Review Summary: Not only is Siamese Dream hands down the peak of Smashing Pumpkins' career, it's one of the best albums of the nineties and one of the greatest alternative rock albums of all time.
So without getting into all the sentimental crap that's seen a lot on this site I'll just get straight to it, Siamese Dream is one of the best albums in the last 20 years and one of alternative rock's crown jewels.
Siamese Dream is the pumpkin's second LP and a huge step forward from their excellent debut album Gish. Regardless of your opinion of Billy Corgan, it's easy to see that he truley strived for perfection when making this album and the attention to detail is, at times, shocking. Want an example? Apparently on the 6 minute epic that is Soma there was over 100 guitar overdubs! It's an insane concept to get your head around but Corgan really put himself through hell during the recording of this record, though at the expense of his band members.
The lyrical content is one of my favorite parts of the album. Every song really gives you an insight into Billy's disturbing life. From his reflection of his abuse as a child on Disarm to his ironic take on suicide on Today, we are displayed with a dark image of Billy's life. At times, it's like an exorcism of his demons. But its not just the lyrics that make SD as classic, Billy is also an incredible guitarist and offers some fantastic solos throughout the album (see Cherub Rock, Hummer or Geek USA). Jimmy Chamberlin also shines on Siamese Dream offering competent drum work from start to finish, definitely one of the most underrated drummers of all time.
There isn't one occasion on the album where we're left bored, the album never drags and will grab your attention from the drum roll in Cherub Rock to the beautiful melody in Luna. Every single song on the album is phenomenal and there's something to admire about on each track.
In summary, if your in any way a fan of alternative rock you have to own siamese dream. As cheesey as it sounds, it really does take you to another place and keeps you there through th entire duration if the album.
Standout tracks:
Today
Hummer
Disarm
Mayonaise
Soma
Cherub Rock
