Smashing Pumpkins - Gish/Siamese Dream (Virgin)

Smashing Pumpkins helped to redefine rock music in the early 90s. The band's influence is still felt to this day, and they continue to thrive. Here we have the first two albums that helped to established this great and unique band.

"Gish" started it all, and by far it is still the best album. Sure there were bigger productions that followed, but there is something undeniably pure about this album. A feel even the band themselves could never really duplicate. Here it comes completely re-mastered with a second disc full of demos, singles, and odd radio sessions. And if that wasn't enough, there is a DVD from Chicago's Metro. The show dates back to 1990, which is very time appropriate for this reissue. Of course there is a great booklet with detailed liner notes, and some souvenir postcards to complete the package. All of it comes in a specially designed box.

"Siamese Dream" was the album that took Smashing Pumpkins to the international level. All of a sudden the band was visible on MTV a lot, had huge hits, and drew enormous crowds. "It was a huge album for the band. Here it is comes in a re-mastered version, much like "Gish," it gets identical treatment. There's a second disc or rarities, and a live DVD from 1993, coincidentally from Chicago's Metro once again. A great intimate venue if you ever had a chance to experience. Beautifully packaged, and completely in sync with "Gish."

What a phenomenal package for Smashing Pumpkins fans. These two boxes contain all you need when it comes to the early Pumpkins territory. Will other albums receive similar treatment? Only time will tell. The two reissues define the meaning of lavish!

Mark Kadzielawa