Hearing Zeitgeist for the first time was a very emotional experience for me. Having grown up with the Pumpkins, so many of the most memorable portions of my life are connected with SP albums. Other musical influences have come and gone, but I always come back to the pumpkins. Not to mention that all but one of the girls I've ever loved (and in most cases lost) have been pumpkins fans as well.
I sincerely try to be objective when it comes to BC and i feel like I'm moderately successful. For instance, TFE had some great songs and some of Billy's not so great moments. I also find myself sometimes fast forwarding through Glass and Ghost Children. However, I loved Zwan's music. What can I say, I'm a drum playing rocker. Still, even exercising all my objectivity, I have a hard time not singing Zeitgeist in my head all day long. The album hits hard, punches through several tracks with Raw SP energy and then plays with your heart strings. Maybe it's not as emotional as other SP albums, but that can be expected. For Martha was his emotional apex, in my opinion. There's a reason for that. Listen to the bootleg from the final metro performance if you have any doubts.
I know a lot of people complain about Billy being self-obsessed and money hungry, but the truth is that Billy has talent. He may not be Shakespeare, but his lyrics still resonate, even if we don't fully understand. He may have a nasally voice, but at least he's not a rock front man trying to sound like a popstar. Cough...cough...fallout boy...Cough
Is he self-obsessed? Probably no more than the rest of us. He's just not as naked or female or rich as Paris Hilton. Is he money hungry? Probably no more than the rest of us. Actually, he seems to be quite a lot like most of us in a lot of ways. We all wish we could quit our jobs and just do what we love and make money doing it. The biggest difference between us and him is that he has a gift for melody a light year wide and can play the guitar like the best of them.
I guess when it comes down to it, what really impresses me about BC and JC is their ability to grow musically and personally. They are not the people they were when they first started the band but we're not the same people we were back then either. If some of us have grown apart, then so be it. Wend your way through life and good luck, but please don't bash the pumpkins because you've traveled a different path.
Billy, some of us will continue to support you forever and buy everything you put out, although we may not like all of it. I hope to be one of those. We love you and thank you for making this life a bit more tolerable, meaningful and beautiful.
Jimmy, your drumming will always be an inspiration and motivation to my own musical pursuits. Congratulations on your family.
And to the new pumpkins, Ginger, you're beautiful and talented and welcome with opened arms, but I have to admit I'm a bit biased towards Jeff since I also studied Comparative Literature in college.
All this being ranted, I love Zeitgeist. It took a few listens to understand it, but I love it. I even bought it twice. Good luck to all. Hope to see you soon.

Dan

we can use our energies on instead of getting into arguments.



love sunflower

i really enjoyed reading it. thanks. and i agree with fmrees, it is one of the best articals on here in forever. keep them coming!

Dan, I loved your article. Honestly, it was the best posting in this website since its launch. I am not sure if many people would invest time and knowledge into subjects such as the one you picked (you know, the world today seems to be made for workaholics without thinking), so I am proud that we have you contributing here.
Would be great to have new posts with your ideas and thoughts about BC's lyrics. I spent myself a good amount of time going into details and analyzing things, and it will be a pleasure if you are willing to exchange ideas with me about it.
Peace,
Fernando