Disappointed by the latest Smashing Pumpkins reunion? Don't waste your time trying to get into their new concept album 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' - just take a trip down memory lane with these expansive box sets.

Released just in time for Christmas, this may seem like a cynical marketing ploy from their label, but at just £17 for two discs and a live DVD, it's certainly great value. The rationale behind this release is that it's 20 years since the Pumpkins' debut album 'Gish' was released.

When that record came out it marked Billy Corgan and co's arrival on the emerging grunge scene, but two years later 'Siamese Dream' took things to a whole new level with enduring alt-rock classics such as 'Today', 'Disarm' and 'Cherub Rock'.

Here you get the original albums digitally remastered on Disc One, meaning Darcy Wretzy's basslines sound stronger and James Iha's guitar solos sound clearer, all without losing the grungey essence that made this band a serious contender to Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Disc Two is generously packed with unreleased tracks and alternative versions of the album tracks. The former offers a rare glimpse into the band at their peak, complete with background laughter and chat from the studio on a few tracks. Highlights include the discarded title track to 'Siamese Dream' and several noodletastic instrumentals such as 'STP' and 'USSR'.

Spliced in between these are the alternative versions of the more famous tracks, which are a hit-and-miss affair. There's a distinctly half-baked version of 'Today', minus the distinctive arpeggio and with very whiney vocals, but this is balanced out by a delightfully tender stripped-back version of 'Luna'.

There are also a few live tracks chucked in for good measure, showing how faithfully this band could recreate their sound outside the studio. As if that wasn't enough, you also get a live DVD from one of two of the band's sets at the Metro in Chicago (either the 1990 show promoting 'Gish' or the 1993 show just after 'Siamese Dream' came out).

All in all, both box sets will be a real treat for hardcore Smashing Pumpkins fans and a great reminder of what made this band so great in the first place.

By Chris Jefferies. Blogs at chrisjefferies.co.uk and tweets at @chrisjeff

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