"Tarantula," Smashing Pumpkins

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SMASHING TIME: A seven-year absence from Modern Rock Tracks has apparently made the hearts of Smashing Pumpkins fans grow fonder. The self-imposed hiatus hasn't hurt the group's chart fortunes, as "Tarantula" (Reprise) soars 30-5, to become the 17th consecutive top 10 hit for the band (and sixth consecutive top five hit).

The Pumpkins already held the record for the most consecutive top 10 hits in Modern Rock history, so this smashing return simply extends their lead.

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Tarantula
the SMASHING PUMPKINS
Producer(s): Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin
Label: Reprise

Having disbanded for several years, the Smashing Pumpkins know their return single needs to make a grand entrance. The band's new incarnation comes out firing on "Tarantula," amping an overdubbed, jabbing guitar attack that's on a definite mission to rock. But for all the six-string squealing, this is a lightly produced affair. It's raw enough to feel like the Pumpkins are blasting at you from a tiny stage, threatening to smack the front line of the audience with their instruments because of cramped conditions. Billy Corgan's unique enunciations are subdued and the drums are an enthusiastic clamor. All add up to a positive indicator for the band's July 10 album, "Zeitgeist." —Christa L. Titus

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P.R. Brown is directing the video.