"Monuments to an Elegy" is the ninth studio album by the American alternative rock band, The Smashing Pumpkins. The album was released on December 9, 2014, through Martha's Music. The record has heavy synth styling, which is a sharp departure from their earlier works.
Billy Corgan, the primary member of 'The Smashing Pumpkins', confirmed that Tommy Lee, the drummer from Mötley Crüe, played drums on nine of the album's ten songs. This album is the third in a series of four that the band planned to release as part of their 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' concept, which included their previous album 'Oceania'.
The album's cover artwork was created by Linda Strawberry, a long-term collaborator with the band. Five singles were released from the album, including 'Being Beige' and 'Tiberius'.
Their approach to making the album was somewhat different compared to their previous ones. Corgan wrote and recorded the songs quickly, featuring shorter songs in the album. This move was met with mixed reviews from critics, which delivers a simpler, straightforward sound, but some felt it lacked the nuance and depth often associated with the band's music.
Nonetheless, "Monuments to an Elegy" debuted at No.33 on the Billboard 200 and No. 104 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was received positively by long-term fans of the band, for its return to a more classic Smashing Pumpkins sound while still incorporating newer elements.
