Details
Track Listing
1. Lyric
2. Settle Down
3. Declarations of Faith
4. Honestly
5. El Sol
6. Of a Broken Heart
7. Ride a Black Swan
8. Heartsong
9. Endless Summer
10. Baby Let's Rock!
11. Yeah!
12. Desire
13. Jesus, I / Mary Star Of The Sea
14. Come With Me
Album Notes
Zwan: Billy Burke aka Billy Corgan (vocals, guitar); Matt Sweeney (guitar, background vocals); David Pajo (guitar); Paz Lechantin (bass, background vocals); Jimmy Chamberlin (drums).
Additional personnel: Ana Lenchantin (cello).
Recorded at Electrical Audio and Chicago Recording Studios, Chicago, Illinois.
Billy Corgan has emerged from his three-year hiatus following The Smashing Pumpkins' 2000 break-up, with Zwan and their debut, MARY STAR OF THE SEA. Rounding out the group are former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, Slint/Tortoise guitarist Dave Pajo, Skunk string-slinger Matt Sweeney and bassist from A Perfect Circle, Paz Lenchantin. Corgan does not disappoint as he resurrects the crashing guitars and yowling vocals that ensnared so many young, impressionable post-rock fans. Taking on the moniker of Billy Burke, a Florida evangelist dedicated to "touching the world with God's power," the Chicago native runs a quasi-religious thread through these 14 songs. "Lyric", the thunderous opening cut, includes lyrics about faith. Concluding the journey is the 14-minute plus "Jesus, I/Mary Star of the Sea" which incorporates the hymn "Jesus, I Have Taken Up My Cross." Throughout the album are some truly brilliant moments including the tasty acoustic guitar/harmonica driven "Come With Me," the soaring first single "Honestly" and the equally breathtaking "El Sol." With his legacy as Smashing Pumpkins' major domo secure, Billy Corgan is well on his way to securing his spot in the new millennium with Zwan.
Industry Reviews
...MARY STAR OF THE SEA has a sharp zestiness and power that have been missing from Corgan's work for some time... - Rating: A-
Entertainment Weekly (01/24/2003)
4 stars out of 5 - ...The songs keeps one boot in heavy metal but mostly get straight to the point while piling on the hooks and harmonies...
Uncut (03/01/2003)
3 stars out of 5 - ...It does mark Corgan's return to form. Pumpkins fans will feel blessed...
Mojo (03/01/2003)
4 stars out of 5 - ...The second half lurches to life: it's that old Smashing Pumpkins sound, and it sounds even better than you remember it...
Rolling Stone (02/06/2003)
8 out of 10 - ...Corgan almost always makes his guitar sound like a monolithic classic-rock jukebox, ablaze with neon and dripping blood...
Spin (03/01/2003)
Ranked #22 in Q's The 50 Best Albums of 2003 - [Corgan] bolted a Byrdsian jangle and New Order bass onto the Smashing Pumpkins' goth techno rock and came up with songs full of buoyant optimism.
Q (01/01/2004)
Ranked #6 in Entertainment Weekly's 2003 Records of the Year
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