1. Sinfony
2. Quiet
3. Disarm
4. Cherub Rock
5. Today
6. Bugg Superstar
7. I Am One
8. Pulseczar
9. Soma
10. Slunk
11. French Movie Theme
12. Geek U.S.A.
13. Mayonaise
14. Silverfuck
15. Why Am I So Tired?

03. Disarm: The other main aspect of 'Earphoria's value and infamy is the presence of alternate arrangements of the Pumpkins cannon of hits. 'Disarm' is an electric train-wreck -- just as messy and subtle. Performed on the UK television program 'The Word', the band veers all over the road. And just when it sounds as if it's all going to fall apart into disarray, they expertly patch up the pieces and continue on. 'Disarm' becomes something other than the Bic-lighter anthem through this reconstruction, and the performance manages to pull out as a surprise high-point of the collection. Yet, it is also on this track where the head of copyright control rears it's ugly head. Originally, the performance ended with an impromptu jam on Cream's classic 'Sunshine Of Your Love'. Here, as on the video counterpart, it has been sadly excised -- the quick cover tease is available on a number of other bootlegs, most notably the aptly-titled 'Sunshine Of Your Love'.

04. Cherub Rock: As in the days of Lollapalooza, 'Earphoria' opens with the "throwing down the gauntlet" of hit after hit. 'Cherub Rock' appears in acoustic form here, as performed for MTV Europe's 'Most Wanted' programme. And as with 'Disarm', the song is given a new breath of life: when a song is entirely stripped down to the most basic presentation, it's true power becomes evident. The 'Siamese Dream' era material is so strong on it's own, that even after the months of studio trickery are pulled away, the songs remain standing on the sturdiest of legs.

05. Today: And they just keep coming. As expected, the crowd goes nuts upon hearing the opening chords of 'Today' (not to mention the closing note of the regular 1993 live 'Disarm', included at the beginning of the track), and the band seems just as excited. In later live sets, 'Today' often feels rushed or even at times forced. But here, in their home town shortly after the success of 'Siamese Dream' kicked in, 'Today' is a marvel. The only disappointment comes upon listening to later performances -- the parts which seemed so of-the-moment here, are duplicated spotlessly throughout the following tours.

06. Bugg Superstar: A Pumpkins novelty if there ever was one. James' paen to his beloved dog Bugg is a short synth-pop bit of fluff which would work perfectly as the opening theme to a children's Japanamation series. Still waiting for the remix EP.

07. I Am One: Young bands starting out on the live circuit should give special attention to the Pumpkins' live rip-throughs of 'I Am One', which never fails to ignite the stage. This 1993 performance from Barcelona starts out like a firecracker with a frighteningly long fuse -- the tension is kept taut through to the dueling kamikaze solos. But then three minutes in, something happens. The song is put on hold for over 3 minutes of a consciousness-flow rant from the head Pumpkin himself, but amounts to little more than a continuous scream of obscenities and "gimmie gimmie"s. File under 'Sounded Like A Good Idea At The Time'. Everything is saved by the finale, racing through octaves and ending in a Rawk Power howl.

08. Pulseczar: A deceptively simple studio tune, with a sound and vocal melody line straight out of the psychedelic '60s, entirely updated for the '90s. It's nothing particularly deep -- who knows what exactly he's going on about -- but sometimes that's just not important. My Bloody Valentine-homage phasing plus the most basic of tunes wouldn't add up to very much in the hands of the unexperienced, but with Billy nothing is quite what it seems upon the first listen. It isn't until the final seconds that you realize that 'Pulseczar' is a little more layered than you'd originally thought. It's secrets are whispered ones. Listen closely.

09. Soma: In the concerts of the time period, after the row of hits were batted out of the park it was time for the band to take a turn off into the slightly more obscure numbers. And so it is with 'Earphoria'. The 'Soma' included here has also been taken from the legendary 'Rock Invasion' closing shows at the London Astoria in February 1994. Most surprising of all is it's nearly note-for-note perfection to the rabidly adored album version, where as the preceeding tracks took swings from the expected into new tangents. Yet in no way does that withdraw from it's strength -- lest we forget we're talking about 'Soma' here. An incredible album cut and an incredible show-stopping addition to the 'Earphoria' setlist.

10. Slunk: 'Slunk' has always been the type of song that leads to an open jaw, and absent minded "hot shit, that rocks" sentiment. Now take the studio version, stuff it full with quaaludes and a jab of steroids, and buckle your seatbelts. The result is the version performed on Japanese television in 1992. I've always wanted to see the faces of the Japanese television personalities at the desk while Billy pumped out the nutters feedback finale. And speaking of which, why exactly were the Pumpkins out in Japan? On what looks to be morning-show television? To play 'Slunk'? Guess we'll never know -- but really, what does it matter? Hot shit, that rocks.

11. French Movie Theme: Bonjour! Like a taste of sherbert between courses: gentle and unobtrusive. The greatest thing about 'French Movie Theme' is Billy's laugh near the end of the song, on the final verse of "Yeah"'s -- always an underappreciated display of Pumpkin humour. A necessary addition to cleanse the palette for the unrelenting racket on the way.

12. Geek U.S.A.: The previous selections had been perfect beyond the slightest of quibbles. Up until 'Geek U.S.A.' from the live German television spot of 1993, that is. The faults hit immediately: the sound is muddled and sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the immaculate quality of the other tracks (the band sounds as though they're off three blocks away); Billy's slurred vocals and raspy yells (someone hand that man a lozenge); and clumsy mistakes. It's not a particularly well performed song, and any number of well-done 'Geek U.S.A.'s were up for the taking. As to why this disappointing run-through was picked, it's easy to suspect that the selection was made based on video footage. While that's a definite plus when watching 'Vieuphoria', this 'Geek U.S.A.' doesn't much help brighten up 'Earphoria'.

13. Mayonaise: While still scratching your head over 'Geek U.S.A.', the majestic acoustic reading of 'Mayonaise' easily makes it all forgiven. Just three guitars and a set of bongo drums. The sounds of busses passing by. And an invading spirit of fun. Entirely perfect. With the evidence presented here on 'Earphoria' as well as through other acoustic bootleg tracks, 'Siamese Dream' becomes easy to picture as an entirely acoustic album. And one just as powerful.

14. Silverfuck: For the third time, a track from the spotless London Astoria sets appears. The final song from the final show of the 'Rock Invasion' tour leads to such an amazing finale that the stereo speakers literally shoot sparks towards the ceilings. Opening with 15 seconds of space-jam noodling, the 'Silverfuck' (retitled 'Silvercrank' on the 'Vieuphoria' liner, yet presented with the true title here) intro kicks in with such force, that it sounds like a show opener, as opposed to the final tune. The speed kicked up into the stratosphere, Jimmy's whirlwind drumming leaves you in awe, and reminds of the disastrous events of just two years later. The guitar playing raises Billy and James to their deserved spot at the forefront of '90s musicians, with riffs and fill-ins slicing in from every direction -- at times it's hard to believe that this heavenly guitar clamour is being created by merely two men. Corgan's vocals are otherworldly, and D'arcy's basswork provides such a bottom-heavy basement that you can't help but groove. And there's just something inexplicably fantastic about hearing an audience sing "bang bang you're dead / hole in your head" in unison. The 'Earphoria' 'Disarm' was cut short by the constraints of copyright, and the same fate befalls the 'Silverfuck' contained on the 'Vieuphoria' videotape, where an a capella chorus of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' immediately before the massive closing has been excised. Yet, on the CD, the quick tease is still present, and upon comparing the two versions, the extra footage proves a healthy addition. But what makes this 'Silverfuck' the true winner it is, is the 5 minute 'Jackboot' jam, which doesn't merely end the show as beat it into submission, wimpering for an encore. When it came time to naming this site, there was no question -- in terms of performance, these 5 minutes provide every last thing that makes a truly great live segment. The true power of 'Jackboot' is it's ability to never grow tired, or boring in the slightest. Add on the fact that 'Jackboot' was brought out only a few times on the tour, and Billy's position at the forefront of rock and roll music has yet another undisputed point. Wham bam, thank you ma'am.

15. Why Am I So Tired: With 15 minutes disc running time left to spare, the Pumpkins unsurprisingly find a way to fill nearly every last second. 'Why Am I So Tired' is one in a long line of band ability accomplishments -- what seems a random jam proves structured mid-way through when the previous 8 minutes are repeated expertly. The Pumpkins have always show infallable skill when it comes to instrumentals, and this is one of the best.

And then, suddenly, it ends. There is no slow-fade or mellow outro to 'Earphoria's ride. Just the sudden stop of the tapes rolling, and silence. In like a lamb, out like a lion.

The period between 'Drown' in 1992 and 'Pisces Iscariot' in 1994 is one of the greatest musical accomplishments by any group in the last thirty years. And it's proved invaluable to have such momentos of this period, especially the shining gem that is 'Earphoria'. Upon spotting a copy, official or non, drive, bike, run, or shag a pogo stick and snatch it up. To any collector, 'Earphoria' is vital.