Smashing Pumpkins - Vieuphoria (1994)
For those of us who divide Smashing Pumpkins into pre- and post-baldness categories for Mr. Corgan, this is a crucial video document of the Haired Years. Smashing Pumpkins in 1994 were kings of the alternative rock universe, a throne on which they didn't seem to be comfortable. This video is split between live performances and goofy skits, in-studio banter and miscellaneous footage that shows a band somewhat nervous about their rush of success.
As performances go, you'll find all of your favorite stinkers from Gish and Siamese Dream, some done in different styles then we're used to. One of my least favorite Corgan moments, "Disarm", is done in a plodding, crunchy electric version that is even worse than the original. The bad blue screen effects from the British TV show they are playing on add to the disorientation, and the resulting clip is akin to a bad Cronenberg-esque nightmare.
"Cherub Rock" however, is approached from the other direction - on Vieuphoria the Pumpkins perform it as an acoustic number, thus stripping the song of any life it once had. Mediocrity abounds on this VHS, but the performance of "I Am One" from Barcelona is fantastic - with a long, extemporized rant from Corgan in the middle that is cringe-inducing and side-splitting at the same time. A warning to parents - Mr. Corgan does drop the F-bomb a few times here.
The non-performance clips range from bad to worse, with weird attempts at comedy shot on Hi-8 by bass player D'Arcy being absolutely unstomachable. An interview on Japanese TV from 1992 shows a band who is unsure of themselves, nervous, and not ready for the spotlight yet. The too-long "In the Studio with Butch Vig" segment shows Corgan's shyness, with his cheeky nature and boyish smile a faint glimmer of that cape-wearing maniac that emerged a few years later.
The real reason to spent $1.60 on this video is for the "Meet the Frogs" segment. For whatever reason, the Frogs appear in a brief clip that features some demented live footage and a fractured interview. An acoustic song about being a homosexual is included as well. I don't know if Smashing Pumpkins were friends of the Frogs, or if they lost a bet, but this inclusion is very appreciated.
If your cassette copy of Siamese Dream is cracked, moldy or was accidentally thrown out with your 10th grade Geometry textbook, you might want to track down a copy of Vieuphoria. It's even been released on DVD, possibly with goodies and extras, but it just feels more appropriate to be seen on VHS.
| Vieuphoria at Amazon |
