Posted 8:55 pm Tuesday, August 28, 2012
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Playful perfection
During the early 90s, mainstream rock was saturated with minor chords and melancholy-tinged laments. Many of the artists pigeonholed into the “Grunge” genre sounded less like rock stars and more like their dog just died. When it wasn’t sad, it was angry.
While many of the best albums of that era came from bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Sonic Youth and Alice In Chains (though their legacy includes many cringe-inducing modern derivative copycats), there is room on the musical landscape for more than angst and flannel shirts.
With its catchy hooks and cheeky attitude, Weezer’s 1994 self-titled debut (also known as “The Blue Album”) delivered an infusion of upbeat fun into the mainstream. It was Punk Rock with pop sensibilities.
Three music videos directed by Spike Jonze were released with the album. This was MTV’s heyday and if a video caught fire on the network, it could make a career.
While many of the best albums of that era came from bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Sonic Youth and Alice In Chains (though their legacy includes many cringe-inducing modern derivative copycats), there is room on the musical landscape for more than angst and flannel shirts.
With its catchy hooks and cheeky attitude, Weezer’s 1994 self-titled debut (also known as “The Blue Album”) delivered an infusion of upbeat fun into the mainstream. It was Punk Rock with pop sensibilities.
Three music videos directed by Spike Jonze were released with the album. This was MTV’s heyday and if a video caught fire on the network, it could make a career.
“Buddy Holly” was one such video, portraying Weezer performing at Arnold’s Drive-In diner from the ’70s television show “Happy Days.” Footage of the band playing was combined with a classic scene from the show.
The distortion and nostalgia-drenched chaos climaxes with Fonzie himself dancing and upstaging the band.
With the success of singles “Buddy Holly,” “Undone — The Sweater Song” and “Say It Ain’t So,” Weezer cemented their place in the mainstream arena as more than a one-hit wonder.
The distortion and nostalgia-drenched chaos climaxes with Fonzie himself dancing and upstaging the band.
With the success of singles “Buddy Holly,” “Undone — The Sweater Song” and “Say It Ain’t So,” Weezer cemented their place in the mainstream arena as more than a one-hit wonder.
Listening to the deep tracks reveals Rivers Cuomo’s obvious talent for song writing, as there are no bad tunes to be found here.
“My Name is Jonas.” “Surf Wax America” and “In the Garage” are fan favorites and received little to no radio play.
While Weezer may never have matched the playful perfection of their debut, the group that was once labeled “a joke band” continues to sell out arenas and make hit records.
“The Blue Album” still holds up to scrutiny after nearly two decades, representing positivity and innovation. With it, Weezer added diversity to the modern rock scene. But, besides all of that, it’s just a really fun album.
“My Name is Jonas.” “Surf Wax America” and “In the Garage” are fan favorites and received little to no radio play.
While Weezer may never have matched the playful perfection of their debut, the group that was once labeled “a joke band” continues to sell out arenas and make hit records.
“The Blue Album” still holds up to scrutiny after nearly two decades, representing positivity and innovation. With it, Weezer added diversity to the modern rock scene. But, besides all of that, it’s just a really fun album.
