Weezer - Weezer
News broke earlier today that Mikey Welsh (former bassist of Weezer) was found dead in his hotel room on Saturday.
To pay tribute to Welsh, this week's Classic Cuts will look at Weezer's Green Album, which he recorded during his relatively short time with the band.
The self-titled album is, along with the Blue Album (also self-titled) and Pinkerton, seen as one of the band's best bodies of works, and it's hard to argue.
'Don't Let Go' opens up the album in a way that immediately showcases the "trademark" Weezer pop-rock style, and sets the tone for a brilliant (albeit short) record.
It can't be denied that, at around half an hour, the Green Album is brief, but this brings with it its own benefits.
There's absolutely no filler on this album, although some songs lack the strength of some from their debut.
It manages to show the diversity of Rivers Cuomo's writing, moving effortlessly from the dirty sound of 'Hash Pipe' to the chilled-out sounds of 'Island In The Sun'.
It could be argued that the short running time actually helps the record, as it feels extremely consisted and packed with amazing tunes.
The likes of 'Knockdown Dragout' and 'Simple Pages' could easily have been hits for the band, who provided a nice blend of pop, rock and grunge influences.
The bare but tender 'I Do' brings the album to an emotional end, and is a complete contrast to the fast-paced power pop of the previous ten tracks.
It's a shift in both style and production from the remainder of the record, making it all the more impactful as the end of the record.
In another band's back catalogue, the Green Album would be tough to beat.
It's a testament to Weezer's talent that such a fantastic, consistent record is sadly overshadowed by their debut, although it is thankfully still remembered fondly by critics and fans alike.
For Mikey Welsh, it was his only widely-known contribution to the band (outside of a Christmas special), but it was on an album that has stood the test of time, and is remembered as one of the best of the previous decade.
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