Critical Upgrade: Zwan

In 2001, Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins drummer/sidekick Jimmy Chamberlain, and members of Slint, Tortoise, Chavez, Toto, and A Perfect Circle, and launched Zwan , a Tin Machine-like "this is a real band, mannnnnnn" supergroup. (OK, maybe no one from Toto was involved.) The band released one album, Mary Star of the Sea , in 2003, before breaking up.

To my ears, in limited exposure, Zwan sounded a lot like Smashing Pumpkins. To my eyes, the bassist was a notch hotter. Until now, I had no idea the band's full name was initially True Poets of Zwan . That fact notwithstanding, is it time we revisit Zwan for consideration of a Critical Upgrade , wouldn't you agree?

Read more »