RFD: Weezer - Green Album

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OK. So you've had, what, hours now? Even longer if you downloaded it from the net or snagged a promo? So assess the new Weezer album, if you please. A bet hinges upon your responses.

― Josh, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Sounds like I would expect to weezer to expect, nice pop songs. I really didn't expect any growth, seeing as that wouldn't make much money.

― Jeff, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

second expect = sound

― Jeff, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I like that I get to see them at an in-store show on the 6th. I like the album very much. In the way that a child loves candy, and the way that an old man likes candy, even though he knows it's bad for him.

― JM, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

So far I've listened to it a few times now, and these are my initial feelings:
- good start, with three really rocking tunes
- wheels fall off from there on in, if you're after the powerpop
- the new material seems much more mature somehow
- the slower and more polished stuff ain't bad per se, but ain't gripping either
- maybe it was just my PC's sound system, but it sounded unduly sludgy, even though other albums don't

― Sean Carruthers, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

i got mine when the store opened this morning (first on line!!!) and i totally love it! it's the weezer that i've always loved! welcome back, guys!

or at least that seemed to be the scene at the store i visited when i went to pick up albums that weren't the weezer album. it was only available behind the counter and they had it playing in the store and when "hash pipe" came on, a customer asked who that song was by, before asking where the bruce springsteen was. admittedly, this is an "indie" store and not like, say, tower, but it was very much in demand there.

for what it's worth, the critics are fawning over it. every review i've seen to date has been about the equivalent of four stars (out of five). which is what rolling stone gave it.

― fred solinger, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Rivers Cuomo may be the smartest glam-metaller of all. At least his stage look is easy to maintain.

― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

i've had the promo for 2 weeks and i love it. 13 tracks and 2 i can stand but usually skip..dont know the titles ..it's different in some ways and they rock out just as hard..

― Kevin Enas, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Oh, yes, let's make fun of Weezer fans again! It makes you so cool and funny! In no way is it any more lame than the first time you did it on NYLPM!

I mean, honestly, this is the second time that the ONLY "review" you've had of a Weezer album/song is by giggling suggestively at their fans, Fred. Let me reiterate Josh's question: PLEASE ASSESS THE NEW WEEZER ALBUM.

I will say I find it intriguing that a Brian Wilson fan has the nerve to make fun of Rivers Cuomo fans. And I'm not even actually a Weezer fan, to be honest. I just hate that kind of lazy, oh-you-so-crazy! hot air blowing. What does it have to do with the album?

― Ally, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I'd call it "a grower," in the least likely way. I like it more every time I hear it. It wasn't a let down for me, which says a lot. It don't hurt the fine Weezer legacy.

― Keiko, Tuesday, 15 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Weezer? Didn't they do that Buddy Holly song? Are they still going?

― Tom, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

No. Weezer never did a Buddy Holly song. And they are, in fact, not still going. They broke up in '86. I don't know what all this fuss is about.

― Sterling Clover, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

It's not out here yet, I don't think. Anyhows I'm sure Pinkerton is in the top 5 of the ILM poll.

― james e l, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I've only heard "Hash Pipe", "Photograph" and a few samples but I've got some ( premature or not) initial reservations. And Spencer Owen's review at Pitchfork pretty much spells them out. I really love "Pinkerton", probably more so than the debut, but I would never expect a repeat of that- it was too sonically and lyrically raw, and it seems to come from a certain (painful) period in River Cuomo's life. Thinking about the debut album, I wonder if it was released today if I wouldn't treat it with the same disdain that I harbor for Blink 182 and a thousand other similar bands ( many of whom would probably name Weezer as an influence, but lets not go there now). But that said, right now, I like that record a lot. Now, as for the Green one, from what I've hear so far, it's just lacking that indefinable (read: I'm too tired to try and define it) sound that Weezer pulled off so well in the past. Perhaps it's just poor songwriting. I don't think that "Hash Pipe" is even up to Blink 182 standards of catchiness. I want to blame Fred Durst at Interscope records. They must have done this. They must have typed up that interview where River's (supposedly) calls "Pinkerton" a "screw-up". Please, if this album really turns out to be as poor as I think it's gonna be, let it be someone else's fault.

― Mitch Lastnamewithheld, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Just read the post about the album at josh blog and I think in the case of "Pinkerton" the unity can, to a large degree, be attributed to the lyrics and the lyrical themes. After reading interviews, I've always thought of "Pinkerton" as an almost chronological account of Rivers's girl trouble since achieving Rock Stardom with the debut. From the numbning, shallow lovemaking of "Tired of Sex" to the self- loathing desperation of "The Good Life" to the contemplation of "Butterfly". There's unity for ya. Also, something I forgot to mention, re: The Green Album- In a recent interview Rivers pretty much admitted to the 'mainstreamization' of the new stuff, the conscious effort of the band to make it accessable to as many people as possible. Which doesn't really sit well with Rivers's comments ( on that interview that Josh linked to on his page ) that Weezer's songs are accounts of actual emotional experiences, as opposed to the "one-dimensional version of the experience" that comes across in interviews. Seems like with the Green Album he was trying for that one-dimensionality. ( All this talk, and I haven't even heard the album in full)

― Mitch Lastnamewithheld, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Was listening again this morning, and the post track-three songs aren't as disappointing as initially thought. "Knock-down Drag-out" is actually pretty catchy, as are a few of the others, though in a much more restrained fashion. The lyrics to "Hash Pipe" are pretty dumb, really, now that I listen to them more attentively, but then Weezer was never really known for truly insightful lyrics. Biggest problem, I think, is that the thing is just too damned short. If all of the tracks were killer, this wouldn't be a problem at all, but since so many of them are waffling between moderately good and just okay, there's definitely a deficiency here.

― Sean Carruthers, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

ally: you bought the green album yesterday, didn't you?

anyhow, why do you choose to read something into my post that no one else saw? i merely relayed what the attitude was at the record store i was at -- yes, people were saying things like that, i swear -- and, in lieu of giving my own review, i passed along the information that the print/online critics -- with the exception of pitchfork -- have given it strong marks.

― fred solinger, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

It's OK I guess. Weezer never really yanked my chain back in high school, I was too busy trying to find more bands that sounded like Nirvana (and if I'd had someone around to hip me to it, I'm sure I would have found indie rock a lot faster). I remember thinking "I never thought you could dumb down Green Day, but I think they managed it". I had changed my mind after I had Pinkerton for a while, but this album changed it back. I dunno, on one hand this record sounds like The Archies with distortion pedals, but I can't say I dislike it intensely. And comparing these guys to the Beach Boys is a bit ridiculous, since Weezer's harmonies are pure stock filler, while the

― Dave M., Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

ahem. Excuse me. The Beach Boys' harmonies were pretty inventive. Also, Weezer don't do any of Wilson's sonic experimentation.

― Dave M., Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Semi-interesting Brent vs. Spencer Weezer debate on the Bitchpork board.

http://209.61.188.48/Indices/133523.html

― Mitch Lastnamewithheld, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Ahem. Mr. Solinger, as I just explained to you in no uncertain terms in personal email, my post was on behalf of someone else who didn't want to throw the thread by going off on your smug, obnoxious views on Weezer. As *I* would've posted: you probably like Weezer, but won't admit it because they are not NYLPM approved.

As for this Beach Boys/Weezer thing: Apparently I didn't make this obvious enough. The comparison between Wilson (a complete and utter nutball fuck who gets a bit more, ahem, interest by his fans because of it) and Cuomo was NOT musical, being as nothing in Fred's post which I was replying to was musical. Can I have the crack pipe next?

Josh, I blame you for pointing me to this thread. I never would've even read anything about Weezer. You cockfarmer ;)

― Ally, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

did anyone else notice that the guy who reviewed it for pitchfork was only seventeen?

― ethan, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

ms. kearney, your bold assertion is quite off. if one must, they may search the google archives to find my disapproval of weezer voiced before there was such a thing as i love music, nylpm, or freaky trigger. as i've said elsewhere, it's possible that i could like weezer, but none of their songs i've heard to date have encouraged me to search further. this not only includes "anomalies" like "hash pipe" and "buddy holly," but fan-sanctioned picks like "say it ain't so" and "the sweater song."

the opening line to my original post, besides mostly being made up of actual quotes from the record line, could be applied to any band that i don't care for -- for example, replace "weezer" with "tool" -- it's not a characterization of weezer fans or their mentality.

the individual who put you up to the posting is free to e-mail me or im me and we can discuss it there, as we have discussed it in the past.

― fred solinger, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

did anyone else notice that the guy who reviewed it for pitchfork was only seventeen?

His daddy says he's too young, but he's old enough for me-he...

Sorry, silly season has begun.

― Nicole, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

18th favorite album ever sounds like FT-approval to me.

― Patrick, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I only wish Winger had that kind of approval, so that people will know I'm not actually talking about a pitchfork reviewer.

― Nicole, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

that video looked like it was shot through a cherry 7up filter. (do they still make cherry 7up?) or maybe that was "headed for a heartbreak," though i thought that one was purple.

― fred solinger, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Kip Winger, now *there* was a curious rock star if ever there was one. I did always like how Stuart on _Beavis and Butthead_ was stuck with a Winger shirt.

*idly checks*

Figures!

http://www.kipwinger.com/

― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Cherry 7up tasted like Robotussin, so I doubt they make it anymore. It was nearly as vile as Crystal coke and pepsi.

― Nicole, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

*goes to kip winger site, considers the music playing*

so is he composing for red shoes diaries now? ;)

― fred solinger, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

i hate that kid. but pitchforks a joke most of the time anyway..

― Kevin Enas, Wednesday, 16 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

So, hey, Josh: what was the bet, anyhow? Did you win, or did we all lose?

― Sean Carruthers, Thursday, 17 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I'll tell you when it's over.

― Josh, Thursday, 17 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Oh it is out here! got it today, it's okay might get better after a few listens nowhere near the impact of Pinketron. Now Winger...there's a great band..."miles away, no you're never coming back, just when I needed you most, you were miles away"...Kip Winger was a wannabe Jon Bon Jovi, I reckon he even had false chest hair!

― james e l, Thursday, 17 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I like "Hash Pipe".

― Tom, Tuesday, 22 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

So, how much longer do we have to wait? Huh? Huh? By the way, I'm sure "Pinketron" was a typo, but I kind of like the concept.

The Green Album continues to grow on me.

― Sean Carruthers, Wednesday, 23 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

It's because of chlorophyll.

― proton, Wednesday, 23 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Yes, Pinketron - it is an album about a robot's girl troubles, loosely related to a Puccini opera.

Sean - I cynically bet with Maura that response on this thread to the Green Album would end up on the dud side. Her prize for the resulting sort-of-positive thread is a drink of her choice. It will apparently be blue or have fruit in it, but that will be determined when the server asks us what we are drinking.

― Josh, Wednesday, 23 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

It's getting better, it's not a classic. I think I will probably like it more once I've seen them live!

― pinketron, Wednesday, 23 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Old proton probably owes Josh a drink after today as well.

― proton, Wednesday, 23 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

(Josh likes Guinness and ginger beer, yo)

― Josh, Wednesday, 23 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

It's like a 7 hour drive to Iowa, so I guess I'll be mailing it you. At least you have good taste, if it had been bud I would start feeling (more) bitter.

― protonic, Wednesday, 23 May 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Josh, you didn't finish your thoughts on the album on your blog and I'm eager to see what your opinion is. I've read too many knee-jerk reaction reviews and I want to know what you think after some careful listening: should I get it?

― Mitch Lastnamewithheld, Monday, 4 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Mitch, it may take me months to feel more settled on the album, and even then, well, you know. I haven't written anything else because I've been avoiding listening to the album. But, currently, I'll tell you this: more interesting to me as indicative of how Rivers Cuomo is fucked up, than as music to listen to and just enjoy. Buy it used and you'd probably feel better about your purchase. Also, I would really like to listen to it in a car, in the heat, with the windows rolled down. But I don't have a car.

I will dig up some email I sent for Otis and post it on josh blog, it may be of interest to you.

― Josh, Monday, 4 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Josh, thanks for the thoughts. I wish I had a decent used CD store near me. Weezer is no household name here. The fucked-upness of Rivers Cuomo that you're talking about, is that in reference to the way he makes his albums and his perception of Pinkerton as a mistake?

― Mitch Lastnamewithheld, Monday, 4 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Yes, and his overreaction to same on the green album, which I think really helps explain how it turned out. Having trouble finding that email, may not be able to help you there.

There was a line at midnight at the Musicland in my town - my dinky little town! - so there's just gotta be somewhere near you where some dissatisfied Weezer fans dumped their CDs.

― Josh, Monday, 4 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

South Africa has a dire shortage of Weezer fans ( dissatisfied or otherwise ) at the moment. :)

― Mitch Lastnamewithheld, Tuesday, 5 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Is this high on Mbeki's agenda?

― Nick, Tuesday, 5 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Well it damn well better be!

― Josh, Tuesday, 5 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

If I sent a concerned letter to my congressperon, I might just lead to a State of Emergency being declared.

― Mitch Lastnamewithheldforpoliticalreasons, Tuesday, 5 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I'm going to organize a Red Cross supplies drop over South Africa full of Weezer CDs.

― Ally, Tuesday, 5 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

the weezer bomb: destroys buildings but leaves cred intact.

― ethan, Tuesday, 5 June 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

nine years pass...

http://pitchfork.com/news/39823-weezer-plan-blue-lpipinkertoni-tour/

The newly major-label free Weezer have a new album, Hurley (aka the one with the absurd, Lost-referencing album cover), out September 14 via Epitaph. They've got a new single out, too, the alt-rock-tastic "Memories". Lots of looking ahead towards the future, right? Well, it seems that Weezer might look back with a possible tour that would find the band playing their two most beloved albums, 1994's Weezer (aka "The Blue Album") and 1996's Pinkerton, in their entirety, as MTV reports.
Frontman Rivers Cuomo told MTV News about the possible touring plans while shooting the sure-to-be-ridiculous video for "Memories": "We have this really exciting idea to do a tour where we spend two nights in each city, and the first night, we play the entire Blue Album, and the second night, we play the entirety of Pinkerton. We're just running it by promoters right now to see if there's sufficient interest in the markets to do something like that, and if they're on board, it's gonna happen."
Drummer Pat Wilson added to MTV, ""Yeah, it would probably be a Blue/Pinkerton tour. It's an idea, we're still examining the mathematics of everything, looking at the logistics and schedules ... you know." Sounds like it might happen, then-- let's hope they don't play, uh, anything after Pinkerton.

Geir Hongro:"Music Is Only the Melody"::kkvgz:"The Green Album is the Apex of Weezer's Artistic Achievement."

FUIUD, pitchfork writer Larry Fitzmaurice.

― meat by mistake (kkvgz), Monday, 23 August 2010 16:09 (fourteen years ago)

Animal Collective's entire recorded output combined is about 0.01% as good as the bridge of 'Simple Pages' (which lasts about 5 seconds)

― PaulTMA, Tuesday, 24 August 2010 00:12 (fourteen years ago)

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