Nov. 24th: The return of Smashing Pumpkins at The Fox

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

With everything the Smashing Pumpkins have accomplished over the last 20 years, one might wrongly assume that their 2008 reunion tour would be a grand celebration of older material from albums like Gish, Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness. But unlike most nostalgia acts who decide to tour again after a long hiatus, Billy Corgan, who had retired The Pumpkins eight years ago, isn't necessarily interested in bringing you back to their glory days of the 90s.

Corgan and the reformed Pumpkins have been performing two different shows dubbed "Black Sunshine" and "White Crosses" over multiple nights in the same city during their recent tour. But since there is only one performance in St. Louis, this Wednesday evening at The Fox Theatre, we can expect a unique two and a half hour set that will probably cover many Pumpkins albums, although it probably won't resemble a dreamlike hit parade. Let me explain.

Yes, it's possible you will hear "Tonight, Tonight," "Today," "Bullet With Butterfly Wings," "Cherub Rock, "Disarm," "Zero," or "Mayonnaise."  Just don't expect to hear all of them back to back, like you would maybe prefer. The set will likely focus on a broad palette of tunes: fan favorites, rare Pumpkins songs, occasional covers and selections from 2007's Zeitigeist (LP) and 2008's American Gothic (EP). You might also catch a rant by Corgan, depending on what kind of mood he is in.

As you already probably know, you won't be seeing James Iha or D'arcy, two original Pumpkins members who decided not to join the reunion. What you will see will include Corgan and original drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, along with a band that will total nine pieces in all. My advice is to attend the show with an open mind, knowing in advance that this is a band that still wants to create music, not rest on its laurels.

Five to Download for the Week of Nov. 24th:

"Sequestered in Memphis," The Hold Steady

One of the most-talked about bands of 2008 rocks out on this tune from the album, Stay Positive.

"Elephants," Rachael Yamagata

A quiet, mysterious and sad tune from Yamagata, who returns with her sophomore double-disc, Elephants/Teeth Sinking Into Heart.

"Better Than Broken," Bottle Rockets

St. Louis' own Bottle Rockets will be performing a 15th Anniversary show on December 27th at Blueberry HIll. This one comes off their last album, Zoysia.

"Let It Be Me," Ray LaMontagne

This track from Gossip in the Grain is as beautiful as anything he's ever done.

"Lonely Anywhere," The Everbodyfields

Jill Andrews' voice carries this song, one of the best on their 2007 album, Nothing is Okay.