SMASHING PUMPKINS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: We all know the hits - '1979', 'Today', 'Tonight, Tonight' - but what of their self-released demo in 1989? A lot less is spoken. But that's an injustice because these six tracks are a wellspring of inspiration, highlighting in charmingly ramshackle fashion their supreme talent from day one. You can hear the influence of The Cure on 'Jennifer Ever' and on 'East' Billy Corgan's signature guitar flourish - akin to what you hear on 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings' - comes through. After hearing it, you begin to understand why he feels it's an injustice to be snubbed on greatest guitar player lists. He's got a real gift for complicated guitar passages, as well as for lyrics, melodies and arrangements. 'Spiteface' also shows his diversity, with flashes of palm-muted distorted riffs a nod to speed metal. You can hear this tracklist is a work in progress, but that brings valuable context to what they have gone on to become.