chasing coolness: Rivers Acknowledges "Pinkerton"; Indie Rock Fans in their Late 20's Sigh Comfortably

I snagged a promo copy of Weezer's latest self-titled album (colorfully dubbed "The Red Album") a little over a month ago and I never got around to writing about it because, quite frankly, it didn't really impress me. It was a huge improvement from the misstep that was "Make Believe," but it didn't do much to whet my appetite. My quick rundown is whatever Brian Bell's song is called was my favorite track and that "Pork and Beans" is clear on its way to becoming the new "Gangsta's Paradise" [1].

Weezer's always been a band that's had a strange relationship with their audience. At its best, fans could find themselves at a local skatepark watching the members of the band (Pat) try to skate along with some kids, or playing foosball against them in a grudge match of sorts. At their worst, the ever elusive, Rivers Cuomo, refused to recognize the other members' side projects (Space Twins, the Special Goodness) and the fans collective love of "Pinkerton."

Recently, the band put together Weezer Hootenanny, in which they invited several hundred people to bring instruments and jam with them. There is some video evidence on Youtube, most notably Scott doing a heartfelt rendition of Radiohead's "Creep" [2].

More interesting is the fact that Rivers is wearing an XXL-sized "Pinkerton" t-shirt. Over the last few years, it seems as though Cuomo and gang are warming up to the mega-failure, yet most fawned over record, that was their sophomore release. Just as Liz Phair has pledged to play "Exit to Guyville" in its entirety, maybe a performance of "Pinkerton" isn't too far off.

[1] In as much as you'll get sick of the song come September, but every time you hear it afterwards will conjure fond memories of the summer of 2008.

[2] Eat a dick, Prince.

Bonus Vids:

Creep