Star-Spangled Smashing Pumpkins

Billy Corgan and co., first started recording the project last autumn and released the first song, “A Song For A Son,” in early December. The alternative band is releasing one song at a time for free with plans to release 11 limited edition EPs that each feature four songs.

In May the Pumpkins released the first four-song EP, Teargarden By Kaleidyscope Vol. 1: Songs For A Sailor. When the project is complete the Pumpkins will later release a deluxe box set featuring all 44 songs. The project is Corgan’s answer to the alternative of a traditional album, having told the press nearly two years ago that 2007’s Zeitgeist was the band’s last album.

The sixth Teargarden track, “Spangled,” is available to download for free today through the website for The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

The fund is a non-profit organization that assists musicians struggling financially while facing illness, disability or age-related problems. Although fans don’t have to donate to download “Spangled,” there is an opportunity to donate $10 or more through the fund’s site to enter a raffle to win a Fender “Billy Corgan Stratocaster” custom guitar signed by the musician.

Tomorrow “Spangled” will be available to download through the band’s website. Fans can also get a widget to host the song anywhere on the web.

“It’s just a pretty song,” Corgan said about “Spangled.”

The tune, along with the song “Freak,” will be part of the band’s second EP, Teargarden By Kaleidyscope Vol. 2: The Solstice Bare.

Tonight the Pumpkins play the Knitting Factory Concert House in Spokane, Wash., followed by U.S. gigs in Boise, Idaho; Salt Lake City; Englewood, Colo.; Dallas; and Tulsa, Okla.

In October the band performs at Java Rockin’land in Jakarta, Indonesia, followed by a round of Australian dates. The group has also lined up November gigs in Argentina, Brazile, Chile and Peru.

Click here for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund website.

Click here for the Smashing Pumpkins’ website.