Not long ago I realized I wasn't aware of 'Gish', the first work of Billy Corgan and company... so, annoyed by my ignorance but at the same time curious, with the program of the braying donkey, I proceeded to download it.
It starts with "I AM ONE", a spectacular intro with bass and guitars at their limit that promises a crazy CD; "SIVA", frankly even after many listens doesn't say much to me, except for the explosive finale; "RHINOCEROS", one of the best by the SP in my opinion, hypnotic with a chorus that sticks in your head; "BURY ME", pretty cute with guitars that seem to invoke pity; "CRUSH", a calm song that showcases Corgan's voice, but nothing more; "SUFFER”... a bit boring and bland...; "SNAIL" starts calm and progresses more and more with a nice solo and final drum riff; of "TRISTESSA" I like Billy's high pitches; "WINDOW PAINE" is divided into 2 parts: the first somewhat calm, the second more hectic with great drums; "DAYDREAM" is a brief angelic chant (unfortunately sung by someone I don't know) that gives goosebumps; lastly, a cute ghost-track sung by Corgan...
In short, really a good debut... considering that 'Gish' began to gain success, along with 'SIAMESE DREAM', only after the release of 'Mellon Collie', it was a nice discovery to hear it, except for 1-2 songs that feel a bit bland, and "I AM ONE" heralded a somewhat more aggressive CD... but it doesn't matter, as a debut for the greatest band of Chicago it's acceptable.
So 3 stars and in my personal ranking, in 3rd place after 'Siamese Dream' and 'Mellon Collie'.
"Gish is the explosive debut of the greatest band from Chicago (and beyond)."
"It feels like a star has been born destined never to set."
"Gish is the excellent and underrated debut of the Smashing Pumpkins, dated 1991 (a truly blessed year!)."
"In these desolate 2000s, I still haven’t found a debut album that conveys to me the same passion combined with equal quality of the tracks."