Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. (1973) 

New Jersey’s own Bruce Springsteen first made his mark with his debut, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.  The album’s sales were modest, but it established his unique abilities as a songwriter and drew many comparisons by rock critics as the “new Dylan”.  This was probably due to some of the songs have a bit of a more folk-rock sound to them as well as The Boss’s unique lyrical sensibilities that evoke fantastic imagery.  But the album also features plenty of songs with that certain anthemic quality that Bruce would later pursue such as “Growin’ Up” and “For You”, as well as his original version of “Blinded By the Light” which Manfred Mann would turn into a #1 hit.  At this point what would become the E Street Band certainly infused the songs with a great exuberance, even if they weren’t yet made up of what would become the classic E Street line-up.  

Favorite Tracks: “Growin’ Up”, “Spirit in the Night”, “It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City”

The Wild, The Innocent, and The E Street Shuffle (1973)

Recorded and released the same year as his debut, The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle already shows The Boss finding his groove as a songwriter and  an artist.  He builds on the same sound he established with the first album, but the songs are definitely longer (4 of the 7 tracks are over 7 minutes long), but also at the same time much tighter instrumentally.  There’s some great intstrumental interplay between the musician’s and you can really hear the E Street Band start to gel as an outfit.  You can also hear Springsteen starting to grow lyrically as his songs are chocked full of distinct characters and vivid images of the New Jersey boardwalk.  Songs like “Kitty’s Back” and “Rosalita” are among the most thrilling songs of the Boss’s discography, and this albums still remains one of his best.

Favorite Tracks: “The E Street Shuffle”, “Kitty’s Back”, “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)”

Born To Run (1975) 

The Boss’s third album was without a doubt the most ambitious album of his then young career and is quite simply one of the greatest rock n’ roll albums ever recorded.  From the opening piano bars of “Thunder Road”, you know you’re in for a special ride and Born To Run simply never lets up.  However, the road to the completion of Born To Run was not an easy one, it took over 14 months to record and nearly drove Springsteen and his record company to bankruptcy.  The production of the album is definitely a lot more lush than his first to albums, Springsteen has said that he was going for a Phil Spector-like “Wall of Sound” approach, and he definitely achieves it.  

Another big contribution to the sound of the album is the addition of drummer Max Weinberg, who adds a much more precise style of drumming, and pianist Roy Bittan who’s piano work is among the hallmarks of the album.  Also with the addition of guitarist/vocalist and future Sopranos star Steven Van Zandt, the classic E Street line-up was complete.  Also, songs like “She’s The One”, the title track, and especially “Jungleland” feature many of the Clarence Clemens’ best sax solos.  The song “Born to Run” is simply one of my favorite songs of all time, there aren’t many songs that are so epic and so brimming with hope.  The song as well as the album finally brought Springsteen some mainstream success and helped to establish him a national fanbase.

Favorite Tracks: “Thunder Road”, “Born To Run”, “Jungleland”

Darkness On The Edge Of Town (1978) 

Coming three years after The Boss’s breakthrough Born to Run, it seems that he had already distanced himself considerably from that album’s youthful optimism.  The songs still have the same energetic treatment from the E Street band, but there’s a slightly darker tone to Darkness on the Edge of Town.  Also, instead of Springsteen’s lyrics about teenage New Jersey life, many of them are unglamorous odes to the working man.  This album marked a clear turning point from The Boss’s early sound into the next decade, and I don’t really feel any need to write anything more considering I already wrote a CAT for this album.

Favorite Tracks: “Badlands”, “Candy’s Room”, “The Promised Land”

The River (1980) 

The only double album in Bruce Springsteen’s catalog, The River is composed of a number of songs that The Boss had written during earlier parts of his career as well as newer material.  One distinct feature of the The River is the contrast of almost frivolously upbeat songs such as “Cherry Darling” and “Crush On You” as well much more solemn, personal songs like “Independence Day” and “Drive All Night”.  The River was also notable for featuring The Boss’s first top ten single, “Hungry Heart”.  Most of the songs sound like Bruce and the E Street Band are just having a good time banging out these catchy pop numbers, and although most of the songs aren’t quite at the level of the past Springsteen outings up to this point, I think the fact that the album contains so many solid songs is what makes the album work.  And although I’d say the album’s lenghty duration does make it a little less appealing, I don’t think it would be nearly as good as a condensed single album.

Favorite Tracks: “Jackson Cage”, “Hungry Heart”, “I’m A Rocker”

Nebraska (1982) 

Though even at this point, Bruce Springsteen had shown the ability to take his music in a number of different directions, nothing was nearly as huge of a departure as the somber folk sound of Nebraska.  Demos for the album were initially recorded by Springsteen at his home on a 4-track cassette recorder with nothing more than guitar, harmonica, and Springsteen’s voice.  The same songs were then recorded with the E Street Band before being scrapped after it was decided that they didn’t capture the haunting nature of the demos, and the demos where ultimately released as the album.  

The sparse but effective sound to the album makes for one of Springsteen’s most memorable albums, even if the songs have a fairly bleak tone to them.  There are plenty of songs that explore working class themes such as the title track or “Highway Patrolman”, although this time around they seem to evoke images of the Midwest rather than Springsteen’s native New Jersey.  The Boss would pursue a similar bare, acoustic folk sound with The Ghost of Tom Joad and Devils And Dust, but neither of them quite capture The Boss’s more introspective side quite as brilliantly as Nebraska.

Favorite Tracks: “Atlantic City”, “Johnny 99”,  “State Trooper”

Born In The U.S.A. (1984) 

At this point Bruce Springsteen had acheived quite a bit of success with a couple of hit singles, but Born In The U.S.A. was the album that transformed him into a bona fide superstar.  The album is by far the best selling album of Springsteen’s career and contained an unbelievable seven top 10 singles.  The album shows Springsteen continuing to explore songs about “the working man”, although they have a much more optimistic and energetic feel to them than his previous album thanks to the reliable power of the E Street Band.  

A main aspect that can be attributed to the album’s success is the more pop-friendly sound to the album, with many of the songs containing some memorable use of synthesizers, especially on the hit singles “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Dancing in the Dark”.  However, there’s still many guitar driven songs such as “Cover Me” and “I’m Going Down”, even though guitarist Steven Van Zandt would leave the E Street Band after the recording of Born in the U.S.A. to be subsequently replaced by Nils Lofgren.  Born In The U.S.A. was certainly one of The Boss’s breakthrough albums and an album that defined the pop/rock sound of the early ’80s.

Favorite Tracks: “Downbound Train”, “No Surrender”, “Dancing In The Dark”

Tunnel Of Love (1987) 

After the overwhelming success of Born In The U.S.A. and the massive tour that followed it, Tunnel Of Love shows The Boss scaling back a bit.  Most of the songs feature meditations on love in the face of success with a bit of a regretful tone to them.  Synthesizers and acoustic guitars are definitely at the forefront of the album which make for one of Springsteen’s most polished sounding albums.  Some of the album does sound a little bit dated at times due a very ’80s sound, but the quality of introspective songs like “Walk Like A Man” and “Brilliant Disguise” make Tunnel of Love an enjoyable and somewhat underrated entry in Bruce Springsteen’s catalogue.

Favorite Songs: “Tougher Than The Rest”, “Tunnel Of Love”, “Brilliant Disguise”

Human Touch (1992) 

Lucky Town (1992) 

A few years after officially disbanding the E Street Band 1989, Bruce Springsteen released the albums Human Touch and Lucky Town on the same day.  Both of them have a similarly pop-oriented sound and are among The Boss’s most optimistic material.  The Boss would feature songs with less serious subject matter on many of his prior albums, but these two albums seem to be entirely consisting of mostly pretty poppy, upbeat songs.  I’d say this sound works to a certain extent on Lucky Town

because it has a handful of undeniably catchy songs like “Better Days” or “Leap of Faith”, but Human Touch just seems kind of bland in comparison to every album 

Springsteen had released up to this point.  For me, the ’90s seemed kind of like a time in which Springsteen didn’t quite have that same spark that he had in the earlier years with the E Street Band, although he would achieve another impressive accomplishment with his Best Original Song Oscar win for “Streets of Philadelphia” in 1994.

Favorite Tracks: “Better Days”, “Local Hero”, “Human Touch”

The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995) 

With The Ghost of Tom Joad, Bruce returned to somewhat familiar territory that definitely bears a similar sound to 1982’s Nebraska.  Much like Nebraska, The Ghost of Tom Joad features for the most part just Springsteen’s voice and acoustic guitar playing, although there are a few songs that feature some sparse keyboard work and percussion.  The lyrical content is among The Boss’s most politically driven, which make for some occasionally interesting songs, but a lot of them seem a little forgettable.  The Ghost of Tom Joad is definetely one of The Boss’s most personal albums as well as having a somewhat charmingly intimate sound , but for me fails to match the haunting intensity of his earlier acoustic folk effort, Nebraska.

Favorite Tracks: “The Ghost of Tom Joad”, “Highway 25”, “Dry Lightning”

The Rising (2002) 

Coming seven years after his last album, The Rising reunited Bruce Springsteen with the E Street Band while marking a major comeback for The Boss.  Much of the album was inspired by the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and The Rising features many songs that feature messages of hope and healing.  There’s a good mix of more downbeat mournful songs such as “Nothing Man” and “My City of Ruins” as well as  songs that have a more upbeat hopeful nature to them such as “Lonesome Day” and the title track.  One aspect that added another layer to the E Street sound is the inclusion of violinist Soozie Tyrell.  Also, thanks to producer Brendan O’Brien who has also produced each subsequent album by Bruce Springsteen gives a more modern sound to some of Springsteen’s most exciting work as a songwriter in years.  It seems like ever since the release of this album, there’s been a constant flow of creativity from Springsteen seeing as though he’s been incredibly active as far as recording.  Really the only complaint I have about this album is that at a running time of 72 minutes it’s a bit long, and I could do without a couple of tracks but for the most part it shows The Boss and the E Street Band in prime form.

Favorite Tracks: “Lonesome Day”, “Couning On A Miracle”, “Sally’s Place”

Devils & Dust (2005) 

Comprised mainly of older songs Sprinsteen had written that go back as far as ten years, Devils and Dust shows The Boss returning to the more stripped down acoustic folk sound of Nebraska and The Ghost of Tom Joad.  However, this time around the songs are considerably more melodic and not nearly as bleak.  Devils And Dust also has a bit more lush sound than those records because of the contributions from several musicians that Springsteen has worked with over the years.  The lyrical content is definitely pretty diverse, featuring songs such as the title track, a commentary on the Iraq War, “Reno”, about an encounter with a prostitute, and “All I’m Thinking About”, a simple love song featuring a falsetto vocal performance.  Devils and Dust is another charming addition The Boss’s more intimate acoustic material, even if it has a somewhat conventional sound to it. 

Favorite Tracks: “Devils and Dust”, “Long Time Comin'”, “Leah”

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (2006) 

Definitely one of the most unique sounding albums in Bruce Springsteen’s catalogue, We Shall Overcome is comprised entirely of songs written or made famous by folk legend Pete Seeger.  Springsteen is backed by The Seeger Sessions Band which comprised mostly of lesser known musicians that Springsteen had met through E Street violinist Soozie Terrell as well former collaboraters such as Max Weinberg 7 members, Mark Pender and Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg.  The mix of lots of bouncy strings and brass combined with other acoustic instruments and Seeger’s songs give the album a very lighthearted and enjoyable sound, and make for another great addition to the slew of quality work The Boss has been putting out this decade.

Favorite Tracks: “Old Dan Tucker”, “John Henry”, “Pay Me My Money Down”

Magic (2007) 

Releasing an album for the third year in a row, Bruce Springsteen shows him and the E Street Band continuing to explore a similar sound as on 2002’s The Rising while also recalling the vigor of some of his earliest records.  The leadoff track “Radio Nowhere” is among The Boss’s most electrifying rockers in years and for the first time in years, “Livin’ in the Future” provides Clarence Clemons with a chance to really shine.  Producer Brendan O’brian once again gives the album a very lush pop/rock sound that are complemented excellently by some of Springsteen’s catchiest numbers such as “Girls In Their Summer Clothes” and “I’ll Work For Your Love”.  Magic is just another testament to Bruce and the E Street Band’s knack for turning out great records each time they get together to record an album.

Listening to all these albums has definitely gotten me quite a bit more excited than I would have normally been for a new Bruce Springsteen album.  But seeing as though all of Springsteen’s recent albums have been pretty great, I’m more than looking forward to hearing his latest album, Working On A Dream.  The title track has a similar feel to the songs on Magic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the rest of the album has a similar sound considering some of the songs were recorded around the same time as that album.  Sadly, It’ll be the first E Street outing not to feature the recently deceased keyboard/organ player Danny Federici who’s been with the band ever since Springsteen’s second album.  I’m glad to see that “The Wrestler” made on to the album as a bonus track, and I’m also excited to see Bruce and The E Street Band play the Super Bowl the Sunday.  And of course you’ll be seeing a review of Working On A Dream form me in the near future.

I’m pretty excited to go pick up Oasis’ latest album tomorrow, so in honor of their latest release I figured it was time for retrospective of the Oasis discography, or as we like to call them here at Cat Fancy “Retrospecticus” let’s begin.

Definitely Maybe (1993)

Signed to Creation Records in 1993 this young quintet started the recording of their debut album with some initial difficulty. Working with producer Dave Bachelor, Oasis just couldn’t capture the heaviness of their live sound and soon enough fired Bachelor. Taking the tapes to Tim Abbott to salvage the already recorded tunes, Oasis still struggled to find their sound in the studio. Time passed eventually leading Oasis to re-record the tracks, this time working with producer Mark Coyle. So It was decided the best technique would be to record all the instruments simultaneously, then magic happend. From then on the tapes were sent off to be polished by engineer/producer Owen Morris, stripped of some extra guitar overdubs and eventually remolded. Finally becoming that hard hitting sound that the band was looking for all along.

It was some journey to get this album to perfection but in the end I’d say it was totally worth it. Combining Beatlesesque pop with huge guitars and heavy rhythms, Definitely Maybe would prove to be an instant classic and would pave the way for the blossoming “Brit Pop” genre of music. The dynamic of Liam’s English swagger, obviously inspired by Lennon and Noel’s talent for penning great tunes would become the perfect stepping stone for this band’s fresh new sound and a grand contribution to rock music.

There’s just too many great songs on this album to list and it’s definitely one of my favorite’s of the 90s, Oasis were fresh and in firing form on this balls to the walls British Rock infused record and were ready to take on the scene of the decade of the extreme.

Favorite Tracks: “Live Forever”, “Supersonic”, “Married With Children”

(What’s The Story) Morning Glory? (1995)

Now I already wrote a review for this album a while back on this blog so I’m gonna make this brief. “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” is pretty much the best album these guys have ever put together. With track after of top notch single material and heavy guitars this is a classic staple of 90s music. This was also when Oasis was probably at their peak popularity and an exciting time in music, if you haven’t heard this album than I highly recommend it.

Favorite Tracks: “Don’t Look Back in Anger”, “She’s Electric”, “Wonderwall”

Be Here Now (1997)

After the major success of their previous two albums, Oasis were now riding a huge wave of success. While the band was certainly big on the music scene, the Gallagher brothers had themselves become popular if not controversial celebrities within the media often caught publicly fighting, but of course that would never tear these two apart and soon enough they were ready to start work on their most ambitious album yet.

Heading into Abbey Road in October of 1996, after Noel had recently gone through a stage of writer’s block. Noel had a vision on making an ablum of epic proportions basically deciding to throw the whole kitchen sink into this one. There’s mellotrons, strings, sitar, psychedelic guitars and even slide guitar played by who else but Johnny Depp. The sound here truly is epic but unlike most of the critics who initially praised the album, I was never too big on this record.

Now the compositions here a fairly good, perhaps not Oasis’ most catchy or memorable tunes but the melodies and progressions are pleasant. The main problem here is every song is so god damn freaking long. With most songs well above 5 minutes this 71 minute album is just too tiring to enjoy on the same level as previous Oasis works. I mean most of the songs make their point in about 3 minutes but then just keep going and going. I just find it boring after awhile and I really think this could of been better if Oasis had simply cut back a little.

I’ve never really been sure about what Oasis personally though about this album, but on their 2006 greatest hits compilation “Stop the Clocks” there isn’t a single song from “Be Here Now”… Hmmm, very interesting…

Favorite Tracks: “D’You Know What I Mean?”, “Stand by Me”, “All Around the World”

The Masterplan (1998)

Although a B-sides I compilation I think “The Masterplan” is worth touching on. There’s some really swell numbers on here including; “Acquiesce”, “Talk Tonight”, “Half the World Away”, the moody ballad “The Masterplan”, and an excellent live cover of The Beatles “I Am the Walrus” I’m not sure why these songs didn’t make it on any albums, but I guess that’s the beauty of a compilation disc.

Favorite Tracks: “Acquiesce”, “Half the World Away”, “The Masterplan”

Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000)

In 1999 a Oasis faced a difficult transitional period, with the departure of founding bassist Paul McGuigan and rhythm guitarist Paul Arthurs. Noel, Liam, drummer Alan White and a collection of other studio musicians would make up the body of work for “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants” probably Oasis’ most experimental album to date.

With two key members leaving the group during the recording process, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants” would not only require lead member Noel Gallagher to fill out the extra guitars and bass work but also push the band to try out some more experimental techniques including; drum loops, mellotron, electric sitar, flute and other unique tricks in the studio.

Looking at this album as a whole it’s neat to see Oasis try out such a psychedelic approach to their new songs but I can’t help but feel this album is somewhat of a bore in spots. I love all the bizarre sounds and textures, not to mention Mark Stent’s producing, but I think they should of set the bar a little higher regarding the quality of the songs. “Go Let it Out” is easily the best song on the album with it’s stadium sounding drums and single friendly melody followed by the Zeppelin inspired/partially instrumental “Fuckin’ in the Bushes”. As for the rest their just typical generic rock wrapped in a trippy package. There’s lots of moments where I find myself really into some of the little grooves here and there but also segments where I’m just tired.

Over time I’ve found this not to be a bad album necessarily but definitely not one of this band’s more impressive efforts. I understand that it was a strange period for the band and I appreciate their attempts to stay fresh, they just needed to work out a few more of the kinks.

Favorite Tracks: “Go Let it Out”, “Fuckin’ in the Bushes”, “Gas Panic!”

Heathen Chemistry (2002)

It was in 2000 that Oasis became whole again (Though this would be Alan White’s last album with the band). After a few setbacks on their last album Oasis recruited Andy Bell, formerly off the Brit Pop band Ride on bass and Gem Archer of Heavy Stereo on rhythm guitar (Both members already having played on the Oasis live album “Familiar to Millions”). Filling in a much needed void in Oasis’ lineup both Bell and Archer would not only bring talented musicianship but as well contribute many ideas to the sound and song writing of Oasis.

Recorded in 2001-2002, Heathen Chemistry was an attempt at getting “back-to-basics” with the strength of the songs being top priority over effects or fancy production. it was definitely a step in the right direction for this band and for the most part was received warmly by fans and critics. Heathen Chemistry was a nice change of pace from the more elaborate Oasis albums that had recently proceeded it and pretty strong regarding the quality of songs.

Liam has definitely improved as a songwriter penning his first Oasis single titled “Songbird” a simple yet sweet acoustic number that’s easily one of the best on the album. Noel’s found a good rockin’ niche here while still managing to whip up another brooding ballad with “Stop Crying Your Heart Out”. There’s some other nice highlights throughout and this album and overall it’s a pretty respectable entry into the Oasis catalog. Aside from the last track having a 20 something minute bonus track that I often skip, it’s good listening and reminds me of why I love these guys.

Favorite Tracks: “The Hindu Times”, “Songbird”, “Stop Crying Your Heart

Don’t Believe the Truth (2005)

Not long after Heathen Chemistry Oasis were already laying down demos and sessions for what would prove to be their most collaborative album yet. For not only would we see compositions from Noel but multiple songs penned by Liam, Andy and Gem rounded off by the fantastic Keith Moon inspired drumming of Zak Starkey.

Now though Oasis’ star status had waned over here in the states I think it’s safe to say that this album was Oasis in top form. I mean sure they were great in the past with former members Paul McGuigan and that bald guy Paul Arthurs but it’s not like thise guys ever made that much of an impression on most listeners. The addition of Andy and Gem on the other hand really seemed to make the band a more collaborative group. Not only do Gem and Andy both play more than their respective instruments on this album but as well write some really great tunes. Archer’s a “A Bell Will Ring” and “Love Like a Bomb”, co-written with Liam are beautiful guitar infused alternative rock while Andy Bell has success with “Keep the Dream Alive” and especially with the opening track “Turn Up the Sun” which immediately grabs you with it’s dreamlike picking that heads right into pure rock heaviness. Liam’s song-writing, while perhaps a little more basic, has found a good middle ground. “Guess God Thinks I’m Abel” is an enlightening acoustic number and “The Meaning Soul” is your basic fist pumping rock number.

Everyone has a lot of great ideas on this album, but you can never count out Noel, who shows he’s still the master of the rock in this band. “Lyla” is your typical catchy Oasis single, “Mucky Fingers” is an energetic riff driven rocker, “Part of the Queue” is a more morose yet intriguing acoustic song, “The Importance of Being Idle” is a retro Kinks sounding tune and “Let There Be Love” is of course a beautiful sweeping ballad. Quite a collection of songs overall and a very satisfying record.

The reception for Don’t Believe the Truth was for the most part pretty positive even if there wasn’t a whole lot of strong promotion behind it. I think this album will always have a place in my heart as the Oasis album that made me a fan, it wasn’t long after that I attended one of their shows and here I am now giving you an Oasis retrospective, it’s funny how things work out.

Favorite Tracks: “Lyla”, “The Importance of Being Idle”, “Let There be Love”

Dig Out Your Soul (2008)
I’ve probably heard most of this album since it was added to Myspace, but I still wait to review it later this week. Based off what I have heard and from Oasis’ show at WaMu last August, it looks like yet another satisfying rock/pop record from the bad boys of Brit Pop. Zak Starkey’s drums sound Zeppelinesque and Oasis has really put together a heavy collection of powerful grooves and melodic pop. A lot of critics are calling it Oasis’ best album since “What’s the Story” so it’ll be very exciting to sit down and groove to the whole album in the comfort of my own home, can’t wait.

It’s been 14 years since Weezer’s breakthrough debut album and here we are now just a day away from the release of their sixth studio album Weezer (The Red Album). Thus in honor of this I decided to put together a retrospective or “Retrospecticus: if you will (because it sounds funny) of these Alternative rock trailblazer’s albums thus far.

Weezer – Weezer (The Blue Album) (1994)

Rising out of the L.A. club scene in the early nineties Weezer was only together for a few years by the time their demo tape had caught the attention of a major record label. So in the summer of 1993 they headed into the studio with Ric Ocasek producing and set out to make the 90s Rock classic that is Weezer (The Blue Album). By combining a unique quirkiness with clever pop hooks and a heavy rock guitar edge, Weezer created an incredibly unique sound for the time. In an era dominated mostly by grunge, Weezer managed to breakthrough with catchy numbers like “Buddy Holly” or the offbeat “Undone (The Sweater Song)” and mark their territory in the 90s rock scene. Simply put this was a perfect start for these geek-chic rockers and a good sign of things to come.

Favorite Tracks: “Buddy Holly”, “Surf Wax America”, “The World Has Turned and Left Me Here”

Weezer – Pinkerton (1996)

Soon after the success of The Blue Album front-man Rivers Cuomo began working on material for what would most likely be Weezer’s next album Songs from the Black Hole but unfortunately this never quite took off, so Weezer started the production of a different album. Featuring a handful of songs written even before Weezer’ first album, along with a few new one’s and a couple originally slated for Songs from the Black Hole,Weezer made their brilliant follow up Pinkerton. Reflecting a more personal side of Rivers Cuomo song-writing and an even heavier sound for Weezer, Pinkerton was a more straightforward rock album. Though their quirkiness remained primarily on the album’s most popular track “El Scorcho”. Though this album struggled to find success with its less commercial sound it’s caught on over the years and become a staple of 90s rock. Personally I’m torn between this and The Blue Album as my favorite Weezer album but I suppose when a band can do that for you it should be considered a good thing.

Favorite Tracks: “The Good Life”, “Getchoo”, “Pink Triangle”

Weezer – Weezer (The Green Album) (2001)

Many moons had passed between the commercial failure of Weezer’s misunderstood Pinkerton and their return to success with another self-titled album Weezer (The Green Album) A lot had happened in this 7 year hiatus including the departure of former bassist Matt Sharp, River Cuomo’s continuing isolation and other members various side projects. Luckily by 2000 (After an offer to play together at a festival in Japan) Weezer was again inspired to make music. WIth the recruitment of new bassist Mikey Welsh, Weezer went through over a hundred demos until winding it down to ten and headed back into the studio reuniting with producer Ric Ocasek. The result was a tight and heavy 28 minutes of classic Weezer Pop/Rock. With popular singles such as the risque “Hash Pipe” and the laid back “Island in the Sun”, Weezer was back on top and with quite a punch.

Favorite Tracks: “Hash Pipe”, “Photograph”, “Island in the Sun”

Weezer – Maladroit (2002)

Following up the success of Weezer (The Green Album) was yet another commercial success for Weezer with their 2002 album Maladroit (This being the first album with new bassist Scott Shriner). Weezer went about production this time around with fans having opportunity to choose which tracks to include on the new album (Being given a selection of 30 or so online). Unfortunately I am sorry to say that at this point I have to disagree with the popular opinion. This being that I can’t find the same liking for 2002’s Maladroit as so many others do. I find that though there is still some fun tunes like “Dope Nose” or the Costelloesque number “Keep Fishin”, a majority of these songs are lacking the creative flair and ingenuity of previous Weezer works. I mean when a band has to resort to having their fans help them put together an album, you have to question if they are a little burned out musically. I mean that’s a pretty gimmicky stunt, I’d say they should have waited a little longer to start work on another album, because if you ask me, Weezer just sounds like any other mainstream rock band on this album. I suppose as long as a majority of fans liked it, it was a good move for them but it certainly left me cold.

Favorite Tracks: “Dope Nose”, “Keep Fishin”, “Burndt Jamb”

Weezer – Make Believe (2005)

A few years passed and Weezer once again (after sifting through various demos) were ready to make an album. Teaming up this time with notable producer Rick Rubin, Weezer made yet again another popular Rock/Pop album entitled Make Believe. Another more mainstream record boosted by the success of it’s lead off single “Beverly Hills” (the bands most successful single to date) Personally I found the song “Beverly Hills” to be somewhat uninspired. Not a particularly inventive lyrically or even that original of a progression, topped off with a Talk Box sounding guitar solo. These aren’t the elements that drew my interest to Weezer and I was said to see some of that lacking on this album. Though there is a handful of mildly pleasing tracks. “We Are All on Drugs” and “Perfect Situation” are nice little numbers so I found it to even out as an alright album.

Favorite Tracks: “Perfect Situation”, “We Are All on Drugs”, “My Best Friend”

Weezer – Weezer (The Red Album) (2008)
What will the future hold for the fate of Weezer’s latest album? Early reviews are all over the place from bad to pretty good, but nonetheless I’m excited. Especially with Weezer’s return to their nerdier roots and more experimental tracks like “Pork and Beans” or “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived”. I’m not sure what to think quite yet of what I’ve already heard, but time will tell. You can definitely expect to see a review on this blog later this week.

The Lost Album
Weezer – Songs From the Black Hole
As I previously mentioned, after Weezer’s debut album, Rivers Cuomo began working on a space rock opera as the subject of Weezer’s next album. Though after about a year of demoing and recording, the idea was abandoned and forever lost in a sea of lost albums. Luckily a handful of these tracks have surfaced today in one way or another. A few songs such as “Getchoo”, “Tired of Sex”, “No Other One” and “Why Bother?” even managed to make it on to Pinkerton. Along with a few others appearing on River Cuomo’s album Alone – The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo. From what I’ve researched and heard, I believe that this probably could of been a pretty good album. It’s sad to see that it fell apart, but at the same time we got Pinkerton so I guess it all worked out for the best.