Weezer - Weezer (Red Album) [Deluxe]
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Free Music Notes for Weezer (Red Album) [Deluxe]
Free Music Review: A Brand New Weezer (3 1/2 stars)
Hit: 4 Stars
The Red Album is the biggest surprise that this band has released to this date. While at times it has its typical weezer hooks, chugging power chords, and cuomo melodies, this album sheds a whole new light on who Weezer actually is today in 2008. It's the first Weezer album where the other members had the same amount of insight as Rivers on ideas for the songs. Some of the songs are sung entirely by other members of the band. Also, the members of the band switch instruments multiple times. I think it is safe to say that this is the most experimental album by far by Weezer.
Troublemaker - This opening track is crazy catchy, but doesn't really go to many places and is probably one of the weakest tracks on the album(especially lyric wise). "Marrying a biatch, Having seven Kiads"...?? The track is able to keep you on your feet, but that's about it.
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived - The most epic track on the album crosses over to many different genres. The song constantly changes for the whole six minutes of the song includes challenging choral pieces, punk breakdowns, pop verses, and original Weezer and Rock melodies.
Pork and Beans - The first single of the album. In a way, it was a tease for what was to come for the album since a chorus of a Weezer song hasn't sounded like this for years. While the verse has a new Weezer feel, the chorus takes you back to 1994. Written after an intense meeting with Geffen, Rivers angrily went home to write this song that is an allout backlash at the record company for not respecting the freedom of the band. "Imma do the things that I want to, I ain't got a thing to prove to you". One of the strongest tracks on the entire album for sure.
Heart Songs - Rivers' influences mean a lot to him. Which is why this sincere ballad another one of the strongest tracks on the album. Describing all of his influences by name, Rivers mentions all of the rockstars and past musicians that helped him become who he is today. At times, the song sounds a bit corny moving into the chorus. But, the bridge is one of the strongest bits on the entire album with insanely catchy overlapping vocals and distorted guitars. He mentions that his room mate showed him "Nevermind" by Nirvana, and that it "broke the chains it had up on me" and by that time he set out to start a rock band with his friends.
Everybody Get Dangerous - One of the hardest tracks on the album. *Personally* its my least favorite on the entire album next to Troublemaker. But at the same time, the song starts out absolutely rockin. I also feel like the verses are really strong. Reminiscent also of the chili peppers and maybe zeppelin. The chorus seems a bit corny, especially with the "boo yah"! The highlight of the song is towards the end where Pat goes off by himself, and the rest of the band is just shouting having fun.
Dreamin' - Rivers pushed this one to be on the album. I see why he did it too. Maybe not the strongest track, but it definitely brings back the Weezer feel to the album. It sounds like a lost track off of Make Believe or Maladroit. Sort of has a "Keep Fishin" type of feel but a little harder. Also, a pretty interesting breakdown with Brian singing lead. Very psychedelic sounding, and then it gets a bit more poppy as it goes on.
Thought I Knew - Brian's song on the album. He sings lead vocals. It definitely has a "Space Twins" or "The Relationship" type of feel on the album. It doesn't sound like a Weezer song at all. But it is a good tune, it just doesn't feel like it flows too well with the rest of the album. The lyrics are definitely nice, as well as the guitar work. The track itself is really great, but I'm not too sure it belongs on here.
Cold Dark World - Scotts song on the album. Another weak one on the album (personally I feel this way). The song doesn't really go anywhere. It just feels dead. Scotts not exactly singing in the verse, its more talking. The chorus "Angel come in a cold dark world, im gonna be your man". The chorus had potential but doesn't really hit it right. The strongest part of the song is when the guitar has a break by itself. It's really pretty.
Automatic - Pats song on the album. Very rockin and pretty awesome. It's really in your face. The only thing that was a dissapointment was the tempo. In the remix that was first released, the tempo was set MUCH MUCH higher. And it gave a whole new feel to the song. Pats vocal perfomance is impressive, and this was definitely a good choice from him and the band to put this one on. Very solid track.
The Angel And The One - One of my favorites on this album by far. This song has one of Rivers' best performances in years. Or maybe it's just nice to hear him talking about love again. It is by far the best album closer since Pinkerton, and has Rivers describing how he is at peace with his love life "I am complete, is what im sayin. I'm flying up so high, my purple majesty displaying". Even the guitar work is beautiful towards the end. Which is nice to hear since the album barely showcases any guitar work. Nothing else to say except that this is a beautiful song.
The other 4 deluxe tracks are amazing. Miss Sweeney starts to sound like Old Weezer but at first sounds like something completely new until it hits the chorus, the full band version of "Pig" is utterly satisfying compared to the demo, The Spider is beautiful and actually very trippy sounding, and lastly King is a great acoustic song sung by Scott. This one should have replaced Cold Dark World. King is a very strong track. I guess the only thing I have to say is that I was dissapointed that there wasn't one real guitar solo on the whole album. Also, the b sides/covers are really awesome so I suggest everybody tries to get their hands on them. Enjoy the album everyone, it is yet another success by Weezer.
Free Music Review: The Life and Feelings of a Rock Star - Like We've Never Heard This Star Before
Hit: 4 Stars
Wow, a new Weezer CD and I was able to get the deluxe long version four days early too. Never mind how that happened. Another self titled album, Weezer "Red". I had a feeling they would do that again someday, and put out another self titled album. A note, Peter Gabriel has three self titled albums all on different label but not solid colored. What I did not expect was this particular album. Finally a CD length CD from Weezer, at just under 60 minutes. But only as the deluxe version. Oh, well.
After having heard the new "single" from the album, "Pork and Beans" I figured that this album would be a lot like their previous one. Well, that could not have been more wrong. Some of it sounds typically Weezer, yet other aspects of it (most of the songs), have me feeling "Where did that come from." Well, the liner notes sort of answer that. From the mind and soul of Rivers. Yet this seems to be a part of him that we've never seen before. I can't say if I love it or hate it. The few faster, more Weezer like songs are great, but the others? It leaves me feeling similarly to how I felt after first hearing the Smashing Pumpkins Adore album, "what?" I gradually grew to really like that album but it is like in a different niche in my mind from their other work. I'll have to see how I feel about the slower half (slower two thirds of the deluxe version), and basically later part of the new Red Weezer CD after a few listenings.
This album could have been called "The Life and Feelings of a Rock Star." Most of the songs are probably not autobiographical but Rivers uses himself as a metaphor for how he feels about life in general. On the surface it may seem egotistical but it is deeper than that. A bit like the Kinks self-parody in many of their songs. This could be the 21st Century's "Lola Versus Powerman and the Money Go-Round Part 2". But unlike the Kinks, Weezer (Red) has no story line, but it still seems to have a concept to ¾ of it.
My thoughts on some of the songs. "Troublemaker": Typical Weezer music with a heavy edge. Lyrics are kind of punky yet self-parodying. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)": If you were expecting sacred music, guess again. The Shaker reference is only because parts of the melody and the piano running through much of the song sounds like a Shaker hymn. Interestingly, this "hymn" music has riffs that sound like typical Weezer, hmmm. This song is about being a rock star - but in the Kinks type of parody, not the dark Pink Floyd "The Wall" sort. This is a long piece in several "movements". Rivers seems to ape or reference many artists that were probably influential on him. After the intro, the first part starts with a rap like theme (not sure of any specific artist), then a portion that again I am not sure who it might be like. Then there is a short Beatles-like verse. Then there are several verses that sound like a combination of Queen, Mott the Hoople, Mark Bolan, and David Bowie (i.e., a glam-rock thing). Rivers does a nice job with the voices. Then there is a more Weezer-like chorus. Now comes a spoken work section that seems to reference the Kinks' "Perservation Act 1" and "Perservation Act 2" and a few other Kinks songs and albums from the early to mid nineteen seventies. After that, we get an almost hymn chorus with Beach Boys like harmony. Nice! The song ends with a fast Weezer-like rendition of the chorus. Strange but cool song.
"Pork and Beans": Looks like the big hit of the album. Sounds like Weezer. Simple but effective riff and some power chords. "Heart Songs": Is a pop song were Rivers directly names the artists that he has on his mind. Some of these may surprise you; Abba! "Everybody Get Dangerous": A heavy song that definitely reminds me of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song is about many of the possible dumb, dangerous, risky, and extreme things young people often do and later wonder how they ever survived their youth. It ends with some Mick Jagger like hooting and hollerin'. Actually a good track like "Pork and Beans."
"Dreamin'": Sounds like Weezer. "Thought I Knew": Great catchy pop song. This one was written by Brian Bell and sung by (I think) Pat. Rivers Cuomo plays drums and Pat Wilson is playing guitar. This is a technique used by R.E.M. of old when Bill Berry was still in the band: They would switch instruments on some songs. It can produce some interesting and great results. "Cold Dark World": Sounds like it could be a theme song for an episode of the TV show "Criminal Minds." Rather creepy. Is that a Talk Box I hear? Do they still make those things? Are Weezer friends with Joe Walsh or Peter Frampton? Seems like Joe Walsh's style more.
I wont try to analyze what all these songs actually mean to the wider implications of this album and Weezer's career. Other people can describe the other 6 songs. Actually my biggest complaint with this CD is the tiny print for the liner notes to each song. I need a magnifier to read them. The lyrics themselves are large enough. Again these are only my opinions at this time, I might easily be persuaded to change by some insightful and mature discussion.
Free Music Review: Weezer's 'Red Album' aims to please, mostly hits mark
Hit: 4 Stars
The dudes from Weezer have it rough.
Imagine being part of one of *the* defining rock bands of the mid-'90s post-grunge era -- a band whose members kick-started their careers with back-to-back, indisputable masterpieces (the blue-hued, self-titled debut "Weezer" and its painfully personal, less-pop-sensible follow-up "Pinkerton"). Now imagine the pressure that comes with trying to meet or exceed the stratospheric expectations of both critics and rabid fans looking for you and your bandmates to recreate that magic on subsequent releases -- to, in essence, make lightning strike twice, *twice*.
The band's 2001 comeback (also titled "Weezer," but nicknamed "The Green Album" because of the cover art's color palette) came closest to appeasing their mass of followers, partly because it was seen as somewhat of a return to form, but mostly because it was also literally Weezer's "return" after a four-year hiatus. By the time 2002's mildly praised "Maladroit" came out, even some of the band's most devout loyalists began to lose hope. And don't even mention 2005's schmaltzy "Make Believe" (or its ubiquitous, love-it-or-hate-it single "Beverly Hills") to a Weezer fan unless you want to get punched in the face.
So, does the band's sixth LP "Weezer" (dubbed "The Red Album" for clarity's sake) manage to finally recapture the glory days of the emo-pop foursome at their creative peak? Well ... no. I think by now, it's obvious that doing so would be impossible, which is why I believe "Red" (and the rest of the post-"Pinkerton" albums, for that matter) shouldn't be judged against the band's earlier work. Instead, it should be appreciated for what it is: a well-rounded collection of catchy, decent-to-great pop songs that, at the very least, will leave even the most finicky Weezophile satisfied.
If you've logged on to YouTube in the last couple of weeks, there's a good chance you've seen the video for "Pork and Beans," the album's first single. It's the band's latest incarnation of "Buddy Holly" -- after "Hash Pipe," "The Good Life," "Keep Fishin'" and "Beverly Hills" -- and was written by lead singer Rivers Cuomo to spite record executives who pressured him to pen a radio-friendly hit. (Ironically, with its inescapable chorus and driving guitar rhythms, all crammed into a perfect three-minute run time, "Pork and Beans" is the summer's prime candidate for nonstop airplay on Top 40 stations across the country.)
Elsewhere, Cuomo plants his tongue firmly in his cheek for a song detailing rock star excess ("Troublemaker"); "boo-yah"s his way through a speedy, metal-inspired tune about his days as a reckless teenage prankster ("Everybody Get Dangerous"); and lays out a laundry list of his diverse musical influences ("Heart Songs"). The band's most epic experiment to date comes in the form of "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)," a six-minute, Queen-esque rock opera that cobbles together rapping, Prince-like falsetto wailing and church-choir backing vocals.
When I heard each of the three other band members -- guitarist Brian Bell, bassist Scott Shriner and drummer Patrick Wilson -- would be getting lead-vocal duties for one track apiece on this album, I was a bit leery. And alas, after hearing their respective entries, my fears were largely confirmed. Bell's "Thought I Knew," Shriner's "Cold Dark World" and Wilson's "Automatic" aren't necessarily "bad" songs; their biggest detriment is simply due to the fact that, without Cuomo's trademark voice, not one of them is identifiable as a Weezer Song. Sequenced one after another near the end of the album, they have a jarring effect on the listener, like someone placed a trio of generic alt-rock staples from 1999 on the CD as a joke.
The best way to wash the aftertaste of those misfires out of your mouth is to pick up the deluxe edition of "Weezer," which includes four Cuomo-sung bonus cuts, including fan favorite "Pig" and the heart-laid-bare "Miss Sweeney," about a real estate executive who secretly pines for his secretary.
Pound for pound, The Red Album is another solid effort from the elder statesmen of emo. And although this album doesn't come close to matching the decade-defining influence of Weezer's first two outings, it definitely gets points for *not* trying.
Free Music Review: Weezer makes their best since Pinkerton
Hit: 4 Stars
Rivers and company have finally put out an album (since Pinkerton) that truly stands out. Green, Maladroit, and Make Believe were all good in their own ways, but their newest effort shines in every way they could possibly imagine.
Troublemaker (4 out of 5)- Great opener. Definitely the best album opener since Tired of Sex. Very good choice because it really sets the standard for the album as being, for the most part, a fun rocking album. Not the best lyrics, but overall, a fun song to listen to.
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn) (5 out of 5): When I first heard this song, I thought, "Wow, I can't believe Weezer could pull off such an epic song." Songs off of Blue and Pink were amazing, but Weezer really outdid themselves with this one. This is the result of a band throwing caution to the wind and saying what the hell, let's throw a few different genres in this song and see how it works. They definitely got a winner with this one!
Pork and Beans (4 out of 5): As most have heard, Rivers created this song as a result of his anger with the record company for not letting Weezer be, well let's just say, Weezer. Angry with the fact that the company wanted catchier songs, Rivers gave them a big "F--- YOU" with this song. Very catchy, fun song to listen to. The song stood out to me right off the bat, similar to how Buddy Holly stood out to me on the Blue Album.
Heart Songs (3 out of 5): Rivers goes back to his roots with this nice, heartfelt song. I got a kick out of the Nirvana reference. Overall, a very good change of pace after starting the album out with three mostly fast paced songs.
Everybody Get Dangerous (4 out of 5): As a reviewer before me said, this song could've came straight off a RHCP album. Fun, catchy song to sing along to, the chorus is something that will stay with you for days.
Dreamin' (4 out of 5): This is your typical Weezer song, but done with such excellence. The singing on this track is amazing, quite possibly the best on the album by Rivers.
Thought I Knew (4 out of 5): I've seen mixed reviews on this one, but this song is easily one of my favorite songs. Brian Bell does a wonderful job singing on this track, and I believe it fits well right after Dreamin'.
Cold Dark World (2 out of 5): I think Scott's voice is good because it gives the song a little more of an edge, but I really don't feel like it fits well on the album. It's a good effort by the band, but just doesn't belong on the album. Lyrics aren't great for the most part. Definitely the weakest track on the album.
Automatic (3 out of 5): I wasn't a big fan of this song at first, but after awhile, you realize it's pretty catchy. Pat plays guitar on this one, and he does a fantastic job doing so. The lyrics are ok, but overall, a rockin' song.
The Angel and the One (4 out of 5): Very good album closer. It sets the mood right away with it's slow start, but it eventually builds up and makes for a great finish to the song. I wasn't too crazy about it at first, but after a few listens, I really started to like it.
Extra Tracks:
Miss Sweeney (3 out of 5): Good song, but just not something that really stuck with me.
Pig (4 out of 5): I loved the song when I heard it first as a demo. It's even better with the band behind him. I would've included this or King in place of Cold Dark World, but still glad it was included as a bonus track.
The Spider (2 out of 5): Good song, but not strong enough to make the album.
King (4 out of 5): I really dug this song. Scott does a great job singing. I can see why it wasn't included on the album because it's not your typical Weezer song, but seeing how much they experimented, I don't see how much a difference it would have made.
The Red Album is my 3rd favorite of Weezer's discography, behind Pinkerton and Blue. If you're just getting into Weezer, pick all three self-titled albums up first (Blue, Green, and Red) and then Pinkerton.
Free Music Review: New and old sounds with the same name
Hit: 4 Stars
Like a lot of musicians, Rivers Cuomo could be called quite the eccentric though he's also one of the more gifted songwriters today in terms of pop melodies in rock songs. However, ever since the release of 1996's majorly overlooked "Pinkerton", Rivers hasn't really opened up to a large extent and there's a feeling that, catchy songs aside, he's a bit distant from the material. With the recent self-titled, though named "The Red Album", Rivers isn't quite going back to his heart-on-his-sleeve ways but there's definately a change in its tone. The songwriting though might not win everyone in the Weezer fanbase though.
Troublemaker: Whereas "Beverly Hills" killed their streak of awesome openers, the opening track for this record brings it back. While it's not completely perfect, it's quite catchy and filled with enough bounce to get feet tapping. 8/10
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived: Arguably one of the two best tracks on the record for me, the song follows several musical styles from rap-rock (poo) to Queen-esque vocal layerings, stadium rock, falsettos and probably my favorite section when they sing the title Beach Boys-style with just vocal harmonies. I doubt it'll be a single but it's one of the best tracks on the record for me. 9.5/10
Pork and Beans: The chorus of course will remind a lot of people of the guitar tones from the Blue Album and the verses have that bitter-through-irony tone when the label told the band there wasn't a lot of singles off the record. Catchy and quite biting, this is another great song off the record. 9/10
Heart Songs: As earnest and heartfelt though the potential for cheesiness might turn people off. Namedropping a bunch of artists that influenced him, Rivers sings of many bands that he loves and while it's not catchy to a certain degree, I found it a pleasant listen. Not MP3 player worthy but still. 8.5/10
Everybody Get Dangerous: My first thought when I listened to this was Red Hot Chili Peppers and while originally I wasn't a big fan of it, eventually it grew on me. The hook might even sneak into your brain one day but then it might not. 8/10
Dreamin': One of my favorites on the record as it's filled with melodies to sing along to, an upbeat vibe without the polish of the "Green Album" and a bridge that works quite well despite it being quite long. It could be a single though listeners might not like its quiet section though it works quite well anyway. 8.5/10
Thought I Knew: Here's where the record, to be as nice as possible, nosedives. Guitarist Brian Bell takes over the vocal duties for this one and it's got more of a folk-rock vibe to it and while exceptionally good at background vocals, when taking over the lead, he's got that weird nasally quality. 6/10
Cold Dark World: This time, vocal duties are provided by bassist Scott Shriner and the lyrics are quite creepy and the singing as that sort of rapping quality during the verses. I can tolerate it a bit better than the previous track but it's still not really that good a song. 6/10
Automatic: Strangely, the one with the better voice is the drummer, Patrick Wilson. A bit more understated in the vocals during the verses with a simple beat before it goes into a rather interesting chorus. While the Rivers song's easily eclipse these 3, this is probably the better of the 3. 7/10
The Angel and the One: While missing a big epic solo, this for my money is the best closer they've done since "Butterfly". A slow burner before Rivers' vocals gets more emotive and the band picks up and the song has just as much of a feel as "Only in Dreams". While I might oversell the track, I have to say this is tied with Greatest Man as my favorite track off the album. 9.5/10
I think most fans and listeners have stopped expecting another "Blue Album" everytime a new Weezer comes on the shelf. While not as consistent as flawless as the first 2, there's always tracks that shows the boys aren't getting completely lazy yet.