Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha is in love. His debut solo record, “Let It Come Down,” on Virgin records, attempts to show a sensitive side to his Pumpkins following. The lovey-dovey mood Iha sets on the record is a contradiction to the trippy psychedelic alternapop that has made him a millionaire. “Let It Come Down” is a pretty record ‹ a pretty weak record. Even though Iha adds country flavors, horns and strings to many songs, there are no amazing musical arrangements or lyrics to keep the songs exciting. Iha has a decent voice but his songs are bland and could have easily been the opening theme for a ’80s family sitcom. In other words, his songs just aren’t interesting.Iha’s faux folk record was co-produced with Tom Petty producer Jim Scott. Unfortunately, Scott didn’t add any of the magic he did with Petty. Even Iha’s fellow Chicago rockers D’arcy of the Smashing Pumpkins and Nina Gordon of Veruca Salt lending backing vocals on some tracks could not save this record from the depths of pop mediocrity. Maybe Iha should have sought out some song writing assistance from bandmate Billy Corgan instead.The lyrical content of “Let It Come Down” doesn’t get much deeper than the first track and single, “Be Strong Now.” Iha sings, “With a lonely face that no one ever sees, you see the things/she believes that life is bittersweet and she’d open up to me/ And it’s the only thing she dreams you’ve gotta believe.” He also compares his little darling belle to a fragile shell in this song. How sweet – I want to puke.After hearing this record, you’ve gotta believe that Billy Corgan has good reason for dominating the position of main songwriter/spokesperson for the Smashing Pumpkins. Simply put, Iha must have nothing to offer besides this sappy Valentine’s Day greeting card he has made. Although the Smashing Pumpkins do their own fair share of flirting with the adult contemporary genre, they stick to what they’re good at – giving rock to the kids. Iha’s solo music tucks the kids into bed.