46

Today
The Smashing Pumpkins
1993

I'm not a huge Smashing Pumpkins guy.  Part of that stems from the fact that I've always thought they were a product of the studio, and that they don't hold up live (which in turn is borne out of seeing some live clips on MTV back in the day where they sounded absolutely terrible).  I also don't think they ever were able to replicate what they did on their amazing debut album, Siamese Dream (yeah, ok, their debut album was Gish, but nobody cares about that ish).

But Siamese Dream was and is amazing, and at least one song from that album deserved a spot on the Top 100.  After some consternation, that choice was Today, but it just as easily could've been one of a handful of others.  That iconic guitar lick in the intro is superb.  And I love the melody in this one.  Might not be their best (may give the nod to Disarm for that?), but love this one.

I don't think they're great live (just saw them for the first time last year to confirm my suspicions), although Billy Corgan and James Iha did an amazing version of  "Tonight, Tonight" with just an acoustic guitar.  Everything else was way too loud (and yes, I'm old).  And Billy might be Jamie from Small Wonder.  But putting all these gripes aside, this song is a classic.

Other Songs Considered:
Disarm, Cherub Rock, Rocket, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, Tonight Tonight