Old Composer Reaction to The Smashing Pumpkins Zero // The Decomposer Lounge

[@Ajayen--]

“Here is no why” is one of their underrated songs.

[@grothd09]

For sure!!

[@wookieschnitzel7595]

In my sad machine I've ever stayed

[@hortonwho211]

Yes, one of their absolute best. I’d been suggesting that one; I hope Geebz will circle back and do that one.

[@X3R0D3D]

extremely underrated and so f-n good

[@duggiedug9148]

The entire Melancholy album is amazing. I’d love to see him react to all of them

[@vanilla_milkshake]

this whole album is my absolute favorite ever. I highly recommend Thru the Eyes of Ruby 👍

[@lasmisissimal]

I prefer Siamese Dream as an album, but thru the eyes of ruby is imo the very best of the smashing pumpkins catalog.

[@MegaWookie12]

The numbers differ, but i've heard this track has over 40 guitar tracks on it, thats why the drop is so thick.

[@CaptnTrips]

Was just about to recommend Thru the Eyes of Ruby! Best on the album, imo

[@qotitadelsol8689]

My favorite song, on my favorite album, from my favorite band.

[@TwelveinchChewbacca]

Ruby is a song to get lost in. Adding about 70-something guitar tracks at one point takes the "Wall of Sound" and turns it up to 11.

[@Agostoic]

So many great songs on Mellon Collie, def one of the most ambitious album of the nineties.

[@mikeabney2527]

I think it's one of the best albums ever created

[@stevenwilliams1805]

Definitely when I think of double albums.

[@Acroanidd]

I would argue that it is the best album from the 90's, rock albums especially. It's got a great flow from song to song and making it even crazier is it spans 2 cd's worth of songs.

[@qotitadelsol8689]

@@mikeabney2527 THE best.

[@theendistheend123]

I always use this album to show the genius of the SPs. They go from hard metal songs to actual lullabies, with NO APOLOGIES.

[@briancoller7760]

Smashing Pumpkins Hummer. The outro to that track is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard on a rock record.

[@michaelmarhal]

Hummer is one of their best tracks for sure. it's incredible.

[@Dolphins-ov5oe]

Agreed . Jimmy C kills it

[@badekaret]

Smashing pumpkins for the win!

[@acen486]

Of course we're still listening!

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

Smashing Pumpkins FTW! (Who watches a reaction video, and doesn’t watch to the end?) We are here to listen to your decomposition! 👍🏼

[@jemxs]

Exactly!

[@seanc6128]

I didn't realize those are puppets, that is a really cool thing to do dude.

[@lenadroks]

“Cupid de Locke” is their most peculiar song - it sounds like some underwater ancient adventure

[@HenritheHorse]

I've got the Mellon Collie CD coming in the mail and just received Pisces Iscariot today, which is really underrated SP album!

[@camw621]

The debate on Pisces Iscariot is whether or not the cover image is a close-up of Billy with the microphone near/in his mouth. Although Courtney Love has claimed it's a picture of her with a cherry in her mouth... Still.... Great album.

[@jommywop]

Pisces Iscariot is the B sides from Siamese Dream iirc?

[@HenritheHorse]

@@jommywop Yes B-sides and rarities compiled!

[@jommywop]

@@HenritheHorse You familiar with The Aeroplane Flies High?

[@jommywop]

@@HenritheHorse It's a box set of all the singles from Mellon Collie as well as several B-Sides. 7 disc set with 7 songs on each disc.

[@coconut6431]

Tonight, Tonight is absolutely stunning. From the same album.

[@MrSteve88]

Smashing Pumpkins FTW! Some other notable tracks, but seriously there are too many: Thru the Eyes of Ruby Soma Hummer Geek USA Thirty Three Tonight Tonight Jellybelly Mayonaise

[@HenritheHorse]

Those are natural harmonics on the lowest string, moving your fretting hand!

[@n__rtu8324]

easy for a drummer to confuse pinch harmonics with natural ;-)

[@vulturesdescend]

@@n__rtu8324 you use your thumb for pinched harmonics. He's describing palm muting...totally different sound.

[@chrismacbean]

He doesn't mean the main riff, he means the modified riff you play alternated with the main riff, minus the natural harmonics, under the solo's. Its kinda like if you fuck up palm muting, but it sounded good!

[@vulturesdescend]

@@chrismacbean the main riff is used under the solo, including the harmonics. There is no part of the song that uses palm muting, or anything close. The harmonics in the main riff is achieved by using the left hand on the E string (tuned to Eb) as you would with natural harmonics, but sliding down from 4th to 1st fret to get that "wah" type effect.

[@chrismacbean]

@@vulturesdescend Dude, listen under the solo, there are no natural harmonics like in the opening...c'mon man!

[@planetaryorbit1017]

Good choice, good analysis. SP has a beauty about them AND they're heavy. Not an easy line to balance

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

Geebz: "I don't do theoretical breakdowns." Also Geebz: continues to do breakdowns that are more theoretical than 99.9% of music breakdowns on YT

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

@Hellig Usvart I know. I just find it amusing. Our man knows so much, that he thinks he isn't doing "theoretical" while still being more "theoretical" than the majority. Just shows how much knowledge there is... he could probably go on for hours on each song, if he wanted.

[@dodgrblu]

he doesn't really get into music theory though, he analyses and explains how the parts of the music and arrangement and engineering create the experience we hear. I barely know any music theory, but just through my passion and interest in music and playing guitar as a hobby, I understand just about everything he is talking about. I don't want him getting into theory either.

[@MrK-wu7ci]

Also great from the Smashing Pumpkins: The Aeroplane Flies High Muzzle Mayonaise Feelium Bodies Love

[@pauljansen1137]

May I suggest an Album review on "Siamese Dream"...the Album is just that good...

[@MrLestat8simon]

The album that made me pick up guitar.

[@ju4408]

@@MrLestat8simon "Disarm" still makes me want a violin. And a church with a bell tower.

[@patthewoodboy]

Siamese Dream ... :-)

[@COLTRONNN]

@@MrLestat8simon same. lost in fuzz ever since

[@davemc8021]

I’ll listen to as many Pumpkins reactions you want to do! Through the Eyes of Ruby is a great one, or if you want one slightly past their heyday I’d suggest Stand Inside Your Love

[@qotitadelsol8689]

My two favorite songs of theirs.

[@nineteenninetyfive]

What i love about this song is that it shows how perfect Jimmy’s drums and Billy’s guitar go together. It is like a hand and a glove.

[@michaelwright9101]

Smashing Pumpkins for the win! There are so many more Pumpkins songs I hope you get to.

[@domeslacker]

Where Boys Fear To Tread by Smashing Pumpkins was always a fav of mine. The guitar call and answer thing in the intro is brillant

[@flightgravity7483]

No one should dare gate Jimmy Chamberlin’s snare. He has one of the most recognizable snare tones and it would be criminal to not let it ring out naturally. Also Billy has said in the past that his vocal range is limited, but he found ways to manipulate it to create what ended up being a really unique sound, especially in the 90s when everyone wanted to be a grumbly baritone.

[@MACHINArebirth]

You said it so well

[@travismann6603]

Nobody puts Jimmy's snare in the corner

[@stevenclark1624]

The snare on Gish is badass!

[@Greg-um7hh]

Billy has his haters out there, but I am not one of them. Dude is an amazing songwriter. I would love to see you do a video on Siva.

[@abyssquick]

Dude... "X.Y.U." That song was recorded live in the studio. It's as "organic" as the Smashing Pumpkins can get. It's an intense, creepy, brilliant song. Listen and hear the band at the peak of their game.

[@lootbird]

First time I heard that song it was a live song from the album live premiere and it was the best song I’ve ever heard period. Nothing brought more emotions in a wide range that hit me in all the right places and a teenager. So glad that the studio matched the live

[@SuperBart1989]

smashing pumkins for the win! awesome work as always :)

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@twanja08]

You are correct about artificial harmonics.....but these are natural, just not in the "typical" locations i.e. 5th, 7th, 12th (etc.) frets! Awwwright!! 🤘🤘

[@holesintheground38]

they are midway between the 3rd and second frets if i remember correctly and you slide them down to get that awesome sound Billy and James really busted out every effects pedal they had for this song!

[@CodeEQuality]

@@holesintheground38 i play it 3 3 4 5

[@ElectricEndeavor]

2 3 4 5 fret harmonics. like Mudshovel.

[@cuteasxtreme]

The ones one this song are from sliding up on the 3rd fret, that’s why they have that rough “wah vibe”. It also has to do with the guitar tone

[@tidalboxer]

Great song! His voice is SO unique. Siamese Dream REALLY showcases the creaming and the light angelic sounds of his voice and Darcy too.

[@PhotonJon]

I've been listening to this song repeatedly for 25+ years and yet you've helped me discover things about it that I'd never noticed. Kudos.

[@xxndoxx1]

I feel very strongly that you'd appreciate Tonight Tonight if you continue on with Pumpkins... A whole lot to break down in that song 👍

[@mikaeljacobsson1437]

The most played song on Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness for me is X.Y.U. Got the record when it came out.

[@blipbobeep8345]

KA-BOOOM

[@IcarusMK22]

I once played the end of X.Y.U. while being held upside down by my legs by our other guitarist. A fine memory.

[@efester]

There's a live version of it in Germany which is so good it's stupid. Band at the absolute top of their game.

[@roccobierman4985]

You still need to do "Tonight Tonight" by the Smashing Pumpkins. You will be pleased with the orchestral arrangements.

[@IrishGuitarGaz]

Would love to hear a Soma reaction!

[@jerkerjansson386]

Oh yeah, I really love that song!

[@ElsolraSaul]

I'm really ennoying these Smashing Pumpkins songs. Thru the eyes of Ruby please

[@kmulcahyable]

Ava Adore - Smashing Pumpkins Been asking for it for months! Much more interesting musically than this one, but this is a good one.

[@runrabbit8285]

From Adore. The underrated masterpiece

[@paprinas]

smashing pumpkins ftw! This band formed my early teens, it's so cool to see you react to them for the first time while I rediscover them at the same time :) Would love to see you return to more Opeth and Tool a bit more often, the catalogue is so deep that there's still lots of epic songs for you to find :)

[@chriscoote2690]

Yes more Tool and Opeth!!! The Lotus Eater Hessian Peel The Grudge Invincible

[@MrGreendayzed]

"Emptiness is loneliness, and loneliness is cleanliness And cleanliness is godliness, and god is empty just like me Intoxicated with the madness, I'm in love with my sadness" You'd love their song tonight tonight, great orchestral strings.

[@joshuataylor81]

Rocket by Smashing Pumpkins is such an underrated and rarely reacted to songs. It's also one of if not my favorite song by them. By the way STILL HERE! Aloha Mahalo! Smashing Pumpkins for the win!

[@roosterthembones4475]

Mayonnaise is one of Billy's best songs. Forgive me if you've already covered it, my memory is for shit these days.

[@stevenwilliams1805]

Mayonnaise and Snail, two soul rending songs from Smashing Pumpkins.

[@kylelewis4685]

Agreed

[@johndeller9554]

Co written with James Iha

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

@@stevenwilliams1805 Agree. I just did an acoustic cover of Snail at my channel here if interested, I suck but had to give it a try. Take care.

[@patthewoodboy]

mine and my best mates anthem

[@kruggerme]

I learned the use of harmonics with this song, SP music also taught me the use of octaves.

[@RockinInAFreeWorld13]

Have you done “Soma” or “Porcelina of the Vast Oceans” yet? Two amazing Smashing Pumpkins songs.

[@colquittbrett]

God I wish this dude had more time. The entire discography is worth it from an engineering/production perspective

[@CaptnTrips]

Yes! Along with Thru the Eyes of Ruby, these are my fav pumpkins songs.

[@notsure1135]

Glass and the Ghost Children would be a time...

[@colquittbrett]

@@notsure1135 yeah but dude needs to be steeped in the whole post-modern weirdness of Glass to begin with. Without that context the interlude just sounds like an insane person and I dunno... the context of it is just weird without

[@notsure1135]

@@colquittbrett it's a great song even without knowing the story. I mean, Zero connects. Dreams of Glass. He is already in if you think about it...

[@HCMos]

I think you would really sink your teeth into Radiohead’s Videotape off of In Rainbows. The song has some serious syncopation that will blow your mind. Also, I just found your channel and I think it’s awesome. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@IcarusMK22]

One of my often overlooked favorites is Here Is No Why. That god damn solo and the way it builds into the vocals is just perfection.

[@abemiller4021]

This is an amazing track that defined so much of the early/mid nineties teenage angst! So glad you decomposed it! Been waiting for more Pumpkins from you! Their catalog is absolutely unbelievable! Every recommendation in the comments is 100% legit to have a reaction to! You are on the verge of a very awesome journey my friend! My wife watched this with me tonight and she is on the same initial journey along with you to experience SP. I envy your ability to listen to old music in a way that's fresh! It's kinda like me saying, "If I could go back in time with the knowledge I have now..." High school and college would have been a total trip! Rock on!! Also - Smashing Pumpkins for the WIN!!! Aloha!!

[@soakedbearrd]

It has an alternative vibe to it like a 90's version of Post-punk, somewhat grungish with distortion but not having that typical grunge vibe. It's almost cynical goth rather than angst. It's very catchy, you hear the riff and it sticks in your head the whole day.

[@oldmanfran5523]

Smashing Pumpkins for the WIN!!

[@woolybear]

Smashing Win for The Pumpkins!

[@acy2004]

Great reaction! Love The Smashing Pumpkins! 🙌🏼👏🏼👍🏼💜🇨🇦

[@the1khronohs40]

Crushing Halloween heads FTW!!! Man, you do ventriloquism for the kids??? That's freaking awesome, dude! I just like you more and more.

[@HappyMonda]

I have to take breaks from watching the channel so I don't get burnt out, but man you've gotten me to fall in love with music again and motivated me to get back to playing for the fun of it

[@nautje]

Smashing Pumpkins FTW! If you’re looking to dive deeper, may I suggest Mayonaise or Geek U.S.A. off of Siamese Dream?

[@TheTandril]

James Iha killing it with Smashing Pumkins. Playing with Maynard in A Perfect Circle. No wonder Geebz loves the music :)

[@daveangels]

Porcelina of the vast oceans of this album is my favorite Pumpkins song edit: Smashing pumpkins for the win

[@mattfrench2120]

There's a constant, subtle phaser on the right guitar that gives it a rolling, alien, squelchy sound that kind of aligns with the natural harmonic run. You can really hear it at around 7m33-34s after that screaming high note . . . .nneeeeeeeeeyyyyyyooooooowwwwwwhhhhhhhh

[@murdockreviews]

With this double-album the Pumpkins had reached their peak. An absolutely schizophrenic album, moments of sombre acoustic tracks, dreamy pop, and over-aggressive alt-rock avalanches. It's all great.

[@abemiller4021]

As I'm sure you are an avid listener and fan of SP, you totally cannot say that MCIS was their peak. Perhaps in lala land, but not in the real world of alternative rock. Adore and Machina hold so true to a new and innovative sound at the time, the world just wasn't ready for them. They evolve with time. Billy is and has always been ahead of the curve!! That said - rock on Murdock Moriarty!

[@euanclark1154]

Smashing Pumpkins FTW! I'm still here. Thanks Geebz! You're a Djentleman!

[@justinbennett8057]

Def do more Pumpkins! Snail, Soma, Jellybelly, Galapagos, Muzzle, Porcelina, Bodies are some suggestions beyond their other big songs. SP are amazing

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

I just put up an acoustic cover of Snail here at my chan if interested. It's my favorite of theirs, so many great ones though. I suck but I gave it a shot. Take care.

[@paddaman03]

Awesome channel. Wish I found this earlier. Smashing Pumkins for the win! One of their best songs ever. Keep up doing what youre doing. Cheers! from South Africa

[@kristopherryanwatson]

The song you are reacting to is Zero, but your thumbnail is a screengrab from the Bullet With Butterfly Wings video! haha. Love your critiques. Especially your coverage of the Pumpkins - just watched your reaction critque of Cherub Rock and Siva prior to that. they are one of my absolute favorite bands, and i am glad you appreciate the technical prowess and Billy's musicianship.

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

Love to see you circle back to Haken, Cockroach King. Smashing Pumpkins for the win. Side note, I'm 53 y/o and never really got into the SP, however in 2019 I saw them live and they absolutely blew my mind. Fan forever.

[@oldmanfran5523]

SMASHING PUMPKINS FOR THE WIN!! Keep them coming and I'll keep on watching!

[@MalinLH]

Bon Iver - Beth/Rest Bon Iver - Perth Novo Amor - Anchor Imogen Heap - The Listening Chair Jimmy Eat World - 23 Elliott - Blessed By Your Own Ghost Just some fun stuff that I’ve loved forever.

[@splashlegend]

Pumpkins for the win! Hey also I think I mentioned this song on your first Pumpkins video. I gotta watch this Chevelle reaction I see on your card. They are my all time fav band. All a person needs is the first 10 seconds of the guitar riff in the song" MIA" from the album "point No.1" to be hooked for life. Well for me anyway. Trust me!

[@JayPhonomancer]

Billy is an amazing guitarist. I would absolutely love to see you react to Hummer and Mayonaise as they are both incredible

[@KdotLINE]

4:05 - 4:14 - I've always loved that laser-beam-fade-out at the end of that little solo. Always makes me do that "Christian Bale ooh face".

[@weirdbeardzz]

Geebz looks super fried hahaha, love it

[@lilscrydvl]

I remember playing this album on repeat in my discman lol its my most played SP album by far. BTW-James Iha (the guitarist) is now in A Perfect Circle :)

[@detroitpolak9904]

This song was used in the Simpsons “Hullabalooza” episode, which makes it their greatest song.

[@paulbudgell]

Love your videos man. Watching someone hear, appreciate, and analyse some of my favorite bands is satisfying as hell. I love the hyper-focus on the mix, tone etc. I was an audio engineer in a previous life and these are some of my favorite bands, I share your passion man. Great work. Deftones and Pumpkins for the win!

[@tarheelsfan1981]

So awesome song choose Geebz...!!!!! Zero has always been one of my all time fav

[@thejadedgeminigeek1293]

Absolutely love Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness! Thanks for the breakdown.

[@joyouslyprofane]

i grew up on pumpkins and theyre my go to for karaoke, and billy's voice is...something else. the corgan organ. it's super nasal but easily resonant if you know how to move your mouth like he does. and you're absolutely right that his nasality is a great way for him to pierce through the depth of the instruments. fantastic observation

[@jorgezm3216]

Thank you for the great comments you make in this channel! I find very interesting your analysis when you "explore" bands that you do not know much but that have been accompanying me for years and years. For sure, Smashing Pumpkins is one of them... no wasting time listening to them (well, probably except for a couple of themes). GOOD JOB!

[@trudel669]

Smashing Pumpkins FTW! Thanks for the great content Geebz, Aloha!

[@allieren]

I see SP, I click. Underrated band, in my humble opinion. At least by the mainstream critics.

[@Dang3rMouSe]

There are so many great Smashing Pumpkins songs. I entered my teenage yrs listening to their Meloncholy & the Infinite Sadness album

[@uberrainman]

smashing pumpkins ftw! Keep doing what you are doing, really enjoying your videos. I'm a sucker for 90's bands so anytime you react to them you'll get a viewing and an upvote out of me.

[@nigelcicero9093]

Great reaction, one of SP's most underrated songs in my opinion. I love the energy, the dissonance, the wacky tempo. It's a ride 😆

[@jbasti227]

One of my favorite SP tracks. That harmonics riff is so good!

[@scsidrum]

I covered this song with my band. It went down really well. Great composition 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SilviaAfurisita]

Another one from my playlist!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@ProriffsorMetalben]

Smashing Pumpkins FTW! Whenever I hear them, it is all the sudden the summer of 7th grade again and no one can tell me otherwise Thanks, Geebz! AWWWRIGHT! \m/@@\m/

[@kenndoll83]

Smashing Pumpkins for the win! Man, you gotta do Tonight, Tonight next. You’d probably like just about any song by them, but that’s one I know for sure you’d enjoy breaking down.

[@grinningdogs]

I know enough to be slightly dangerous. I like that Geebz, I'm gonna work that in to more conversations. "Smashing Pumpkins ftw"

[@THEDEEPDIVE]

awesome to see you doing some pumpkins. We are doing a top 50 pumpkin song countdown on our channel.

[@Joss_juggling_sticks]

I can’t wait for more Pumpkins reactions. Smashing Pumpkins for the win!

[@n__rtu8324]

Would love to see you absolutely R I N S E on the exceptional drumming abilities of Chamberlain on "GEEK USA" awwright!!

[@Dolphins-ov5oe]

It’s crazy live

[@Ant-bm1qk]

We honestly need to get these artists to watch your reaction videos because I feel like they would agree with your analysis

[@rootsergei]

Smashing Pumpkins for the win! One of my favorite bands and my favorite albums ever.

[@jessicabrum9200]

Thank god a good band, I was missing you! I would love to see 1979 here

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

Same. 1979 and Snail are my favs, just got up an acoustic cover of Snail here at my chan if ya get time. I'm not very good but had to give it a try.

[@4Realzeaz]

Just noticed at the very end he says "she's my one an.... d'only" when he switches voices. Obviously done on purpose to help blend the change or cut between the two. Pretty cool.

[@cloudbloom]

This song was huge when I was in high school, great track

[@Cuzjudd]

Same

[@Flammazine]

It was also the theme of a dating show here in Belgium in the 90s. best part of the show of course;)

[@tony_1980]

WTF.. name of show pls. Its a great song. But a theme song??

[@Flammazine]

@@tony_1980 Ideale Maten on VT4, it wasn't the theme song exactly iirc, but they used it to introduce the candidates

[@Cuzjudd]

@@Flammazine strange choice

[@youtubeuser6429]

Please do Mayonnaise by The Smashing Pumpkins!! Also I LOVE the theoretical/engineering breakdowns. Would love to hear more of it

[@CalminCali]

Geebz, do an Every Time I Die reaction. Map Change, Moor, Decayin’ with the Boys, Fear and Trembling. Lots of excellent songs

[@colquittbrett]

Holy shit! Yes!

[@mattdecker1068]

Yes! Tusk and temper, ebolorama, or desperate pleasure a few others that would make a good reaction

[@AlexTapisevic]

Bullet with butterfly wings, Ava Adore, Thuru the eyes of Ruby, Rhinoceros, For Martha, are amazing.

[@timp1390]

I really love the drummer. Just right in the pocket.

[@cornbeltslayer9857]

You can always get a reaction from me on smashing pumpkins! Definitely a underrated band and zero is always a banger in my playlist!

[@pagewagley4743]

Billy spent weeks just playing with feedback and integrated all that into a lot of his solos, which are killer. Smashing Pumpkins for the win! Also, check out Converge - Aimless Arrow, and your welcome.

[@Esmith5488]

I’m just impressed you paddled into that wave and didn’t have the uke fall off

[@pookievision]

Seriously underated drummer!! Jimmy is one my fav of all time!! 🤘

[@patrick86806]

Woah! Blast from the past! Great choice! SMASHING PUMKINS for the win for sure! Aaawright!

[@conanstuart7904]

Enjoy the channel! Keep them coming!