. The album follows along with this story, beginning with a heavy hitting song followed up by a deep love song and several tracks which can be interpreted as Glass' struggles and questions. Halfway through he gives a final farewell and leaves the world of rock, only to hit bottom and then begin the ascent back up. Ultimately the album ends on a bit of a depressing note, musically, but the tale ends on a good note as Glass realizes what is really important in his life and becomes a new man of sorts. Billy Corgan was undergoing a similar change of mindset as a result of his fame, which is most likely the motivation behind this story.
Track Listing
The Everlasting Gaze
Raindrops + Sunshowers
Stand Inside Your Love
I Of The Mourning
The Sacred And Profane
Try, Try, Try
Heavy Metal Machine
This Time
The Imploding Voice
Glass And The Ghost Children
Wound
The Crying Tree Of Mercury
With Every Light
Blue Skies Bring Tears
Age Of InnocenceThe Japanese releases and some of the vinyl versions of the album contain an additional track, Speed Kills.
Overall Rating
3 / 5 using the standard MX CD review scale. It happens to be one of my favourites, but it is not a very critical album in the genre. If you are just getting into the Smashing Pumpkins, it might work as a good first CD, but you will see the band differently than if you start with some of their best work such as Siamese Dream. For SP fans who haven't heard it, it's definately worth a listen.
What's Good About It
Machina is a quality piece of work. It is not short, but it does not seem randomly thrown together. Especially if you get into the story behind the concept, this CD can be a very nice straight-through listening experience. I find it especially good to listen to when the weather isn't the best, or when you're doing something and need a good CD playing along (such as gaming). The lyrics, like so many later Pumpkins lyrics, are filled with meaning and go deep if you are willing to explore them. Aside from all that, there are plenty of plain good, memorable songs spread throughout the album. This is definately a better listening experience than Adore, and not simply because it's a return to rock.
What's Bad About It
Although well put together, Machina is long (over 70 minutes). A few tracks could definately have been shortened or removed from the CD entirely without having much effect on the theme. The album's other major problem is that it is heavily produced. Distortion and overdrive are excessive and usually of a certain industrial type. The resulting feel is mechanical and heavily electric (after all, you are dealing with an album called Machina), but gets muddy and stretched out at times (this album uses lower tunings than the Pumpkins ever used in the past, such as Drop C). More effects and a greater variety of settings could have been used on this album to create a much wider range of tone across the album than it employs (although it is in no way narrow). The mix on a few tracks is also a bit wacky and bass-heavy to the point of slight distortion on the recording (Stand Inside Your Love).
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Individual Song Review
Song rating is relative to the rest of the album, with a 5 indicating the best song(s) on the album and a 1 indicating tracks that simply should never had gone into production.
The Everlasting Gaze (4:00)
5 / 5. This song starts out with a heavily distorted, easily recognized riff. The bass joins in and Machina's first masterpiece begins. The choruses of this song have a moving feeling to them because of some massive choral effect or mix addition that makes the guitars begin to glow. The repeated lyrics "You know I'm not dead", as well as complimenting the story of Glass, remind the music scene that Billy Corgan and his band aren't quite out of it yet.
Raindrops + Sunshowers (4:39)
2.5 / 5. A softer, mellow track that gives the feel of a rainstorm. The idea being explored here is how everyone has problems in their lives that they must work to get through, and how it relates to one man's struggles. The song gets repetative and boring to an extent (something which plagues several Machina songs), but all in all is not bad. Particularly of note are the drums on this track.
Stand Inside Your Love (4:14)
5 / 5. A dark, romantic love song. The verses are soft and ring true to a traditional love song, with E-Bow'ed notes moaning in the background. The chorus of this song has a deep progression of chords leading up to it and is very heavy, making for a moving feeling of emotion, backed by lyrics with substance to them. Everything about this song proclaims real love from the E-Bow solo to the final chord. This and Everlasting Gaze are easily the best two tracks on Machina. Unfortunately, a small amount of distortion clipping is present in the mix for some reason.
I Of The Mourning (4:37)
3.5 / 5. A floaty daydream, Pumpkins style, which transforms into a standard rocker. Glass sings to his radio about the condition of his musical career and inspirations around him, along with a constant request to play his favourite songs. This song has a lot of reverb and depth to it but no part of it stands out as particularly exceptional other than a unique sounding solo after the first chorus.
The Sacred And Profane (4:22)
3.5 / 5. A conversation with a lover, friend, or perhaps even God. The layered guitars give this song a feeling of reverence and infinite sustain. Towards the end it drags on just a bit, but the lead line is enchanting. This unusual sounding rocker also sports a rather simple drum track that almost sounds machine-generated.
Try, Try, Try (5:09)
4.5 / 5. The music video for Try, Try, Try (a controversial one) shows a young homeless couple struggling to get by each day despite problems such as drug addictions. That sort of situation sets the mood for this softer song about pulling through hard times. It is a very well done song that can get you thinking about things, or provide hope.
Heavy Metal Machine (5:52)
4 / 5. As the title would suggest, this song rocks hard, heavy, and wildly overdriven with metal tones. The riff is easily remembered and the song is structured into different sounding parts for the verses, choruses, and bridges, going from a lead line to a damning sequence of power chords at a pinch. Long, but enjoyable. The lyrics detail Glass' speculation of how much it would matter if he were dead.
This Time (4:43)
3.5 / 5. The Smashing Pumpkins' unofficial farewell song to fans. A rocker with heavy choruses and meaningful lyrics about the value of things. Following the fable, This Time might represent the last concert performed by Glass and his band. The guitar work is nice, yet kept subtle so as to not overtake the rest of the song. The final line is "As the curtains fall, we bid you all goodnight."
The Imploding Voice (4:24)
4.5 / 5. A heavily distorted and uniquely arranged song that reminds me of earlier days and the SP trademark of many overlayed guitar tracks. This song particularly appeals to me with its structured chugging patterns. One of the more fun tracks on the CD, although it still retains a level of seriousness in the lyrical discussion of being lost.
Glass And The Ghost Children (9:56)
3.5 / 5. A long ballad-type song with heavy focus on the drums (which are exceptional) and the familiar bassline playing away over and over, while guitars equipped with odd effects make spectral noises from all around. This song talks about God and several interesting mysterious things which give the impression of being in some sort of laboratory a-la-1984's Ministry of Love. The middle portion of the song features nothing but a piano playing while a cassette recording of Billy Corgan talking to a psychiatrist is played at varying speed, with several fast forwards and rewinds to repeat lines of importance. The conversation deals with God and the motivation behind Billy's actions. As the section (which lasts a few minutes) fades out into a mass of static, the final part of the song enters through the fuzz and stays partially affected by it. It is a sad sounding and mysterious conclusion to the song that features only a simple guitar riff: once again the focus is on bass and drums.
Wound (3:58)
4 / 5. A very upbeat song about the past, present, and future, and taking action. Wound contains an interesting combination of acoustic and electric guitars, creating a very surrounding sound which the deep vocal reverb only serves to heighten. Several places in the song a minor chord is paused on for some time, adding drama to the song. The little electric leads fading in and out here and there are as present here as on the rest of Machina.
The Crying Tree Of Mercury (3:43)
3 / 5. A very sad and depressing song which moves sluggishly. Everything here has distortion on it, even the drums. The song is a raw proclaimation... "I did it all for you" is a recurring lyric. The slowly strummed chords slow the song down somewhat painfully, and a guitar solo which continues on into a lyrical portion adds even more emotion to the song. It's not a bad song, but when it's over it will have changed your mood.
With Every Light (3:56)
3 / 5. Adding contrast to the negativity is this very encouraging work placed in the middle. Starting with a sequence of drums and moving on to quivering, gentle guitar sounds, this song just sounds soothing and promising. A keyboard with a panpipe style sound creates an ambience that only adds to the mood. This song is like a huge revelation that occurs to Glass, and a realization that God is always with him.
Blue Skies Bring Tears (5:45)
2 / 5. A very slow, sad song that doesn't fit in too well at this point in the CD. Heavy guitar notes blast in during the verses, and a keyboard adds choir voices to this requiem of a song. The theme here is that not every "good thing" is actually so desirable, but I really think they could have done it better. There is a faster, more electric version of this song on Machina II which might have fit the bill better, because this song is just too long.
Age Of Innocence (3:55)
4.5 / 5. A very powerful song finishes up the album. The drums ticking and the high hats tapping set the mood for the song as a minor chord progression fades in and becomes the verse. Later on it gets heavier, with some interesting brass-like leads during the prechorus and the same wide open ambience sound found in the choruses of The Everlasting Gaze. The song is really good, but ends on a sad note with a dark outlook as the last chord fades out, ending the 73 minutes that are Machina in a powerful way.
Although I find myself skipping some tracks from time to time, listening to Machina is always a pleasant experience. If you like the Smashing Pumpkins, Machina is definately one of the many very different sounding albums to add to your collection sometime. If you're not familiar with the Pumpkins or not big on this style of Alternative Rock, as I said above, you're probably better off starting with less of an experiment in music and more of a solid rocker.
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- Dennis Rybes 04 Sep 2004
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Very, very, very, very good review. Unfortuentely i've only heard the songs on this album from Rotting Apples. I'll dive into a few more songs. I like the idea of the concept album. Can't rate the album since I haven't heard it but 5/5 for the review.
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You gave "Everlasting Gaze" a 5.
what
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Fantastic review, man. I feel exaclty the same way about this album as you do.
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Fantastic review. This is the most underrated Pumpkins album. Try, Try, Try is the best music video ever and Everlasting Gaze is so uplifting.
I'm so glad someone finally reviewed this album. I love it.
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[QUOTE=DRybes] This is definately a better listening experience than Adore[/QUOTE]
No way in hell
[QUOTE=SubtleDagger]You gave "Everlasting Gaze" a 5.
what[/QUOTE]
Exactly. "Everlasting Gaze" is nothing that special.
[QUOTE=DRybes] Raindrops + Sunshowers (4:39)
2.5 / 5. A softer, mellow track that gives the feel of a rainstorm. The idea being explored here is how everyone has problems in their lives that they must work to get through, and how it relates to one man's struggles. The song gets repetative and boring to an extent (something which plagues several Machina songs), but all in all is not bad. Particularly of note are the drums on this track.[/QUOTE]
This song is easily a 5/5. I love the way Billy sings on this track. Listen to me people, this song is a classic.
[QUOTE=DRybes]
Stand Inside Your Love (4:14)
5 / 5. A dark, romantic love song. The verses are soft and ring true to a traditional love song, with E-Bow'ed notes moaning in the background. The chorus of this song has a deep progression of chords leading up to it and is very heavy, making for a moving feeling of emotion, backed by lyrics with substance to them. Everything about this song proclaims real love from the E-Bow solo to the final chord. This and Everlasting Gaze are easily the best two tracks on Machina. Unfortunately, a small amount of distortion clipping is present in the mix for some reason.[/QUOTE]
You got this one right. SIYL is the BEST PUMPKINS SONG EVER.
[QUOTE=DRybes]I Of The Mourning (4:37)
3.5 / 5. A floaty daydream, Pumpkins style, which transforms into a standard rocker. Glass sings to his radio about the condition of his musical career and inspirations around him, along with a constant request to play his favourite songs. This song has a lot of reverb and depth to it but no part of it stands out as particularly exceptional other than a unique sounding solo after the first chorus.[/QUOTE]
Whoa, way off on this one. The third standout track right here. Great song.
[QUOTE=DRybes]Heavy Metal Machine (5:52)
4 / 5. As the title would suggest, this song rocks hard, heavy, and wildly overdriven with metal tones. The riff is easily remembered and the song is structured into different sounding parts for the verses, choruses, and bridges, going from a lead line to a damning sequence of power chords at a pinch. Long, but enjoyable. The lyrics detail Glass' speculation of how much it would matter if he were dead.[/QUOTE]
This song is a terrible studio song. But "Heavy Metal Machine" is brilliant live. The studio version is a 1/5.
[QUOTE=DRybes]The Crying Tree Of Mercury (3:43)
3 / 5. A very sad and depressing song which moves sluggishly. Everything here has distortion on it, even the drums. The song is a raw proclaimation... "I did it all for you" is a recurring lyric. The slowly strummed chords slow the song down somewhat painfully, and a guitar solo which continues on into a lyrical portion adds even more emotion to the song. It's not a bad song, but when it's over it will have changed your mood. [/QUOTE]
I give this song a 0/5. This is my LEAST favorite pumpkins' song ever. And I have heard all of the Smashing Pumpkin's songs, so that's saying something. "The Crying Tree Of Mercury" is an embarassing song.
All of the other songs I agree with. This is a surprising descriptive review. Good job. Machina has some of my favorite pumpkins' songs and a couple of my least favorite.
Don't be offended by what I said, just putting in my opinion :thumb:
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"The Everlasting Gaze" is less than "nothing that special". It's horrid. It makes me upset that they decided to rerecord "Zero" and make it a thousand times worse.
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"The Everlasting Gaze" is one of their best songs. The chorus of it is awesome, it's so uplifting, imo it's 10 times better than "Stand Inside Your Love" (although that song rules too) but the part when it cuts back to nothing but vocals is pretty crap.
I think that this album is probably a better listening experience than Adore. Adore has some great tracks like "To Sheila" and "Perfect" but it just drags on and on.
It was definiteily worth the 3 bucks I paid for it though :D
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[QUOTE=br3ad_man]I think that this album is probably a better listening experience than Adore. Adore has some great tracks like "To Sheila" and "Perfect" but it just drags on and on.[/QUOTE]
I don't agree, but oh well. "Adore" will always be my favorite pumpkins' album.
[QUOTE=br3ad_man]It was definiteily worth the 3 bucks I paid for it though :D[/QUOTE]
No doubt :thumb:
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[QUOTE=ZEROthirtythree]I don't agree, but oh well. "Adore" will always be my favorite pumpkins' album.
No doubt :thumb:[/QUOTE]
Oh well, different strokes. Knuckles.
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Different strokes for different folks.
and knuckles is a high five except with your knuckles.
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I didn't 
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[QUOTE=Iai]It's from an old sitcom called Diff'rent Strokes. It had Gary Coleman in it, and his catchphrase was, 'What you talkin' bout, ....' He's been on a few Simpsons episodes too - Christmas special. 'What you talkin' bout, Moe?'
Eh. It's funny before you explain it.  [/QUOTE]
I got it ;)
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Ahh ok. Next time I'll laugh :thumb:
Now it's time to stop filling the thread with useless posts
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I love "With Every Light" like when he says "look ma the sun is shining on me"...its really beautiful. After Adore he was so despressed about the loss of his mother and he was miserable basically...with that song, i dunno, it just sounds like he's over the loss of her and he knows she loved him and stuff like that. I dunno, but that song really strikes me as from the heart from him.......
I'd give the cd a slightly higher rating. There's some great songs on here. The only ones i dont really like are Blue Skies Bring Tears, Age of Innocence, and the crying of the mercury tree.
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i wrote the review for each song while listening to it. i knew there were going to be lots of disagreements. i just have a few things to say...
- raindrops is a personal un-favourite of mine, as is blue skies bring tears and the crying tree of mercury. i hate those songs. raindrops is better than i rated it, i suppose... but i still dont like it.
- you either love or hate everlasting gaze. it mesmerizes me, and i love it. this is a point a lot of people are going to differ on i guess.
- i like i of the mourning but i got the feeling it wasnt that good of a song from a general standpoint based on most of the people i've talked to who've heard it.
i'm going to review the other missing CDs, as the pumpkins can't just go unreviewed. thanks for your replies guys.
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[QUOTE=DRybes]i'm going to review the other missing CDs, as the pumpkins can't just go unreviewed. thanks for your replies guys.[/QUOTE]
I call Pisces Iscariot!!!
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[QUOTE=ZEROthirtythree]I call Pisces Iscariot!!![/QUOTE]
eep. sorry! i did it last night...
your call now. i can do TAFH or machina II....
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[QUOTE=DRybes]eep. sorry! i did it last night...
your call now. i can do TAFH or machina II....[/QUOTE]
Fine, I'll do TAFH
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I'll do Machina II unless someone else wants it.
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