Rivers Cuomo - Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo
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Free Music Notes for Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo
Free Music Review: The Weezer we all miss
Hit: 4 Stars
I had heard the buzz but was still somewhat dubious about Cuomo's new album. I was the lover scorned; having enjoyed Pinkerton and the Blue Album immensely, I've since been very disappointed in everything Weezer.
However, my fears were groundless as this is Rivers in his (I believe) truest form. This album showcases him when he wasn't afraid to take some chances with his music by making it nerdy or over-the-top or slightly experimental. For me, these moments are what truly define this album, and it serves as a refreshing reminder of his fantastic musical aptitude. Not all songs in here are polished, nor are all of them stellar compositions, but there are several standout tracks that tie the album together in a very compelling package.
I heartily endorse this album and hope that you give it a chance. Less production is more in this case, and with that sheen removed, you find that the music still shines through.
Free Music Review: For Hardcore Fans
Hit: 4 Stars
You are probably only interested in this if you are a Hardcore Fan. I have been listening to it more than I thought I would and am finding it pretty endearing. "Lemonade" and "Chess" are silly and insanely catchy. "Blast Off", "Superfriend", and "Crazy One" are straight up great tunes (maybe I just like drums). The "Buddy Holly" demo creeped me out because it is so slow and muddy yet....fully arranged even at that early stage. "Ooh" and "I Wish You Had An Axe Guitar" are not really songs and "The Bomb" and "I Was Made For You" are the only songs I consistently skip. Oddly the song I'm most moved by is River's cover "The World We Love So Much." Rivers shows us aspects of his voice we've never glimpsed before on this song and it is really special. He probably had to be alone to push his voice like that.Free Music Review: Pretty good demos if you asked me...
Hit: 4 Stars
After listening to this disc for the first time, all I could say is, "Wow, not bad!" These home recordings, in my opinion, give insight into the creative songwriting process of Rivers Cuomo, the lead singer of Weezer. If these songs were the demos (or prototypes if you will), think of what they would've sounded like if they were refined and produced in the studio! Someone actually complained of how these songs were, among other things, out of tune and unpolished. Well, what did you think they were? That's why they're called HOME RECORDINGS! Think of them as first drafts to potential songs. In fact, I think "Home Recordings" is far more enjoyable than the Green Album and Maldroit combined! "Home Recordings" is definitely worth buying, in my opinion. And not just for the hardcore fan mind you!Free Music Review: 4 1/2 Stars
Hit: 4 Stars
This was a nice surprise when I found it. There was talk that Weezer would never make another album. But then Rivers releases this nice collection of demos(many sound very polished) and there is a promise of a new Weezer album in April. I had not heard a lot of these demos, so most are a first listen for me. I liked Superfriend a lot. That one could have been on the Green album. Chess and Blast Off really rock. Little Diane could have been released in the late 50's/early 60's with its vibe. Some of the songs are out there and may take a few listens to really appreciate. I have heard some reviews compare it to Pinkerton, but it is really a nice cross section of Weezer sounds. Any fan of the band should pick this up.Free Music Review: A peek into the Rivers song machine
Hit: 4 Stars
This is a good CD for Weezer fans, but keep in mind that this CD is not a collection of demos from Weezer's top 40 hits(with the exception of Buddy Holly). So don't buy it expecting stripped-down unplugged versions of Weezer hits. Instead, if you want to learn about Rivers Cuomo's writing process then this CD will give you some insight. For long time Weezer fans you'll even hear some of the ideas for the SFBH concept album. But mostly, this CD is like sitting in Rivers bedroom and having him show you some of his ideas for songs. Some work and others don't but it's an interesting ride.