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Home > Take 5 > Billy Corgan's songs that make him feel good
Podcast: Take 5
Episode:

Billy Corgan's songs that make him feel good
Category: Music
Duration: 00:31:13
Publish Date: 2026-04-23 02:00:00
Description:

35 years ago, we met a band called Smashing Pumpkins. Rising in the wave of American grunge, the Chicago band were led by the iconic voice of Billy Corgan and would rise and rise like all their contemporaries, over the coming years. 

If you know anything about music history, you know the story of the Pumpkins is a tumultuous one. But Billy has continued through it all. 

Back in 2012, Billy was in Australia to play Splendour in the Grass with the latest incarnation of Smashing Pumpkins. With a new album under their belt, he was in a buoyant mood and up for an epic conversation when he joined Zan to Take 5

Billy is always good chat, but if you've ever wondered about the music that made him, this conversation is a dream. So settle in, don your flanny, and discover the songs that make Billy Corgan feel good.

Billy Corgan's song choices:

  • Yes - And You and I
  • UFO - Love to Love
  • Neil Young - Ambulance Blues
  • David Bowie - Space Oddity
  • Lou Reed - Berlin

00:23 Introduction to Billy Corgan

01:43 Creating music during difficult times

04:25 1972 and guitar supergroup Yes

05:50 Yes - 'And You and I'

07:38 When Billy discovered music

11:43 British Hard Rock inspirations

13:08 UFO - 'Love to Love'

14:30 Moving away from mainstream needs

15:23 Neil Young - 'Ambulance Blues'

16:40 Sad music making you feel better

18:50 The definitive anthem of alienation

19:24 David Bowie - 'Space Oddity'

20:40 Technology and disconnection 

28:10 Lou Reed - 'Berlin'

29:47 Next weeks guest
Total Play: 0

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