Just in time for its 10th anniversary, Weezer’s self-titled debut album (affectionately called “The Blue Album” by its legions of fans) is re-released in all of its tongue-in-cheek, geek-chic glory. For the second time around, all of its original tracks are digitally re-mastered to sonic perfection, with an additional fourteen tracks consisting of B-side, acoustic, and previously unreleased material. This deluxe edition also includes a special gatefold cover, intimate pictures of the band, and handwritten lyrics. But the focus is still on all of the old favorites.
The precise guitar-tinkling of “My Name is Jonas” opens the album, setting the endearing tone for the remaining nine tracks. In “Buddy Holly,” the only thing funnier than its lighthearted lyrics and accompanying music video is that, Woo-ee-oo, singer/songwriter Rivers Cuomo really does look like Buddy Holly. “Surf Wax America” sounds like the band’s modern day, power chord impression of the Beach Boys, while “Say It Ain’t So” stands as perhaps the album’s most heartfelt and emotionally therapeutic song. The harmonica intro to “In the Garage” adds to the overall ‘aww, shucks!’ appeal. With its charming references to Dungeons & Dragons, 12-sided dice, and the X-Men, the song paints a portrait of an outcast’s paradise. When life in the outside world gets too hard, it reminds its audience that you can always retreat to the safe,forgiving sanctuary of your garage. “Undone – The Sweater Song,” one of the album’s most commercially successful hits, emphasizes the band’s knack for the irreverent and ironic, all the while casting Cuomo in the role that would define him for the rest of his career – the perpetually helpless victim.
Only Cuomo could get away with singing about something so silly, and yet, ultimately so devastating as an unraveled sweater. And with the colossal eight minute long “Only in Dreams,” “The Blue Album” is over. But it’s not really over, considering how long its influence has endured.
At the time of its release, the music industry was just beginning to get over the tragic loss of Kurt Cobain, grunge rock, and gloominess of the Seattle scene. And if not making listeners forget about the loss of Nirvana, Weezer’s debut could at least allow them to take a break from mourning and take solace in its catchy, sugary-sweet sound. And that, in essence, is what makes “The Blue Album” so great.
It’s not overly eccentric or pretentious. Its brilliance can be found in its simplicity. But perhaps most importantly of all is the album’s underlying message: it’s perfectly okay to be antisocial, awkward, and insecure. What once was thought of as foibles and personal shortcomings are now celebrated. Cuomo tells us to come as you are…thick glasses, corrective headgear, and all. Thanks to Weezer, it is cool to be uncool.
