The Aeroplane Flies High [Box] by Smashing Pumpkins (CD, Nov-1996, 5 Discs, Virgin Records USA)

As a Smashing Pumpkins fan, I felt the final CD set that was needed was the discontinued "Aeroplane Flies High" box set. I was skeptical, as any buyer would be, considering I knew little about the product along with the tracks. I should have never second guessed Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins... the CD's were amazing! Every track was like gold and the seller described it perfectly. I've run into little problems with ebay, but I've never been more satisfied with a purchase.

I've always wanted this box set. Amazing set of cds. Not only do you get the great early singles but a lot of unheard b side and songs not found on any other cd. A must have for any smashing pumpkin fan.

There are a few songs on here that I'm not crazy about, but there are also a few that I truly can't do without. The title song(The Aeroplane), Set the Ray to Jerry, Transformer; all on my list of all time Pumpkins favorites. Based on some of the reviews that I've read, this collection may not be for everyone. However, if you are a true Pumpkins fan, and can appreciate a little variety, I think you will enjoy. If not, put it back on Ebay and I'm sure another fan will snatch it up. I already have two. Happy listening! -jimi-

I was roaming around on a Smashing Pumpkins fan site (Phoenix SP Fans Myspace page, to be specific) and I stumbled upon a song I had never heard before; "The Aeroplane Flies High (Turns Left, Looks Right)". It was raw, rocking, and it definitely sounded like it came from the older end of the Pumpkins catalog. I suddenly got excited about this song and the notion that I had missed out on a LOT of music that only ever made it to EPs, singles, and compilations. Research ensued--I am a newer fan of the band--and I discovered that it came from a BOXED SET of the same name. I paid for it immediately on eBay.

"The Aeroplane Flies High" boxed set is made up of five EPs, each named after one of the hit singles from "Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness", and featuring the single as its opening track. There is hardly any filler throughout, and in fact it's puzzling to think that a few tracks failed to make it into "Mellon Collie..." over others. The EPs are generally "themed":

"Bullet With Butterfly Wings" begins with the title track and "...Said Sadly" (written and sung by James), but then launches into a series of pop/rock covers of The Cars ("You're All I've Got Tonight"), Alice Cooper ("Clones (We're All)"), The Cure ("A Night Like This"), Missing Persons ("Destination Unknown"), and Blondie ("Dreaming").

"1979" is made up of pure pop gems. "The Boy" and "Believe" are more Iha originals; it's a shame that his songwriting talent didn't take more precedence in the band, but that's what EPs like this are for, right? Lose yourself in this with your headphones on while overlooking the city lights from atop a nearby hill.

The Pumpkins save some of their grungiest and darkest guitar riffs for the rock monster that is the "Zero" EP, championing the sound they built on "Siamese Dream" and some of the more angry vocal stylings from "Mellon Collie...". "Mouths Of Babes" and "Marquis In Spades" are standout tracks. The EP ends with "Pastichio Medley", a twenty-three minute cut-and-paste jam session featuring riffs and passages from [a LOT of] previous Pumpkins songs.

"Tonight, Tonight" calms things down quite a bit, featuring a handpicked number of acoustically-driven songs, most of which SHOULD have been on "Mellon Collie..." (think "Rotten Apples" and "Meladori Magpie") because they're so beautiful. "Tonite Reprise" is a reworked version of the title track which sounds like it was simply performed in front of a single microphone. All are stellar (no pun intended).

"Thirty-Three" seems to be a little more mellow than the "1979" disc, with the exception of the grunge opus bearing the box set's name, "The Aeroplane Flies High (Turns Left, Looks Right)". "The Bells" is the last number featured by James Iha, and the disc closes with the Pumpkins' version of Walter Donaldson's and George Whiting's popular croon hit, "My Blue Heaven".

The boxed set also comes with a booklet containing lyrics to all of the original songs which appear throughout the five EPs, photos of the band, and detailed information on the complete discography up through "Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness". MAKE SURE you're getting this companion piece, should you choose to purchase the set.

If you're the kind of person who will spend $40 or more on that Japanese import of the "[blank]" single which has that one track you can't find ANYWHERE else, find a good copy of this increasingly rare and collectible set to hold you over until you get filthy rich.

Excellent condition the box set was complete and in great shape.Great price it was not over priced and shipping was outstanding seller went above and beyond gettig product to me great deal..

hard to find item, found at a good price. Sent in quick time and I was happy with the quality of the product, Smashing Pumpkins, "Airplane flies high". Thank you.... seed.415

The best box set I've ever bought. The songs are incredible, this collection is truly one in a million.

I purchased this gift box of CD's for a Christmas gift for my son. Every CD was in excellent condition. The Box itself was in great condition, Just as if I had purchased it brand new.

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I bought this box set (accidentally bought two) for my daughter's 16th birthday. She absolutely was thrilled. There are a new generation of "pumpkin heads". She hopes the tour comes close. I have to say that I was happy to find it in such good condition. *Update*The band is coming and she will get to see them!! Actually get to meet them too!! She is one happy camper!

collectors item in good condition. very reasonable price. very happy with my purchase, thank you! WOULD BUY FROM AGAIN!

I've had the set for years and listen to it all the time. It's a great set of songs, and some of their best work. You'll be glad you bought it.

I decided to purchase the product as a birthday gift to a friend. The CDs are a really great collectable items. I love that I was able to purchase them at a reasonable price.