Conversation so far:
How was the band formed?
Corgan left St.
Petersburg, Florida, to return to his native city of Chicago, where he took a job in a record store and formed the idea of a new band.
Who was the first member to join Corgan?
While working there, he met guitarist James Iha.
Adorning themselves with paisley and other psychedelic trappings, the two began writing songs together .
What was the first album released?
After releasing the Lull EP in October 1991 on Caroline Records, the band formally signed with Virgin Records.
Did they release a full-length album with VIrgin after signing?
Corgan entered a deep depression, writing some songs for the upcoming album in the parking garage where he lived at the time.
What was the name of that album?
CANNOTANSWER.

Question: Were they well received by critics?
Self-contained rewrite: Were the albums by Smashing pumpkins well received by critics?