Interesting. I have discovered that there is a (mostly generational?) difference between people who fell for the first two albums and people who fell for Weezer from the Green Album forward (even if they went backward from there). That five or so year break in releases between 1996 and 2001 seems to be some kind of dividing line for certain kinds of fans. And, in some sense, they were a different kind of band when they returned. I notice the absence of Matt as well, but I also like a lot of their later music.
All this music was the soundtrack to 100s of Santa Barbara drives! But, yes, Pinkerton barely left my car stereo for a long time after it came out. What an incredible indie rock pivot from the Blue Album. Glad time has been kinder to it than critics (and many Buddy Holly-loving fans—where's the FONZ?!?!?!) initially were.
Love this stuff! Return of the Rentals is so great. I'm one of those people that only likes the Weezer albums with Matt Sharp.
Interesting. I have discovered that there is a (mostly generational?) difference between people who fell for the first two albums and people who fell for Weezer from the Green Album forward (even if they went backward from there). That five or so year break in releases between 1996 and 2001 seems to be some kind of dividing line for certain kinds of fans. And, in some sense, they were a different kind of band when they returned. I notice the absence of Matt as well, but I also like a lot of their later music.
It's true, I'm old and I like the old stuff 😭😭
But also, the Blue Album and Pinkerton are the best ones.
Those two are near and dear to my old heart as well!
But, seriously—their sound and energy did change in the 2000s. Not better or worse in my opinion, but definitely different.
Ozma's "The Ups and Downs" never fails to make me smile. I'm so glad to have seen them live, possibly with you on a bill, back then.
Also: Pinkerton is the soundtrack to many a drive to Santa Barbara for shows.
All this music was the soundtrack to 100s of Santa Barbara drives! But, yes, Pinkerton barely left my car stereo for a long time after it came out. What an incredible indie rock pivot from the Blue Album. Glad time has been kinder to it than critics (and many Buddy Holly-loving fans—where's the FONZ?!?!?!) initially were.