Weezer - Weezer (Blue Album)

There's a classic episode of The Little Rascals where one of the gang can't join everybody else on the ballfield because he has to stay home with his younger brother, who has the croup. "I can't come out and play," he whines. "I've got to stay home and grease Wheezer!" Nobody at Geffen Records knows whether this was the inspiration in naming Weezer, but it makes sense. Like many of their peers, the members of the Los Angeles quartet seem to have spent their formative years in front of the TV; when they were a little older, they were just as entranced by college rock. Finally, ala the Rascals, one of the gang said, "Hey, kids, let's put on a show!," and the result is Weezer's uplifting, unpretentious, and extremely endearing debut.

The self-titled Weezer is lean and mean at 10 short, punchy tunes, but nearly every one is powered by a larger-than-life chorus or a simple but effective lyric. "Undone-The Sweater Song" uses an unraveling sweater as a metaphor for a relationship on the rocks; "Buddy Holly" pays heartfelt tribute to the '50s rocker, and "In the Garage" paints a scene of suburban teens jamming while surrounded by posters of Kiss. Producer Ric Ocasek of Cars fame pushes the vocals and rhythm guitars, and this bare-bones approach may earn comparisons to fellow garage-pop band Green Day. But Weezer has more in common with the late, lamented Big Dipper, another group of slacker wiseguys that you just had to love. --Jim DeRogatis Amazon.com

Weezer's Debut Is A Punk Pop Masterpiece

In 1992 singer/songwriter/guitarist Rivers Cuomo came along to form this band called Weezer and recruited lead guitarist Brian Bell, bass player Matt Sharp, and drummer Patrick Wilson. It wasn't until two years later in September 1993 that the band finally completed this marvelous debut known as "The Blue Album". To produce the ten songs included they chose Ric Ocasek from the popular 70's new wave group The Cars. I really like the raw sound that this recording has and the cover looks cool too mostly because blue happens to be my favorite color!

An acoustic guitar arpeggio opens the album's first song "My Name Is Jonas" in good fashion and then the distorted guitars kick in along with the distinctive vocals of Cuomo. Note the harmoinca towards the end. The next song is one of my favorites from the album and that is "No One Else". This is a punk pop masterpiece. Cool short melodic solo by Bell and even cooler lyrics to go along. The third song "The World Has Turned And Left Me Here" was writtem by Cuomo and Wilson. The band takes a more mid-paced tempo in this ballad-like haunting number.
"Buddy Holly" is one of the album's most popular tracks that still gets radio airplay and for a good reason. Great melodies occur throughout and I liked that simple synth line that was added to the verses! After an abrupt end we go into the party song "Undone - The Sweater Song". I always thought that this arpeggio in the intro sounds kind of eerie! It's pretty much a straightforward pop song but it becomes quite trippy towards the end with that torrent of feedback from the guitars and dissonant piano notes.
Now it's time for the good time feel of "Surf Wax America" where again the songwrtiting credit is shared between Cuomo and Wilson. This is another personal favorite! Great melodies based around a major scale are featured but the best part is in the middle when it quiets down and Cuomo sings very softly while bassist Sharp plays a catchy four note ascending line before it goes back to the beginning structure.

Continuing along we find "Say It Ain't So" which is the other radio hit from the album and is definitely a highlight. An inventive arpeggio is included during the verses while towards the end guitarist Bell plays a cool melodic solo. "In the Garage" is the second song on the album to feature some harmonica playing and I liked the lyric that mentions Ace Frehley and Peter Cirss of hard rock group Kiss! Next is the sunny pop of "Holiday". There's a slight Beach Boys influence here notable in the middle where bassist Sharp is doing the vocals. However the last number that goes by "Only In Dreams" is also a highlight! Clocking at eight minutes, it's the longest cut. Sharp's bass provides the song's main catchy melody line on this sad song. Strong melodies occur in the chorus and as it progresses, it turns into an instrumental jam. A rarity indeed! This is the only time we get to hear the band in this mode. This jam perfectly captures the interplay between the guitars of Cuomo and Bell, and some fine drum fills from Wilson. Matt Sharp gets to play the last note, therefore putting an end to this awesome album!

If you are looking for a good punk pop album, then you gotta add this excellent debut to your collection for sure as there are no weak songs to be found here! There are two versions to choose from: the original 1994 release or the new 2004 expanded deluxe edition. If you ask me, the deluxe edition is the one to go for! It was remastered and now includes an extra CD of rarities plus an expanded booklet with lyrics too!
Thanks for taking the time to read!
Later... August 24, 2008

Really Good Debut

This Blue album could possibly be the best debut in the history of debuts. This is great in everly way. The only album better than it is Pinkerton. Songs like Only In Dreams and Surf Was America are really good and keep the album going through its hook anf catch filled debut. Recommend it anyone. (as well as their other albums) July 17, 2008

great

One of the best 90's albums. How have I never bought it before!? But I own it now! May 9, 2008

Poppy & Universal with Dorky Charm

Weezer released this debut album (later referred to as the Blue Album) and indie/alternative rock fans fell in love. The songs were ever-so catchy, but had hooky riffs and a simplicity, along with goofy lyrics molded into each song, making them clever and moving. Lyrics like -- I want a girl who will laugh for no one else, when I'm away she puts her makeup on the shelf, when I'm away she never leaves the house -- show how geeky love inspired singer River Cuomo feels in his insecure self-doubted way through-out the whole album.

The dorky charm is what makes this album great. It's poppy and universal, but in it's own un-hip cool alternative way. They became one of the biggest alternative bands of the '90's. The song "Buddy Holly" is not only catchy but interesting and entertaining. You can't help but sing along to the chorus. The video even makes a rendition of a Happy Days set-black & white and forever geeky. April 27, 2008

Memories

This album is one of a few albums that holds the most memories of the best times in my life. I was usually having a lot of fun when I was listening to this album. April 10, 2008

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