27. Weezer - Weezer 1994
Weezer's self-titled debut album is better known as, "The Blue Album", is, without doubt, one of the best loved releases of the 90's. Not only is it an Alternative Rock classic, but also is a cornerstone in the evolution of Emo Rock, which of course, is now big business. It is also the defining release in a sub-genre known as, "Geek Rock". Weezer frontman, Rivers Cuomo, is known as being a strange chap and a introverted genius. A key ingredient in what makes this album so wonderful is, simply, great songs. By not trying to be clever or progressive, the group simply focused on crafting memorable pop songs. There are also those harmonies - The four band members spent a great deal of time working on barbershop quartet-style songs, to hone their own brand of vocals. On songs like 'My Name is Jonas' and 'The World Has Turned', Weezer come off as a modern rock version of the Beach Boys. Particularly enjoyable are, then bass player, Matt Sharp's, falsetto parts. He had never sung before joining the group and he worked hard to nail them down. One single that has enjoyed a huge following is, 'Undone - The Sweater Song', which is a fuzzed up, awkward and infectiously hook-laden 5 minutes of pure nerdy charm. 'Buddy Holly', was of course the records runaway hit that took the world by storm. When you bought Microsoft Windows 5, you even got the video free. 'Surf Wax America' is a sublime slice of Pop-Punk that cannot help but make you crack a smile. 'Say It Ain't So' is a blueprint as to how "College Rock" should sound. The accompanying Spike Jonze videos for the albums singles, are almost as important to the iconic status of this record, as the music itself. The 'Buddy Holly' clip is
still one of the most popular videos a rock band has ever made. The group are presented as the in-house band at Al's diner, from Happy Days. All the shows characters are present and are cleverly blended in using actual clips from episodes of the show. The authenticity of this video is just jaw-dropping. Chosen to produce 'The Blue Album', by Cuomo, was Ric Ocasek, who was the guitar player and main vocalist for the band, 'The Cars', of whom, the Weezer main man, is a big fan. They would also return to him to work on their third album, also titled 'Weezer', but more known as, "The Green Album". Although a generally, bright and "happy" sounding record, with sweet melodies and guitar flourishes, the lyrics on this release deal with jealousy, alcohol, failed relationships, Cuomo's brothers car accident and a few other equally cheery topics. A wonderful collection of songs that doesn't seem to ever date. It has received more and more praise as time moves on and is featured highly in many polls regarding the 90's and Rock music in general.