The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex — Life Begins Again

When bands break up, everyone from the lead singer to the rhythm guitarist releases a solo album. Unlike former grunge cohort Dave Grohl, ex-Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has opted to release his solo disc from behind the skins. Life Begins Again is an in-your-face showcase of Chamberlin’s drumming feats, but unfortunately it’s nothing more. Mediocre vocal melodies — especially Billy Corgan’s contribution, "Loki Cat" — and bland guitar arrangements are just there for aesthetics. Although fancy footwork and interesting snare maneuvers litter this disc, listening to what is essentially a 45-minute drum solo will tax even the most technical of ears. A decent disc for a drum nut, but useless for everyone else.