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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness [Deluxe Edition]
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness [Deluxe Edition] Image
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 126 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, James Iha, D'Arcy
  • Summary: The alternative rock band's third album released in 1995 is remastered and reissued with a DVD of its 1996 concert at London's Brixton Academy, a performance on Germany's Rockpalast, as well as 64 tracks of B-sides, demos, remixes, alternative versions, and unreleased songs on the deluxeThe alternative rock band's third album released in 1995 is remastered and reissued with a DVD of its 1996 concert at London's Brixton Academy, a performance on Germany's Rockpalast, as well as 64 tracks of B-sides, demos, remixes, alternative versions, and unreleased songs on the deluxe CD/DVD box set.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Under The Radar
    Jan 3, 2013
    100
    Far from a collector's item for die-hard fan only, this is the most complete and perfect presentation of one of the key albums of a generation. [Jan-Feb 2013, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Slant Magazine
    Dec 4, 2012
    100
    The songs from the Mellon Collie sessions speak not only to the quality of that abundance, but also to the Smashing Pumpkins' status as some of the most creative and successful purveyors of sensitive but cerebral art rock.
  3. Consequence
    Dec 13, 2012
    100
    Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness doesn't need rose-colored lens for appreciation. The album's success still lies from all the stylistic risks the band assumed, especially in comparison to music other alternative bands were creating at the time.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Jan 11, 2013
    80
    The extras on the deluxe box set show how Corgan's mid-Nineties creative peak couldn't even be contained by two CDs.
  5. Kerrang!
    Jan 30, 2013
    80
    For a serious Pumpkins fan, this is a gold mine. [15 Dec 2012, p.49]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. The Quietus
    Jan 15, 2013
    80
    To say this is a 'fans only' set is something of an understatement, but if you do have an interest and indeed if you can actually afford it, this is a lovingly put together and ridiculously detailed exploration of a record that has aged very well. For those whose interest is more casual the two-disc edition is well worth revisiting.
  7. PopMatters
    Dec 4, 2012
    70
    This massive re-release of what is arguably the Pumpkins' crowning achievement lives up to the lofty heights set up by the original album: it's sprawling, ambitious, overlong, frustrating, and fascinating all at once.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. ShogunTBone
    Jan 9, 2015
    10
    The epic that vaulted the Pumpkins to the altars of rock, and daresay musical legacy, 'Mellon Collie' did something that is rarelyThe epic that vaulted the Pumpkins to the altars of rock, and daresay musical legacy, 'Mellon Collie' did something that is rarely accomplished and will be hard to come close to: a double album with each track carrying its own aura, personality, and emotional weight; all bring something unique to the record, whether from melodic beauty to abrasive grit.

    There are 28 tracks, divided into two discs. Disc One carries some of SP's most well-known songs, including 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings', 'Zero', and 'Tonight, Tonight'. However, I believe the real gem of this disc is within the biting riffs of 'Jellybelly' and **** You', which also promptly contain some of Corgan's most anger-driven lyrics (especially the latter, but it seems to increase the appeal being as said lyrics are quite personal). What's amazing is the tenderness of 'To Forgive' and 'Take Me Down' contrasting completely with the songs listed above but deserving the same acclaim. The nine minutes-plus of 'Porcelina' should also be of note here as an outstanding track.

    Disc two harbors two of the most well-known pop crafted hits from SP, being '1979' and 'Thirty-Three'. Their magnificence has been stated over the years quite well, as 'Thru the Eyes of Ruby' (in my humble opinion) represents the epicenter of the album itself, with a rumored seventy (yes, 70! Amazing as it is, the approximation is said to be just that number) guitar takes all blended to create the breathtaking and romanticism of this 7:39 of, in lieu of a better word, greatness. The harder sounds of the first disc gets turned to an eleven here with 'Scorched Earth' and 'X.Y.U.' , masterfully-so may worth adding, and then quiets down to a lullaby levels and soothing tracks until the close.

    Discs 3-5 included with the remastered version include differing demos, mixes, outtakes, and B-sides, all still carrying their quirks; notably, 'Set the Ray to Jerry' (included originally on The Aeroplane Flies High box set back in '96) is present with the vocal rough, and tracks such as 'Meladori Magpie' and 'Knuckles' should entice both longstanding fans and those new to the album but looking to enjoy the entirety of it.

    The live DVD includes a mixture of two shows both from 1996 and only a month apart, and as SP's live shows are always top-notch (despite what some think of Billy's voice being shrill, but I find it unique), they are definitely worth a look.

    Overall, if I haven't covered it well enough above, this album is ****ing fantastic and worth every penny.    … Expand
  2. thesaul
    Dec 6, 2012
    10
    In my opinion, the greatest album ever made. I was 15 when this come out, and this will always have a place in my life. Now I'm 33, No otherIn my opinion, the greatest album ever made. I was 15 when this come out, and this will always have a place in my life. Now I'm 33, No other album, by The Smashing Pumpkins or ANY band for that matter has ever come close...In a world like today, and the music scene how it is, This album is a much needed reminder that although music has dramatically declined over the past 10 years, It's nice to hold on to and that there is still hope for the future. 10/10… Expand
  4. Batters
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    Без сомнений, лучший альбом девяностых годов.
  5. Andremax
    Jun 11, 2014
    10
    An amazing SP's masterpiece
    ecletic and the same time very fuk'ing good
    Corgan is a great music writer, incredible lyrics and musically 2    An amazing SP's masterpiece
    ecletic and the same time very fuk'ing good
    Corgan is a great music writer, incredible lyrics and musically
    2 hours of this kind of music worths so much    … Expand
  6. Nanometro
    Dec 6, 2012
    10
    I still can't say what I feel about Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, but after hearing it - I'm completely sure that this kind of musicI still can't say what I feel about Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, but after hearing it - I'm completely sure that this kind of music it's art at it's finest. This is probably the best double album that I've ever heard, avoiding the weakness of double albums - too much fillers and few good songs. But this album brings the best era of the Pumpkins, yet that some people and the critics still prefer Siamese Dream as it's best. Not only this reissue gives you remastered classics such as 'Tonight,Tonight' 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings' and 'Thru the Eyes of Ruby' but also takes you to mid 90's, a different time, more dark songs and depressing lyrics. Listening to this Deluxe Edition it's like watching something in construction, songs like 'Medellia of Grey Skies [Thinking about Porcelina ?] 'Galapagos' 'Beautiful' and 'Jellybelly' with unfinished lyrics show us the direction that the Pumpkins took when they were recording this disk, while other songs like 'Phang [Excellent instrumental, it reminds me U.S.A Soundworks demo from SD's deluxe edition] and 'Methusela' could have been in the first Mellon Collie. All in all, this reissue is good for alternative scene fans and a must for Sp fans.… Expand
  7. brockcheese
    Oct 11, 2019
    9
    This album is great. It's length allows them to explore many subsections of grunge while proving to be truly orchestral despite the harshThis album is great. It's length allows them to explore many subsections of grunge while proving to be truly orchestral despite the harsh screams of their other songs.… Expand
  8. rjfrelin
    Jan 1, 2021
    8
    In the fall of 94 I was simply blessed to begin a long college career and a seemingly imperative immersion into arts. At the time, I wasIn the fall of 94 I was simply blessed to begin a long college career and a seemingly imperative immersion into arts. At the time, I was skeptical that Mellon Collie could meet the lofty expectations of Smashing Pumpkins fans. It not only met them, it simply blew them away. Now I sit some 25 years after its release and still feel powerful raw emotions that rush back when I hear a song like 1979...… Expand

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