Smashing Pumpkins Continue Tour Of Record Stores

Smashing Pumpkins have announced more dates in their surprise U.S. tour of record stores and small clubs prior to the release of their fifth record. Focusing on the West Coast, the latest batch of appearances will take the band through Sacramento, San Jose, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Dallas. The Pumpkins played shows earlier this week in Lawrence, KS, Denver and Salt Lake City.

The Chicago foursome's tour, featuring in-store performances and autograph signing sessions, will reflect the band's current lineup: singer Billy Corgan and guitarist James Iha, plus original drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and former Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, who replaced D'Arcy Wretzky.

Abandoning arenas is not altogether unfamiliar territory for the band. Last year, the Pumpkins passed on playing larger venues in favor of a short club tour.

Set for release Feb. 29, ''MACHINA/the machines of God" will be Smashing Pumpkins first album since Chamberlin rejoined the band. Arriving on the scene with their 1991 debut ''Gish,'' Smashing Pumpkins have soared easily over the million mark on each of their last three albums.

In keeping with the secretive nature of the tour, additional dates will gradually be released in the coming weeks. (Certain cities on the itinerary have more that one record store of the same chain, but the Smashing Pumpkins' press release did not specify the specific store at which the band would appear. Check with the stores for further details.)