The alternative-rock giants, Smashing Pumpkins, unveil their eleventh studio album, Cyr, via Sumerian Records.

The 20-song set, a double album, produced by Billy Corgan in Chicago, and with band mates and founding members Jimmy Chamberlin and James Iha and guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

“‘CYR’ represents, at least symbolically, the makings of a dissociative life, which best as we can tell IS modern life: as presented through a variety of sources; past, present, and future, “explains Corgan. “Where even our own story as a band is often represented as something more grotesque and glorious than we actually experienced it. Which, it should be noted, is fine. Because we’ve never fought the dream as a collective, or it’s prickly twin (hence the snazzy title of one of our earliest records). So in CYR you get 20 pieces of fractured ideology, neither here nor there but that’s sort of the point. To ape that which in the post-technology age is not so easily defined and pinned down, but can be shown in a lithe, restless melody.”

Tonight, the Smashing Pumpkins, will perform their radio hit, “Cyr,” on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

The Smashing Pumpkins formed in Chicago in 1988, released their heralded debut album, Gish, in 1991. The band found mainstream success with 1993’s 4x multi-platinum Siamese Dream and 1995’s 10x multi-platinum Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

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The legendary rock band, the Smashing Pumpkins, share their new music video for their single, “WYTTCH,” directed by Charlotte Kemp Muhl, taken from their forthcoming eleventh studio double album, Cyr, due out on Friday, November 27 via Sumerian Records.

“WYTTCH” jumps into the band’s darker and heavier-leaning songs. Cyr features 20 tracks produced by frontman Billy Corgan that was recording in Chicago. The album features founding members Corgan, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlain, and guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

The band is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, with a forthcoming 33-track sequel to Mellon Collie.  The band also mentioned the possibility of a Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness world tour in 2021.

The Smashing Pumpkins formed in Chicago in 1988 and released their debut album, Gish, in 1991. They eventually found mainstream success with 1993’s Siamese Dream and 1995’s Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

CYR TRACK-LISTING
1. The Colour of Love
2. Confessions of a Dopamine Addict
3. Cyr
4. Dulcet in E
5. Wrath
6. Ramona
7. Anno Satana
8 Birch Grove
9. Wyttch
10. Starrcraft
11. Purple Blood
12. Save Your Tears
13 Telegenix
14. Black Forest, Black Hills
15. Adrennalynne
16. Haunted
17. The Hidden Sun
18. Schaudenfreud
19. Tyger, Tyger
20. Minerva

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The alternative-rock band, the Smashing Pumpkins, have released the next two tracks from their forthcoming album, Cyr. The next two singles are “Confessions of a Dopamine Addict” and “Wrath.”

Following the band’s announcement of their upcoming album, Cyr, the Smashing Pumpkins have released an additional two songs prior to their 20-track set set for release on November 27. Both tracks released today were produced by frontman Billy Corgan and feature the founding members James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin, and guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

The latest tracks come with the band’s Episode 1 and 2 of their ‘In Ashes’ 5-part animated series on YouTube. Watch episode 1 – ‘As The Crow Flies’ (The Colour of Love) here and episode 2 – ‘Inspirations, Aspirations’ (Confessions of a Dopamine Addict) here.

CYR TRACK-LISTING
1. The Colour of Love
2. Confessions of a Dopamine Addict
3. Cyr
4. Dulcet in E
5. Wrath
6. Ramona
7. Anno Satana
8 Birch Grove
9. Wyttch
10. Starrcraft
11. Purple Blood
12. Save Your Tears
13 Telegenix
14. Black Forest, Black Hills
15. Adrennalynne
16. Haunted
17. The Hidden Sun
18. Schaudenfreud
19. Tyger, Tyger
20. Minerva

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The Grammy-award winning alternative rock band, the Smashing Pumpkins, share two new singles “Cyr,” and “The Colour of Love,” out on Sumerian Records today. The Smashing Pumpkins are founding members, Billy Corgan, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlain, and guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

“‘Cyr’ is dystopic folly,” frontman Billy Corgan reveals, “one soul against the world sort of stuff, set against a backdrop of shifting loyalties and sped up [the] time. To me, it stands as both hopeful and dismissive of what is and isn’t possible with faith.”

The guys also completed a live performance video of “Cyr” directed by Linda Strawberry, the video was shot in Chicago and Los Angeles. The video was filmed remotely

“This is a goth fever dream of pent up emotion – an artistic visual release attempting to create a momentary escape from the emotional black cloud hanging over all of us this year.” Director Linda Strawberry explains. “A dark seduction filmed in quarantine at a social distance.”

The new singles follow their 2018 Rick Rubin-produced LP, Shiny And Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun., as well as several headlining tours across North America. The band formed in Chicago, IL, in 1988, and released their debut album, Gish, in 1991. In 1993, they released the follow-up to Gish with the 4x multi-platinum selling album, Siamese Dream, and 1995’s 10x multi-platinum selling album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

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Artist: The Smashing Pumpkins

Album: The Aeroplane Flies High (Box Set)

Year: 1996

If memory serves correctly (which isn’t something that always happens), I mentioned in a much older article that 1996 was the year that belonged to The Smashing Pumpkins. They had released “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” in October of 1995, and it would go on to spawn 5 singles, while the band would also dominate the MTV Video Music Awards, mostly thanks to the video for “Tonight, Tonight”.

Unfortunately, it was also the year that touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin would both overdose, resulting in the former’s death and the latter being fired from the band. Indeed, 1996, for the band, was probably a perfect example of celebrating the highest of highs and dealing with the lowest of lows.

Now, back to the 5 singles I mentioned. It may be something that is forgotten these days, but back then, singles were actually released on CD. On top of that, import singles often featured b-sides not available on the singles released in the USA. For fans wanting all the songs, this was a costly, but necessary way, to get all those extra tracks.

Virgin Records took care of this problem, by releasing “The Aeroplane Flies High”. Released in November 1996, this box set contained all 5 singles released from “Mellon Collie…..”, along with all their respective b-sides, and an extra 5 cover songs added to the first disc. It was supposed to be limited to 200,000 copies, but demand for the set ended up being much higher than expected, resulting in more copies having to be produced.

Due to the limited run, as well as the fact it was almost entirely b-sides, and coming between 2 major studio albums, this release is often overlooked, despite being rather important.

“Mellon Collie….” had 28 songs, while a reported 40-50 had been worked on. With this box set rounding up every b-side, it ends up actually containing more music than its parent album. On top of that, it can be argued that some of these tracks should have been on the actual album itself (SP was one of those bands whose b-sides tended to be very strong). Indeed, fans often cite the tracks “Ugly” and “Set the Ray to Jerry” (both from the “1979” single) as two of the best songs the band has ever recorded.

Actually, the only track that drove people nuts was the “Pastichio Medley”, from the “Zero” single. This 23 minute track is comprised of nothing but riffs recorded between “Siamese Dream” and “Mellon Collie….”, and the main reason it drove people nuts was because we wanted the entire songs! (It wouldn’t be until the deluxe editions of “Mellon Collie….” and “Aeroplane” that we would get a lot of those tracks in full, and even then some remained unreleased).

When all is said and done, though, it’s what this box represents that is the most important aspect. Jimmy was gone. The direction and sound of the band would change rather drastically the following year. This would be the final new release to actually contain recordings featuring all 4 original members.

Basically, this was the release that drew a line in the sand, and unexpectedly would also see the end of an era. With hindsight being 20/20, it’s time people went back and listened to it.

1996. The year that alternative music belonged, arguably, to The Smashing Pumpkins. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness was possibly the biggest album that year, the band was on top of everything, winning awards and whatnot, until the Jimmy Chamberlain tragedy occurred.

Meanwhile, at a home studio called The Farm, in Michigan, a band named Catherine was busy recording their second album, Hot Saki and Bedtime Stories, which remains one of the great forgotten albums of the 90s…unless you’re a Smashing Pumpkins fan.

See, drummer Kerry Brown happened to be married to SP bassist D’arcy Wretzky at the time, and SP had done a bit of recording and production work with Brown at The Farm. SP was, of course, quite supportive of Catherine.

When Hot Saki… was released, it was easy to confuse it for an SP album. The fuzzy, bright guitars, and high vocals made the influence obvious from the very opening of the album. Having Wretzky sing co-lead vocals on two tracks, including the first single “Four Leaf Clover”, only added to that.

The difference here is, in place of the bombastic, overblown riffs and complex drumming that SP is known for, Catherine instead replaces that with pop hooks that are catchy and immediate, along with glimpses of psychedelia and a bit of dissonance here and there. Opening track “Whisper” (which appeared in the movie Scream), sets the album up perfectly, with acoustic guitars, Mark Rew’s breathy vocals, and fuzzed-out portions of guitar throughout.

The aforementioned “Four Leaf Clover” was, as the first single, played quite a bit on radio (remember those days?), as well as on 120 Minutes on MTV (Remember those days, too?). Again, and especially with Wretzky as part of it, it felt like SP gone pop, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

There are moments where they try to combine the pop with the grandiose, which are, for the most part, successful. “Blacklight”, while starting out as a simple, acoustic driven song, culminates with a gentle, yet forceful buildup towards the ending. “Pink Floyd Poster” begins as a gentle, melancholy ballad, and halfway through turns into a monster rock song.

If there is one element of this album that I’ve always found problematic, it’s the drum sound, specifically the snare drum. I mention this because Kerry Brown, for whatever reason, has this weird thing for making the snare sound too metallic whenever he’s producing. SP fans familiar with Brown’s production work (he did most of James Iha’s B-side from the Mellon Collie album) know exactly what I’m talking about. While a minor complaint, it can get a little irksome on certain songs.

Overall though, this was an album that unfortunately did not get the attention it deserved, even despite connections to the biggest band in the world that year, and a generally good showing for the first single. Could it have been because people felt it sounded TOO much like SP, and considered it a rip-off? Nobody knows anymore. With tracks like “Four Leaf Clover”, “Pink Floyd Poster”, “Blacklight”, the acoustic ballad “Punch Me Out”, and the glam-tinged “Cotton Candy High”, among others, this is an album that seriously deserves a re-evaluation on its own terms. Yes, the SP connection will always be there, but remember…this isn’t SP.

(A quick side note; if you ever come across it, check out the single version of “Four Leaf Clover”, which is the one used in the video; in my opinion, it’s far superior to the album version.)

“We are completely overwhelmed by the response to ‘Headlights,’” Morning Parade’s lead vocalist, Steve Sparrow, tells when asked about the craze over their latest single.  “It was written in 15 minutes. We can’t believe our baby is now walking and talking all on its own.” Not only is their “baby” walking and talking, it’s also gaining them top spots on the Alternative charts and acclaim from many big names, like MTW and Vogue. This isn’t what keeps them going, though. “I don’t tend to read press or reviews about us. They’re just opinions, if we’re happy then I’m happy,” Sparrow explains. “I don’t ever think of us ‘making it’, we just think about the next show.”

There does indeed always seem to be another show for Morning Parade. They toured the UK in 2011 and are touring the US with the Smashing Pumpkins this fall. Sparrow admits that it’s quite difficult to find a balance between family and work. “We’re all still learning about how to be in a band without being a dick. It’s a very selfish career so we’re very lucky to have amazingly understanding and patient people around us, from our families and management to our tech and tour manager.” Making time for it all isn’t exactly a chore for Sparrow, though. “I tend not to think of my family as an obligation I actually quite like them, relaxing is more difficult.”

The band, although busy, has hobbies other than music. “I can’t remember what down time is!” Sparrow jokes when asked about some other things he does with his time. “We like to attempt to play golf, get to the football (soccer), exercise, sleep, walk the dog, etc. We’re social butterflies so we like to go party with all our friends too.” In the end, it all boils down to the same thing for them, though. “After a few days I always end up with a guitar or a piano – I’m kind of addicted to making music.”

Their addiction to making music is incredibly evident, and their recent self titled album demonstrates their love for what they do. “Morning Parade” was their debut album, and a quite unexpected one at that. “The recording process was strange. It was kind of unplanned. We started just demoing stuff and it turned out to be the bones of the album.” It was recorded at 13 Studios, an interesting place to say the least. “13 is a special place, a strange secret studio co-inhabited by Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and for awhile, us.” The studio is owned and run by some big names. “Jason Cox (producer) has been working with Blur and Gorillaz for most of his life so it was amazing just to hear the stories.”

Once their album was in the works, Morning Parade began playing in the US and have come back often. “We’ve been here a few times this year. We came out in March and did a few shows with The Kooks on the east coast before being introduced to the frenzy that is SXSW. We came out again in June and did three and a half weeks with Walk The Moon which was amazing. Such a nice group of guys and an amazing way to be introduced to touring in America.” Touring in America has proved to be different than in the UK, Sparrow tells. “The Americans definitely respond as soon as they hear the British accent, even if it’s because they think we’re Australian.” It’s not just the accent-love that makes the US crowds different, though. “I like the audiences here. They come to the shows to have a good time.”

Speaking of a good time, Sparrow and some band mates have had some in Philadelphia! “We ate at an amazing Mexican called La Vaz I think, and then ended up in a gay bar. It was a strange night.”

Sparrow leaves with a few last words relating to his secrets to success, or lack thereof. “There are no secrets. Just a relentless itch and an unquenchable desire. Other than that, a lot of hardwork, a thick skin and an acrid determination.”

For the readers to the north- be sure to catch Morning Parade at Mr. Small’s in Pittsburgh on Friday, November 16th!