The Smashing Pumpkins released "Cherub Rock" in 1993 off the album Siamese Dream. It was the last song written for the album and the first song released. Front man, Billy Corgan, said it took him half an hour to write it and wonders how good it could have been had he spent more time on it.
The song is about the Indy rock scene in Chicago that frustrated Corgan because of the idea that if bands signed with a major label it meant that they were selling out. In a Rolling Stone interview Corgan said, "I won't play some one else's game anymore. This album was really a strong affirmation to myself: 'F--k you, I don't care. I'm going to do this.' The funny part about it is that it's working. Which says to me I should have trusted myself all along."
"Cherub Rock" made it to #7 on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart and #23 on the Mainstream Rock chart. It just made it onto Guitar World's 100 greatest guitar solos of all time at #97 and was named the 25th greatest guitar track of all time in a 2008 Rolling Stone magazine reader's poll.
*90s at 9 brought to you by Taco John's. Text "BURRITO" to 39327 for your chance to win free food from Taco John's
