Colorado will look like an episode of VH1's "I Love the '90s" this week.
Remember those bickering Gallagher brothers of Oasis — their massive egos, their legendary brawls, their self-described "brilliance"?

And what about the Smashing Pumpkins and the heroin overdoses that claimed a life and halted the band at its pinnacle — and the mad (some would say crazy) genius of singer-songwriter Billy Corgan?

Oasis plays the Broomfield Event Center on Monday, and the Pumpkins play the Ogden Theatre tonight — far cries from the bands' erstwhile popularity. Oasis once filled stadiums, but now promoter AEG Live is peddling discounted tickets for the Broomfield date for $19.50 — a sign they're not selling.

The Pumpkins also filled arenas and stadiums in the '90s, but now the band (or shall we say Corgan) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with dates at smaller venues.
The bands share little stylistically, but they both represent an era of great music. So here's our own battle of the bands — a modern-day look at two brilliant groups 10 years past their prime. Who will win? Read on to find out, and make your own call at denverpost.com/music.

Question: Whose most recent release is better?
Answer: Oasis'.

It's not hard to find a better record than the Pumpkins' 2007 outing "Zeitgeist." That album, the first in seven years for the Pumpkins, was proof of dictator Corgan's creative death. Meanwhile, Oasis is opening up the doors of collaborative creativity, and the band is profiting. With 2005's "Don't Believe the Truth," Oasis' Noel Gallagher allowed a larger contribution from his compatriots. The result was a stunning, late-career record. And while this year's "Dig Out Your Soul" isn't as good, it's still all melody and attitude — pure Oasis goodness.

Q:Which breakthrough record — Smashing Pumpkins' "Siamese Dream" or Oasis' "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" — is more important?
A: Smashing Pumpkins' "Siamese Dream."

They're both essential records, yes. But "Siamese Dream" is one of those albums that changed the landscape of rock music. Those guitar tones were heavy and fuzzed out and melodic — and Corgan's vocals were tortured and set against lush compositions. The dreamy record really is one of the top 10 records of the '90s, an alternative rock masterpiece and the launching pad that gave Corgan the confidence to make the double album "Mellon Collie & the Infinite Sadness."
Q:Which band is better to play on "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero?"
A: Oasis.
Both bands are solidly represented on the "Rock Band"/ "Guitar Hero" video games, with multiple songs translated into color-coded notes. But Oasis' songs are more fun from the perspective of sheer gameplay. The guitars are more challenging and interesting on Oasis' "Don't Look Back in Anger" than the Pumpkins' "Cherub Rock." And anybody who loves karaoke will tell you that Oasis is more fun to sing than the Pumpkins.

Q: Which band has shown the greatest consistency in band lineup and quality of music?
A: Oasis.

The Pumpkins are often viewed as a solo project carried out via the pretense of a band. Original drummer Jimmy Chamberlin is touring with Corgan on this tour, but that's it. Oasis isn't much better, but at least the core of brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher — and bassman Andy Bell since 2000 — are still intact. The Gallaghers have certainly driven away their fair share of bandmates, but at least their songs still resonate.

Q: Which will likely be the better show, tonight's Smashing Pumpkins gig or Monday's Oasis concert?
A: Tonight's Smashing Pumpkins show at the Ogden.

From what we've read about the current Oasis tour, they're playing lots of hits with plenty of new stuff, as well. That's great and all, but who wants to drive out to Broomfield to see Oasis in a small arena? The venue is a key element here, because seeing the Pumpkins in the 1,600-seat Ogden is more appealing — especially because the band is playing challenging sets of new material and extended jams, according to reviews.

Ricardo Baca: 303-954-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com



Oasis Brit rock. Broomfield Event Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane, with Ryan Adams & the Cardinals and Matt Costa. Monday. 7 p.m. $19.50-$72.50 at ticketmaster.com or 303-830-8497.

Smashing pumpkins.Alt-rock. Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. Tonight. 9 p.m. Sold out.

via L4e / source: Denver Post

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