My Top Ten Post-Pinkerton Weezer Songs

It's been a good long while since I've had a post dedicated to Weezer and of course, my adoring readers demand it, so here ya go.  In this post, I am deep-diving back into Weezer history and selecting my personal top ten "Post-Pinkerton" Weezer songs.

Before we begin, there's a few things to untangle.

What is "Post-Pinkerton"?

"Post-Pinkerton" is the long accepted standard of dividing time between "Classic Weezer" (1993-1997) to "New Weezer" (everything after). Although now the band is well over twenty years old, this standard is starting to feel more arbitrary ("Pre-Scott Shriner" just doesn't do it for me). Still, I find it the most meaningful way of dividing Weezer history.

According to orthodox interpretations of the Gospel of Weezer, it is believed that the first two albums (Weezer (1994) - AKA "The Blue Album") and Pinkerton (1996) are the two-best Weezer albums and nothing released since really comes close. At this point, many have left the fold but almost all that are part of the flock would admit there are at least a few songs that can come close to the pinnacle of the Classic Weezer era, but that's as close as you'll get for hard-line orthodox fans.

Yeah, I guess I kinda have to bring up the SNL "Weezer" skit that revealed to the world the inner-workings that is Weezer fandom. I was waiting for a White Album mention that never came. All in all, it wasn't bad but.... weird...like someone going into your bathroom unexpected and finding your dirty underwear on the floor.

I would have counted myself quite orthodox for many years but as the years have gone by, a strict adherence to that belief has gotten harder to defend. For a short while, Weezer made really, really good music (2014-2016). I would also meekly submit that the two Classic albums are so-what time dependent (Blue, less so). What I mean is that I am not a raging 20-year-old anymore. Admittedly, I really have to be in a mood for Pinkerton now. It's clear Pinkerton was ambitious and challenging but it's like looking at photos from college. Sure, it's me but I don't want to see that photo of me holding two beers and smoking two cigarettes. I mean, it happened but I've moved on (yes, if you have that photo, please destroy). I don't want to belittle the albums though and nor do I find them "deal breakers" either. They are still great rock albums and they still hold up today, no apology needed.

So, ahem, "Post-Pinkerton" for our purposes of this blog post includes every official release since the release of "Pinkerton" in 1996. I am not including songs only played live (Homie stuff or SS2K, i.e.), demos or other songs released well after 1996 but written in the same era (i.e., "Longtime Sunshine", "Tragic Girl", etc.) of the Classic Weezer era.

I also want to make it clear this is my personal list. It's completely subjective and if you are Weezer fan, it may upset you. Honestly, my list ended up surprising me. Some of the reasons why I love particular songs are completely dependent on my personal history. I really won't be "defending" my choices, as I am sure they might seem quite strange to another Weezer fan. Such is life. 

The Method Behind the Madness 

The easiest way for me to do this was to go back in my head, album by album, track by track and write down what I thought were the best songs from each album. There are many more songs that I find “good” and “okay” but these are the songs that stood above the rest. Most of time I did not need need to google the track list (although I really needed it for Hurley...which is telling).  This initial list is basically songs that I like.

 Notable Post-Pinkerton Songs (as of 2018)

1. Velouria (Pixies Cover)
2. The Christmas Song  (Christmas CD)
3. Don’t Let Go (Green)
4. Island In the Sun (Green)
5. Hash Pipe (Green)
6. Simple Pages (Green)
7. O Girlfriend (Green)
8. Teenage Victory Song (Green B-side)
9. Dope Nose (Maladroit)
10. Brunt Jamb (Maladroit)
11. Keep Fishin’ (Single Version)
12. Slave (Maladroit)
13. Perfect Situation (Make Believe)
14. This is Such a Pity (Make Believe)
15. Pardon Me (Make Believe)
16. The Other Way (Make Believe)
17. Pork and Beans (Red)
18. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Red)
19. Dreamin’ (Red)
20. The Angel And The One (Red)
21. Ms. Sweeney (Red Deluxe)
22. It’s Easy (Red B-side)
23. Automatic (LA Riots Remix - GT5P Soundtrack)
24. I Don’t Wanna Let You Go (Raditude)
25. The Prettiest Girl Girl In the Whole Wide World (Raditude Itunes Pass track)  
26. Ruling Me (Hurley)
27. Run Away (Hurley)
28. Eulogy of a Rock Band (Everything Will Be Alright in the End)
29. I’ve Had It Up To Here (Everything Will Be Alright in the End)
30. Foolish Father (Everything Will Be Alright in the End)
31. Everyone Needs Salvation (Fan Club Single 2015)
32. California Kids (White)
33. Wind in Our Sail (White)
34. Girl We Have A Good Thing (White)
35. Do You Wanna Get High? (White)
36. Drunk Dori & Summer Elaine (White)
37. Jacked Up (White)
38. LA Girlz (White)
39. Friend of a Friend (White Digital Deluxe) 
40. High As A Kite (Black) (note: this was edited so this song  could be added) 

Notes on the Notable Songs

Again, I want to stress, this threshold was pretty easy to meet and it was a lot more extensive than I thought it would be. That said, it was largely predictable, I love the White Album and I have an affinity for the Green and Red eras, while disdaining the Rad and Hurley eras.

For those scoring at home here's what the album breakdown is:

Green - 5

Maladroit - 4

Make Believe - 4

Red Album - 4

Raditude - 1

Hurley - 2

EWBAITE - 3

White - 7 
Pacific Daydream - 0  
Black - 1 

Other (B-sides, deluxe tracks, etc.) - 9

  

If you included the songs from the album's respective "era", it would add one to Green, three to Red Album, one to Raditude, and one to White. So, does this mean White is the third best album? Yes, and I would go so far to pair it with Blue and Pinkerton as a "Classic" album. Obviously, it will never have a cultural following or impact, but as a quality piece of art - I consider it one of the band's best works. In fact, since the album’s release I have easily listened to White more than Blue and Pinkerton. God forgive me.

Anyway, this isn’t an album post (coming soon in the next decade or so).

The next step was to make some cuts - but I didn't want to think too hard, so I told myself this would the second of three cuts. Here’s what made it to the second round:

Some of my Favorite Post-Pinkerton Songs

1.     Island In the Sun

2.     Simple Pages

3.     Perfect Situation

4.     This is Such a Pity

5.     The Other Way

6.     Dreamin’

7.     The Angel And The One

8.     Ms. Sweeney (Red Deluxe)

9.     I Don’t Wanna Let You Go

10.  Ruling Me

11.  I’ve Had It Up To Here

12.  Foolish Father

13.  California Kids

14.  Wind in Our Sail

15.  Girl We Have A Good Thing

16.  Drunk Dori & Summer Elaine

17.  Jacked Up

18.  LA Girlz

19.  Friend of a Friend (White Digital Deluxe)

This was a little harder, but I focused on keeping songs that gave me the most pleasure or songs I connected with in some way. Surprisingly the hardest cut maybe was "It's Easy" (lately been spinning this Brian Bell-penned song). So, after a first round of cuts the albums break down like so:

Green - 2

Maladroit - 0

Make Believe  - 3

Red - 2

Rad - 1

Hurley - 1

EWBAITE - 2

White - 5 
PD - 0
Black - 0 

Other - 2

Now, comes the hard part, I am going to cut nine songs. Gulp. Here goes nothing.

My Top Ten Post-Pinkerton Songs (in chronological order)

1. Island in the Sun
2. Simple Pages
3. Perfect Situation
4. The Other Way
5. The Angel and The One
6. Foolish Father
7. Wind in Our Sail
8. Drunk Dori & Summer Elaine
9. Jacked Up
10. Friend of a Friend

Notes on the Top Ten

I have to say, I feel a bit dirty. How did" Island in the Sun" and "Perfect Situation" get on this list? What kind of hardcore fan am I anyway???  Here's a bit on some of the songs.

"Island in the Sun"
Almost 20 years later and its hard to believe this song was just a minor hit, but it was. Yet, today most people know and love the song. There really is no deep personal connection with this song other than it's just a really really good pop song. That said, I was there the first time the band played this live and knew it was a hit. It was also the only Weezer song played at my wedding reception, being that it was the best Weezer song I could fit into such a setting (only played during the meal portion for those scoring at home).

"Simple Pages"
I've always loved this song and I have always found it incredibly underrated by hardcore fans. Sure, it's a bit goofy but it's super catchy and manages to bring Green's energy up a bit. It's fun. I also probably have a sweet spot for this song because it was on when I almost died. So, there's that. 

"Perfect Situation"
The first 47-odd seconds are pure Weezer perfection. It's basically why this song is on the list. I love that intro and I admit that's probably stupid logic, but it's my list. I like it. It features the worst lyrics on this list as well. Some a little cringe worthy.

"The Other Way"/"The Angel and The One"/"Friend of a Friend"
All themes of unrequited love, all the while knowing you're not supposed to feel that way. It's a theme that's powerful and intriguing. I have a lot more to say about TAATO but that's for another blog post someday....

"Foolish Father"
Some might think the song is cheesy...but I love it. It comes from the right place of empathy for our fathers and the empathy we will all need later. The last chords reveal the complexity of the album's title as well (again, this song is underrated and I need to write a whole post about it).

"Wind In our Sails"/"Drunk Dori & Summer Elaine"/"Jacked Up"
All tracks from the White album that I love dearly for different reasons. I won't start because I won't be able to quit. That said, your MUST listen to the Song Exploder of DDSE.

Well, well, well....Weezer just dropped the Teal Album (an album of cover songs) and no, none of those songs would get on any of these lists. Ultimately, I find it to be a lazy and uninspired album...I mean I know it was for promotion and it's fun but it's something that could have been something so much more than a novelty/flavor-of-the-week experience. 

Wizard of Oz Fragments

I was in a local production of "The Wizard of Oz" this summer....here are the fragments.

My youngest daughter was in a production of "Annie" this past winter and she loved it. When she heard the same church theater group would be doing "The Wizard of Oz", she was determined to audition for a part again.  In fact, my other two kids got excited by the whole idea as well and decided to audition for "munchkins". 

I think I was sitting at the table goofing around with them, giving my "wizard" voice when they told me they wanted me to audition...in fact, they told me they wouldn't audition without me. I feigned a little that I wasn't interested, but it was mainly for self-protection.  I figured the director had someone else in mind, or there were politics involved.  That said, the kids were persistent in their begging, Besides, I figured it would be fun just to try out and make some memories with the kids.

At the audition they called up everyone, no matter the part and asked for us to the sing a little of the "Jolly Old Land of Oz" as a big a group. No problem. So far, I am acing this thing as I can read a little bit of music and can sing okay. Then, to my the horror, they asked for us to dance. I told them I was only trying out for  the role of Oz, but they insisted that they wanted to see what everyone could do.

There I was, the only grown man on stage, surrounded largely by girls under the age of 14, a couple of boys and a few older ladies. The director wanted to see if we could learn a quick dance routine on the spot and to put it into practice. To put it mildly,  I was terrible. So terrible that I just had to laugh while I was up there. They asked us to improvise our ending move and I ended up falling over, which got a few laughs. At least they could see I had a good attitude about the whole thing.

In the weeks prior to the audition, I had practiced a few lines at home given the availability of scripts online.  I focused my attention on the "award scene" in the aftermath of when Oz has been discovered and delivers awards and mini-monologues to Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion awards.




Frank Morgan's performance is inspired and just about, well, perfect. He is playful, wise and has a twinkle in his eye.  To step into such a beloved role and performance was intimidating.

It was obvious this was a perfect audition scene and when I practiced at home I used my  "Map Maker voice"....which requires a little explanation. As I have covered here, I am a storyteller for the kids and one my main characters for my stories is the Map Maker. Coincidentally he is also an old wizard and he has a strange accent that I created from somewhere in my strange head.  It's a almost English/North Eastern American thing and I am not quite sure where I picked it up from, but it's definitely fits the character. It's given with an older affect and honestly, people like the voice. In fact, I would guess most of the specific compliments given to me were about my voice for the character. 

While other actors auditioned for various parts, the director told me the "medals scene" would be the scene I would audition with, so I got a bit of practice in as well.  Finally, it was my turn and frankly,  I nailed it. I could tell I was doing well....but it just felt good and the director looked happy. I tried it with my regular voice a second time but that didn't work out too well. It seemed like the Map Maker and Oz were meant to be. As I stepped off the stage the director told me I would be one of the Oz's for sure....the productions are so popular, they double-cast all the lead roles.

So, that was that and I had been cast as a "lead" of a real stage production.

Of course, I've had a little experience on the stage from time to time, but nothing too fancy.  The last significant stage production I had been in was a mini-Christmas production for Christmas Eve service at church a few years ago. However, almost all my lines were pre-recorded, as the audience was supposed to hear my thoughts. There was practically no pressure, except to not trip on my own two feet.

My previous other roles included some church stuff in high school and my roles in "The Music Man" my senior year. I was one of the traveling salesmen (actually had the first line of the whole play), a towns-person and sang the town songs and was a dancer to the "Shipoopi" with my future wife! I can't believe I had to Google "Shipoopi" to figure out how to spell it. I will eventually blog about this experience but suffice to say I was very nervous for the first scene and after that I could just have fun and blend in with the rest of the cast. 

The kiddo's were also cast, E & H were munchkins and C was a Poppy flower and a Oz-ian citizen. It was a family affair!

While it was "only a church production" this church really offers some impressive stuff. The directors have worked in NYC and have actually done professional work.

I mean, check out my crazy head that was projected when I was Oz. Technology never fails to amaze me. This looked surprisingly professional. 

They had a total of eight shows, which meant all the leads would have four shows each.

So while I was a "lead" by strict definition, I had strange role. Two of my six scenes were pre-recorded and five of the six scenes are in the second act of the play. So while I was required to be at many Act I rehearsals, I had little to do but sit around and fret about my scene in Act I. Even when I got around to it, we would do it "one and done" style, as the director seemed to have supreme confidence in me. Besides, they had all sorts of stuff to get to for Dorthy and the others like singing and dancing, etc.

I didn't mind it all the downtime though, it was interesting to watch the show come together. Still, I was bit of an outsider. Almost all of our leads were in their 20's and in college, while I am an old man. Two exceptions were the other Oz (in his 50's) and one of the witches (in her mid- 40's). Mirroring my participation with the stage, I barely got to know them until we started rehearsing, while most of them had worked together at least a few times.

After the first few weeks of rehearsals on Act I, we finally dived into Act II. This was a welcome change but also, things started to move pretty fast. I was given one full day of  warning to record my big Oz head scenes. I didn't think it was a big deal as I knew my lines "OK" and I figured I was have multiple takes. No problem.

The next evening came and I went down early to have my face painted and record my scenes. If I am being honest, (and hey no one reads this blog anyway, so why not?)....it was pretty cool. On a technical side, I hated it. I don't like anything near my eyes but on practical side, it felt like I was in show business.

The best selfies are with make-up on.

The problem with only having a day's notice is that my memorization of the script was not that good. Especially when everyone is just staring at you and especially when you have a huge light directed into your face and you're not supposed to look anywhere but straight ahead. It was weird and I am obviously making excuses here....but I felt like I was choking. It was the first time I really started to doubt myself in the production.  If I was grading myself, I would give my performance a B but this is because the "producer" of the digital effect could combine my takes. I felt pretty bad about the whole thing but the director was fine and everyone was supportive and kind-hearted about the whole thing.

 After weeks of rehearsals, we were finally ready to open the show.  I was nervous, more nervous than I had originally expected. I was on the side-stage listening to Dorthy sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and realizing...this was it and there was no turning back. My first performance was so-so, but as someone later said, I got better each performance and it really felt that way. I mean, I could get technical - my first scene the third night was the best while my last scenes on the fourth night was the best ya know, no one but me could even sense a difference.

A few photos from my scene as Professor Marvel in Act I. Act I was in gray or "black and white" to mirror the film. It was a cool idea.

My favorite part of the whole endeavor was adding something different each night. One night, it was a mistake, but both "Dorthy" and I found our way back as we both knew the script. Dorthy was great -  talented, professional in demeanor and had a great attitude.  She also seemed like a great person off stage too. Being that the majority of my lines come with Dorthy, it was fortunate that we had a little chemistry.

In my first scene, Dorthy has run away from home when she meets Professor Marvel. Once Marvel figures out what's going on, he tries to "con" her back home. This is such fun character type to play - the con man with a heart of gold. Anyway, one night I decided to add a bit to the performance and asked Dorthy as she's attempting to get in "tune with infinity" if she's ever done this before, because she's a "natural". My fellow actor didn't bat an eye...and I was pleased when we got a few laughs.

After Act I, I would get to hang out "back stage" - an adjacent fellowship hall next door. It was fun to hang out with my kids and check on them as needed. The kids did so well, the little one's aced the dance moves and the older one sang great. the show was a great for their confidence. I could see growth in all their performances. In particular, given the research that shows adolescent girls lose confidence from 10-13, it was nice to be a part of something that can help build confidence and character.

Act II is where the Wizard's role is actually meaty, although, again, two of my scenes were pre-recorded. I would still waltz in the back of the room, just in case there were technical problems and I would then voice the Wizard from the back. Nothing happened, but it was still fun to walk in wearing a cape.  It's a little known fact that if you're walking wearing a cape it increases your confidence by 90%. My costume was a little silly but it did get me into character.

I loved the "awards" scene out of all my scenes.  I would practice my monologues driving to work, in the shower or really during any part of my day I was alone. I rarely slipped up, as I knew it so well. Right before I would go out on this scene I wasn't nervous but actually excited.  It felt like the character and I would zen into one being at this point during the show.

Immediately after the awards scene is the farewell in the hot air balloon. Look, it is local theater. We had it set up on wheels and I would "float" away back stage. It wasn't all that bad. After I flew away, I had to rush backstage to a different area, get back into my Professor Marvel costume quickly to be ready to be back in Kansas. That was by far, the most nerve wracking part of the role. Also, changing in front of people isn't a big deal when you are properly motivated to do it quickly and get your mic back on.

During my speech in the balloon, I would look at the cast, specifically looking for my three kids.  Usually, I could find one or two and this would make me happy. 

After my fourth performance, it was all over. All the hours to learn a very specific skill - the lines, the motions, etc. were now essentially - useless. All these specific people in specific roles, whom accomplished a goal as a team would never be brought back together again.  It already feels poignant and this was only six months ago!

Another thing I loved from this experience was the challenge of it all. I haven't really had a "real" role ever, not like this....and here I am, 41, and trying something new. It felt like I was stretching a muscle that hadn't been used in a long, long time and it felt good. I am grateful for the experience. After all, isn't that what life's about - trying something new and having fun with those you love the most?

Winter Mix Fragments

I should be finishing up grading late work and the last round of papers to close out the fall semester but here I am blogging on a blog no one reads.

(sigh)

Things I will finish or start blogging about before 2019 (okay, I might not, but I am hopeful, after all this is a blog with the term "hopeful" in the title):

• Wizard of Oz Fragments (I was in a show this summer)
• Something about Weezer (likely White album)
• Also, some other poem post 

Happy to discover Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Wait, I didn't discover them, Youtube suggested them. That means I just succumbed to the to algorithm. Oh well, whatever, enjoy the genius video below. I won't spoil the ending. Just watch the WHOLE THING.



If you're too lazy to watch it, are you ready for the SPOILER?

Okay,

Here goes, not turning back.

LAST CHANCE to enjoy the video all on your own.......

.....



....

Nothing happens.

As in, almost literally nothing dramatic happens, it's just a cool cartoon of a woman on the train.

Also, a cool song plays.

Genius...I mean it. It really subverted my expectations. It's post-modern in the best way possible. I was waiting for something, anything and well, nothing happened. It's a message about life itself. Maybe I should write a whole blog about it. It's better than LAST JEDI. (seriously)



UPDATES IN LIFE

Our program to take students around the US is going alright, only three apps but I think it will get to the magic number (7? 8?) I dunno.

Same church I did Wizard at is doing auditions for Willy Wonka. Yeah, I'm gonna audition. I suppose I have the acting bug. Feels silly that's just a community theater group but it's fun and when someone believes in you like the director of this program does, it makes you feel good. I will probably audition for Grandpa, who, is entirely a detestable character and person, but I don't have the suaveness to pull off Willy and I want a meatier role than one of the fathers of the children.

KIDZ Update 

Oldest, C (7th grade) is awesome at flute and just plays all the darn day long because she enjoys it. We've had some 7th grade drama - but that's to be expected. Also, one day she will find my secret blog sooner than later. Yikes. Hi, C!

Second oldest, E (4th grade) is becoming quite the performer, just made a wonderful memory the other night....I was watching her sing along with her mom at the piano several holiday tunes by light of the Christmas tree. Then, C, H, Grandma (and yes, even me) joined in....nice memory already. :)

Youngest, H (1st grade) is now obsessed with BEYBLADES (which, I admit, is VERY fun just to say). He doesn't even have any yet, but he's watched the show and we google the toys together.

I had a dream somebody at work died. I didn't have the heart to tell him when I saw him. The two people I told looked so concerned. Is this taboo to talk about? I mean, I'm not God. I can't dream for it to come true and I have zero psychic powers (to my knowledge).

Ready for the break. It's that time of year and I am ready.

That's it for now, don't forget to check your mirrors before you change lanes and for goodness sake's, enjoy some ice cream every once in awhile.

Poem Post: >Abort, Retry, Fail?_

Every so often I've been writing poems. So I thought I would share one here. Usually I find myself writing late at night, when the mood strike me (which is usually when I am listening to something dramatic on YouTube).  This particular poem come out of a series of poems that meditate on the brain's function and the need to create meaning. Our brains are really just fancy biological computers. In particular, I find it interesting that we're all (for better or worse) stuck in our own brains. I was looking up computer error messages and stumbled across  the "Abort, Retry, Fail?" Wiki article and it included a quote that I thought summed up the human experience pretty well:

"It (Abort, Retry, Fail) has become an icon of poor interface design, because it led exactly nowhere … A veritable Catch 22, since the only viable option appeared to be to keep typing R until one was willing to accept that one's work was lost and there was nothing left to do but shut down the program and start anew"

>Abort, Retry, Fail?_

I dream because I have to

I dream to stay awake

I ask and I ask

but the Oracle is not answering my texts.

My operating system is stuck on re-start -- this is some bulls-

>A FATAL EXCEPTION ERROR HAS OCCURRED  

A virus has infected my registry.  

A sailor lost at sea, a feeling machine sinking in --

I dream because I have to

I  dream to stay awake 

>Abort, Retry, Fail?_

Type “R”, cross your fingers, and hope we don’t crash.  

Thought of the Day

Talking with a friend at work today brought out something that had been swirling in my head the past few weeks but just now came to fruition:

"Stop projecting, start accepting"

Why should someone be who I think they should be?

Isn't it wrong-headed to expect someone to cater to my desires or needs?

Can't the other person be accepted for who they are, what they offer? In fact, I want to be accepted for who I am too.

Shouldn't I have the integrity to offer the same?