Pinkerton
click the image to get it in cd-cover size
| Release Date: |
September 24, 1996 |
| Label: |
Geffen Records |
| Rating: |
4.5 |
Description: A hit single can be a bit of a mixed blessing for new bands, especially if said song gets you firmly lumped into the "novelty band" category. Such was the case with Weezer, whose runaway hit "Buddy Holly" touched a global nerve upon its release, then got on everyone's nerves after months of radio saturation. However, it did ensure that they sold millions of copies of their self-titled debut. Which is why it's so strange that their second album,
Pinkerton, was ignored. Perhaps the cold shoulder was due to the willfully noncommercial first single, "El Scorcho," which crashed and burned. Whatever the reason,
Pinkerton soon disappeared, which is a shame because it's a great album. Whereas
Weezer reveled in the band's geek-rock image,
Pinkerton saw Rivers Cuomo maturing as a lyricist. From the opening, "Tired of Sex," which rants about the frustrating easiness of groupies, to the new wave pop of "Getchoo" to the epic genius of "The Good Life," there's much more diversity here than the Pixies-influenced bouncy grunge of their debut. With the closing solo, the acoustic lament "Butterfly," Cuomo demonstrates a pop mastery that promises great things from this reformed geek.
--Robert Burrow
Tracklist of Pinkerton
Reviews:
An Unexpected Masterpiece
Most bands are lucky if they accomplish one masterpiece album in their career. The Blue album was that masterpiece album for Weezer. Then Pinkerton was released. An anticipated album that ironically caught most fans off guard. The amazing thing is that as time past it was understood how fantastic this album was. It still contains the (nerdy) humor and satire of the Blue album but with an aggressive and darker undertone that contrasts the happy pop-rock style of Blue. Yet almost ten years after its release there is much debate over which Weezer album is better, Blue or Pinkerton? Regardless they are both tremedous albums. Pinkerton is a very dilligent album and the last Weezer album to feature bassist Matt Sharp. Notable tracks: Across the Sea, The Good Life, El Scorcho, and Pink Triangle. I highly recommend this album!
best weeeeezer album
i had to catch my breath in between pounding guitars to crack a satisfied smile during these insightful, charming and painfully truthfull lyrics that hit like a f****** train.
This album is so pathetic it's amazing
Rivers Cuomo is a real big geek and he often got picked on and probably had his head doused in toilet water and feces. Girls shunned his frail exterior and even his parents and grandparents probably hated him cause he was such a mega-nerd. This album is where it all comes out. This is Rivers vent album. And because of that, it's an incredible incredible album. Just beautiful. Why Bother, Across the Sea, No other One, Pink Triangle, El Scorcho.....they're all friggin good! Every song. To bad Weezer will never make an album even close to this good.
