The ideology of the Smashing Pumpkins was ultimately more valuable than the music of the Smashing Pumpkins. That's what critics can't put their finger on.

i have too much to feel dear. Gish fared better than expected but the follow-up Siamese Dream released on Virgin Records became a multi-platinum hit. The addition of the powerful Chamberlin drove the band in a heavier direction almost immediately.

The band's direction has largely been driven by Corgan through his confessional lyrics grandiose production values and virtuosic musical interplay notably with Chamberlin. The Pumpkins continued as a three-piece until Chamberlin rejoined the band in 1999 then broke up in 2000. The new version of that band consisting of Corgan Chamberlin and a revolving tour lineup released an album in 2007 and followed it with extensive touring over the next year and a half.