Weezer

Weezer: HurleyHurley (2010)
Epitaph Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

User Rating:

Contributed by: DycelotDycelot
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on October 5th 2010When I found out that Weezer would be joining the legendary punk label Epitaph, I was overjoyed. One of the major issues for this band over the past few records has been the three-way conflict over the songs included on their releases, this triangle of turmoil being composed of Rivers Cuomo, DGC and.

When I found out that Weezer would be joining the legendary punk label Epitaph, I was overjoyed. One of the major issues for this band over the past few records has been the three-way conflict over the songs included on their releases, this triangle of turmoil being composed of Rivers Cuomo, DGC and "loyal" Weezer fans. Here is the rundown: Rivers writes about 20-30 songs, the label tells him which songs they are willing to release, and then when the album comes out, Weezer's (did I say "LOYAL"?) fans criticize Rivers for the decisions his label has made. Solution? Epitaph Records and Hurley!

I'll summarize before I articulate: This album is Weezer showing all of the pop-rock star flair they have accumulated and balancing that with the vulnerability and indie sensibilities that garnered them cult status in the nineties. This band has two groups of fans: 'Blue Album'/Pinkerton fans who have been largely unimpressed with their post-2000 efforts, and Blink-182 fans who loved "Hash Pipe" [What if we fit both criteria and checked out the moment we heard "Beverly Hills"? - 'Green' and Maladroit-approving Ed.]. On Hurley, Rivers Cuomo aggressively puts his musical wang in every orifice these groups of people have available and throws in some material Bible Mommy DGC would never have stamped in approval. I see the warm, carefree Jorge Garcia ear-connecting grin on the cover as the collective happiness this band must be feeling to be able to do whatever they want with their career-forward-forth.

Let's talk about songs. "Memories," the first single, is an eighties-style romp about the uncertain journey his band has taken. However, the message isn't as important here as the melody. This is Weezer setting the tone for the rest of the record, slapping their dick on the floor, and telling everyone to hear all proper.

The next tune, "Ruling Me" continues this with its riff-heavy, catchy verses. Throw in more sing-along chorus catchiness and we're ready for the rest of the record.

"Trainwrecks" is a slow and riffy song about love gone enigmatic, and manages to capture that Weezer-esque ability to write a more serious song without losing that tongue-in-cheek, eye-rolling detachment from emotive detail.

"Unspoken" sounds like a song that should have been on Pinkerton, and will please many. It begins as an acoustic sing-along with melody that could catch dolphins, and finishes in the electric-heavy vein the album began with. Later songs "Where's My Sex>" and "Brave New World" continue this blend of early Weezer style with a touch of Raditude pop. "Run Away" and "Hang On" seem to connect the sound displayed on the rest of Weezer's albums and gives you a look at what Rivers may have been trying to do all along.

Hurley finishes strong with "Time Flies," and the deluxe edition bonus songs include a cover of "Viva La Vida" and the World Cup Soccer single "Represent" (both of these songs had a popular life on YouTube). Also included in the bonus section is "I Want to Be Something," another acoustic number which could have been on Pinkerton.

This album does everything right, and this band is going to have a blast rocking fans with these songs in their live set. If Hurley is any indication, fans of any ilk can look forward to seeing Weezer spend the rest of their musical career putting out songs and albums that the band chooses for a label that will trust them and look forward to seeing what these guys can do without any major label holding the reigns. It is an exciting record and future for Weezer fans.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

DestroyaDoll (May 19, 2012)

Due to their YouTube col. I will forever connect this album to Onision(youtube.com/onision)aka Gerg. I still can't decide how I feel about that.

Putting that aside, I was pleasantly surprised by this album. It's well rounded, and although not my absolute *favorite* by Weezer, it combines their traditional sound elements with their more recent experimental efforts. The previous album made me get a big floppy one, but this one struck an appropriate balance and is generally a feel good album. Cuomo still has it!

OfCourse (November 15, 2010)

Weezer's not exactly on the upswing right now, but here's a little piece arguing their merits...have a gander before you write 'em off: http://www.theinertia.com/music-art/in-defense-of-weezer/

paulrulzdood (October 7, 2010)

blue album
pinkerton
maladroit
green
raditude
hurley
make believe
red

I think the fact that this is on Epitaph has garnered it better reviews than it deserves. not their worst album but far from their best.

lostandclowned (October 6, 2010)

One thing, Brian, if I may. When you wrote what you did in my Gaslight review a while back, I wasn't offended by or anything, but seeing another interruption in this review, I would save that for the comments. It tarnishes the review.

gamera36 (October 6, 2010)

Where's my sex is about him losing his socks. And to the guy who's offering them $10 million, why don't you just not listen to them and let the people who do like them just enjoy the music?

facetofacereunion08 (October 6, 2010)

4 stars? really? I don't see myself even a year from now having an
"urge" to go back and listen to hurley. The second song is the only
song i really like...and its not even THAT great. Pinkerton> Blue>
Maladroit> Green....and none of the others make me want to re-listen
to them ever again

TSOL (October 6, 2010)

my apologies, I thought you were the original tard who made an account just to post that thing

TSOL (October 6, 2010)

eunomi: fuck off with your petition trolling. or at least give us some insight at why you take personal offense to Weezer's change in sound.

neondragons (October 6, 2010)

Eh, it's alright... Not a great record by any means, but much better than Ratitude. A few duds, it's way too inconsistent, and the title and cover gimmick are stupid, but there are some really good tracks here. Like most Weezer records, it should have been an EP.

dreeeamweaver (October 6, 2010)

Who turned up the suck?

eunomi (October 6, 2010)

(I'm not the dude that started this, but...)

"THE PITCH

I have never been a fan of this band. I think that they are pretty much horrible, and always have been. Even in the early 90’s.

But this isn’t about me. This is about the Weezer fans. They are our brothers and sisters, our friends, our lovers.

Every year, Rivers Cuomo swears that he’s changed, and that their new album is the best thing that he’s done since “Pinkerton,” and what happens? Another pile of crap like “Beverly Hills” or “I’m Your Daddy.”

This is an abusive relationship, and it needs to stop now.

I am tired of my friends being disappointed year after year.

I am tired of endless whimsical cutesy album covers and music videos.

I’m sick of hearing about whatever this terrible (and yes, even if you like the early stuff, you should be able to admit that they are wretched now) excuse for a band is up to these days.

If all 852,000 of you (really?) who bought “Pinkerton” pitch in $12, we will meet our goal.

I beg you, Weezer. Take our money and disappear."

http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/campaign-0-1079

mrdogg45 (October 6, 2010)

This has been getting a ton on positive press.

By which I mean that the general opinion seems to be that it's the band's best since Maladroit or Green.

I haven't heard it yet, but I know I don't care for that lead single. The four-star rating seems high, but maybe I should just get my head out of my ass.

MN_DrNick (October 5, 2010)

policelake: Album sales isn't where it's at with the music industry. It's touring and shows. I don't see people not going to Weezer shows anytime soon.

jacknife737 (October 5, 2010)

It's catchy pop songs: that's all i ever want from Weezer.

mattp330 (October 5, 2010)

dude, ill buy just about anything, and used to love weezer. after make believe I cashed out. I feel like Rivers is just getting back at everyone, he put himself out there with Pinkerton and got rejected, so now he just puts out easily digestible songs, at least I hope that is the reason for all these horrible releases

Misanthropee (October 5, 2010)

If this record is a 4, I can't even begin to imagine what you'd rate a 2. On second thought, though, maybe it'd be something awesome?

bryne (October 5, 2010)

It's all right.

hooverstreet (October 5, 2010)

This record is really boring.

TheMike (October 5, 2010)

I would break up, collect the 10 million, and have a big reunion the next year after a paid vacation.

policelake (October 5, 2010)

Dr. Nick: if their album sales continue to drop off like they have been, it might be by next year.

MN_DrNick (October 5, 2010)

To policelake: that's not enough money

chrisss (October 5, 2010)

"Where's My Sex" is definitely way better than any song named "Where's My Sex" should be. I'm pretty sure he wrote a song about losing socks and just replaced the word. Awesome.

policelake (October 5, 2010)

I am offering this band $10 million to break up. No joke. You can help.

http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/campaign-0-1079

Dycelot (October 5, 2010)

in reference to the editors comment: i agree, Green and Malodroit were great records, however you must admit that most people panned the records and loved the singles. And it seems that all of the kids who were Blink-era really caught onto the green album singles.

Kylewagoner (October 5, 2010)

I completely disagree with that guy's statement a few down. "Where's My Sex?" is easily my favorite. Kicks so much ass.

elephantdwarf (October 5, 2010)

If the new Superchunk is an 8/10, there's no way this piece of turd is an 8/10. That would make the new Superchunk about a 23632/10.

eatdogs (October 5, 2010)

you know, i still wish they would just do a double set for the blue album/pinkerton tour instead of a two night thing. if that was the case, i'd have a better chance of only hearing the songs i want to hear, which are totaling around 20-25. i don't know what to think of this record since i haven't listened to anything from the band since the green album. i just keep going back to those first two releases, so i'm forever associated with the old school camp...

StraightToHell82 (October 5, 2010)

Some of this is catchy and decent enough, and some I feel the opposite about.

uncle_leo (October 5, 2010)

This album holds a special place in my heart in that after I heard it the first time, I've never wanted to listen to anything less.

anarchypants (October 5, 2010)

Best since Pinkerton.

skankbook (October 5, 2010)

"Where's My Sex" is horrible, the rest of the album I love. Big step up from the last 2 releases.

sailin_on (October 5, 2010)

Time Flies really stands out to me as what Weezer should be sounding like all the time.

thepopeofchili-town (October 5, 2010)

I liked this one on my first couple listens, but then I kind of forgot about it.

MN_DrNick (October 5, 2010)

After the last three albums, I'm surprised to say that I actually enjoyed this one. I like to believe the band is stepping back in the right direction... but in no way going back to Blue Album and Pinkerton era sounds. I'll be content with Green Album and Maladroit (which I heard in this one quite a bit).