One of the things that I really dig right now about giving away free music is the poker game between artists.

When Radiohead released In Rainbows, Nine Inch Nails seemingly perfected the pay-what-you-want-format with The Slip.

Now on the heels of Radiohead giving away the track “These Are My Twisted Words”, Billy Corgan Smashing Pumpkins will raise the bar with the very ambitious Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.

The revamped Pumpkins will let fans snag the 44 track ‘album’ for free. Corgan went on to state:

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I mentioned last week the DMB iTunes pass, and how I think this kind of “paid content” premium membership stuff is going to be the bread-and-butter of the music business for artists struggling to sell CD’s in a thieves’ world.

Now word on the street is that Billy Corgan and his Smashing Pumpkins are going to offer their own subscription service. Here are the details:

• $40 (Originally thought to be $20, and with the stipulation that, in the end, the cost is all dependent on how many people would actually pay for such a project)

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Since December 24 is here in a week, wow where did the time go? I decided to do an extended song of the week, or should I say songs of the week.

For some unknown reason Christmas time just makes me feel all tingly inside, just a good 90’s track. So here’s a glimpse of some classic Christmas tunes done 90’s style.

Pearl Jam – “Someday At Christmas”: I know I’m biased, but the guys absolutely kick ass on this Stevie Wonder track. You can listen, and even download, the song right here.

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It’s been a rather gloomy week, at least weather wise, so it’s refreshing that there were a good amount of news on 90’s acts.

While not a 90’s band per se, Guns N’ Roses have revealed a number of listening parties for the long awaited Chinese Democracy. The listening parties are open to the public, but no recording devices what so ever will be allowed in. And, for fans that pre-ordered the new album and bring their receipt will get a free shirt. He may have taken over a decade to finally get Chinese Democracy out, but Axl seems to be making it up to the fans. Here’s the info on the listening parties:

It’s Halloween, which is always the best time to smash some pumpkins. Here’s a bio on the Smashing Pumpkins.

The Pumpkins first show was on July 8, 1988 at Chicago 21, which featured just Billy Corgan and guitarist James Iha. Bassist D’arcy Wretzky joined next, followed by drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.

The band sold cassettes of demos at their shows, the series of demos became known as Early 1989 Demos.

The Pumpkins made their first vinyl appearance on on the Light into Dark, which was a compilation of Chicago alternative bands. They contributed the tracks “My Dahlia” and “Sun”.

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Here’s a quick rundown of news that some readers here might find interesting, cause I sure as hell do.

The Smashing Pumpkins will release a new track entitled “G.L.O.W. exclusively through the upcoming Guitar Hero: World Tour . The new track, along with the tracks “1979″ and “The Everlasting Gaze”, will be part of Smashing Pumpkins package. As if that wasn’t enough, Billy Corgan will grace us all with his chrome dome as a playable character when fans attempt the classic “Today”. I may not be a huge fan of Corgan, but this is a great way to release singles now. I don’t think any of us can question the success of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, so this is a smart move on Corgan’s part.