Sorry if this has been discussed already - I've been away in Canada for a few weeks (what an amazing place!!! The first bar I walked into in Ottawa was playing 'From The Beginning' by ELP...)

Anyway, to the subject.  For those who dont know, Jimmy Chamberlin was the highly acclaimed drummer of the Smashing Pumpkins who disbanded a couple of years ago so Billy Corgan could form Zwan (also with Chamberlin).  Corgan being Corgan (he makes Fripp look like a Team Morale-building Coach), he soon ditched the idea, and went off to write poetry.  Chamberlin being a supremely talented musician, set up his own project - discussed herewith.

The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex recently brought out 'Life Begins Again' - a stunning debut album, with all the ingredients craved by prog die-hards.  Jumping time signatures, complex musicianship (with some mesmerising drumming of course), and most importantly, some cracking songs.  Corgan had to appear on one of the songs of course, but the remainder are sweetly original and moody, like Canterbury on Valium. 

Anyway, thought I'd throw it out there for anyone in search of something new and different...no rants and polls to get it included in the archive...!! 

Yes, I saw the penultimate (as far as I know!) Pumpkins gig in Glasgow a couple of years back, and despite the SECC 'Air Craft Hanger' sound, they were amazing.  Started playing ambient gentle material, all dressed in angelic white, and then changed into black for the heavier material.  Highlight of the night was Chamberlin's drum solo which was the best drum solo I've ever seen (and I play the drums). He made it look effortless, and more importantly it was actually listenable,and developed like a piece of music - not like the often tiresome rudimentary work-outs I've heard by some of our more cherished prog drummers (no names...!)

Didn't know he played with Tori Amos, but it doesn't surprise me, as though his most well-known association is with the Pumpkins, his new album shows he has a pretty eclectic musical heritage. 

And you're right James, his drumming on Siamese Dream is just utterly phenomenal, and was a huge component in the appeal of the album, driving the music from the start.  I dont want to start an argument here, but I always think American drummers are a just a bit better than our UK sticksters, even though many owe debts to Bonham, Bruford etc.  Something about the attack of the kit and fluidity of the rhythm - as epitomised by Chamberlin.  I have seldom come across an American band with a crap drummer!