New Weezer - "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations On A Shaker Hymn)," "Cold Dark World," "Everybody Get Dangerous," "Thought I Knew"
We've all consumed a few servings of "Pork And Beans," so it's about time additional Red-era tunes have popped up to provide Weezer fans nourishment. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)" is as epic as its title, though perhaps not as free of ornamentation as the Shakers might like it (see: the siren that rings throughout the first section, or the acoustic breakdown ... and, well, Rivers and his sex talk, Shakespeare references, and "I am the greatest" taunts. Shakers weren't into that shit.). Then again, they might dig the taps-y choir. Whatever, we're into this song ... again, an epic autobiographical anthem. Additionally, "Cold Dark World," "Everybody Get Dangerous," and "Thought I Knew" have shown their rock 'n' roll faces. Yes, Red has sprung a leak.
Holy Queen. These two, "Cold Dark World" and "Everybody Get Dangerous," are more straightforward, and less operatic.
They're also not as good. Here's "Thought I Knew":
Well, we know it won't be a masterpiece. But we're holding out hope for at least one more monster jam.
The Red Album is out 6/24 on Geffen.
Posted at 5:54 PM in MP3
Tags: Weezer
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Score = -13
TroubleMaker is amazing, Everybody get's dangerous is nice, and Dreamin' is epic.
This might be a masterpeice. Here's why
The first half is just amazing quirky newness, the next half is weezer band members each taking a turn to sing a song, then the last song is the thematic conclusion about angels which is actually mentioned many times.
Keep in mind I've heard only 8 of the ten tracks
Weezer and I have a somewhat tumultous history, I used to be a total fan, they could do know wrong. Once I got a little bit older and detached from the situation I realized their first two albums were great, some of the best of the 90s but their others were lacking, the best of which was maladroit a mix of some interesting noises but nothing really that quirky and emotional, the worst make believe was just 3 decent singles and a lot of eh, and green.. was not quite versatile enough and had duration problems (I never have these problems ladies!).
This album is quirky for sure, musically it's got the crunchy riffs you've come to love from the weez. But it's their most complex album. The songs have the great harmonies of Blue, the random quirkiness and raw agression of Pinkerton, the interesting sounds of maladroit, and something comepletely new from weezer; input from other band members on an album. Pat sings two songs. This is their most ironic and I am certain to say will hold up well against blue and pinkerton and far better than their current 3 from the 2000s.
Here's a track by track review (0/5 means it's absolute crap I don't want to listen to this song again -2 from the overall album score,.1/5 means it takes away from the album and isn't a good song -1.5 from the album score, 2/5 means it may or may not flow well with the album and may or may not be a good song, but it's sure not both -1 from the album, 3 means it's fine song and fits in okay with the album, but not that good it effects the album score neither way, 4 means it fits in well and has a great relistinablity to it +1 for the album, 5 means it's a great song molds perfectley with the album it adds 2 points to the album. 5/5 doesn't mean it's the best song ever it just means it does what it needs to do and does it very, very well. Individual tracks aren't comparable between albums.) keep in mind placement and overall effecteffness will also determine the overall album score.
TroubleMaker: It's has a "good life" feel to it and has some crazy lyrics "who needs stupid books, books they are for crooks, and i will learn from studying the lessons in my dreams" pretty ironic since he majored in English at Harvard. That's right Weezer's got the irony back! The song goes on to talk about how Rivers is a troublemaker and what he wants to do in life and how he wants to get their "gonna be a star people with crane necks/ to get a glimpse at me and see if I'm having sex" he talks about being a mystery and being different than all the other lead singers, which if you know about Rivers this is one thing about him, he's a very charismatic enigma. Also I love how he somehow makes "Marry a biatch, Having seven kids" rhyme. Wait for the arts and crafts section. Quirky and Catchy. 5/5. This is a weezer classic.
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived: Rivers Raps!, then he rocks out, then croons, the the whole band jumps in channeling queen, then something similiar to SFTBH or pinkerton with some awesome guitar in the back happens and I'm already blown away and it's not yet over. He picks up again with something that could be blue era sounds like something from the 50s, finally he then talks to us, and then a harmony part with him and pat jsut gets me stoked. Then River starts talking to us, it's a little quirky but it's weezer and hey he's still rhyming, his voice even cuts out, and then a shaker hymn follows, the song just keep changing ending in some awesome rock. clocking in at nearly 6 minutes this one gets a 5/5
Pork and Beans- The first single. available now at weezer.com. When I heard it on the site apart from the album I found it interesting and different, but wasn't sure if I liked it or not, if it was just a standout from an otherwise crappy album or a radio friendly hit. I knew it'd be popular, just didn't know why. It's catchy, it's versatile, it's quirky. It's great but it falls a little short in comparision with the other songs so far, but I think it flows well. -4/5
Heart Songs- This song is Rivers mentioning a lot of bands and songs first verse from the 70s, second verse 80s, and then the bridge is about Nirvana and why he started playing music. The intro is nice and the chorus is a little eh, but the verses are interesting to find out where he's from the lyrics sound forced at times. But I really find it endearing, and the the guitars make it pretty awesome, and the last chorus is much better than the others. I like the way it builds and it's a nice slower song for the album. -3/5
Everybody Get Dangerous- This one is pure rock. It's shredding and is probably a next single. It's about River's supposed dangerous aspects of his life. It's pretty funny and ironic. He talks about stabbing roadkill corpes and licking the knives. Now he's a buddhist. This song makes me laugh and it's the Rock out tune of the album, but it reminds me of Make Believe but it's better than anything on Make Believe because it's much more quirky and the music changes throughout. The end is pretty beautiful with Harmonies calling out the blue album. It's a nice mix of weezer. It ends and it sounds somewhat like... get this... Animal Collective.. it just doesn't go on long enough with that part. 4/5
Dreamin'- is a song that could have been on the green album and made it better or the blue album and been nice, but here it fits in well and brings back the album (and depending on where it is placed may be the cooldown or the heat up it works either way) I love the melodies and harmonies in this song. It's def. got a Holiday/ Surf Wax America with Brian singing (i believe) and it's amazing. It's a little trippy too. Then the power comes back in for a second but nope more harmony parts, and yet.. here comes more guitar under the crooning! wooh. And toward the end after a chorus more rock from a Pinkerton Era/ Maladroit feel. 5/5
Thought I Knew- I love the intro of this, the hand claps and keyboards are nice. I'm all for various singers on an album, Brian, the rhythm guitarist doing the vocals on this one is nice, the lyrics kinda don't sound like they belong on the album, but depending on where it's placed again may fit, I can't tell yet. I was a song fromBrian's side project The Relationship s. It's a good song for sure. I dunno if it's weezer though. When the girl from That Dog sang I Just Threw out the Love of my Dreams it still felt like weezer. This is weezer guitar and I just don't know if the song is has that it factor for the rest of this album, but I'll have to see where it's placed- 3/5
Cold Dark World- this reminds me of early weezer songs Theif, Paperface and Let's Sew Our Pants Together. The lyrics are a little eh at times but mostly interesting but that def. takes away. The music is crazy cool though. Random noises and amazing guitar shredding. Don't know if it fits or not with the first songs , but the ending is very pinkerton esque which I like and may transition nicely. Scott sings lead on parts of this 3/5 for now.
This album gets an 8 so far. But it may change depending on the next two songs.Definetley worth a check out.-
8
Score = 2
Pork and Beans is the only great stand out song on this record the rest is shit!
Take Beverly Hills for example thats a dope song but the rest of that album is nothing like that single!
A Pinkerton-era B-side (Waiting On You, I Just Threw Out The Love Of My Dreams,etc...) kicks the living shit out of all this stuff!
Rivers the only way of saving your rep is reworking and releasing Songs From The Black Hole
Thnx 4 posting this man now i wont waste my money on this CRAP!
Score = -1
dude pork and beans is nothing compared to dreamin or troublemakin' check out those songs, the stuff posted on here isn't as good as the rest of the album.
Score = 1
bummer to think that if weezer had just released the blue album and pinkerton and then disappeared they would be legends. two classics and then become myths. everyone would be begging for them to reunite for coachella. oh well.
Score = 4
That's retarded. What would have been ideal is if Weezer kept writing a long string of classic albums, but how would it have been better if they disbanded after "Pinkerton"? Because they wouldn't have stained their precious image? Because their new music offends your delicate ears, even though you don't really have to listen to it? Truly, it's hard to understand why Cuomo didn't decide to sacrifice his music career for people like you.
Score = -3
hmmm.....I wonder who's responsible for this shift in comment rating....Marc-make better comments and you won't have to jump on the site every 7 mins. to give yrself points :-)
Score = 4
^^^^^^^^
Basically.
Score = -7
^^^^^^^^
Basically.
Score = -10
horrible
Score = -4
completely terrible.
Score = -4
blue album and pinkerton changed music for my 8th grade mind forever.
that weezer has come to this ranks pretty high in musical tragedies for me.
Score = -1
AHHH!!!!!! As soon as the first song started I had to start smashing my computer with a bat. God this band sucks my ass. Break up already.
Score = -7
Its just embarrasing.
Its like they've spent the past 5 years at strip clubs.
Score = 3
Believe it or not, I had pretty high hopes after hearing "Pork & Beans". But this stuff... oh wow... this stuff is just fucking garbage. The second song on video #2 is REALLY bad.
Score = -5
Song #2 on video #2 is REALLY bad? That songs is the shit....that will be a single moron...
Score = -2
Song #2 on video #2 is REALLY bad? That songs is the shit....that will be a single moron...
Score = -2
Song #2 on video #2 is REALLY bad? That songs is the shit....that will be a single moron...
Score = -2
I've actually had all 8 tracks on repeat all day at work and I can safely say that I REALLY like the album. In fact, it's pretty close to being up there with my favorite Weezer stuff. For all of you who think the band died with Pinkerton, well too bad... get your head out of your asses and just enjoy some fun music. Not everything has to be a masterpiece.
Score = 3
I agree... I think this stuff is really great! "Troublemaker" and "Heart Songs" rank with their best songs, "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" is... I don't even know, fantastic. "Everybody Get Dangerous" and "Cold Dark World" are a ton of fun too.
Score = 1
I can't say the Weezer albums since their early 2000s return are as good as the first two, but I've always considered the disappointment with them as hyperbole. Weezer will always sound like Weezer to me. The lyrics are a little dumbed down in comparison, but I don't see much difference overall.
Score = 0
to the comment that "as soon as the first song started, I had to smash my computer with a bat" -- listen to the rest of the song, asshole. the beginning sucks.
Score = 1
Scott's right, the song rocks. Lyrically it's the same weird quasi-misogynist stuff Rivers has been writing forever. Musically it's just super nerdy and a throwback to old Weezer (Across the Sea intro. El Scorcho singing. etc) and their influences.
It's not exactly Blue or Pinkerton, but it's close.
I won't say the same for the other tracks, but give this one a chance.
Score = -4
It is not even close to Blue and Pinkerton.
As in, it couldn't be further away.
Score = 1
Hilarious.
Score = 3
The Greatest Man starts out like crap, but turns out pretty cool by the end. Thought I Knew is kind of fun too. The other couple songs are absolutely terrible. I don't understand...Pork and Beans seemed so promising...
Score = 0
has anyone mentioned how Rivers looks like the little guy from Big and Rich?
Score = 0
it's not as terrible as the last three albums - which isn't saying much. you know if another band wrote "thought i knew" (hmmm... the gutter twins or someone like that) we might not have a problem.
the problem maybe was that weezer released a badass followup and a lot of people expect pinkerton part deux, when the band's been trying to release the blue album over and over.
the new songs aren't bad, ok one of them sounds exactly like a third eye blind song and you can tell rubin produced it, with his fucking 80s rap fetish, but i give it an
ehhh and shrug of the shoulders.
Score = 0
The second song on the second video is called "Everybody Get Dangerous."
Based on these four songs, I can see why Geffen told Rivers to write a single. They're all quite a departure from the Weezer formula, to various degrees. As a longtime fan, I think you can see this two ways: you'll either absolutely hate it because it sounds nothing like The Blue Album or Pinkerton, or you'll absolutely love it for the same reason, because it doesn't mostly rehash old ground like the previous post-Blue-and Pinkerton albums. It's a different sound, but it has that geeky oddball charm that made their first two albums classics. I think this one is gonna be a grower; I didn't like Pinkerton that much the first time I listened to it, but eventually grew to love it as much as The Blue Album..
Score = 5
DUDE, you are SUCH A GREAT writer!
Score = -17
When I read about this yesterday on a good ol' mom-and-pop blog, they only posted the first song ("Troublemaker") so I decided I would only listen to that. So, I'll be waiting to listen to the album's other 8 songs until release day. I kind of like Troublemaker, though.
Anyone expecting this album to sound like a custom-ordered old-school Weezer can go die. I don't expect the band to sound like Blue or Pinkerton exactly, I just want them to sound good. While Troublemaker's lyrics are a little weak in places, I like the song. Weezer still has a place in my heart, and I hope Rivers keeps on, even if he's not up to par with his old self.
Score = -2
They went 90's retro again with this one (Red Hot Chili Peppers, 3rd Eye Blind, Self). But I do like the song structuring; it's not the same ABAB format they've been doing the last few albums.
Score = -2
and i thought "beverly hills" was bad.
but then again, maybe i'm just saying this because i'm not in 8th grade anymore, and i just want to hear their first 3 albums over and over again.
Score = -4
Well, I like it.
"If you don't like it, you can shove it."
Score = 3
There is also option c: You can choose not like it because it isn't good. You know, having nothing to do with who the band is or what albums they have put out in the past. These songs, not good. Quite shitty in fact.
And yay, I'm an asshole!
Score = 3
i am dumbstruck. i have no idea how i feel about this yet.
i haven't truly liked weezer since the blue album and pinkerton, so even if i like a song every once in a while, it's hard to tell if i really like it or if i just miss them. also, rivers is such a douche. oh well, here's to hoping.
Score = 0
it blows my mind that anyone has actually liked any of these songs. it sounds like Crazytown to me. simply awful. like everyone else, i used to love weezer, i even forced myself to like the green album for about a year before i realized that you can't wish a bad album good... i understand that people just want to enjoy these songs for being "fun" but it doesn't sound like they're trying to be fun, it sounds like they're trying to create an epic album and it's just not going to happen. sorry, weezer, you will be remembered fondly.
morevolume
Score = 4
If you can't get past Pinkerton, you're probably still stuck in the 90s. I've seen guys stuck in the 80's back in the 90's. If you can't progress with the music, then you'll be left behind
Score = -11
so, people are supposed to pretend to like everything a band does out of fear of seeming "behind the times"? this is ridiculous. i like plenty of new music; i just don't like the majority of what weezer's put out in the past ten years or so. in case you haven't noticed, they're not the only band out there.
Score = 8
This is just so weird. I understand how these guys got a get-out-of-jail-free card on the last few albums, but this ventures on bad side-project territory. So weird...
Score = 2
It's Queen for kids who discovered Queen through My Chemical Romance. Hey, change with the changing times, eh?
Score = 4
You know, fuck it. Some of these aren't half bad. Once you accept that they are what they are,* they're fucking catchy, and that Get Dangerous song could be a total hit.
*they are not the Weezer we used to know. But it's been what, almost a decade since your first disappointment (the Green album)? Accept that now they're a completely non-ironic pop band with mostly atrocious lyrics and catchy music. That's all.
Score = 0
wow, this is rough. I liked Pork and Beans, Liked Weezers last album (It was a good album, just too mainstream for most of you indie hipsters who live by "older material is always better than the new stuff) and consider myself a queen fan, but this is NOT good.
Score = -3
if only matt sharp had not left the band...sigh.. he truly is the missing link. 'return of the rentals' is a great album that deserves status alongside of blue & pinkerton...imo
Score = 4
I am wondering if it would make a difference if Rivers had sung on every track instead of the band trading off on vocals for the first time ever. Not to be a change-hater, but the voice if Weezer is and always will be Rivers. Stick to the formula in that respect. Having different band members start singing on the sixth album into your band's career is a drastic curveball to throw at devoted fans. They might as well have gone by a different name and chalked it up as a side project.
Score = 1
"For all of you who think the band died with Pinkerton, well too bad... get your head out of your asses and just enjoy some fun music."
...But Blue and Pinkerton ARE fun...
Score = 3
this is so...bad.
Score = 1
weezer has always sucked. isn't that why everyone likes them?
Score = -2
Let's not wax too philosophical on Weezer, folks. Unlike 99% of bands, Weezer doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. All of their albums, besides Pinkerton, have always retained a similar sound with VERY minor differences. The just do what Weezer does best. Write catchy-as-hell tunes. I guarantee if all of you give these tracks five or six listens, you'll be addicted. The problem is, people keep expecting Weezer's opus, and it isn't happening. They don't need to.
Score = 3
good god. what the fuck is this. i can appreciate music growing on you after many listens, but this is just unfortunate. im so bummed. this was one of my favorite bands ever but make believe and maladroit were dreadful and this does not sound promising. green was ok if vapid. and of course blue and pinkerton are genius. i wonder what happened. was matt sharp really that valuable or do most great bands really just peter out after two good records? oasis, etc... but i dont get it b/c bad religion has about 15 good records.
Score = 0
No Matt Sharp = Weezer can't make a good record.
Score = 1
Uh...Do you not realize that Rivers was an over baring a-hole when blue and pinkerton came out. Matt sharp is a great songwriter in his on right, but he had no impact at all on the writing of their "masterpieces" Any Pinkerton fanboy should know that it was 100% rivers that went into that which created a lot of turmoil in the band. Which is basically why Matt left in the first place...So please appreciate the fact that human beings change and Rivers doesn't feel like writing that kind of music anymore. I love Pink and Blue, but I for one am glad they don't rehash the same thing..if they did you would be on here saying "god after two decades they're still writing this melo-dramtic crap..rivers should move on"
live with it or don't listen to it, but don't blame Matt leaving
Score = 0
can we just get over the fact that weezer will not regurgitate another blue or pinkerton? it's getting old. let the artist CHANGE and mature and progress and make what he wants. you are free to have your own opinion - i for one will love anything that comes out of rivers' mouth - but stop measuring every song against what they made 15 year ago.
Score = -9
change would be fine if the songs were any good.
Score = 9
The second Youtube video here is easily the worst song so far leaked. Thought I Knew rules, Brian Bell's singing is solid and this song has convinced me to check out his side projects.
Score = 1
Anybody else feel like Rivers is channeling Eminem's "The Way I Am" on the verses of "Cold Dark World"?
Score = 0
Most of ya'll are fond of blue/pinkerton because that was, like, the last time you bitches got laid. I'm going to get laid tonight with sex. 'Tis awesome to be boning.
Score = 4
Whoa! You're gonna have SEX tonight?!?! Awesome!
But for the record, liking Pinkerton didn't help me get laid in high school. Pretending to like 311 did.
Oh, maybe you're right 789. Tonight, I'm gonna put on the Blue Album and try one more time to convince my wife to consummate the marriage. Hopefully after 45 seconds of My Name Is Jonas I'll finally be a man!
Score = 4
Tis awesome to be boning!
Gold!
Score = 0
Yes! I don't see why nobody comments on this more. Matt Sharp was the linchpin of Weezer's greatness. His oddballness and Cuomo's complemented each other perfectly. I also miss the falsetto adds and harmonies he would provide. They were like the Lennon/McCartney of 90s pop.
Score = 7
Again, this is another 'odd' Weezer album.
It rarely ever places the listener in a comfortable state, instead it just leaves them bewildered and confused.
Score = 1
I actually think the Red Album is safely their best since the turn of the millenium. It's such an energized, shift from the bleakness of Make Believe.
Score = -3
Carlos had the wrong bep bep tab Reezer, Reezer bloue album wrestle with jjimmy somethin is bubbeli-hi-hi-hi-hin sound good to me! used to likeCHANGED THEIR SOU I love it on firss listen A+/F-
Score = -2
Are we sure those last two songs are actually by Weezer? Is it just me or do they sound nothing like Weezer/Rivers at all? Maybe they are fake leaks?! Please, god, let them be fake leaks!
Score = 0
Who in their right mind would release a song that sounds THAT MUCH like red hot chilli peppers??? ugh. just stop weezer. yes, i love blue and pink but even if i had never heard those wonderful albums, i would still think that ALL of these songs are total bullshit. The first one does not sound like queen. Just stop, people. stop....
Score = 0
stereogum sucks balls. this site will just reverse common knowledge and sense so that millions of comments can pour over their almost useless site. i come in her to download a few songs every week and try them out. lately, really stupid article titles have drawn my attention and i see everyone elses (usually offended) opinions too. stereogum just wants the whole world to listen to music that is super artsy but actually hurts your ears. You think an indie rock hall of fame in shit hole NJ that almost didnt include the whoopty-fuckin-doopty wrens is bad. they are using that to cover up the fact that they are lobbying for a bill to lower the sound quality of all records forever....their will never be a real live show again...seeing a band live will be like watching a movie in a public school. the volume is low and you have to fill out some paper reviewing the show while constantly degrading the fact that the band may be simple and enjoyable. give us some actual news- stop talking about prince and moby and people we know arent indie anyway. and list tour dates in a calender form so i dont have to search for them and hope im not missing some amazing show them the next day reading a retarded review of the show i just missed. something weezer is doing isnt amazing? where did they get the balls to talk shit about people who make indie rock sites a necessity in the first place?
Score = -15
Wow, I have a headache now after reading the comment above.
Newams, why did you choose this post (titled, quite simply, "New Weezer - 'The Greatest man That Ever Lived'" etc.) to complain about Stereogum's post titles?
As for the rest of the comment, I don't know if I should be impressed or disgusted with the astonishing number of logical fallacies and idiotic statements. Would I be an asshole to suggest Newams probably supports HRC?
Score = 2
This album is River's thesis on bad popular music. It isn't a parody and it isn't shitty. In fact, it is quite brilliant. Actually listen to the music instead of shoving your heads up your prententious asses.
Score = 0
I think one thing we need to focus on here is that the material above is miles above anything on Make Believe, and that my friends is progress. I happen to enjoy these new adventurous sounds.
Score = 0
Rivers is too intelligent to not know what he is doing. These songs ARE hilarious. I am convinced this is some grand postmodern joke - he's like the Stephen Colbert of alternative rock.
Score = 4
that last song isn't weezer
Score = -3
the second song is pretty good except for the kid rockish, "im gonna BE there"
Score = 0
one of the songs on the album is sung by brian. i think that's the last one, hence the hilariously awesome pencil sketch of him.
Score = 1
is this a rap album?
Score = -1
How did Cuomo become such a poor lyricist? It's like he just doesn't care anymore. On blue/pink the lyrics were so smart and funny - but also emotionally wrenching in a strange way. Now they're just bland.
Score = 1
Exactly!!!! I've been thinking the same thing...isn't this guy supposed to be an ENGLISH major? FROM HARVARD?!?!?!
Rivers, stop writing gawd awful "rhymes" and start writing some lyrics that actually take some thought. Key-rhyst.
Score = 0
that first song is beyond awful. the second song sounds like 90s post-grunge influenced by 80s hair-bands. the third song sounds like third eye blind or three doors down.
so so so bad.
Score = 0