That should serve as both an invitation and a warning to some people. For those that like their rock bands to rock, then the Smashing Pumpkins is the band for you. With their assertive style - the drums and guitars are loud - they don't seduce with their subtlety. Still there are times when it's nice just to listen to some loud, hard music. With this mood in mind Siamese Dream is a really enjoyable listen.
On the other hand, perhaps it's not too much to ask for a tune to accompany all that noise. With its aggressive approach (though with a few exceptions) and near absence of melody (again with a few exceptions - like the excellent "Soma"), many will be put off by the album's lack of sophistication. Whether this had anything to do with Siamese Dream's difficult recording process or not - and it couldn't have helped - it still has to be dealt with.
By admission the songs on this album are "really personal" (according to lead singer, and chief songwriter, Billy Corgan). This is probably quite a revealing comment, because there does seem to be a distinct lack of intimacy on Siamese Dream. Indeed that seems to be the best way to describe this album. Some will like its straightforward approach, others will dislike it, but either way it's very difficult to truly get in to as a listener.
RATING: 4/10
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