Ever since the Smashing Pumpkins broke up in 2000, the memory of the iconic '90s band has been reissued through greatest-hits collections and tribute albums. Industrial rock and acoustic tributes have been hastily pumped out, oftentimes to the dismay of fans.
"The Killer in You," the newest Smashing Pumpkins tribute album to be released Jan. 31, features several indie groups that are currently rising in their own league. However, much like the Pumpkins tribute albums to come before it, the compilation offers little in the way of innovative covers.
For the most part, the renditions on "Killer" differ little from the original songs. Roses are Red's cover of "Cherub Rock" holds the exact same rhythm and pitch, with slightly simplified guitar chords and the vocals of a cringe-worthy modern punk rocker. Armor for Sleep's cover of "Mayonnaise" follows suit with weak vocals and an instrumental section that is identical to that of the original song.
If an artist is going to take up the challenge of covering a respected music group, they should try to rework the piece in some way and put a personal spin on it. For example, Gary Jules turned the Tears for Fears pop song "Mad World" into a somber reflection, and Nirvana pulled David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" through the mud.
It seems that most of the artists on "Killer" chose songs that suit their style identically, leaving little room for change or improvisation. The covers aren't terrible, but they aren't anything special either.
There are several exceptions: Murder By Death puts their own spin on "We Only Come Out at Night." They ditch the light piano and playful melody and instead use baritone strings and a somber pitch. A Static Lullaby adds a touch of screamo to "The Everlasting Gaze," making a creative departure from Billy Corgan's high-pitched buzzing.
If "The Killer in You" draws in a few new listeners to the wonders of Corgan and Company, great. However, established fans would be better off sticking to their tape collection.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
