The Great Discovery
Marcos Austin, TX, US
I was a full on Pumpkinhead by the time Mellon Collie came out. I was 15 and had been playing guitar and bass for about 2 years. This album became instrumental npt only in my development as a musician, but in helping me navigate the often confusing times of youth. I didn’t understand everything Billy’s lyrics meant, but I got enough to feel like someone understood how I felt. This album sounded like how I often felt – a roller coaster of emotions! The included picture is of me now, obviously, and of my original album which is still in excellent condition.
Best Witches at the Best Concert
Kelly Hermantown, US
It was September 22, 1996. I just remember us getting as orange as possible, and giggling and singing on our 3 hour ride to Minneapolis. The concert was perfect. Billy was mesmerizing. I remember the walk out with with what must have been a bazillion fans, was electrifying. Magic. All magic.
Ditching School To Buy The Album/Picture Of Soma Shows.
NRG San Diego, California , US
1980
Christian Santiago de Chile, CL
October 23, 1995, “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness” was born, one of the most important albums of my life.
It was the first cassette I bought betting on a band I knew little about, and it was without a doubt the best musical decision of my 15 years just turned. I remember that I bought it at a record label of a white gallery on O’higgins street in Copiapó. It cost me 5,990 CLP, and it hurt to spend that money, I used to collect to buy known music, I already had a good part of the Soda Stereo discography, but some were missing, new music was coming out of the Chilean bands “los tres” and “la ley” Even though I bought “Invisible” from “La Ley”, I still invested in this double cassette, it was still cheap, two original tapes for 5,990 clp, a good price.
“Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” opened my ears to louder, more powerful and melancholic sounds. From that day on I began to listen to more varied music, I put more ear to Nirvana and Pearl Jam, to listen to rock music in depth.
Hearing this record is a true luxury, because the name takes you into what the record means, a sway of loud and soft sounds, it reminded me of black and white, all in the same record, that was impressive, it was one of the cassettes that I have listened the most, and for the rest, of which I have taken the most care. The 5 singles that come off the album are jewels on their own, 1979 and 33 my favorite singles of my life. 1979 was probably the most famous, it sounded everywhere, and the video simply illuminated my 15 years wanting to live life like those video guys (then when I saw part II in the “perfect” video, I didn’t want that much anymore).
“Tonight Tonight” is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard, in a true example of what the whole album is, with a beautiful video that won the best video / song award from MTV 1996, it is a song you must hear in your life, and for those who know me best, they will know that this song is on the list to hear at my funeral.
Today he turns 25, and has aged as the best album of the band, Billy’s creative process was impressive, and it was demonstrated what genius he was to make this album, only in one room, there are no artists like him left.
It is simply one of the records that I always listen to, I have the pleasure of having the original version on vinyl, the double Chilean cassette version and the beautiful American version on double cd. The most beautiful thing in life, I saw it happen with these songs. Thanks to The Smashing Pumpkins
INSTANT MTV HIT
Mónica GB
A rock song with strong & memorable poetry about hope. Unconventional drums, moving strings. The melody is captivating from the very first second.
A Lumiere-style video clip.
The never before seen concept. The novelty and freshness are unanimously embraced.
On repeat on MTV. No matter the repetitions, it is never enough. Recorded and added to my video playlist so that I can put the attention in every detail, in every shot.
Mesmerised every single time and forever inspired.
They must be something else because the band has an Asian guy and a girl as members and this act is indisputably celebrated, its musicianship is praised, its artistry statement accepted.
And beyond the iconic song and video, an album defining what epicness is in music.
Life Changing then & now
Erik Fort worth, TX, US
Fan since ’92 at 10 y/o. I distinctly remember first hearing BWBW on the day of its release and saying “woah…is this Smashing Pumpkins?!” and instantly becoming more excited than I’d ever been waiting for release day. Told everyone I knew to go buy it, and waited eagerly for the day. My dad drove me to Best Buy to get it, and I remember the feeling of getting home, opening it up and being so blown away by the layers, textures, dynamics, lyrics, artwork…everything. A true masterpiece that was the soundtrack to my life then & now. Long, dark nights of depression that this record helped me through but now stands as a testament to life, love, and endless possibilities. Eternally grateful for this album.
Infinite Brightness
Miyu JP
Christmas Tour Tickets
Marquise Brack Seattle, WA, US
Growing up SP was my favorite band (and is!). When they were touring MCIS my parents told me I was too young to go to the concert (I was 10 and utterly devastated). Christmas Day came and the very last present under the tree was a pair of tickets to the Seattle show my Dad had gifted me. Sorry, Mom! Unforgettable show and the best Christmas gift of all time. Thanks, Dad!
But no one’s asking for the truth, So let me tell you
Noni Newcastle, NSW, AU
I hesitated to submit anything here, because when I try to think back to those times, I mostly just feel detached. My brain put a lot of effort into sealing those kodak moments and a lot of that pain away, and the end result is that I don’t really remember a lot of details and I doubt my ability to genuinely convey the difference this album made to my tiny little world, Obviously in the end I decided to just blurt that out and let you all make of it what you will, because whilst 25 years later I might not be able to explain how I felt back then with any eloquence, I can confidently say that having that music to connect to, and giving me one small private space where it was ok to feel pain and rage and resentment and hurt and honesty and tenderness and hope and even just pleasure in the pure beauty of sound, that made all the difference in the world to me.
And I do believe that being fortunate enough to have the option of an emotional outlet that acknowledged and reflected the full variety of feelings that make up life, left me better off as a person. Life isn’t made up of just anger, or sadness, or happiness. It’s not just tender, or harsh, or warm, or cold. It’s all of those things and a million more and I think that’s something that MCIS demonstrates beautifully. I will always appreciate having the escape, and having that emotional outlet, but I think looking back as an adult I have a new found appreciation for the honesty and integrity of that larger statement, and for the personal investment it must have required to create a single work that encompasses so much.
Mellon Collie takes you by the hand, and leads you through, then tucks you safely into bed.
Mellon Collie tour memories 95-97
Andrea IL, US
From hearing the album debuted live and in person at the Riv Oct of ‘95, to grabbing our first actual copy from Sam Goody in our local mall, the album has always been the soundtrack to our lives. It helped us get through some pretty hopeless times as teenagers. It’s stuck with us for 25 years and still has major significance, every single day.
Muzzle, In the Arms of Sleep, and Beautiful will always be my go to when I need to be comforted. The memories will always be with me! Thank you, SP, for a lifelong of amazing music.