<-Closure. |Main|Kelly Nolan->

In Defense of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Twilight to Starlight

July 8, 2007 11:48 PM

ou can read my thoughts on the "pink CD" here.

"Where Boys Fear to Tread"--5/5
This song is really simple, but it rocks a decent amount. Moreover, I really like the way it starts off this side of the album: from disparate sounds it builds to a relatively steady, driving rhythm. It's one of the simpler songs on the album--it doesn't involve a solo or any lead work, really--but I think it's a good song to drive to. Also, it features the explosions from the video game "Doom" that are mentioned in the liner notes.

"Bodies"--5/5
This is, by far, the hardest, most rocking song on the album. From start to finish, it's nothing but balls-to-the-wall, dropped-D-tuned, rock-your-socks-off, guitar-driven loudness. Billy's screams in this one are awesome. The brief interlude is perfect, especially with the freaky chant-type background. The whole song is summed up the chorus: "Love is suicide, love is suicide."

On a side note, check out this acoustic version of this song. It takes the song and completely flips it on its head. I really like it.

"Thirty-Three"--3/5
In terms of overall album construction, I understand why this song and "In the Arms of Sleep" follow "Bodies" and "Where Boys Fear to Tread." But this has never been one of my favorite songs. I don't dislike it, but I can't remember having ever sought it out. I was never able to understand why they released this one as a single.

"In the Arms of Sleep"--3/5
This song has grown on me a little bit over the years, but it's still not one of my favorites. The arrangement's decent, I like some of the lyrics, but I've just never connected with this one.

"1979"--5/5
I remember the first time I saw this music video. It was perfect. I was in high school at the time, and I pretty much wanted to do all the stupid things the kids in the video were doing. Except the part where you roll down a hill in a tire. That just seemed unpleasant. Anyway, I really like this song. I would prefer if the album version wasn't quit so electronic, but this it's still awesome.

"Tales of a Scorched Earth"--4/5
Sweet. Another song that unapologetically rocks. It's pretty sweet, the guitar in it is awesome, the effect on Billy's voice fits the song perfectly--the whole thing sounds like it's performed on chainsaws. In a good way.

"Thru the Eyes of Ruby"--5/5
This has long been one of my absolute favorite Pumpkins songs and definitely one of the best songs on the album, in my opinion. I love every part of this song--from the underwater-sounding verses to the distorted choruses. From the mellow bridge to the build-up, to the outro. Oh--and especially the almost completely unrelated acoustic part at the end. The whole song is nearly flawless.

"Stumbleine"--5/5
Another song that's just awesome. It's so mellow and soothing, but also incredibly touching. The arrangement--just Billy and a guitar--is perfect in its simplicity. One of the best mellow songs the Pumpkins ever did.

"X.Y.U."--4/5
The last rockin' song of the album, and it doesn't disappoint. It's one of those longer songs that, somehow, manages to be energetic and interesting for over seven minutes. "And in the eyes of the jackal I say KA-BOOM!!!!!!!!" Sweet.

"We Only Come Out at Night"--3/5
Huh? Where the hell did this song come from? It's ok, I guess, but it's nothing to write home about.

"Beautiful"--3/5
Again, just sort of a strange song. You can tell the album is winding down. The vocals are ok, but, again, it's nothing special. I almost never listen to this one unless I'm listening to the whole album.

"Lily (My One and Only)"--3/5
Even though I named one of my cats after this song (the other one is named Smash--three guesses as to where that came from), I don't really like this song a lot. It's just sort of there.

"By Starlight"--3/5
This one's better than any of the last three songs, but it's still not above three-star status.

Farewell and Goodnight--4/5
This song has the distinction of being the only song on which all four original Pumpkins sing lead vocals. I think it's a beautiful song. Falling asleep to this one is awesome because it's so mellow and, well, lullaby-like. The outro is also awesome. Fading out on a repeating piano riff is a great way to bookend the album.

So, there you have it. The album kicks ass. Deal with it.



1 Comments


Santi said:

A very nice defense indeed. I agree that Thru the Eyes of Ruby is one of the best SP songs ever, and that the piano riff at the end of Farewell and Goodnight is perfect. I would personally bump up the ratings of X.Y.U. and Beautiful, but overall your impressions are dead on.

And in a related note, I heard all of Zeitgeist online (forgot where) and it was somewhat disappointing. It is by no means a bad album, but definitely not great. Oh well, I'll probably still end up buying it to continue keeping up with my SP collection. Here's to a truly kick-ass next album!

July 9, 2007 1:17 AM



Leave a comment


Type the characters you see in the picture above.