Jonesing For This One: James Iha’s Let It Come Down

JONESING FOR THIS ONE

Hidden gems from Matt Jones’ record collection:

"In this column, I want to shine a light on the essential hidden gems in my record collection. Albums that might not always get the spotlight, but have stayed close to me over years of listening."

JAMES IHA, LET IT COME DOWN

For this month’s Essential Gem, we head into the grunge world of the Smashing Pumpkins… or so I thought.

For those not in the know, the Smashing Pumpkins are a massively successful alternative rock band from Chicago. James Iha has been an integral part of the band across two stints, providing guitar, bass, backing vocals and the occasional lead vocal (1988–2000, 2018–present). Over their career, the band has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

Going back to the start, being a fan of the Pumpkins, this album was recommended to me by my sister Rachel, who kept the surprise a secret. I bought it back in 1998, just prior to the release of what is, in this writer’s opinion, the last great Smashing Pumpkins album, Adore. I rushed home expecting more angsty grunge along the lines of the Pumpkins’ heavier moments.

Instead, I got a big surprise.

JAMES IHA, LET IT COME DOWN

What I heard was a sunny, summer-breeze of a record, more akin to a Beach Boys album with a country tinge. It really surprised me, and in a good way.

"...original pressings now fetch big bucks." Matt holding one of his prized possessions.

James had contributed a handful of songs to Smashing Pumpkins releases over the years, mostly as B-sides. Some of these appear on their fantastic B-sides collection Pisces Iscariot, which is well worth a listen. ‘Blew Away’ is my favourite of those, originally released as the B-side to ‘Disarm’ from Siamese Dream.

This album was recorded during touring breaks while James was still in the Pumpkins. As mentioned, it has a lovely acoustic, country-leaning summer sound, and it noticeably shies away from the darker, angsty territory of Billy Corgan’s songwriting.

Released just before Adore, it’s also interesting to note that Pumpkins alum D’arcy Wretzky provides harmony vocals on ‘One and Two’, while Nina Gordon from Veruca Salt sings harmony on ‘Beauty’. Production duties are handled by Jim Scott and Flood, both familiar names to Pumpkins fans.

So let’s get to the songs.

Highlights include the album opener ‘Be Strong Now’, a gorgeous summer breeze of a song and the first single. James sings about holding on and being strong in adversity, and the whole track shines with optimism.

‘The Sound of Love’, another beautiful song and my favourite on the record, continues themes of loneliness, emotional uncertainty and quiet resilience. The songs across the album often feel introspective, focusing more on internal struggles than anything outward.

‘Beauty’ is another standout, with James singing “In a minute dear, in a whole second, it’ll come clear” over shimmering guitar lines.

Next up is ‘See The Sun’, which wouldn’t feel out of place on the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. A beautiful summery song where James urges us to “see the sun and what you’re given… feel the warmth love gives”. You can genuinely feel that warmth coming through.

‘One and Two’ continues this theme, balancing vulnerability with a sense of emotional control. It’s another highlight on an album full of them.

Listening to this again for the column brought a big smile to my face, which is exactly what I expect the listener will get if they give it the time.

This is a fantastic surprise of an album. If you let your ears settle into it, it’s a record very much about the joys of love.

One important note: this album isn’t available on streaming platforms due to a complex rights issue, which is a real shame. If you want to hear it, your best bet is to pick up the CD, which is still very affordable. The vinyl was reissued in 2020 and is also fairly affordable, although original pressings now fetch big bucks.

James has also released a second solo album, Look to the Sky, which is very different and, in my opinion, not very good. However, if you want more James Iha, seek out the ‘Be Strong Now’ singles, which contain some great B-sides.

Thanks for listening.