MUSE: Million Watts of Sound Can't Compare

I took this photograph of Billy Corgan taking the stage at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. This is from show #6 of a 9 Day Residency that the Smashing Pumpkins played on June 30, 2007.

More photos can be found HERE.

You may be wondering why I'm starting off the first entry to this blog with an event that took place last year. Or then again, maybe you aren't.

Either way, it's because I just felt like it. Ha ha.

Really though, read on and learn why.

First off, Smashing Pumpkins has always been one of my favorite bands. I first heard "Drown" on the Singles movie soundtrack back in 1992, and wondered what they were about. Then Siamese Dream came out, and I fell in love with their sound. Ok...and with Billy Corgan.

Like now, I listened to all kinds of music back in high school. Even liked some R&B/Hip Hop "a la Babyface". It wasn't until the last couple years at St. Mary's, when I really listened to the music that is more along the lines of what I like today. I got into Nirvana, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam and Jane's Addiction.

But there was just something unexplainable in what Smashing Pumpkins did for me. Their sound was so unique and different, especially during the time. The lyrics, the melodies, the guitar solos, and Billy's hypnotic voice. Smashing Pumpkins rocked.

Over the years of different band members, I never made it to one of their shows. So, I was devastated when they broke up...kickin' myself that I never got to see them play.

Fast forward to 2007, when I learned that Billy & Jimmy Chamberlin, along with new members Jeff Schroeder, Lisa Harriton and Ginger Reyes were bringing the Pumpkins back. AND that they'd be playing a 9 day residency only a few hours away. I was DEFINITELY not going to miss them this time, and was ecstatic to get tickets for the show. Even if it was a bit of a road trip and I was going with my ex, who is actually an amazing guitarist and shares my love for SP's music.

I was pretty much in the front row so I had a really good view. It was a great show even if James Iha and D'Arcy Wretzky were no longer in the band. At least Jimmy was still on drums and of course...my, Billy was front and center, rockin' out. He is the main reason I fell in love with their music to begin with. *sigh* I can't help but find his voice so captivating.

I actually had tickets to see them again on Oct. 30 in Atlanta, but the show got canceled last minute and I couldn't make the rescheduled date. I WILL see them play again someday...

Ok, enough background on my love for Billy and SP. The first single off of Zeitgeist - their first album in almost 7 years - was "Tarantula." The lyrics are as follows:

I don't want to fight
Every single night
Everything I want is in your light.

You and me go there
To places I don't know to care
The spoils of all I got were left to scrounge.

Don't let me say this,
but you're no worse than me,
It's crazy.

We all are real, if real ever was, it's just because
We all feel, feel we've had enough,
I'm real, 'cause someone gave us sound.

I wanna be there when you're happy
I wanna love you when you're sad.

Can't stand the morning rain
Get out and take your place then
Can't stand the blazing sun
Then close your eyes you'll see
The angel die.

I don't want to be
Anything for these
A million watts of sound can't compare.

Come along you'll see the world
The pulse ripples, the crowd unfurls
The current starts to flow and they are on.

Oh it's a white hot soul they want,
sinful.

You're real, if real ever was, it's just because
We all are real, every living soul
Yes I'm real, 'cause someone gave us sound.

Don't break the oath
I want to love you when you're happy,
Don't break this oath
I want to be there when you're sad,
Please bring the pouring rain.

Beyond real, as real as any ghost,
It's easy now,
I'm real, in every living soul
God gave us.

Can't stand the blazing sun
Can't stand the morning rain
Get out and take your place again.

I don't want to be alone
I don't want to be alone
I don't want to be alone
Alone.

If it's a white hot soul they want
It's a black heart they'll get.

Obviously, the name of this particular entry and the whole blog itself, originates from the lyrics in this song.

Homage to a musical visionary.

PS ~ Billy...You can love me when I'm happy and you can be there when I'm sad. :) You can just HAVE me!