The second volume of the Smashing Pumpkins' *cough* (Billy Corgan's), massive 11 volume project by the name of Teargarden by Kaleidyscope was released in limited edition vinyl and cd sets. This makes the overall title of the four song piece, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, Vol. II: The Solstice Bare. Yes. Thats a mouthful.Only two of this collection have been released for free public consumption and downloading via their website ('Freak' and 'Spangled'), but it is possible to listen to the first and third tracks on YouTube.
Since there are only four songs I'll do individual reviews of each.
'The Fellowship' starts off this selection of four with an erratic keyboard riff that builds up the powerful chorus belting out "are you with us tonight?", which, thematically, is a pretty good way to draw the listeners in and get them excited for the rest of the package. Fortunately the song itself escalates enough in sound and presence to earn the songs title and chorus. Its appropriately bombastic and grandiose, similar to (but not nearly as epic sounding as Vol. I's first track, 'Song for a Son').
Following up 'The Fellowship' is the current single 'Freak' that has apparently been floating around. For those of you who did not thumb your nose at Zwan, you'll like this track. Its ability to be heavy and uplifting at the same time, coupled with Corgan's signature voice just immediately launches pictures of white backgrounds with rainbow guitars flying every which way. Not much to say other than 'Freak' could have easily been squashed between 'Endless Summer' and 'Baby Lets Rock!' on Mary, Star of the Sea.
'Tom Tom' starts off smoothly and flows into a chorus more along the vibes of that of Infinite Sorrow era Pumpkins, while not sticking to old formulas. Lyrically mystical and distinctly Corganesque, this is my favorite of the four. Hopefully a higher quality is available for download on the website soon? (I'm talking to you Billy. Streaming from YouTube doesn't do you justice.)
Rounding out The Solstice Bare is 'Spangled', whose harpsichord love song beginning sets you up for a music genre meandering song that borders on a medley of musical styles. Just listen. Strings come in and out, horns mutedly accent the pre-chorus and then it all ends in an intimate sounding, warmly distorted measure on the guitar. This is a well crafted song and a great pop piece that would appeal to a lot of different people.
Smashing Pumpkins' Teargarden by Kaleidyscope, Vol. II: The Solstice Bare-> 4.7/5
If you go to their site, you can download the 7 of the 8 total tracks off of Volumes I and II.
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