The Aeroplane Flies High cover

The Aeroplane Flies High

The Smashing Pumpkins · 1996

136 min · 33 tracks · alternative rock

Layered alternative rock soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts, capturing the band's expansive vision.

Why this album works

This album is notable for its ambitious scope, housing many rare tracks that provide insight into the band's creative process. It reached number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been praised for its depth and experimentation, influencing countless alternative rock bands in the years to come. Its release further solidified The Smashing Pumpkins' status as one of the leading acts of the 1990s.
Best for
dynamic journey with emotional peaks patient exploration of layered soundscapes extended climaxes that reward listening
Context
Released in 1996, 'The Aeroplane Flies High' is a box set that follows The Smashing Pumpkins' critically acclaimed double album 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness'. At this point, the band was at their commercial peak, riding high on massive hits like 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings' and '1979'. This collection showcases B-sides and unreleased tracks, reflecting their creative evolution during this prolific era.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Bullet With Butterfly Wings Standout 4:20
  • 2 …Said Sadly 3:13
  • 3 You’re All I’ve Got Tonight 3:10
  • 4 Clones (We’re All) 2:45
  • 5 A Night Like This 3:39
  • 6 Destination Unknown 4:17
  • 7 Dreaming 5:11

Disc 2

  • 1 1979 Standout 4:27
  • 2 Ugly 2:53
  • 3 The Boy 3:05
  • 4 Cherry 4:02
  • 5 Believe 3:17
  • 6 Set the Ray to Jerry 4:10

Disc 3

  • 1 Zero 2:39
  • 2 God 3:09
  • 3 Mouths of Babes 3:46
  • 4 Tribute to Johnny 2:33
  • 5 Marquis in Spades 3:17
  • 6 Pennies 2:29
  • 7 Pastichio Medley 23:00

Disc 4

  • 1 Tonight, Tonight Standout 4:16
  • 2 Meladori Magpie 2:44
  • 3 Rotten Apples 3:04
  • 4 Jupiter’s Lament 2:32
  • 5 Medellia of the Gray Skies 3:11
  • 6 Blank 2:55
  • 7 Tonite (reprise) 2:41

Disc 5

  • 1 Thirty‐Three 4:12
  • 2 The Last Song 3:55
  • 3 The Aeroplane Flies High (Turns Left, Looks Right) 8:36
  • 4 Transformer 3:29
  • 5 The Bells 2:19
  • 6 My Blue Heaven 3:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata