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Free Music Notes for Weezer - Deluxe EditionFree Music Review: very good music Hit: 5 StarsI'm mostly a classic rock fan stuck in the 60's and 70's, but Weezer caught my attention upon immediately hearing them for their talent at writing hooky pop songs. They are really good at writing memorable tunes, and they deserve respect for that.
Free Music Review: Disc one is great, disc two is...OK Hit: 5 StarsEveryone knows and loves disc one, but disc 2 didn't turn my wheels too much. That's probably because I bought it because I loved the recorded versions of the songs on disc one as I remembered them when I originally bought this album.
Free Music Review: Royal Blue Hit: 5 StarsIt ocurred to me when this reissue was released. A modern rock record from my childhood is receiving 10th anniversary reissue treatment. My how time flies! It only seemed like yesterday Rivers and the gang were jamming it out with Opie, the Fonze, and Mr. Myagi (may he r.i.p.) on MTV. For those who remember, MTV once played music videos in the not too distant past. And now, the great quartet known as Weezer is receiving royal treament.
This is classic Weez at its best, and no weezhead should be without this release. The sound quality is improved from the original release, and the packaging is wonderful. Furthermore, the second disc contains many rarities including Suzanne (featured on the Mallrats soundtrack.) My only minor gripe is Say It Ain't So is on the album disc in a remixed version. And by remix, I don't mean a hip-hop or techno remix that is a complete overhaul of the original song. The differences are subtle but quite noticeable for any fan who has spun this album as many times as I have. Fortunately, it is present in its original mix on the 2nd disc. For purists sake, I wish they would have swapped these. Also, a hi-res 5.1 mix of the album would have been a welcome addition, but beggars can't be choosy.
Needless to say, every track on here is a gem. There is not a single piece of filler to be found anywhere within its short 10-track long 30min duration. This is one of the few albums that fully meet my personal criteria for what truly great popular music should be: The songs need to be timeless and memorable. It also helps if the lyrics are singable. Furthermore, it greatly helps if the lyrics are meaningful. On top of that, a great modern rock record should, well, seriousley rock!
=w='s Blue album meets everyone one of these requirements with clever lyrics anyone can sing along to, and the Ric Ocasek production gives their Marshall stacks some serious crunch.
One of the great rock records of modern times. Pickup a copy today!
Free Music Review: A Great Way To Revisit A Great Album -- And Then Some! Hit: 5 StarsWeezer's infamous self-titled debut (otherwise known as "The Blue Album") is one of the few pieces of music from it's time that still holds up just as well today. When they made their mark in 1994, Kurt Cobain was dead and the music world had already been oversaturated by mumbling, uninspiring grunge clones. Although Weezer never quite changed the musical climate, they did, however, create a quite perfect debut, one that transcends all genres and inspires new bands even today. Few groups that materialized at this time are still around today, but Weezer remain vital, and each song on this ten track debut remains an alternative rock staple. You can't throw a cat in a crowded room without hitting someone who, whether they realize it or not, knows a good Weezer tune. So, it only makes sense that on the tenth anniversary of the release, a Deluxe Edition made it's way with all new artwork and a bonus disc full of b-sides, outtakes, demos, live songs etc. The question is, is it worth buying again?
The answer? A resounding yes. For starters, I'm sure most owners of this album have put plenty of wear and tear on it, what better time to get yourself another copy. And even if it's still in perfect condition, the bonus material is worth it alone, for the Weezer fanatic. I don't have to tell you how good the original album is. You've heard it, you know. It's perfect, front to back. The material on the second disc, while admittedly not as good as the album itself, is still worthy. Take, for example, Rivers' catchy ode to the presidents of the Weezer fanclub, "Mykel and Carli" (who passed away in a tragic car accident), with it's chorus that, in typical Weezer fashion, sticks in your head for the rest of your life. "Suzanne" and "Jamie" are probably the most well-known b-sides among Weezer fans, while a trio of demos -- referred to as "The Kitchen Tapes" -- digs a bit deeper into Weezer history. There are also live songs ("My Name Is Jonas" & "Surf Wax America") and acoustic versions ("Jamie" and "No One Else"), and to top it all off, for the diehard fans, the original mix of "Say It Ain't So" (which was released only in the early pressings of the Blue Album). Also included is a rather elaborate booklet which includes lyrics (finally) and liner notes that chronicle the early history of Weezer. The package is very well done, and surely outshines the bare-bones nature of the original release.
Overall, a good album just got even better. Despite it's price tag, the average Weezer fan just should not be without this. It might make you love the band even more. You definitely get your money's worth. And as I said before, the original album itself is just classic. Say what you will about Weezer's newer material, but this stuff just can't be beat. They definitely deserve their popularity and their place in modern rock royalty. I really think anyone and everyone can appreciate the Blue Album, an accomplishment a lot of musicians cannot acheive.
Free Music Review: Great Package Hit: 5 StarsSomeone else made a comment that the content wasn't enough, but I would have to disagree. First, you get a second disc with all the blue b-sides which I thought was a great idea. Second, the packaging with the extra pictures and song lyrics was cool to. So I don't understand what else one can ask for. The disc was also remastered. This is a must buy for any Weezer fan.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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