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Weezer

Pinkerton
1996
Geffen

Weezer - Pinkerton (Cover Artwork)


Review by: lolaq
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Weezer.com (link)

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Weezer (Logo)

Published on August 3rd 2002

I was a huge Weezer fan when I was a freshman in high school when the almighty "blue album" was released circa 1994. I bought a t-shirt, went to see them, talked about them a lot, etc... but then they disappeared, or so I thought. I knew they released a sophomore album sometime later, but, by then I didn't care anymore. It wasn't until I was in college that I rediscovered the wonderful music that is Weezer, and realized that this highly underrated second album, Pinkerton, was actually the best album in their whole discography.

Pinkerton was recieved with lukewarm reviews from Weezer fans, because it was a bit of a departure from their first, much-praised debut. However, this departure adds to the appeal of Pinkerton. It's more rock-oriented, which I think is fun, and contains more lyrics about girls, but I can deal with that. It takes a few listens to see that this album is superbly done, since it is much different than the first, but it's easy to see that this contains some of the best Weezer songs ever created.

The album starts off with "Tired of Sex", which has rockin' guitar riffs, and starts the album off on a high note. It slows down around song #3 ("No Other One"), and brings us back to the debut Weezer album for just a second, before breaking into the fast-paced (for Weezer) "Why Bother?". The best part of the album comes in a couple songs later with the triple threat of three of my all-time favorite Weezer songs: "The Good Life" (great fun to dance to), "El Scorcho" (fun sing-along), and "Pink Triangle" (how can a song be bad if it talks about being in love with a lesbian?). The album closes with the acoustic song "Butterfly", which has actually brought a tear to my eye in the past.

Although Pinkerton was brushed-off by fans upon it's release, it has become an underground favorite of late. It shows the band's ability to switch styles and still sound good, and showcases more of Rivers' great lyrics. I highly recommend this album to anyone who is even remotely interested in Weezer, because I think it's the best album they ever made.



People who liked this also liked:
Weezer - The Blue AlbumThe Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!NOFX - The DeclineThe Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever ToldOperation Ivy - Operation IvyAlkaline Trio - GoddamnitThe Clash - London CallingJawbreaker - 24 Hour Revenge TherapyRefused - The Shape of Punk to ComeAgainst Me! - is Reinventing Axl Rose



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    Posted by Benzilla on 2007-06-08 11:52:56

    great cd. especially since rivers had a beard during most of the recording

    Posted by Benzilla on 2007-06-08 11:52:46

    great cd. especially since rivers had a beard during most of the recording

    Posted by Belve on 2002-09-03 16:35:37
    My Score:

    Best fuckin cd ever

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at 12:56 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    one question.....WHO THE FUCK WRITES A REVIEW OF PINKERTON 6 YEARS AFTER IT COMES OUT?!?!?!

    Posted by tgarn on 2002-08-05 19:44:09
    My Score:

    Theres a reason people worship Rivers, Weezers first two cds are amazing

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 5, 2002 at 10:19 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I dont so much like the song but that Muppet video definitley does kick a shit load of ass. I wish I could have seen it more than once. I wouldnt say Pinkerton sucks because its not their worst cd.. they saved that title for the green album... but its defintley not good. I cant think of anything else to say about it except not good.-pat41

    Posted by sickboi on 2002-08-04 16:35:12
    My Score:

    If my crap could be in the form of a cd, it would be this. They should have called it quits after the Blue album. Although I do enjoy that Muppet video.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 4, 2002 at 3:21 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Why does nobody mention Falling For You?!? Along with Across The Sea the best song.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 4, 2002 at 1:34 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    their best cd. But I really never got it with Weezer. They aren't "the gods of pop" they aren't going to save rock n roll, and in fact, I think their bland, girl whining tends to help perpetuate alot of the bland music that comes out. But they at least do it better than most. I just hate the Rivers Worshipping that tends to happen.

    -Fuzzy

    Posted by evildeadalive on 2002-08-04 03:07:15
    My Score:

    Great album. Maladroit did not suck though dude below me. Give it a few more listens. It, also, grows on you.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 4, 2002 at 12:19 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i get to be the first to say
    weezer is not punk
    heh heh

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 3, 2002 at 11:03 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I don't care what you think about Weezer, this album is packed with excellent songs.

    Posted by relay1112 on 2002-08-03 19:37:36
    My Score:

    I don't see what's so hard to swallow about this CD. Seems pretty poppy to me. But I do love this CD, it's my favorite Weezer offering thus far. Green and Maladroit sucked ass (there, someone had to say it). It's too bad that Weezer seems to have put their best days behind them.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 3, 2002 at 5:17 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Their best cd, but hey still suck.

    Posted by kirbypuckett on 2002-08-03 16:50:14
    My Score:

    never say party foul.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 3, 2002 at 3:51 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    great album, good review

    Posted by AtomicGarden on 2002-08-03 15:14:43
    My Score:

    You know, it seems like cult classics generally are cult classics because they suck. Not so with this album - it got mediocre reviews, the fans initially didn't like it, and then it slowly started to grow. The entire album is great, I love it just as much as I love the Blue Album. It's an aquired taste, though, I can say that. It's not for everyone. But I think I can say most Weezer fans who like Pinkerton would defend this album as they would their life. :) I'm one of those.

    Posted by maverick on 2002-08-03 15:13:49
    My Score:

    Sheer brilliance.

    The reason I am giving a 1, however, is the fact that you neglected to mention the best Weezer song of all time - Across the Sea.

    Party foul!

    -Scott