Smashing Pumpkins: The Essential Album-by-Album Guide

GISH (1991)
Key Tracks: "I Am One," "Siva"
Quick Take: Smashing Pumpkins began as an art project that featured Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha and bassist D'Arcy playing along with a drum machine. When the band added drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, they morphed into a noisy, propulsive alternative metal machine. Gish — produced by Butch Vig just before he cranked out Nirvana's Nevermind — establishes the Pumpkins' core sound: distorted arena rock riffs buzzing below Corgan's tortured whine. Nearly two decades later, "Siva" still sounds like a definitive alt-rock anthem.

Gish (Caroline/Virgin)