Weezer’s Not Staying For The Party—They Are The Party
Raditude showcases uncomplicated jams about girls, gettin’ some, and going to parties.
Weezer
Raditude
Released on Nov 03, 2009
There are very few moments when I read “tweets” and think “you know, that’s some solid reasoning.” There are even fewer moments when I think that while reading anything that John Mayer has said. So, just imagine how blown my mind was when a few weeks ago, I stumbled (not actively searched out on Google AT ALL) along John Mayer’s Twitter feed, and found myself agreeing with this: “if you think ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ is ironically awesome, go home. If you think it’s authentically awesome, let’s dance.”
Yes, John Mayer. YES. Sometimes, you just want to like music without having to preface it with “well, yeah, it’s ON THE RADIO, so that’s lame, but I guess it’s kind of good.” It’s in this spirit of acceptance that I give Weezer’s latest release, Raditude, a cautious thumbs-up. No, this isn’t the Weezer that guided you through those tough high school years. This is Weezer with Lil’ Wayne. And you know what? It sounds “kind of good.” Do I hope that Weezer is slyly winking all the way through this album, knowing that they can make better music that’s not about parties and girls? Of course. But that doesn’t stop me from singing along.
I think we can all agree though that “Party in the U.S.A.” won’t stand the test of time, and neither will Raditude. The latent college student in me wants to say that songs like “I’m Your Daddy” and “The Girl Got Hot” are Weezer’s postmodern anthems that mean to say everything while saying nothing, but I think they might just be here to party.
That’s not to say they don’t party somewhat well—“Run Over By A Truck” has the most infectious piano introduction, though the fact that Cuomo sings “zippity-doo-da” could also have something to do with that. But it’s a simple, catchy tune, and one that I find myself coming back to during bleak days. I’ll applaud “Get Me Some” for its upfront honesty and stereotypically rockin’ chorus. Most of the instrumentation on these tracks belongs in the garage of the coolest high-schooler you know, but again—they’re just trying to have fun, remember?
“Let it All Hang Out” is a good way to start your weekend—or as the lyrics say, end your weekend. All I know is that when I was walking to the train on Friday afternoon listening to this, I had to work hard to resist grabbing my fellow commuters and forcing them to take part in impromptu karaoke. Impromptu karaoke = good. The song “Love is the Answer” = awful. The math is that simple. I feel like they’re shooting for a more guitar-heavy “Heal the World” on that track, and they fall terribly short.
To redeem themselves, they do what any good band would do. Bring in Lil’ Wayne for “Can’t Stop Partying.” The lyrics sound like a cry for help, actually, even though the only lyric that will stick in your head is this: “OK bitches/it’s Weezer and it’s Weezy/upside-down MTV.” While I don’t like to make one lyric speak for an entire album, the absurdity in that line helps to explain the tone of Raditude better than I ever could. Put it on at your next party, scowl at how kooky Weezer has become, and begrudgingly start dancing. You’ll find it’s only natural.
High Point
Hands down, Lil’ Wayne showing up to throw down some life-saving rhymes like: “party like tomorrow is my funeral/gotta stop mixin’ alcohol with pharmaceuticals.” Yes. Stop that immediately.
Low Point
I can’t tell if this is one big joke or not. I mean, I’m laughing, but very hesitantly.
Posted by Alyssa Vincent on Nov 03, 2009 @ 6:30 am
