|
| Weezer (Red Album) | 
 enlarge | Artist: Weezer
Label: Geffen Records
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy New: $4.60
You Save: $9.38 (67%)
New (55) Used (30) from $3.14
Avg. Customer Rating:  76 reviews
Sales Rank: 795
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 001113502
UPC: 602517671836
EAN: 0602517671836
ASIN: B001872MDM
Release Date: June 3, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Tracks:
| • | Troublemaker | | • | The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn) | | • | Pork and Beans | | • | Heart Songs | | • | Everybody Get Dangerous | | • | Dreamin' | | • | Thought I Knew | | • | Cold Dark World | | • | Automatic | | • | The Angel and the One |
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk
Early word on the sixth album from Weezer--and their third self-titled record, although fans, sensibly, are referring to it as "The Red Album"--is that this is their experimental record. Luckily, Rivers Cuomo isn't interested in penning his own jazz odyssey; for him, experimental is just finding cunning ways to nuance Weezer's stock-in-trade--crunchy, candy-sweet guitars and vocal harmonies--with new pop tricks. The sardonic lyric of "Pork and Beans" hints at a new direction: "Timabaland knows the way to reach the top of the charts," Cuomo sings, "maybe if I work with him I can perfect the art". Actually, Timbaland's not on board, but producer Jacknife Lee brings a variety of drum machines and electronics, and Weezer rise to the challenge with some generally inspired messing around. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Theme)" sees Cuomo adopt a gangsta rap slur over screaming sirens, while elsewhere, the other three Weezer members take a turn at the microphone. But it's Cuomo's songs that are the winners--notably "Heart Songs", a tribute to the songs that "never feel wrong" that swoops from melodic schmaltz to grunge scuzz with a deft invocation of Nirvana. Skip to the bonus tracks, meanwhile, for a great cover of "The Weight" that takes The Band's original and drenches it in chundering guitars. --Louis Pattison
Album Description
Weezer - one of the biggest and most influential bands of the last decade will for the third time in its six-album history release a self-titled album. The new album will hit streets on June 24 through DGC/Interscope Records. To distinguish it from the other eponymous albums it's being referred by people as "The Red Album." Comprised of sessions produced by Rick Rubin, Jacknife Lee and the band itself, the album is adventurous and undeniable Weezer pop-rock. The first single, the quirky and catchy "Pork and Beans," was recorded under the watch of the Irishman Lee and will soon be a Weezer classic.
Album Description
2008 album from the Alternative rockers. Weezer, one of the biggest and most influential bands of the last decade will, for the third time in its six-album history, release a self-titled album already being referred to by people as The Red Album. Comprised of sessions produced by Rick Rubin, Jacknife Lee and the band itself, the album is adventurous and undeniably Weezer. The first single, the quirky and catchy 'Pork and Beans', was recorded under the watch of the Irishman Lee and already a Modern Rock smash hit. 10 tracks.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 71 more reviews...
 Condition Red June 5, 2008
18 out of 21 found this review helpful
Following the path of their color coded classics The Blue Album and The Green Album, Weezer issues their "Red" album and it's their best since, well, the green one. Much like Peter Gabriel's refusal to give his early albums titles, it forces more attention to be paid to the music. Thus, eleven years into making music, this is Weezer facing middle age and they want you to focus.
They do so with both a wink ("Everybody Get Dangerous") and nostalgia (the terrific "Heart Songs"). There's even an attempt at an American Idiot style punk-opera with the oddball "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived." Using the traditional Shaker Hymn as its jumping off point, it's almost as odd as hearing the rest of Weezer sing. The 3/4's of Weezer that isn't Rivers Cuomo take up tracks 7, 8 and 9, with Brian Bell's "Thought I Knew" being the best of the batch. Maybe there was some idea behind democratizing the band. But let's face it, Rivers is the bent mind behind what makes Weezer the most thought provoking. It might not always be the most commercial move he could make and it makes executive bean counters nervous, but it is what makes Weezer, even on their aimless Make Believe album before this one, an exciting band.
So when Cuomo sarcastically lets the record company suits have it for claiming there was no single here, he writes about it in "Pork and Beans."
"Timbaland knows the way
To reach the top of the charts
Maybe if I work with him
I can perfect the art."
It's a soon-to-be classic. But for me, the clincher was "Heart Songs," where Cuomo follows his musical evolution from listening to corny AM radio hits from Michael Jackson to Eddie Rabbit, but hitting the turning point when he hears the album that had "a baby on it, he was naked on it." It's a flattering, sincere ode to the transcendent release of musical creativity (and also one of the most heartfelt songs the band has ever done). It makes Weezer's Red Album their most personal since the confessional Pinkerton, and a solid addition to their discography.
 What's not to like? Well, a few things, actually... June 4, 2008
11 out of 19 found this review helpful
(3 & 1/2 stars) The new 'Red' album begins and ends with excellent tunes, "Troublemaker," the hard-edged opener, and the emotional, soaring closer, "The Angel and the One." That closing number seems to be for this CD what Dave Grohl's "Home" was for the latest Foo disc. As for the other songs, I fully expect to be hearing "Everybody Get Dangerous" everywhere this summer (and beyond). It's a truly catchy and propulsive tune. If everything else was like those three cuts, 'Red' would be a major winner. Instead, there are a few promising songs that end up fizzling (ex., "Dreamin'"), plus the truly weird anthem called "the Greatest Man That Ever Lived." It's a jumbled collage of choirs, hip-hop, spoken word and rock, kind of like a pop-punk version of a rock opera, but without the staying power of something like Bohemian Rhapsody or Pinball Wizard. Then you've got the oddity that is "Heart Songs," which starts out as a sweet ode to cultural/musical references (Gordon Lightfoot? Debbie Gibson? Slayer?) and gradually gets crunchier as it goes along. It's a clever and interesting piece, but what to make of it? I like this album, but shortly after I listened to 'Red,' I just happened to be playing Reunion Tour by the Weakerthans, and I found myself thinking, "Boy, this is way better than the new Weezer!"
The Life and Feelings of a Rock Star (Actually I am reviewing the deluxe version) June 3, 2008
8 out of 10 found this review helpful
[Review of the deluxe version but the songs I talk about are on the short version too] Wow, a new Weezer CD and I was able to get the deluxe long version four days early too. Never mind how that happened. Another self titled album, Weezer "Red". I had a feeling they would do that again someday, and put out another self titled album. A note, Peter Gabriel has three self titled albums all on different label but not solid colored. What I did not expect was this particular album. Finally a CD length CD from Weezer, at just under 60 minutes. But only as the deluxe version. Oh, well.
After having heard the new "single" from the album, "Pork and Beans" I figured that this album would be a lot like their previous one. Well, that could not have been more wrong. Some of it sounds typically Weezer, yet other aspects of it (most of the songs), have me feeling "Where did that come from." Well, the liner notes sort of answer that. From the mind and soul of Rivers. Yet this seems to be a part of him that we've never seen before. I can't say if I love it or hate it. The few faster, more Weezer like songs are great, but the others? It leaves me feeling similarly to how I felt after first hearing the Smashing Pumpkins Adore album, "what?" I gradually grew to really like that album but it is like in a different niche in my mind from their other work. I'll have to see how I feel about the slower half (slower two thirds of the deluxe version), and basically later part of the new Red Weezer CD after a few listenings.
This album could have been called "The Life and Feelings of a Rock Star." Most of the songs are probably not autobiographical but Rivers uses himself as a metaphor for how he feels about life in general. On the surface it may seem egotistical but it is deeper than that. A bit like the Kinks self-parody in many of their songs. This could be the 21st Century's "Lola Versus Powerman and the Money Go-Round Part 2". But unlike the Kinks, Weezer (Red) has no story line, but it still seems to have a concept to of it.
My thoughts on some of the songs. "Troublemaker": Typical Weezer music with a heavy edge. Lyrics are kind of punky yet self-parodying. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)": If you were expecting sacred music, guess again. The Shaker reference is only because parts of the melody and the piano running through much of the song sounds like a Shaker hymn. Interestingly, this "hymn" music has riffs that sound like typical Weezer, hmmm. This song is about being a rock star - but in the Kinks type of parody, not the dark Pink Floyd "The Wall" sort. This is a long piece in several "movements". Rivers seems to ape or reference many artists that were probably influential on him. After the intro, the first part starts with a rap like theme (not sure of any specific artist), then a portion that again I am not sure who it might be like. Then there is a short Beatles-like verse. Then there are several verses that sound like a combination of Queen, Mott the Hoople, Mark Bolan, and David Bowie (i.e., a glam-rock thing). Rivers does a nice job with the voices. Then there is a more Weezer-like chorus. Now comes a spoken work section that seems to reference the Kinks' "Perservation Act 1" and "Perservation Act 2" and a few other Kinks songs and albums from the early to mid nineteen seventies. After that, we get an almost hymn chorus with Beach Boys like harmony. Nice! The song ends with a fast Weezer-like rendition of the chorus. Strange but cool song.
"Pork and Beans": Looks like the big hit of the album. Sounds like Weezer. Simple but effective riff and some power chords. "Heart Songs": Is a pop song were Rivers directly names the artists that he has on his mind. Some of these may surprise you; Abba! "Everybody Get Dangerous": A heavy song that definitely reminds me of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song is about many of the possible dumb, dangerous, risky, and extreme things young people often do and later wonder how they ever survived their youth. It ends with some Mick Jagger like hooting and hollerin'. Actually a good track like "Pork and Beans."
"Dreamin'": Sounds like Weezer. "Thought I Knew": Great catchy pop song. This one was written by Brian Bell and sung by (I think) Pat. Rivers Cuomo plays drums and Pat Wilson is playing guitar. This is a technique used by R.E.M. of old when Bill Berry was still in the band: They would switch instruments on some songs. It can produce some interesting and great results. "Cold Dark World": Sounds like it could be a theme song for an episode of the TV show "Criminal Minds." Rather creepy. Is that a Talk Box I hear? Do they still make those things? Are Weezer friends with Joe Walsh or Peter Frampton? Seems like Joe Walsh's style more.
I wont try to analyze what all these songs actually mean to the wider implications of this album and Weezer's career. Other people can describe the other 6 songs. Actually my biggest complaint with this CD is the tiny print for the liner notes to each song. I need a magnifier to read them. The lyrics themselves are large enough. Again these are only my opinions at this time, I might easily be persuaded to change by some insightful and mature discussion.
 Best Album Since Pinkerton June 3, 2008
8 out of 12 found this review helpful
I'm not sure this an album for everyone, but I know I love it.
"Troublemaker" is classic Weezer, and could be on Pinkerton if it wanted too. Heavy, grungy sounding guitar and fun lyrics. Easily one of the best songs on the album.
"The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" is my favorite. It's probably the weirdest song that Weezer has ever put out, and that's saying a lot, though it does remind me of Bohemian Rhapsody.
"Heart Songs" describes songs which Cuomo remembers from his youth, and is in my mind pretty forgetabble; one of the lesser songs on the album, though still listenable. The end is a highlight.
"Everybody Get Dangerous" probably has the worst starting lyrics of any song I've ever listened too, but again it really picks up towards the end. Some say it sounds like Red Hot Chili Peppers; I don't really see the resemblance.
"Dreamin'" is my second favorite song on the album. It's the 6 minute art-song that Rivers described in his solo album. Towards the end there is a really cool bridge with Pat(I think) singing. Again, I could see this song on Pinkerton or Blue.
"Thought I Knew" has been panned by a lot of Weezer fans as one of the worst songs on the album, but I have no idea why. It's a song written and performed by Brian Bell, and though not very "Weezery" I think it stands up on it's own. For what it's worth, I don't skip it when listening to the album on itunes.
"Cold Dark World" has what Rivers described as rapped lyrics, but I don't really see that at all. Scott sings this song, and in my opinion is the weakest song on the album. The lyrics are pretty creepy too.
"Pork and Beans" is the first single on the album and I'm sure if you're checking this page out you've probably heard it. Reminds me of old Weezer which is always a good thing.
"Automatic" is written and performed by Pat Wilson and includes as far as I can tell the only proper solo on the album. If you've seen the preview for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue then you've heard the remix. The actual song is much slower but still enjoyable. Has that same grungy guitar sound that most Weezer tracks have.
The album closes with "The Angel and the One" which is an incredible "Only in Dreams" type song. It has those same depressing lyrics, though maybe not as catchy as "Only in Dreams" which had that incredible bass line. This one took me several listens through to appreciate, but has become one of my favorite from the album.
This album is thankfully a huge departure from Make Believe which was just awful. If you are a fan of Blue or Pinkerton, in my mind, you should love this album. One of the other reviewers here says that Weezer sold out with this album, but I can't tell how that could be possible, as I'm not sure these songs were at all meant for the mass market. Also the music video for "Pork and Beans" is hilarious and everyone should see it.
Read Below June 4, 2008
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
Weezer has big brass balls! I waited awhile before I reviewed this. Like some reviewers, I thought Weezer might have fell apart. But, after listening carefully for awhile I found myself playing the album over and over again. The album really gets better which each listen. The bonus tracks on the deluxe version are okay. The problem for most fans will be that this album is so diverse and such a departure from their other efforts. It's clear the Weezer of old is dead. This band could keep writing the same Blue and Pinkerton albums over and over again, but they choose not to, they moved on and so should you. Nothing will ever compare to those first two albums as they are classic, but most artists can't compete with their early masterpieces. Would Nirvana really have toped Nevermind? I think not. The album is so different and they really took a risk. I give them credit and so should you. If you don't like this album, do yourself a favor and play it again. But, when you play it again stop comparing it to Blue or Pinkerton and you might suprisingly find yourself enjoying it.
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| |
