Weezer 33308 226183027 2008-07-17T05:38:28Z Feudonym 3634119 /* Members */ {{For2|the band's three eponymous albums|[[Weezer (1994 album)]], [[Weezer (2001 album)]] and [[Weezer (2008 album)]]}} {{Infobox musical artist | Name = Weezer | Img = Weezer.jpg | Img_width = 220px | Background = group_or_band | Origin = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], [[United States]] | Genre = [[Alternative rock]]<br>[[Geek rock]]<br>[[Power pop]] | Years_active = 1992 - Present | Label = [[Universal Music|MCA Music, Inc.]]/[[Geffen Records|Geffen]] | URL = [http://www.weezer.com Weezer.com] | Current_members = [[Rivers Cuomo]]<br>[[Patrick Wilson (musician)|Patrick Wilson]]<br>[[Brian Bell (musician)|Brian Bell]]<br>[[Scott Shriner]] | Past_members = [[Jason Cropper]]<br>[[Matt Sharp]]<br>[[Mikey Welsh]] }} '''Weezer''' ({{IPAEng|ˈwizɚ}}) is a [[Grammy]] nominated [[United States|American]] [[rock music|rock]] band from [[Los Angeles, California]] formed in 1992 by [[Rivers Cuomo]] (lead vocals, guitar), [[Patrick Wilson (musician)|Patrick Wilson]] (drums, backing vocals), [[Matt Sharp]] (bass, backing vocals), and [[Jason Cropper]] (guitar, backing vocals), with the last two replaced by [[Mikey Welsh]] and [[Brian Bell (musician)|Brian Bell]], respectively. [[Mikey Welsh]] was later replaced with [[Scott Shriner]].<ref>[http://www.weezer-online.com/history.html/ weezer - history<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> They have released six full-length [[albums]], three [[Extended play|EPs]], and a [[DVD]]; the first album was later re-released as a remastered [[deluxe edition]] in 2004. Weezer recently released their [[Weezer (2008 album)|sixth album]] on [[June 3]], [[2008]]. They have sold more than 7 million records to date in the US.<ref name="riaa">''Weezer RIAA Album Certifications'' at [http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/default.asp RIAA album certification searchable database];retrieved on [[September 18]] [[2006]]</ref> ==History== ====''The Blue Album'' (1991–1994)==== Weezer's [[Weezer (1994 album)|eponymous debut]] was released on [[May 10]], 1994. To avoid confusion with their [[Weezer (The Green Album)|2001]] and [[Weezer (2008 album)|2008]] releases, it is commonly referred to as "The Blue Album". The album was produced by former [[The Cars|Cars]] frontman [[Ric Ocasek]] and recorded at [[Electric Lady Studios]] in [[New York City]]. During the recording of ''The Blue Album'', [[Jason Cropper]] left the band and was replaced by [[Brian Bell (musician)|Brian Bell]], then bassist for the band Carnival Art. "[[Undone—The Sweater Song]]" was released as the first single. The [[music video]] was directed by [[Spike Jonze]].<ref name="yahoo">"[http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800019717/bio movies.yahoo.com Spike Jonze Biography]", ''Yahoo! Movies''. Retrieved on [[September 5]] [[2006]]</ref> Filmed in an [[Long take|unbroken take]], it featured Weezer performing on a sound stage with various amusing studio antics, including a pack of dogs swarming the set.<ref> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 120</ref> The video became an instant hit on MTV.<ref> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 121</ref> Jonze also directed the band's second video "[[Buddy Holly (song)|Buddy Holly]]".<ref name="yahoo" /> The video featured footage from the television sitcom ''[[Happy Days]]'' spliced with the band performing in a remade "Arnold's Diner", a familiar setting from the series.<ref name="wanadoo.typepad">''Pixelbox: Television "Buddy Holly" Music Video Description'' at [http://wanadoo.typepad.com/pixelbox/television/index.html wanadoo.typepad.com];retrieved on [[5 September]] [[2006]]</ref> The video achieved heavy rotation on [[MTV]]<ref> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 132</ref> and went on to win Jonze and the band four [[MTV Video Music Award]]s, including Breakthrough Video and Best [[Alternative Music]] Video, and two [[Billboard]] Music Video Awards.<ref name="latimes">''LA Times Past Winners Database-VMA's 1995 '' at [http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1995/1995mtvv.htm Theenvelope.latimes.com];retrieved on [[5 September]] [[2006]]</ref> The clip is also featured on the installation CD for the [[Microsoft]] [[Windows 95]] computer operating system. The video for Weezer's third single "Say It Ain't So" was directed by [[Sophie Muller]]. It featured the band performing in their original rehearsal space in California known as the Garage as well as footage of them playing [[hacky sack|footbag]].<ref> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 146–147</ref> A photo of the Garage is featured on the inside cover of the album.<ref name="booklet">''Weezer: Blue Album'' booklet and [[liner notes]]</ref> ''The Blue Album'' is currently certified triple [[RIAA certification|platinum]] in the United States,<ref name="riaa">''Weezer RIAA Album Certification's'' at [http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/search_results.asp RIAA.com];retrieved on [[6 September]] 2006</ref> making it Weezer's all-time best seller. It is ranked 297 on ''[[Rolling Stone]]'''s 500 Greatest Albums<ref name="rollingstonemagazine">"''Rolling Stone'''s 500 Greatest Albums" at [http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5939357/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time Rollingstone.com]; retrieved on 6 September 2006</ref> (although it was omitted from the magazine's 1999 list of the 200 greatest albums of the 1990s). It was re-released and repackaged in 2004 as a Deluxe Edition, which included a second disc of [[B-side]]s along with other previously unreleased rarities.<ref name="allmusic">"''The Blue Album'' Deluxe Edition Overview" at [http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:elazqj2wojka Allmusic.com]; retrieved on 6 September 2006</ref> ====''Songs from the Black Hole'' (1995)==== In late December 1994, Weezer took a break from touring for the Christmas holidays.<ref name="sftbh"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 137</ref> Cuomo traveled back east to his home state of Connecticut, and using an eight-track recorder, he began piecing together demo material for Weezer's next album. Cuomo's original concept for Weezer's second album was to be a space-themed [[rock opera]], ''[[Songs from the Black Hole]]''.<ref name="weezerofficalpage">[http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist7.htm Weezer Record History page 7] Weezer.com; retrieved on [[6 September]] [[2006]]</ref> The album was intended to feature songs that flowed together seamlessly and end with a special coda that briefly revisited the major musical elements of the piece.<ref name="sftbh"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 137</ref> The band began demoing and working on Cuomo's concept through intermittent recording sessions in the spring and summer of 1995.<ref name="sftbh2"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 139</ref> Some songs such as "Tired of Sex" and "Why Bother?" were on ''Songs from the Black Hole'' and later released on ''Pinkerton''. Some demos of unreleased songs, such as "Longtime Sunshine" can be found on various fansites or on compilations or EPs. Some of the songs were released on Rivers Cuomo's demo compilation album, ''[[Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo]]''. Several still remain unreleased to the public. ===''Pinkerton'' (1996–1997)=== Ultimately, the ''Songs from the Black Hole'' album concept was dropped.<ref name="sftbh2"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 139</ref> The album would instead feature songs composed before their first album (which had briefly been incorporated into the space opera) as well as some new ones written while Cuomo was at Harvard.<ref name="weezerofficalpage">[http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist7.htm Weezer Record History page 7] Weezer.com; retrieved on [[6 September]], [[2006]]</ref> Weezer's second album, [[Pinkerton (album)|''Pinkerton'']], was released on [[September 24]], [[1996]].<ref name="allmusic2">''Pinkerton Album Overview'' at [http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:beq8b5t4nsqh Allmusic.com];retrieved on [[6 September]], [[2006]]</ref> Due to initial weak sales (it peaked at #19 in the U.S.),<ref name="billboard">''Weezer Album Chart Positions'' at [http://billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=36614&model.vnuAlbumId=678014 Billboard.com];retrieved on [[6 September]], [[2006]]</ref> the album was, at first, viewed as a commercial failure,<ref name="themichigandaily">''Anticipated return has Weezer in the ''Green'' '' at [http://www.michigandaily.com/media/storage/paper851/news/2001/05/14/Arts/Anticipated.Return.Has.Weezer.In.The.green-1408671.shtml Michigandaily.com]; retrieved on [[18 September]], [[2006]]</ref> especially when viewed in light of the multi-platinum success of their debut album. The album failed to gain traction in the mainstream music world, perhaps due to a darker, more abrasive sound on the album.<ref name="allmusic2">''Pinkerton Album Overview'' at [http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:beq8b5t4nsqh Allmusic.com];retrieved on [[6 September]] [[2006]]</ref> ''Pinkerton'' was labeled "one of the worst albums of 1996" by a [[Rolling Stone Magazine]] reader poll.<ref> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 228</ref> However, word-of-mouth kept the trickle of sales going, and the album eventually achieved a cult status. As if to validate this, in 2004, Rolling Stone changed their rating to 5 stars and inducted ''Pinkerton'' into the Rolling Stone Hall Of Fame.<ref name="rollingstone2">''Rolling Stone:Weezer:Pinkerton:Music Reviews'' at [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/weezer/albums/album/301487/review/6635729/pinkerton Rollingstone.com];retrieved on [[19 September]], [[2006]]</ref> A large contingent of critics and fans currently view ''Pinkerton'' as Cuomo's artistic peak, despite the album being outsold by three of the other five albums. Three singles were taken from the album: "[[El Scorcho]]", "[[The Good Life (Weezer song)|The Good Life]]", and "[[Pink Triangle (song)|Pink Triangle]]". A music video was released for "El Scorcho", directed by [[Mark Romanek]],<ref name="markromanekofficalpage">''Mark Romanek Music Video's'' at [http://www.markromanek.com/videos.html Markromanek.com];retrieved on [[20 September]], [[2006]]</ref> who later removed his directing credit from the final version due to creative disagreements with the band (most notably Cuomo, who actually edited the final version himself).<ref name="page200"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 200</ref> A video for "The Good Life", directed by the husband-wife team of [[Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris]], was also released. The video starred [[Mary Lynn Rajskub]]. Of note are the differences in behavior of each band member in the videos. The videos show the divisive feelings growing in the band that would lead to the band's hiatus. The title of the album comes from the character Lieutenant Pinkerton in [[Giacomo Puccini]]'s [[opera]] ''[[Madame Butterfly]]''.<ref name="weezerofficalpage">''Weezer Record History page 7'' at [http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist7.htm Weezer.com];retrieved on [[6 September]], [[2006]]</ref> The entire album is heavily influenced by the opera's story line. Madame Butterfly is mentioned under her real name, Cio-Cio San, in "El Scorcho." The song, "Butterfly", is written from Pinkerton's point of view at the end of the opera. The album's title sparked a legal challenge. [[Pinkerton National Detective Agency|Pinkerton Securities]] of Encino, Calif., filed a temporary injunction against the band and its Geffen record label for trademark infringement two days before the album was to be released on [[September 24]], [[1996]].<ref name="page203"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 203</ref> A judge ruled for Weezer, and the album was finally released.<ref name="page205"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 205</ref> This injunction caused Geffen to hold back some of the initial advertising and promotion for the album, possibly contributing to the album's slow initial sales ===On hiatus (1997–2000)=== Weezer completed their touring for ''Pinkerton'' in the summer of 1997. The members of the band took a break, with drummer Patrick Wilson returning to his home in [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], [[Oregon]] to work on his side project, [[The Special Goodness]]; Matt Sharp left to complete the follow-up album for his group [[The Rentals]]; and [[Brian Bell (musician)|Brian Bell]] went to work on his group, [[Space Twins]]. Rivers Cuomo returned to [[Boston, Massachusetts]], but took a break from Harvard to focus on songwriting. Cuomo gathered together Boston-area musicians and rehearsed new material, including possible songs for the next Weezer album. The group, referred to by fans as the Rivers Cuomo Band, had several different lineups and played several shows at local clubs, including their first show at T.T. the Bear's on [[October 8]], [[1997]]. Future Weezer bassist [[Mikey Welsh]] was a constant of the group's evolving lineups. Pat Wilson eventually flew to Boston to sit in on drums. The Boston songs were later abandoned and not used on the next Weezer album, but live recordings of the Boston shows are openly traded on the internet. In February 1998, Rivers left Boston and returned to Los Angeles. Pat Wilson and Brian Bell joined Cuomo in L.A. to start work on the next album. Matt Sharp did not rejoin the band and officially left the group in April 1998. The group decided on Mikey Welsh as Sharp's replacement. Weezer continued rehearsing and cut demos until the fall of 1998. Frustration and creative disagreements led to a decline in rehearsals, and in late fall of 1998, drummer Pat Wilson left for his home in Portland pending renewed productivity from Cuomo. Rivers Cuomo went into a period of admitted depression, painting the walls of his home black and putting "fiberglass insulation all over the windows and then black sheets of fiberglass so that no light could get through." The band would not reunite until April 2000, when the Fuji Festival in [[Japan]] offered Weezer a high-paying gig to play in August 2000. The festival served as a catalyst for Weezer's productivity, and from April to May 2000, the band rehearsed and demoed new songs in Los Angeles. The band returned to live shows in June 2000, but without the Weezer name. Instead the shows featured the group's first use of the pseudonym '''Goat Punishment''' so they could play to only longtime fans who would recognize the name. On [[June 23]], [[2000]], the band, now back under the Weezer name, joined the [[Warped Tour]] for eight planned dates. Weezer is well received at the festival leading the band to book more tour dates for the summer. ===''The Green Album'' (2000–2001)=== In the summer of 2000, Weezer (now consisting of Rivers Cuomo, Mikey Welsh, Pat Wilson, and Brian Bell) went on tour (including dates on the popular [[Vans Warped Tour]]). Weezer's setlist consisted of 14 new songs that fans have labeled the ''Summer Songs of 2000'' (commonly abbreviated, ''SS2K''). When 13 of these songs did not appear on Weezer's next album, fans of the songs started a petition demanding the release of studio versions. Eventually, MP3s of live Eventually, the band went back into the studio to produce a third album. They chose the title, ''[[Weezer (2001 album)|Weezer]]'' (2001), to repeat the self-titled name of their first release. This album quickly became known as ''The Green Album'' due to its distinctive bright green coloring. Shortly after the release of ''The Green Album,'' Weezer went on another American tour. They attracted a new generation of fans thanks to heavy MTV rotation for the videos of their hit singles, "[[Hash Pipe]]" and "[[Island in the Sun (song)|Island in the Sun]]". <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Hashpipegrab.png|thumb|right|Screenshot from the video for "[[Hash Pipe]]" featuring Brian Bell's "improbable bend"]] --> The video for "[[Hash Pipe]]", directed by [[Marcos Siega]] featured sumo wrestlers and was nominated for Best Rock Video at the 2001 [[MTV Video Music Awards]]. The drug-centric title and chorus of the song led to a "censored" version, retitled "Half Pipe", to be released to some US radio/television outlets. Two videos were recorded for "Island in the Sun". [[Marcos Siega]] directed the first, which focused on a Mexican wedding, and [[Spike Jonze]] directed the second, which involved Weezer with animals in a wildlife reserve. Their video for "Photograph" was shot and put together by Weezer friend and unofficial "5th member" [[Karl Koch (Weezer)|Karl Koch]]. As reported on [[August 16]], [[2001]], by MTV, bassist Mikey Welsh was checked into a psychiatric hospital. His whereabouts were previously unknown, as he mysteriously went missing before the filming of the second video for "Island in the Sun". Weezer was prompted to find a temporary replacement for Welsh. Through a mutual friend, Cuomo received [[Scott Shriner]]'s number and asked if he was interested to fill in for Welsh. Shriner accepted the invitation.<ref>[http://www.weezer.com/info/bios/index.html Weezer Bios]</ref> ===''Maladroit'' (2002)=== [[Image:Fishinvid1024.jpg|right|thumb|Weezer with [[The Muppets]] on the ''[[Keep Fishin']]'' music video set.]] The band took an experimental approach for the recording process by allowing fans to download the demos from their official website in return for feedback. After the release of the album, the band stated that this process was somewhat of a failure, as the fans did not supply them with cohesive, constructive advice. Cuomo eventually delegated song selection for the album to their original A&R rep, Todd Sullivan, stating the Weezer fans chose the "wackest songs." Only the song "Slob" was included on the album due to general fan advice. The recording was also done without input from their record label, [[Interscope]]. Cuomo had recently had what he then described as a "massive falling out" with the label. In early 2002—well before the official release of the out a letter to radio stations requesting the song be pulled until an official, sanctioned single was released. Interscope also briefly shut down Weezer's audio/video download webpage, removing all the MP3 demos. Online Weezer fans staged a brief protest with several websites proclaiming "Free ''Maladroit''". In April 2002, former bassist Matt Sharp sued the band, alleging, among several accusations, he was owed money for co-writing several Weezer songs. The suit was later settled out of court. The fourth album, ''[[Maladroit]]'', was released on [[May 14]], [[2002]], only one year after its predecessor. The album served as a harder-edged version of their trademark catchy pop-influenced music, and was replete with busy 1980s-style guitar solos. Although met with generally positive critical reviews, its sales were not as strong as those for ''The Green Album'', and it remains their lowest-selling album to date. Two singles were released from the album. The music video for "[[Dope Nose]]" featured an obscure [[Bōsōzoku|Japanese motorcycle gang]], and was put into regular rotation. The music video for "[[Keep Fishin']]" combined Weezer with [[The Muppets]], and had heavy rotation on MTV. Both videos were directed by Marcos Siega. An [[ad-hoc]] style video was also filmed for "Slob" and can be seen on the Enhanced track of the CD. As soon as ''Maladroit'' had wrapped up, the band immediately began work on their fifth album, recording numerous demos between tours (often recording as many as 24 songs in a day). These songs were eventually scrapped, and Weezer took a break after the release of two albums in quick succession. During this break, Bell and Wilson released LPs from their respective [[Space Twins]] and [[The Special Goodness]] side-projects. Weezer released their much-delayed first DVD on [[March 23]], 2004. The DVD chronicles the band from pre–''Blue Album'' through ''[[Maladroit]]'''s Enlightenment Tour. Titled ''[[Video Capture Device]]'' and compiled by [[Karl Koch (Weezer)|Karl Koch]], the DVD features home video footage, music videos, commercials, rehearsals, concert performances, television performances, and band commentary. The DVD was certified "gold" on [[November 8]], 2004. ===''Make Believe'' (2003–2006)=== From December 2003 to the fall of 2004, the members of Weezer recorded a large amount of material intended for a new album to be released in the spring of 2005 with producer [[Rick Rubin]]. The band's early recording efforts became available to the public through the band's website. The demos, dubbed the ''Album Five Demos'' (or album 4.5) by the fans, were a big hit, but none of the songs recorded at this time were included on the finished album. That album, entitled ''[[Make Believe]],'' was released on [[May 10]], [[2005]]. Despite commercial success, ''Make Believe'' generally got a mixed reception from critics, receiving an average score of 52 on review collator [[Metacritic]].<ref name='Metacritic MakeBelieve'> {{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/weezer/makebelieve?q=Make%20Believe |title=Weezer: Make Believe |accessdate=2007-05-30 |work=metacritic |publisher=metacritic }}</ref> Although some reviews, such as AMGs, compared it favourably to ''Pinkerton'',<ref name='AMG'>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=MIW030505111858&sql=10:45rv284q052a~T1 |title=Make Believe: Review |accessdate=2007-05-30 |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen |work=allmusic |publisher=AMG }}</ref> others, among them [[Pitchfork Media]]'s score of 0.4 out of 10, panned the album as predictable and lyrically poor. <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:BeverlyHillsSingle.jpg|thumb|right|Front cover of the hit single "Beverly Hills"]] --> The album's first single, "[[Beverly Hills (song)|Beverly Hills]]", became a hit in the U.S. and worldwide, staying on the charts for several months after its release. The video for the song, directed by [[Marcos Siega]], featured the band and a select choice of fans interacting with [[Playboy]] Bunnies and [[Hugh Hefner]] at the [[Playboy Mansion]]. It became the first Weezer song to hit #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart. "Beverly Hills" was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 48th Annual [[Grammy Awards]], the first ever Grammy nomination for the band. The video was also nominated for Best Rock Video at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards. The second single off ''Make Believe'' was "We Are All on Drugs". It was released in late summer 2005, and the music video was directed by [[Justin Francis]]. MTV refused to play the song, so Weezer re-recorded the lyrics by replacing "on drugs" with "in love" and renaming the song "We Are All in Love". In early 2006, it was announced that ''Make Believe'' was [[RIAA certification|certified platinum]], and "Beverly Hills" was the second most popular song download on iTunes for 2005, finishing just behind "[[Hollaback Girl]]" by [[Gwen Stefani]].<ref>{{cite web | last = Koch | first = Karl | title = breadfan, take it all away, never give an inch |date=2006-01-18 | url = http://www.weezer.com/community/news_comment.asp?ParentAssetID=1378551&ArtistID=479&Start=&FullStory=Y&type= | accessdate = 2006-11-03 }}</ref> Also in early 2006, ''Make Believe'''s third single, "Perfect Situation", spent four weeks in a row at the #1 spot on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, then a personal record for Weezer until "[[Pork and Beans (song)|Pork and Beans]]" became their biggest hit. The video for "Perfect Situation" starred [[Elisha Cuthbert]] and was directed by [[Marc Webb]]. "This is Such a Pity" was the band's fourth single from the album, but no music video was made for its release. The Make Believe tour also found the band using additional instruments onstage, adding piano, synthesizers, and guitarist [[Bobby Schneck]]. The band has announced the possible release of a live DVD comprised of footage from the 2005 [[Japan]] tour. It will consist of a two day, seven camera shoot of the shows in Japan, plus material that will be drawn from various behind-the-scenes footage. The DVD was announced in late 2005, but in a recent update on the band's website, Karl Koch noted it was "apparently edited, but has been put on hold for now."<ref name="karlkoch20060924">{{cite web | last = Koch | first = Karl | title = i want people to be afraid of how much they love me |date=2006-09-24 | url = http://www.weezer.com/community/news_comment.asp?ParentAssetID=1498175&ArtistID=479&Start=&FullStory=Y&type= | accessdate = 2006-11-03 }}</ref> ===''The Red Album'' and beyond (2007–present)=== Lead singer Rivers Cuomo released a demo-compilation album entitled ''[[Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo]]'' on [[December 18]], [[2007]]. The album contains demos of Cuomo's that span from 1992 to 2007, including songs from Weezer's abandoned second album, ''Songs from the Black Hole''.<ref>[http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/10/17/rivers-cuomo-talks-solo-work-new-weezer-album-ice-cube/ Rolling Stone : Rivers Cuomo Talks Solo Work, New Weezer Album, Ice Cube]</ref> Also included in ''Alone'' is a song intended for Weezer's Red Album, entitled "This is the Way". The booklet of ''Alone'' tells of the band wanting the song for the album, but ultimately choosing "an epic, 6-minute, symphonic type of art song" entitled "Daydreamer" instead, which was later retitled as "Dreamin'". Cuomo previously had told mtv.com that he continued to write songs but he was unsure if they would appear on any future album. "Well, the band is all back in Los Angeles, and I sometimes I speak with Patrick, and I occasionally e-mail with Brian and Scott, but we've never mentioned getting together," <ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1536119/20060711/weezer.jhtml Cuomo said.]</ref> "Really, for the moment, we are done. And I'm not certain we'll ever make a record again, unless it becomes really obvious to me that we need to do one." On [[March 7]], [[2008]], in the magazine Performing Songwriter, Rivers announced two song titles: "Ms. Sweeney" and "I'm the Greatest Man That Ever Lived". A remix of "Automatic," a song to appear on the sixth album and written and sung by Pat Wilson, is featured on the soundtrack of the video game ''[[Gran Turismo 5 Prologue]]''. A portion of the song can be heard in a trailer for the game at GameTrailers.com. Additionally, the song "Everybody Get Dangerous" can be heard in the movie ''[[21 (2008 film)|21]]''. However, it does not appear on the official movie soundtrack. On March 25, 2008, Pat Wilson appeared on the Macintosh-centric podcast ''MacBreak Weekly'' and stated the album cost around a million dollars to make, contrasting it with the $150,000 budget of "The Blue Album".<ref>[http://twit.tv/mbw82 The TWiT Netcast Network with Leo Laporte]</ref> On [[April 1]], 2008, various news outlets reported that the album would once again be self-titled, referring to it as "The Red Album". Additionally, it was revealed that a number of sessions for the album were produced by [[Jacknife Lee]] and the song "[[Pork and Beans (song)|Pork and Beans]]" would be the first single.<ref>[http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/01/spring-music-preview-weezer-unveil-familiar-title-for-new-album/ Spring Music Preview: Weezer Unveil Familiar Title for New Album : Rolling Stone : Rock and Roll Daily]</ref> On April 15, 2008 [[KYSR|KYSR-FM 98.7]] premiered the single "[[Pork and Beans (song)|Pork and Beans]]." It is now streaming from Weezer's official website, and is available to download on the iTunes Music Store. Weezer's [[Weezer (2008 album)|sixth studio album]] was released on June 3, 2008, just over three years after ''[[Make Believe]]''. [[Rick Rubin]] [[record producer|produced]] the album<ref>{{cite web | last = Thompson | first = Paul | url = http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/46465-rivers-cuomo-dishes-on-new-weezer-lp-ialonei-demos | title = Rivers Cuomo Dishes on New Weezer LP, Alone Demos | format = | work = | publisher =[[Pitchfork Media]] | accessdate = 2007-10-25}}</ref> and [[Rich Costey]] mixed it. The record is being described as "experimental", and according to Cuomo, includes longer and non-traditional songs, [[Roland TR-808|TR-808 drum machines]], synthesizers, [[Southern rap]], [[baroque music|baroque]] [[counterpoint]], and band members other than Cuomo writing, singing, and switching instruments.<ref>[http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/48163-interview-rivers-cuomo Pitchfork Feature: Interview: Rivers Cuomo<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> For the chart week of [[July 26]], [[2008]], "[[Pork and Beans (song)|Pork and Beans]]" is currently sitting at the top of the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Modern Rock Tracks]] charts for the 11th week in a row and has become the group's 3rd Number One single on this chart and also represents their fastest rising single ever having reached #1 in only 3 weeks. It has now become Weezer's biggest hit single to date. The official music video for "Pork and Beans" debuted on [[YouTube]] and features many YouTube stars such as Eepybird (the Diet Coke and Mentos guys), [[Tay Zonday]], [[Gary Brolsma]] and [[All Your Base]] from [[Newgrounds]], [[Chris Crocker (Internet celebrity)|Chris Crocker]], [[Judson Laipply]] (Evolution of Dance), the [[Afro Ninja]], [[Caitlin Upton|Miss Teen South Carolina 2007]], daft hands, [[Ryan vs. Dorkman|Ryan vs Dorkman]], Kevin Federline's [[PopoZao]] video, as well as the members of Weezer themselves playing in [[funtwo]]'s bedroom all singing the song. Also, there are parodies of various [[internet meme]]s, such as the [[Star Wars kid]]. The Diet Coke and Mentos fountains towards the end of the video subtly re-create the band's "W" logo. Weezer's street team "Weezer Jonas" ran a contest for this video on YouTube among its members during the release month of "Red" by tracking with user-specific links. ''"Weezer's spokesperson confirmed that the song was genuine, although the origin of the leak is unclear. The backdrop for the YouTube video shows the cover of the band's recent self-titled album, known as ''[[Weezer (2008 album)|The Red Album]]'', suggesting that the new song may be recent."''<ref>http://nme.com/news/weezer/37615</ref> In the June 2008 issue of Spin Magazine, it was revealed that a tentative date of November 2009 was set for another new Weezer album, their seventh, and the album will be produced by [[Jacknife Lee]]. This would mark the second time in Weezer's career that they released an album one year after the other (The Green Album in 2001, followed by Maladroit in 2002). It deserves to be noted, however, that following the release of Maladroit, the band pushed to release another album that same year. While this request was eventually granted by their label, Make Believe did not come to fruition until three years later. On [[May 30]], [[2008]], the [[Toledo Free Press]] revealed in a [[Scott Shriner]] interview that Weezer would be unveiling the "Hootenanny Tour", in which fans would be invited to bring their own instruments to play along with the band. Said Shriner: "They can bring whatever they want...Oboes, keyboards, drums, violins, and play the songs with us as opposed to us performing for them." <ref>[http://www.toledofreepress.com/?id=7947 Toledoan still ‘freaks out' over being in Weezer</ref> On [[June 23]], [[2008]] Weezer brought their Hootenanny Tour to Los Angeles. At Fox Studios, more than 200 musicians joined the band to tape a Nissan Live Set for [[Yahoo! Music]]. <ref>http://laist.com/2008/06/26/midnight_movie_weezer_and_tay_zonda.php/</ref> Weezer have also stated that they intend to release the Japanese version of The Red Album, which includes Korean singer [[BoA]]'s winter ballads called [[Meri Kuri]]. This song was recommended to Weezer by Kyoko Ito, the wife of the band’s frontman Rivers Cuomo. Cuomo commented that he normally ends up disliking songs that other people suggest to him, but he was instantly taken with Meri Kuri.<ref>http://boamyjewel.wordpress.com/2008/06/05/optional-boxthe-face-2-boa-vivid-meri-kuri-reports/</ref> In addition, the second single from the album, "[[Troublemaker]]" has just been released and has debuted at #39 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot Modern Rock Tracks]] chart for the week of [[July 26]], [[2008]], and also marks the first time that 2 singles by the group have been on the charts at the same time. ==Members== The band currently consists of the following members: * [[Rivers Cuomo]] — vocals, guitar (1992–present) * [[Patrick Wilson (musician)|Patrick Wilson]] — drums, backing vocals (1992–present) * [[Brian Bell (musician)|Brian Bell]] — guitar, backing vocals (1993–present) * [[Scott Shriner]] — bass, backing vocals (2001–present, plays on ''[[Maladroit]]'', ''[[Make Believe]]'' and ''[[Weezer (2008 album)|The Red Album]]'') While Cuomo is recognized as the frontman, all members are sharing lead vocal duties on the Red Album. It is unknown if this will continue past this album. Former members: * [[Jason Cropper]] — guitar, backing vocals (1992–1993) (co-wrote the track "[[My Name is Jonas]]" on ''[[The Blue Album (Weezer)|The Blue Album]]'') * [[Matt Sharp]] — bass, backing vocals (1992–1998) (plays on ''[[The Blue Album (Weezer)|The Blue Album]]'' and ''[[Pinkerton (album)|Pinkerton]]'') * [[Mikey Welsh]] — bass, backing vocals (1998–2001) (plays on ''[[Weezer (The Green Album)|The Green Album]]'') ==Influence== Many modern bands such as [[Ash (band)|Ash]], [[Jimmy Eat World]],<ref name="page210"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 210</ref><ref name="MTVimportant">{{cite web | last =Montgomery | first =James | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/weezer/news_feature_102504/ | title = Weezer Are The Most Important Band Of The Last 10 Years| format = | work = | publisher = [[MTV News]] | accessdate = 2007-10-01}}</ref> [[Fountains of Wayne]],<ref name="page 349"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 349</ref> [[Dashboard Confessional]],<ref name="page 349"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 349</ref><ref name="Dashboard">{{cite web |last=|first=|url=http://www.shoutmouth.com/index.php/news/Dashboard_Confessional_Covers_Weezer |title=Dashboard Confessional Covers Weezer |publisher=Shout Mouth |date= |accessdate=2007-10-17}}</ref> [[The Ataris]],<ref name="page 349"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 349</ref><ref name="Ataris">{{cite web | last =O'Connor | first =Christopher | url =http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2003-12-18/music/nerd-bands-unite/ | title =Nerd Bands, Unite! | format = | work = | publisher =[[Phoenix New Times]] | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Ozma (band)|Ozma]],<ref name="Ozma">{{cite web | last =Bromberg | first =Anthony | url = http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/archives/id/23599/ | title = Sound bites: Ozma, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Idlewild | format = | work = | publisher =[[Daily Bruin|The Daily Bruin]] | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Ultimate Fakebook]],<ref name="page210"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 210</ref> [[The Used]],<ref name="MTVimportant">{{cite web | last =Montgomery | first =James | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/weezer/news_feature_102504/ | title = Weezer Are The Most Important Band Of The Last 10 Years| format = | work = | publisher = [[MTV News]] | accessdate = 2007-10-01}}</ref> [[Hellogoodbye]],<ref name="HelloG">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/hellogoodbye | title = Beyond: Hellogoodbye | format = | work = | publisher =[[Rolling Stone]] | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Relient K]],<ref name="Relient">{{cite web | last =Breimeier | first =Russ | url = http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2003/twolefts.html | title = Two Lefts Don't Make a Right … But Three Do | format = | work = | publisher =[[Christianity Today]] | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Bloodhound Gang]], [[The All-American Rejects]],<ref name="AARJ">{{cite web | last =Schild | first =Matt | url = http://www.aversion.com/bands/reviews.cfm?review=960 | title = The All-American Rejects - The All-American Rejects Review | format = | work = | publisher =Aversion | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Good Charlotte]],<ref name=GCInf">{{cite web | last = | first =| url= http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:F_zy_ABFf6oJ:www.lindzi.com/music/dec_jan01.html+%22Good+Charlotte%22+%22Weezer%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11&gl=us | title = The Next Big Thing: Good Charlotte | format = | work = | publisher =Lindzi.com | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[The Pink Spiders]],<ref name="TPS">{{cite web | last =| first =| url =http://www.thepinkspiders.com/ask/ | title =The Pink Spiders: Ask TPS | format = | work = | publisher =ThePinkSpiders.com | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[The Academy Is...]],<ref name="Academy">{{cite web | last = | first = | url =http://www.fueledbyramen.com/bands/index.php?id=35 | title =The Academy Is... - Band Bio | format = | work = | publisher =[[Fueled By Ramen]] | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Say Anything (band)|Say Anything]],<ref name="SayAnyT">{{cite web | last =| first =| url =http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pageartist.cfm?bandID=88358 | title =Interview: Say Anything | format = | work = | publisher =SoundClick | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Yellowcard]],<ref name="Yellow">{{cite web | last =Bell | first =Mike | url =http://www.calgarysun.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=120883&x=articles&s=music | title =Sounds far too familiar | format = | work = | publisher =[[Calgary Sun|The Calgary Sun]] | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Biffy Clyro]],<ref name="Biffy">{{cite web | last =Borun | first =Jennifer | url =http://www.clickmusic.com/articles/5743/Interview-Biffy-Clyro.html | title =Interview: Biffy Clyro | format = | work = | publisher =Click Music | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Something Corporate]],<ref name="SoCo">{{cite web | last =Godlasky | first =Anne | url =http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-10059054_ITM | title =Interview: Something Corporate turns over something catchy | format = | work = | publisher =University Wire | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[The Stereo]],<ref name="Stereo">{{cite web | last =Schild | first =Matt | url =http://www.aversion.com/bands/interviews.cfm?f_id=30 | title =Pop Goes The Stereo | format = | work = | publisher =Aversion | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[The Fall of Troy]], [[Nerf Herder]],<ref name="Nerf">{{cite web | last =Schiff | first =Aaron | url =http://inmusicwetrust.com/articles/02h06.html | title =Interview: Steve, drummer for Nerf Herder | format = | work = | publisher =In Music We Trust | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref> [[Hoobastank]],<ref name="MTVimportant">{{cite web | last =Montgomery | first =James | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/weezer/news_feature_102504/ | title = Weezer Are The Most Important Band Of The Last 10 Years| format = | work = | publisher = [[MTV News]] | accessdate = 2007-10-01}}</ref> [[The Anniversary]],<ref name="page210"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 210</ref> [[Saves the Day]],<ref name="MTVimportant">{{cite web | last =Montgomery | first =James | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/weezer/news_feature_102504/ | title = Weezer Are The Most Important Band Of The Last 10 Years| format = | work = | publisher = [[MTV News]] | accessdate = 2007-10-01}}</ref> [[Rye Coalition]],<ref name="page210"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 210</ref> [[Tera Melos]], [[Thursday (band)|Thursday]],<ref name="MTVimportant">{{cite web | last =Montgomery | first =James | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/weezer/news_feature_102504/ | title = Weezer Are The Most Important Band Of The Last 10 Years| format = | work = | publisher = [[MTV News]] | accessdate = 2007-10-01}}</ref> [[The Get Up Kids]],<ref name="page210"> Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 210</ref>[[Motion City Soundtrack]],<ref name="MotionCS">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://media.www.beaconnewspaper.com/media/storage/paper540/news/2007/09/24/Life/Review.Motion.City.Soundtrack.Even.If.It.Kills.Me.music-2987467.shtml | title = Review: Motion City Soundtrack - Even If It Kills Me | format = | work = | publisher =[[The Beacon]] | accessdate = 2007-10-17}}</ref>[[Stella-Nova]],<ref name="Stella Nova">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.myspace.com/stellanovali | title = Review: Stella Nova | format = | work = | publisher =[[N.A.R. Video]] | accessdate = 2008-05-30}}</ref> and [[Ludo (band)|Ludo]]<ref name="MTVimportant">{{cite web | last =Montgomery | first =James | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/weezer/news_feature_102504/ | title = Weezer Are The Most Important Band Of The Last 10 Years| format = | work = | publisher = [[MTV News]] | accessdate = 2008-02-16}} and [[Taking Back Sunday]]<ref name="MTVimportant">{{cite web | last =Montgomery | first =James | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/w/weezer/news_feature_102504/ | title = Weezer Are The Most Important Band Of The Last 10 Years| format = | work = | publisher = [[MTV News]] | accessdate = 2007-10-01}}</ref> have been compared to Weezer or named them as an influence. Weezer themselves have listed several influences, among them [[Kiss (band)|KISS]] (with direct references in the song, "In the Garage"), [[Cheap Trick]], [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] (who was their labelmate for a very brief time before Kurt Cobain's death), and [[Pixies]] (especially early on in their career). Early Weezer demos, such as "Paperface", have very obvious ties musically to the Pixies and Nirvana. Also, the song, "Susanne" originally read, "Even [[Kurt Cobain]]...", instead of "Even [[Izzy Stradlin|Izzy]], [[Slash (musician)|Slash]]...", changed after Cobain's death. There is also a direct reference to "Nevermind" in "Heart Songs", a track found on the "Red Album". As a side project, Weezer also briefly played Nirvana and [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]] covers under the stage moniker "Goat Punishment". In 1998, Weezer covered "Velouria" by the Pixies for a Pixies tribute album, and in 2005 briefly got to tour with their idols for a few dates. [[Green Day]] has also been said to be an influence (there is a direct lyric about Green Day in the song, "El Scorcho"), and it has been acknowledged that the two bands are friends with one another and enjoy each other's music. Weezer also contributed the song "Worry Rock" to "Different Shade Of Green: A Green Day Tribute". And Muse ==Weezer Logo== The Weezer logo was created by Leif Skillrud during the mixing of "Jamie", which appeared on a DGC compilation disc. Shortly after, the logo was taped onto the back of Rivers' jacket which he wore around LA until the tape fell off. The logo is a parody of the [[Van Halen]] logo. The large, illuminated Weezer logo that was created for the "[[El Scorcho]]" video can be seen on display at the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], in [[Cleveland, Ohio]]. The Weezer [[wordmark]] is the band's name typed in lower-case characters using a custom font that is similar in look and style to [[Century Gothic]] and [[Futura (typeface)]] (the w, e, and r characters are slightly different than the often misused fonts). Century Gothic was used on The Green Album's cover as well as a handful of singles and the spine to The Red Album's packaging. The correct font was used on The Blue Album, Pinkerton, Maladroit, and The Red Album. Interestingly, the font has changed each time a new bass player joined the band (switching from Century Gothic to the official font when the "Keep Fishin'" single was released, coinciding with bassist Scott Shriner's arrival). A fan-made font of the official logo based on vector art released by [[Geffen Records]] can be downloaded through various Weezer fansites. [[Image:Weez-PorkAndBeans.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The weezer logo on the cover of weezer's hit single ''[[Pork and Beans (song)|Pork and Beans]]'']] ==Music sample== {{multi-listen start}} {{multi-listen item|filename=Weezer - Peace.ogg |title="Peace"|description=From ''[[Make Believe]]'' (2005)|format=[[Ogg]]}} {{multi-listen end}} ==Discography== {{main|Weezer discography}} * ''[[Weezer (1994 album)|Weezer]]'' (1994) * ''[[Pinkerton (album)|Pinkerton]]'' (1996) * ''[[Weezer (2001 album)|Weezer]]'' (2001) * ''[[Maladroit]]'' (2002) * ''[[Make Believe]]'' (2005) * ''[[Weezer (2008 album)|Weezer]]'' (2008) ==Weezer fans== Weezer fan sites feature massive amounts of bootlegs from concerts,<ref>{{cite news | last = | first = | title = Weezernation | publisher = | date = | url = http://live.weezernation.com/ | accessdate = 2007-03-08 }}</ref> websites about the band's alter-ego Goat Punishment,<ref>{{cite news | last = | first = | title = Goat Punishment.com | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.goatpunishment.com/ | accessdate = 2007-03-08 }}</ref> Weezer fan fiction<ref>{{cite news | last = | first = | title = Mr T v.s. Weezer | publisher = | date = | url = http://members.cox.net/defgav/mrt/ | accessdate = 2007-03-08 }}</ref> and even a graveyard for fallen fan sites.<ref>{{cite news | last = 3007 | first = | title = WeezeR.I.P | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.weezerip.com/ | accessdate = 2007-03-08 }}</ref> Many fan sites are devoted to compiling the hundreds of unreleased recordings, which span from pre-Weezer projects up to the early demos and live tour recordings for ''Make Believe''. Numerous Weezer message boards exist with large user bases. In late 2001 and early 2002, Rivers Cuomo himself frequently conversed with fans through email, messageboards and AIM. ''Maladroit'' had strong input from the Weezer fanboards including the suggestion for the name and the addition of "Slob." In the "Slob" video, a brief clip of Rivers' laptop displays a message expressing the frustration that was experienced between him and the fans from disagreements over ''Maladroit'''s direction.<ref>{{cite news | last = | first = | title = Rivers Cuomo Correspondence Archive | publisher = | date = | url = http://members.shaw.ca/ridd2/rca.html | accessdate = 2007-03-08 }}</ref> In addition to being Weezer.com webmaster [[Karl Koch (Weezer)|Karl Koch]] has been corresponding with fans for many years as well both online and outside of Weezer shows. On [[April 18]], [[2008]] ''Tout Ensemble - Albumsix.com Weezer Tribute'', a collection of seventeen covers by Weezer fans was released online (and mentioned on Weezer.com). The collection came from over 44 covers [http://www.weezer.com/comments/default.aspx/cid/363/tid/138899]. == References == {{reflist|2}} ==External links== * [http://www.weezer.com/ Official web site] * [http://www.geffen.com/weezer Weezer] at [[Geffen Records]] * {{musicbrainz artist|name=Weezer|id=6fe07aa5-fec0-4eca-a456-f29bff451b04}} {{Weezer}} [[Category:Musical groups established in 1992]] [[Category:1990s music groups]] [[Category:2000s music groups]] [[Category:American alternative rock music groups]] [[Category:Los Angeles musical groups]] [[Category:Weezer]] [[Category:Quartets]] [[ca:Weezer]] [[cs:Weezer]] [[da:Weezer]] [[de:Weezer]] [[et:Weezer]] [[es:Weezer]] [[eo:Weezer]] [[fr:Weezer]] [[gl:Weezer]] [[ko:위저]] [[id:Weezer]] [[it:Weezer]] [[nl:Weezer]] [[ja:ウィーザー]] [[no:Weezer]] [[nn:Weezer]] [[pl:Weezer]] [[pt:Weezer]] [[ru:Weezer]] [[sk:Weezer]] [[fi:Weezer]] [[sv:Weezer]]