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Weezer

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Weezer is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in February 1992 by the singer and guitarist Rivers Cuomo, the drummer Patrick Wilson, the bassist Matt Sharp and the guitarist Jason Cropper. Cuomo had come to Los Angeles from Connecticut with a metal band, but then became captivated by alternative rock such as Nirvana, the Pixies and Sonic Youth. The name came from a nickname his father gave him. In 1993 the band signed with Geffen Records. During the recording of the first album Brian Bell took Cropper's place.

Music and breakthrough

The debut Weezer (1994), known as the Blue Album, was produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars and was a great success, with the singles Buddy Holly and Say It Ain't So. The music videos by Spike Jonze helped; for Buddy Holly he edited the band into footage from the television series Happy Days. The second album, Pinkerton (1996), sounded darker and rawer and flopped, but later grew into a cult record. After a break the band returned in 2001 with the Green Album and Island in the Sun. Since then Weezer has released many more albums, several of which are again simply called Weezer, with a different coloured sleeve.

Influence

Weezer combined alternative rock with power pop: heavily distorted guitars, but also catchy melodies and multi-part vocals. The lyrics were full of nerd humour and references to popular culture. Pinkerton is cited as an influence on many emo bands of the 2000s.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Buddy Holly and notice the contrast: the melody and the backing vocals sound like cheerful 1950s pop, but the guitars are thick and distorted. Hear how that makes the chorus sound sweet and loud at the same time.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsPowerpop