The myths abound around Siamese Dream. The Smashing Pumpkins' 1993 sophomore release cemented the band's reputation as one of the standouts of the alternative rock era. There were high expectations after the surprise success of their debut, Gish, and the sudden rise of Nirvana. The recording sessions were fraught with drummer Jimmy Chamberlin's drug addiction, the breakup of guitarist James Iha and bassist D'arcy Wretzky, and reports of Billy Corgan's tyrannical behavior. Corgan, along with producer Butch Vig, would spend inordinate amounts of time working on the smallest parts of music in their quest for perfection. The two had spent so much time recording the album that they were too exhausted to mix it. Engineer Alan Moulder, famous for his work on My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, was brought in to mix the album. In the end, the album was finished after four months and $250,000 over budget. The resulting record was more lush and ornate than other alternative records at the time. There were endless layers of guitars on the majority of the songs which created a sense of endless sonic depth. It was well received by critics and fans alike, with some going so far as to say The Smashing Pumpkins had created a whole new sound.
