The Aeroplane Flies High [Deluxe Edition]
by The Smashing Pumpkins
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jul 23, 2013
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 6, 2013
    80
    Bashed out between gigs, this music is vulnerable and diverse enough to be essential. [Dec 2013, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The Quietus
    Sep 11, 2013
    80
    For a fan it's fascinating stuff, a parallel universe of unfulfilled potential.
  3. Kerrang!
    Aug 14, 2013
    80
    Vital for obsessives. [20 Jul 2013, p.53]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Magnet
    Sep 25, 2013
    75
    While the abundance of previously unreleased rarities make this must-have fare for any self-respecting Pumpkins fan, Aeroplane does little but highlight how far past his prime Corgan is. [No. 102, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Consequence
    Jul 30, 2013
    70
    Despite the personality problems that would soon force the original lineup to split, the mountain of tracks that make up this release show how well the band functioned as a professional unit. If you’re a fan of the Smashing Pumpkins, or a fan of rock history, Aeroplane may not be an essential document, given how inordinately packed it is with extras, but it’s certainly a telling one.
  7. Pitchfork
    Jul 30, 2013
    70
    Like every Pumpkins reissue, Aeroplane is stocked with extras; the difference here is that they’re jammed onto each single seemingly at random, rather than separated into bonus discs. As a result, the tasteful and accessible arrangement of the original is compromised, negating one of its best qualities.
  8. Under The Radar
    Jul 30, 2013
    65
    Aeroplane was scattered and perhaps unnecessary, other than to unwittingly mark the end of an era for the Pumpkins (the loss of touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin to a heroin overdose preceded a stark change of direction, beginning with 1998's Adore). This 6 CD/1 DVD box set initially doesn't do the original set any favors.
  9. PopMatters
    Jul 30, 2013
    30
    The tactile experience associated with The Aeroplane Flies High disintegrates when translated to a digital format. A once-prized item becomes empty.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
  1. Ricko
    Jan 22, 2014
    7
    wonder has any other band had such a creatively fruitful period as The Smashing Pumpkins had during their Mellon Colly sessions. Not only didwonder has any other band had such a creatively fruitful period as The Smashing Pumpkins had during their Mellon Colly sessions. Not only did the produce a sprawling 2 hour classic, they had over 2 hours worth of additional quality material left over afterward, lots of which is to be found in this collection. There are lots of hits here and the occasional miss but this whole era of the Pumpkins is fascinating. This material combined with Pisces Iscariot would definitely have given up enough material for another classic SP record proper.Of all the disks, Zero is my favourite - hard to believe this material was discarded as B-sides. Also has Pistachio Medley on it which has ideas for another 30 songs on it. Billy Corgan the Riff King of the 90's.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »