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CartList: Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins Shares Four of his Favorite Authors
Mon, 02 Jul 2012 07:41:29
"To me, words are incredible," smiles The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. "Anybody can write anywhere. You don't need a basketball to really be a wordsmith, and words are a great joy if you can find the right angle on them."
Corgan definitely finds the right angle on words with Oceania the latest and greatest masterpiece from The Smashing Pumpkins. In fact, his lyrics remain just as poignant, potent, and powerful as the staggering riffs he architects. That's one of many reasons why Oceania is completely timeless and truly essential.
Given Corgan's affinity for words, ARTISTdirect.com editor in chief Rick Florino spoke to The Smashing Pumpkins singer and guitarist about some of his favorite authors for this exclusive feature.
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins Shares Some Favorite Authors…
William Burroughs
"I'll always love William Burroughs. Naked Lunch is the seminal work. I'd recommend that because at that point he's sort of on the cusp of traditional writing and what became the "William Burroughs" style. It's incredibly provocative writing. The thing I learned most from Burroughs is he was willing to put words together that don't belong together. In that, he created a form of violence. It's like a messy landscape by making uncomfortable word choices. I've definitely stolen that from him [Laughs]."
Jack Kerouac
"He's one of the greats as well."
Thomas Hardy
"Thomas Hardy is an author I really respect."
Nelson Algren
"Lately, I've been reading a little Nelson Algren, a Chicago author."
—Rick Florino
07.02.12
Who are your favorite authors?
See our exclusive interview with Billy Corgan and our review of Oceania!
