It's grown on me a bit... But it's still nothing I'm dying to listen to. I'm happy they have been getting good reviews though... Maybe it'll give the new guys some confidence and their next album will be better. I guess I never will actually give up hope....

at any rate, the Pumpkins aren't the "Pumpkins" without Iha, D'Arcy and Chamberlain

Nah, I'd argue they aren't the Pumpkins without Jimmy. Billy and Jimmy were the core... Darcy and James were good for the image but nonessential.

I personally thought it was good.
Obviously Billy has made way better records but i've seen bands fail harder with their recent stuff vs their old than this.
Its not the easiest thing to just keep on making OK computer and Mellon collie albums all your life.

I've been spinning this album for a few weeks now, and although its intricacies are subtle-- I think it's outstanding. My top tracks are Violet Rays, My Love is Winter, Pale Horse, Inkless, and the the title track. This one is a 9 of 10 for me, and that's after a critical analysis. I'll post my review in this thread once I finish it.

I love these lines from "Inkless"... "And what you need of me you've got inside you/ You just take me home, take me home don't fight/ But drive me home the wrong way"

Were you a fan of the Smashing Pumpkins before this album?

Casual fan... This is the first album that I've bought since their first three, but I know their history, and I am familiar with their different albums, styles, and line-ups. I certainly wouldn't consider myself a hardcore fan, but this album makes me want to go back and explore Adore, the Machina albums, and the Zeitgeist.

Is the Teargarden stuff before Oceania any good or similar to Oceania?

I only ask because I've been curious how someone who had never heard them or isn't a big fan perceives this album... its been getting decent reviews and I'm wondering if it is coming from newer fans who don't know how good their older stuff is. While I'm happy for them... And while the album is enjoyable somewhat... It truly does not stack up to their classic material.

As for the Teargarden stuff, yeah it's similar to Oceania so you might enjoy it if you like that. I'm not really a fan of that, though.

Smashing Pumpkins: Oceania- 2012
 

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Smashing Pumpkins Oceania- 2012
RMR Album Rating- 9
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Although Oceania is very subtle and often subdued, it is soaked with stunning intricacies that eventually reveal a brilliant and beautiful album.

The album opens with “Quasar,” “Panopticon,” and “The Celestials,” which are all heavy guitar driven tracks; however, they don’t set the tone for the rest of the album which is better defined by the more subtle songs like “Violet Rays,” “My Love Is Winter,” “Pale Horse,” “Inkless,” and the epic title track.

Instrumentally, “Violet Rays” is played over a foundation of electronica that is cleverly masked by its melodic guitar and drum work. Corgan’s vocals are also compelling as they cry out in desperation for requited companionship. “My Love Is Winter” is played at a quick pace, but it is not heavy like the first three opening tracks. Its theme of lost love sets a very empty and cold tone for the song, so the main chorus of “my love is winter” is perfect.

“Pale Horse” and “Inkless are two more champions of the record. “Pale Horse’s” chorus repeats the two words “Thora Zine,” which if put together form the one word “Thorazine,” which is a drug used to treat schizophrenia. Taken in that context, the rest of lyrics make sense as well (“You think I’d swallow that?”), and the slow, desolate tone of the music matches the lyrics. “Inkless” is built around a great guitar riff, and Corgan’s delivery of the lyrics “just take me home, take me home/ don’t fuss/ but drive me home the right way” are some of the best on the album.

“Oceania” is the 10-minute centerpiece of the album. The standout moments are the main theme that highlight the synchronicity of Corgan’s guitar and Byrne’s drums, and the final 2+ minute guitar solo that concludes the song. There are also emotive lyrics and vocals throughout the whole track. “Oceania” represents everything that is great about the record. The song is subdued, yet once each of its many layers of subtly is peeled back, it reveals pieces of all the sound elements on the album.

Thematically, Oceania’s lyrics seem to focus on companionship and love, and these themes these are presented in an emotional, and sometimes, dreamy style. Oceania is also part of a larger collection of songs called Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. Teargarden is a working concept created by Corgan, which consists of 44 songs. Originally, Corgan intended to release the songs one at a time over the course of several years. Oceania is the 4th installment in Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, and it accounts for songs 11-23 of the project. The Smashing Pumpkins refer to it as an “album within an album.” Corgan has stated that he intends to finish the 44-song concept album, with a possible mix of more single releases and complete albums.

Oceania is a complete success. It has heavy moments; it has synthesizer driven moments, and it has soft and subtle moments, but they all ebb and flow together to form a amazing album from start to finish.

My two top tracks: "Pale Horse" & "Inkless"

I would only say that its an awesome album to listen to it i would appreciate the composer of this album who made this wonderful album.........