Customer Reviews

Weezer - Deluxe Edition

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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When Weezer released the Blue Album back in 1994, Geffen only shipped 13 000 copies because they thought the album wouldn't be a big seller since almost no publicity was made for it. Rivers Cuomo and Matt Sharp even wrote a list of persons who would surely buy the album, and the list came up to more or less a hundred persons. They sold 90 copies in the first week... But after Undone was released as a single, the album sold all the copies that were in shops, and in the end they ended up selling 3 million copies of the album. The Blue Album became a classic, and then years later, here comes this deluxe re-release.

A lot of people are not sure wether they should buy it or not. I have to admit that it's really expensive, especially in Canada. At first I decided that I wouldn't buy it, since almost every Deluxe Edition is dissapointing (see the Velvet Underground and Nico...). But a friend gave it to me for my birthday (thanks to him) and I was really surprised by what I saw (and heard). First, the packaging. It's absolutely beautiful. It contains rare and beautiful pictures of the band, which are spread through the packaging itself and inside the 30 pages booklet. The booklet contains pictures of the band, hand-written lyrics to the songs of cd 1 and 2, a story written by Todd Sullivan about how he discovered the band and got them signed and finally detailed notes about all the b-sides featured in the second cd. The only thing that was a bit dissapointing about the booklet is that the pictures are sometimes too small and the lyrics to "I swear it's true" and "Paperface" are missing, for some reason.

There is not much to say about the Blue Album. Everyone knows it's a masterpiece. So let's talk about the second cd. It contains b-sides, live tracks, demos and unreleased songs from the Blue Album era. Some of the songs can be found on compilations, soundtracks or from the Internet, but it's nice to have them all on one cd with a slightly better sound quality. Listening to this cd from the beginning to the end seems to give the impression that you understand the Blue Album even better now. It's really, really interesting, and some of the songs are actually really good (see "No one else" acoustic version, "Paperface" and "Mykel and Carli"). The only "bad" thing about the second cd is the original album mix of "Say it ain't so", which is almost identical to the version we all know. But it's interesting to see the band "stripped down" on the Kitchen Tapes recordings.

You should buy this cd. It's really a trip through the musical world of Weezer and it brings you back in 1994 in a very strange way. I know it's expensive, but it totally worths the money. Once again, Weezer as delivered quality material.

It's kind of hard to expound on Weezer's classic debut. In the aftermath of grunge and the death of Kurt Cobain, along came four noisy geeks who made the world safe for noisy hook laden songs about loudmouthed girlfriends ("No One Else"), the joys of high-school love ("Buddy Holly") and a great metaphor about an unraveling relationship ("Undone - The Sweater Song"). Along with seven other great songs, this was a first album that yielded some perennial material, and founded the cult that Rivers Coumo rides today.

So why should you pony up the extra dough for the "expanded" edition? Is the second disc really worth it? For a change, the answer is yes. You get four great live tracks, complete with some funny self depreciating comments, one song from a various artists rarities album that the band wrote about their lawyer ("Jamie"), and a handful of demos. The best of the bunch is an a cappella quickie titled "My Evaline" that highlights Weezer's uncanny harmony abilities, something occasionally lost in the din.

If you're reading this, you're probably already inclined towards buying this. Go ahead. Maybe we'll get lucky and "Pinkerton" will get the same royal treatment.

Weezer's infamous self-titled debut (otherwise known as "The Blue Album") is one of the few pieces of music from it's time that still holds up just as well today. When they made their mark in 1994, Kurt Cobain was dead and the music world had already been oversaturated by mumbling, uninspiring grunge clones. Although Weezer never quite changed the musical climate, they did, however, create a quite perfect debut, one that transcends all genres and inspires new bands even today. Few groups that materialized at this time are still around today, but Weezer remain vital, and each song on this ten track debut remains an alternative rock staple. You can't throw a cat in a crowded room without hitting someone who, whether they realize it or not, knows a good Weezer tune. So, it only makes sense that on the tenth anniversary of the release, a Deluxe Edition made it's way with all new artwork and a bonus disc full of b-sides, outtakes, demos, live songs etc. The question is, is it worth buying again?

The answer? A resounding yes. For starters, I'm sure most owners of this album have put plenty of wear and tear on it, what better time to get yourself another copy. And even if it's still in perfect condition, the bonus material is worth it alone, for the Weezer fanatic. I don't have to tell you how good the original album is. You've heard it, you know. It's perfect, front to back. The material on the second disc, while admittedly not as good as the album itself, is still worthy. Take, for example, Rivers' catchy ode to the presidents of the Weezer fanclub, "Mykel and Carli" (who passed away in a tragic car accident), with it's chorus that, in typical Weezer fashion, sticks in your head for the rest of your life. "Suzanne" and "Jamie" are probably the most well-known b-sides among Weezer fans, while a trio of demos -- referred to as "The Kitchen Tapes" -- digs a bit deeper into Weezer history. There are also live songs ("My Name Is Jonas" & "Surf Wax America") and acoustic versions ("Jamie" and "No One Else"), and to top it all off, for the diehard fans, the original mix of "Say It Ain't So" (which was released only in the early pressings of the Blue Album). Also included is a rather elaborate booklet which includes lyrics (finally) and liner notes that chronicle the early history of Weezer. The package is very well done, and surely outshines the bare-bones nature of the original release.

Overall, a good album just got even better. Despite it's price tag, the average Weezer fan just should not be without this. It might make you love the band even more. You definitely get your money's worth. And as I said before, the original album itself is just classic. Say what you will about Weezer's newer material, but this stuff just can't be beat. They definitely deserve their popularity and their place in modern rock royalty. I really think anyone and everyone can appreciate the Blue Album, an accomplishment a lot of musicians cannot acheive.

Weezer's first album (aka The Blue Album) was a fresh breeze of music air amidst the staleness of the grunge rock that was beginning to repeat itself, and the harder edge that the next wave of alternative music was taking on. Their concert to promote this album wasn't bad either--who else would perform on stage with a cardboard Chewbacca? Hence my complaint about the Deluxe Edition of their excellent album--why so little? Yes there is a disk's worth of B-sides, but when you get down to it, there are only six real B-cuts here whereas the rest are rehashes. There are many other deluxes out on the market that bury this one in content choice and quality: check out the Marvin Gaye releases or The Who's Leeds and My Generation albums. Surely they could have found more alternate studio takes, and concert cuts, especially "Undone" (my personal fav); it's a shame about the lack of concert versions, because "Jonas" and "Surf Wax" to use a reviewer's cliche', really capture their onstage energy. Although I've never been big on them in general, the demos definitely reflect a rawer, more garagey side of the band, especially with "Paperface" and "Lullaby For Wayne". So, if you don't have the Weezer blue album, this will be a good buy, but for those of you already on your second CD copy, this may not as definitive a buy as you would wish (and pay) for--but it's something, at least.

It ocurred to me when this reissue was released. A modern rock record from my childhood is receiving 10th anniversary reissue treatment. My how time flies! It only seemed like yesterday Rivers and the gang were jamming it out with Opie, the Fonze, and Mr. Myagi (may he r.i.p.) on MTV. For those who remember, MTV once played music videos in the not too distant past. And now, the great quartet known as Weezer is receiving royal treament.

This is classic Weez at its best, and no weezhead should be without this release. The sound quality is improved from the original release, and the packaging is wonderful. Furthermore, the second disc contains many rarities including Suzanne (featured on the Mallrats soundtrack.) My only minor gripe is Say It Ain't So is on the album disc in a remixed version. And by remix, I don't mean a hip-hop or techno remix that is a complete overhaul of the original song. The differences are subtle but quite noticeable for any fan who has spun this album as many times as I have. Fortunately, it is present in its original mix on the 2nd disc. For purists sake, I wish they would have swapped these. Also, a hi-res 5.1 mix of the album would have been a welcome addition, but beggars can't be choosy.

Needless to say, every track on here is a gem. There is not a single piece of filler to be found anywhere within its short 10-track long 30min duration. This is one of the few albums that fully meet my personal criteria for what truly great popular music should be: The songs need to be timeless and memorable. It also helps if the lyrics are singable. Furthermore, it greatly helps if the lyrics are meaningful. On top of that, a great modern rock record should, well, seriousley rock!

=w='s Blue album meets everyone one of these requirements with clever lyrics anyone can sing along to, and the Ric Ocasek production gives their Marshall stacks some serious crunch.

One of the great rock records of modern times. Pickup a copy today!

I won this CD from a radio contest. I already owned Weezer's Blue Album, and I though re-releasing it as "remastered" was just a scheme to make more money. I was planning on selling my second copy on ebay. When I went to the radio station to pick up my cd prize, I was plesantly suprized that instead of being the same albulm "remastered", the cd had 2 disks instead of one. Disk one is the original albulm, which was all that I thought I had won. Disk two had a bunch of unreleased songs, live songs, and acoustic songs. The original disk 1 is good, but the new disk 2 is so much better. You get to hear live versions of songs like Surf Wax America which is great for people like me who have never been to a Weezer concert, plus lots of other great songs.

Needless to say, I liked this CD. Thanks to the second disk, I kept the cd, and listen to it all of the time. I just hope Weezer releases a brand new album soon...

I have to agree with a lot of Weezer fans that the blue album really is their best CD. But by re-releasing it with the b-sides that we all hunted so feverishly for in the internet, they made it so much better! I remember how badly I wanted those songs, and now they're here!

So you get the great quality of the blue album plus all the b-sides you've been looking for. It's wonderful!

Weezer released this debut album (later referred to as the Blue Album) and indie/alternative rock fans fell in love. The songs were ever-so catchy, but had hooky riffs and a simplicity, along with goofy lyrics molded into each song, making them clever and moving. Lyrics like -- I want a girl who will laugh for no one else, when I'm away she puts her makeup on the shelf, when I'm away she never leaves the house -- show how geeky love inspired singer River Cuomo feels in his insecure self-doubted way through-out the whole album.

The dorky charm is what makes this album great. It's poppy and universal, but in it's own un-hip cool alternative way. They became one of the biggest alternative bands of the '90's. The song "Buddy Holly" is not only catchy but interesting and entertaining. You can't help but sing along to the chorus. The video even makes a rendition of a Happy Days set-black & white and forever geeky.

I previously owned the original Blue Album, and it was totally worth the money to upgrade to the Deluxe edition. Everything was great.

What a great way for a band to start, by making one of the greatest albums in Rock history! I can't get tired of "the Blue Album". I listen to it about six times a week and it still isn't old. It is pure genius, there is no other word to describe it. What I love about Weezer is that their sound is their own, you just can't find Rock like this like you can on a Weezer album. Each record always has something new, which really adds to the lifespan of the album. That's why this one has stood the test of time.

I mean, look how many hits are on here! There isn't one bad song to be found. Even the lesser known songs on here are amazing. I truly can't stop listening to the album. Perfection