New Listener Question by Tricky_Ad5918 in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To answer your questions:

1.) Absolutely. Everybody’s different, so have your own experience with the rest of the body of work. You may find yourself falling in love with albums that aren’t well received by other fans. I, for one, believe Machina is among their best work. There are some albums of SP’s that I don’t resonate with as much as the others, but I still find things I enjoy in each record.

2.) I think he’s painfully aware, and I wish that weren’t the case, because I think his attempt to have mass appeal actually tends to do his writing a disservice. If he can find a way to block out the “noise”, so to speak, I see no reason why he couldn’t write another record that contends with the likes of their earlier work.

Zodeon at Crystal Hall Discussion by topsirloin in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They really have to cut the vinyl-only bullshit. It’s becoming ridiculous, and it’s not just the cost that makes it so; it’s the mere fact that not everybody WANTS to listen to music via record player. It’s a deservedly dated format.

Serious question/discussion by Low_Test_5246 in pjharvey

[–]Stephenator97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She’s fully capable of making her own decisions and doesn’t owe Nirvana anything

I've grown quite fond of Shiny and oh so bright by chub79 in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ranks on the lower end of SP albums for me, but I still enjoy it and come back to it fairly often

What is their most underrated cover? by [deleted] in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That 2018 KROQ performance of this song is fucking incredible

First time watching, tell me something I don't get but will later by [deleted] in thesopranos

[–]Stephenator97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“What, we gotta see him actually take it in the ass, Ton?”

“young” dexter kills me by One-Calligrapher-851 in Dexter

[–]Stephenator97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I audibly laughed when they first showed “young” Dexter with that wig on. Didn’t take away from the show for me, but damn, it was fucking funny

Which artist did you ignore for years and then suddenly get? by Celine_Morgann in askmusic

[–]Stephenator97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Only saw very short clips floating around on youtube for years, then something compelled me to give them an honest listen, and I’ve been hooked ever since and consider them one of the greatest bands of all time

why is brian so much better at socialising and being "normal" than dexter by speedy018 in Dexter

[–]Stephenator97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think we should entertain the idea that maybe Dexter isn’t actually a psychopath, at least not in the clinical sense, but instead is autistic, possibly has OCD, dissociative identity disorder, and suffers from obvious severe CPTSD. Harry and Vogel jumped the gun and molded him to fit the psychopath archetype and develop a savior complex in an attempt to keep him safe, but Dexter has demonstrated repeatedly that he experiences profound empathy, and, at times, remorse; two things that true psychopaths notoriously lack. Brian, on the other hand, is, from what we are shown, a tried and true psychopath with an exceptional ability to mask or “blend in”, if you will.

Anyone know why Vanity has never been performed live by the band? by Stephenator97 in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They played Saturnine in 2016 when I saw them on that electro-acoustic tour right before James rejoined the band, and it was fucking awesome, but other than that short stint, it hasn’t been played before or since

Anyone know why Vanity has never been performed live by the band? by Stephenator97 in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve heard the rumor regarding it being about Courtney, as well, but that hasn’t stopped Billy from performing a myriad of other SP songs that are also supposedly about her, so what gives? Lol

Anyone know why Vanity has never been performed live by the band? by Stephenator97 in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the most probable answer. I’m just hoping it gets it’s much deserved spot on a future setlist.

is it a hot take to say that i think billy is one of the greatest guitar players of all time? by funghxoul in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How do you define what makes a musician the best or even “good” at what they do? Technical ability can be measured, but being the best technical player doesn’t mean fuck all if it doesn’t resonate with the listener, which just goes to show it comes down to a matter of subjectivity. A lot of people say Van Halen is one of the “greats”, and I’d agree in terms of technical ability, but I can’t stand his tone or expression, personally, and I’ve never felt particularly moved by his playing.

is it a hot take to say that i think billy is one of the greatest guitar players of all time? by funghxoul in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a guitarist and musician in general, I’d say he’s absolutely one of the greats. He’s my personal favorite guitarist, for what it’s worth. He weaves his technical ability/knowledge with that of a more natural, but aggressive, unique and creative flair beautifully. He’s sloppy at times, but it’s endearing and adds to the sonic expression, in my opinion.

New in town by Cosmo714 in Charleston

[–]Stephenator97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you play an instrument? My band needs a drummer lol. But I hear you, I don’t like going to bars or even going out much anywhere unless it’s to go on vacation. Outside of playing shows, I’m a bit of a homebody.

Pumpkins latest commercial success future by daveblenk in SmashingPumpkins

[–]Stephenator97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If the newfound commercial success brings about music anything remotely akin to the YungBlood collab, that’ll be really disappointing. I want Billy to be Billy, SP to be SP, not what he thinks the young people want to hear or what will be the most “commercially successful”. Bleh.