Reprise

Decide right now, if you haven't already: Are you a Billy Corgan fan or a Smashing Pumpkins fan? If you are the former, then the latest from the Pumpkins might be right up your alley.

It surely sounds better than just about everything else out right now, especially if layer upon layer of fuzzy, spaced-out guitars is your thing. "Tarantula" sounds almost like a stoner-rock song, with chugging guitars. Impossibly dark, "Doomsday Clock" is one of the better songs on the album, with tons of guitar and modulating harmonies peeking through the distorted haze.

As characteristically punchy, snazzy and stylish as ever, drummer Jimmy Chamberlin shows off some amazing chops and probably has more time in the spotlight now that original members James Iha and D'Arcy Wretzky are out of the loop.

As an album, it's OK; as a Smashing Pumpkins record, it's subpar. But hey, at least it's not another Corgan solo record.

"” Joe Wertz