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Gish [Deluxe Edition] Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Billy Corgan, James Iha, D'Arcy
  • Summary: The deluxe edition of the remastered debut album for the Smashing Pumpkins includes a disc of unreleased/rare tracks and a DVD of a 1990 concert at Chicago's The Metro.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Dec 6, 2011
    95
    As a remastered package, the Butch Vig-produced Gish does deliver for both hardcore fans and casual listeners. What's so unique about the package isn't only seeing the band's first attempt at a full-length recording, but it also fills in the space between Gish and the amazing jump that is Siamese Dream.
  2. Dec 5, 2011
    90
    As for the deluxe aspects of this release, the record sounds about as good as it always did.
  3. Under The Radar
    Jan 19, 2012
    90
    Manages the not-at-all-easy feat of sounding remarkably undated and, well, timeless. [#39, p. 72]
  4. Dec 6, 2011
    83
    In its weaker moments, Gish relies on generic, boogie-friendly classic-rock retreads ("Siva," "Bury Me") but the physicality of Chamberlain's drumming-rivaled at the time only by Dave Grohl-gives even the bum tracks a powerful kick.
  5. Jan 4, 2012
    80
    No other LP is more evocative of the raw essence of the Smashing Pumpkins' unique fusions of feels than this ten track collection, by far and away the most collaborative album in their canon.... This deluxe edition of Gish is chock-a-block with quality bonus material.
  6. Uncut
    Dec 12, 2011
    80
    Bob Ludwig's remaster job adds fine detail, and a second CD collects 18 tracks, mostly diverting. [Jan 2012, p.97]
  7. Dec 14, 2011
    70
    The new editions of Gish and Siamese Dream (especially Siamese Dream, which handily outclasses its companion release in all areas) are steps in the right direction, being sumptuous reminders of the heights the group once attained back when it had everything to prove and nothing to lose.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Apr 22, 2012
    10
    Amazing music. I never can't remember the last time I couldn't stop listening to one song over and over again.
  2. Mar 1, 2014
    10
    It arrived on the scene 4 months before Nirvana's Nevermind, but proved to be just as great. Billy Corgan's lyrics are heartfelt, and theIt arrived on the scene 4 months before Nirvana's Nevermind, but proved to be just as great. Billy Corgan's lyrics are heartfelt, and the music soars far ahead of any other indie record. Expand
  3. Dec 5, 2011
    10
    First Smashing Pumpkins album is a classic! It originally came out when Nirvana's Nevermind was still in the recording studio, before all theFirst Smashing Pumpkins album is a classic! It originally came out when Nirvana's Nevermind was still in the recording studio, before all the grunge craze swept though the country. The album regrettably omitted by wider audience when released, some dumb critics even called a Nevermind rip-off. I must say it takes a while to like the album but on the flip side it's never boring listening to it. This remastered version sounds better than the original. I thought the bass and mid frequencies got better, and overall dynamics of the record are better. Also worth noting, the rare tracks are great and most of all the sound is improved compare to unauthorized releases. One regret; for some reason, the alternate version of Drown with a different solo, fades away abruptly. I wish Billy would have included a full version, even if it goes on for 15 minutes. Expand
  4. Jun 21, 2013
    9
    I never gave Gish a proper listen until this deluxe edition came out and I must say, I'm very impressed. The two CDs (and one DVD) here giveI never gave Gish a proper listen until this deluxe edition came out and I must say, I'm very impressed. The two CDs (and one DVD) here give great variety from more familiar rock tunes to some fairly psychedelic outings. I might even enjoy the second disc more than the first thanks to all the demos, live tracks and some early Sub-Pop singles. Definitely worth a listen but for those looking for their first SP album I'd recommend Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Expand
  5. Feb 19, 2012
    8
    Gish remains a great album, not only in implying the greatness to come with their later albums, but in representing the space a band feelsGish remains a great album, not only in implying the greatness to come with their later albums, but in representing the space a band feels without the expectations that would plague them since the mid 1990's. Standouts for sure are 'Snail', 'Crush' and 'Suffer.' Expand
  6. May 18, 2012
    8
    Gish is probably my least favourite Smashing Pumpkins album but mainly because the quality of the material this band have produced over theirGish is probably my least favourite Smashing Pumpkins album but mainly because the quality of the material this band have produced over their career is incredible. There are some great tunes on Gish and the opening triology of I am One, Siva and Rhinoceros is hard to beat as an opening to a debut album. There are several other really good songs on it that showed signs of the greatness that was to follow. The reissue gives the whole record a lift in sound but it's essentially the same record as before. I didn't notice as big a difference with the Gish remaster as I did with the Siamese Dream one. Expand