| [LICD Review] Pittsburgh Post |
| March 12, 1998, 11:00 pm |
Source: Pittsburgh Post RECORDINGS; [SOONER Edition] ED MASLEY. Pittsburgh Post - Gazette. Pittsburgh, Pa.: Mar 13, 1998. pg. 29 Abstract (Document Summary) Rolling Stone and Spin have delighted in slamming this solo debut by Smashing Pumpkins' guitarist James Iha for being a lightweight collection of sensitive love songs. What, he's not entitled after raging away in the shadow of Billy Corgan's angst for all these years? All the essential ingredients reach out and snuggle you up on the opening cut - acoustic intro, hook-filled chorus, tambourine and, floating high above it, Iha's soothing vocals promising "If I come and hold you now, you'll be safe and sound." Full Text (325 words) Copyright Post Gazette Publishing Company Mar 13, 1998 WEEKEND MAG Recordings are rated on a scale of 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent) stars. JAMES IHA LET IT COME DOWN (VIRGIN) THREE STARS Rolling Stone and Spin have delighted in slamming this solo debut by Smashing Pumpkins' guitarist James Iha for being a lightweight collection of sensitive love songs. What, he's not entitled after raging away in the shadow of Billy Corgan's angst for all these years? It's lightweight, true, but infectiously lightweight, recalling the best of the AM pop of the '70s. All the essential ingredients reach out and snuggle you up on the opening cut - acoustic intro, hook-filled chorus, tambourine and, floating high above it, Iha's soothing vocals promising "If I come and hold you now, you'll be safe and sound." It's emotional stuff with hooks that practically dare you not to let the sunshine in - and backing from members of Fountains of Wayne, Veruca Salt and the Pumpkins (yes, that's D' Arcy chiming in on "One and Two"). Is all the talk of love, love, love escapist? You could say that. Or you could say Iha's coping with the death and despair of the Pumpkins' year of living dangerously by looking for something happier out of life. On the irresistible "Sound of Love," he dreams of "no more indecision, no more heartfelt division" and hangs his hopes for a better tomorrow on the thought that "it takes a little faith and I know that we can make it all work out." The first time a rock star seemed so sure that love was all you need - against the backdrop of the angst-filled War in Vietnam, no less - he was hailed as a genius. Was John Lennon being any less naive than Iha? You guys fight it out. I'm taking my copy of "Let It Come Down' ' to the park, where I hope to imagine all the people living life in peace. [Illustration] PHOTO; Caption: PHOTO: (No caption) Credit: ED MASLEY |