For some reason the critics gave this album a bit of a kicking. Apparently it is not very good. Some say that it is crap compared to Weezer‘s first release, “The Blue Album.” But, erm, hello critics, have you actually listened to this record? Because it shits all over that first album. From a very great height indeed.
Certainly less commercial than both its predecessor and the new CD, “Pinkerton” is certainly less instant. But I think that is its appeal, and what makes this CD so rewarding. Rivers Cuomo is a genius, that there is no doubt, and this is the work of a genius. It is just common knowledge that all geniuses just seem to go a little bit, well, cuckoo at times in their lives. And Rivers certainly went a bit, well, bizarre during the recording of this CD.
But, as I have said, this is its appeal. And boy, is this Cd good. “Tired Of Sex” is about as personal as you can get, and “Getchoo” has the raw edge that was missing from the first album. “No Other One” has that passion and edge once again, something that really does shine through. Where as “The Blue Album” often seemed a little too polished, this is effort is a lot more honest and it sounds like the band were on edge during the recording.
“Why Bother?” is really cool, almost singalong-a-Weezer, although the subject is pretty much as sad as usual. “Across The Sea” has this beautiful piano opening which does make it sound a little like Celine Dion, but as soon as Rivers opens his mouth, you know that it isn’t that godawful Canadian crooner. “Why are you so far away from me,” never seemed to hit so hard until you hear Rivers’ fragile vocals.
“The Good Life” and its punchy opening riff is geek rock at its best, and “El Scorcho” is bizarre but cool nonetheless. Pretty nonsensical lyrically, but when the song sounds as cool as this, who cares? “Pink Triangle” is a highlight, its “I’m dumb, she’s a lesbian” refrain is really funny, and the song is brilliant too. “Falling For You” is a little weak, a little bit slow to get going, but when it does, it is most certainly worth the wait. And “Butterfly” is an absolutely gorgeous end to a brilliant album.
Yeah, its is only ten songs, and only 35 minutes in length, but “Pinkerton” is another must buy. This is certainly a band that don’t do bad albums, let alone bad songs. Geek/emo/rock at its best. Openly surpassed by two albums within its genre… and one of them has “The,” “Green,” and “Album” in its title…
Paul Savage