The Smashing Pumpkins - Rotten Apples: The Smashing Pumpkins Greatest Hits (2000)

Though the Pumpkins were considered an alt-rock band, many of leader Billy Corgan’s moves were influenced by the grand concept rock of Queen, Rush, and Led Zeppelin. It’s Corgan’s insistence at achieving the strongest studio sound possible that distinguishes songs such as “Drown” (here in a truncated version from the Singles soundtrack), “Cherub Rock,” “Today,” “Disarm,” “Bullet with Butterfly Wings," and “1979” from the grungy crowd. Covering Fleetwood Mac's “Landslide” was a smart move, and the inclusion of “Eye” (from the Lost Highway soundtrack) and “Untitled” (said to be the band’s final studio recording with bassist Melissa Auf der Maur and guitarist James Iha) are welcome additions. It’s a history of the '90s from one major band’s point of view.