Zeitgeist

Image credit: Kristin Burns

BILLY CORGAN

Billy Corgan's been through all the stages of grief over a failed solo career (Stage 3: ''I've changed, fans — why haven't you?'' ...Stage 7: ''I'll pretend Zwan never happened if you will''). This resumption of a brand name and sensibility brings the thunder; if you're nostalgic for the '90s, Zeitgeist is like curling up with a warm Marshall stack. But as with anyone eager to woo back a fan base, self-parody sets in, in the most metallic moments. Later on, more moderate anthems like ''Neverlost'' prove he hasn't entirely forsaken melody for Jack Black-baiting riffage.