Gish [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
Metascore
87 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Paste Magazine
    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. Filter
    Nov 29, 2011
    91
    These lovingly remastered and richly expanded editions of the Smashing Pumpkins 1991 debut Gish and 1993's mainstream breakthrough Siamese Dream soundly prove that the band's place in rock history is firmly cemented.
  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]
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  4. musicOMH.com
    Dec 6, 2011
    90
    Bob Ludwig's remastering punches up the drums and adds clarity and volume to the mix without overblowing it or excessively altering the overall sound, and the result is that these two albums sound incredibly modern, relevant, and invigourated... The Gish standouts include a demo of Daydream with Corgan on vocals in place of D'arcy Wretzky and an extended version of Drown with blistering alternate guitar solos.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 5, 2011
    90
    As for the deluxe aspects of this release, the record sounds about as good as it always did.
  6. Consequence of Sound
    Nov 28, 2011
    90
    It's pretty impossible to be disappointed with the result here: crisp remastering of the original 10 songs, plus 18 Gish-era tracks, demos and live versions, many of which are being released officially for the first time here.
  7. All Music Guide
    Nov 28, 2011
    90
    A gift for fans who want to dig deep into the Smashing Pumpkins archive.
  8. The Boston Phoenix
    Nov 29, 2011
    88
    They were unadulterated shredders, too, as Capitol's extensive reissues of Siamese Dream (1993) and its predecessor, Gish (1991), remind us in bountiful fashion.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Nov 28, 2011
    88
    Gish remains among the more sensual hard-rock albums of the decade.
  10. The A.V. Club
    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.
  11. Pitchfork
    Nov 28, 2011
    83
    These two releases [Gish and Siamese Dream] still resonate, as both a nostalgia fix underscoring how it was so easy to fall for Smashing Pumpkins in the first place, and as the best introductions to their music any newcomer could want.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Rockman1976
    10
    First 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.… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    8
    Gish 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.… Full Review »
  3. Theguyoffire
    10
    Amazing music. I never can't remember the last time I couldn't stop listening to one song over and over again.
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