Entertainment

Weezer's breezy strategy works yet again

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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entertainment

REVIEW (WJRT) -- How does Rivers Cuomo keep doing it? Because on Weezer's new album, "Raditude," the Harvard-educated singer/guitarist delivers pure genius in mixing simple technique with unique song ideas to craft compelling stories using highly conversational lyrics.

You might think the music's simplicity, the oddity of the lyrical topics and the overall less-than-poetic feel here would add up to crap, but Cuomo has been succeeding in combining these traits since the mid '90s and keeps it coming once again.

The band's seventh album, which hits stores this week, starts out with first single "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To." Acoustic riffs compliment Cuomo's lament over a failed relationship. Not really all that unique, but the singer's storytelling skills shine.

But the song really thrives when its acoustic intro gives way to a charging frenzy of power chords.

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"I'm Your Daddy" follows, which delves into a story about your average hookup at a bar. No one's reinventing the wheel here, either, but Cuomo's charm is undeniable.

"The Girl Got Hot" charges out of the gate like a sports arena anthem, as Cuomo spins a tale of an awkward high school girl who in later life started turning heads. The crunching riffs and stop-and-go rhythm add a serious kick.

"Can't Stop Partying" is a collaboration between Cuomo and famed hip-hop producer Jermaine Dupri, and it departs dramatically from "Raditude's" previously established tone.

The track could easily turn into a club staple -- something you'd hardly expect from a unit like Weezer, but the song works really well. The driving beat and alcohol-infused lyrics mold a surprisingly good tune, complete with a guest verse from rapper Lil' Wayne.

But "Put Me Back Together" takes the disc from the dance floor to near standstill. A lone bass line and light drumming propel Cuomo's ode to the joys of finding fulfilling love, but the mellowness is soon dumped in favor of a flurry of power chords and thumping drums.

"Raditude" then takes another odd twist, which allows guest producer Jacknife Lee to add a Celtic/Indian influence to "Love Is The Answer." Complete with sitar played by Nishat Khan and additional vocals by Amrita Sen, the song might take a few listens to get used to, but it eventually becomes addicting.

Cuomo and Lee then bring in Dupri for a full-blown collaboration featuring three vastly different musical minds to create the standout track of the album, "Let It All Hang Out." Co-written by all three men, "Hang Out" storms in with screaming guitar licks, and proves to be a song that ought to sound great behind the wheel.

Album closer "I Don't Want To Let You Go" slows the party to a halt in quiet fashion, boasting gentle keyboards and soft drums. As is often the case, Cuomo is wrestling with more relationship issues.

Always a band that prides itself on having a healthy sense of humor, "Raditude's" real highlight comes courtesy of the band's Web site: Packages are available which include the album and an exclusive Weezer Snuggie -- plain blue or safari camo.

"Raditude," while not quite as experimental as 2008's "Weezer (The Red Album)," takes more of a pop rock approach. But there certainly are more than a few moments where the band shakes things up a bit. --Josh Daunt

The ABC12 Listening Room staff: James R. Chesna, editor-in-chief; Josh Daunt, managing editor; Beth McEnroe, staff writer; Eric Fletcher, chief photographer; Randy Cox, photographer; Josh Daunt, photographer; Chris Carr, photographer; Jessica Reid, contributing photographer; LeeAlan Weddel, contributing editor, writer; Shawn Light, contributing writer.