The Pumpkins are part of the lives many. Influenced by progressive rock, heavy metal, goth rock, psychedelia and dream pop they created an accessible yet challenging, layered, powerful sound driven by swirling, distorted guitars angst-ridden vocals and incisive lyrics. The Butch Vig- produced 'Gish' record landed on a surprisingingly large fanbase three months before Nirvana's 'Nevermind'. It's art-epic/modern rock posturing set the scene for the huge 'Siamese Dream' of 1993. Armed with a swag of alt.rock anthems (count 'em - 'Disarm', 'Cherub Rock', 'Today') it sent them around the world and 'rocket'ed them into music superstardom, effectively blurring the boundaries between what arbitarily defined 'alternative' and 'mainstream'. Likened to 'Houses of The Holy' in its double-LP epic nature, 'Mellon Collie...' was unquestionably a modern masterpiece. 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings', '1979', 'Tonight Tonight', 'Zero' put their popularity through the roof. Internal disputes and tragedy followed at the peak of popularity and solo albums emerged. The dark 'Adore' came in 1998 and 'Machina' in 2000 - though high quality records, (and one gathers they were essentially Billy Corgan solo meanderings) they failed to expand on the bands popularity. Machina II was recorded but never released. 'Rotten Apples' stands as a testament to modern songwriting genius. With some unreleased material, it's a wonderfully comprehensive collection and essential for anyone with even a fleeting interest in 90's guitar rock.