, , , , etc. For example: Weezer's Pinkerton: A Cult Classic That Defined Emo Rock
Released on September 24, 1996, Pinkerton is the second studio album by American rock band Weezer. It is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the 1990s, as well as one of the most influential albums in emo rock. However, it was not always appreciated or understood by critics and fans alike. In fact, Pinkerton was initially a commercial flop and a critical disappointment that almost ended Weezer's career. How did this album go from being hated to being loved? What makes it so special and unique? In this article, we will explore the background, concept, music, lyrics, reception, and legacy of Pinkerton.
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Introduction
Weezer was formed in 1992 by singer-songwriter Rivers Cuomo, guitarist Brian Bell, bassist Matt Sharp, and drummer Patrick Wilson. They rose to fame with their self-titled debut album in 1994, which spawned hit singles like "Buddy Holly", "Undone The Sweater Song", and "Say It Ain't So". The album was praised for its catchy power pop melodies, geeky lyrics, and humorous videos. It sold over three million copies in the US and established Weezer as one of the most popular alternative rock bands of the time.
However, instead of repeating their successful formula, Weezer decided to take a different direction for their second album. They wanted to make a more personal, experimental, and challenging record that reflected their live sound and their musical influences. The result was Pinkerton , an album that was darker, rawer, and more confessional than their debut. It explored themes such as sex, love, identity, and regret, inspired by Cuomo's personal struggles, the opera Madama Butterfly, and Japanese culture. It also featured a heavier and more abrasive sound, influenced by bands like Nirvana, Pixies, and Pavement.
However, Pinkerton was not well received by the public or the critics when it came out. It sold poorly, barely reaching gold status in the US, and received mixed reviews, with some calling it immature, sexist, and self-indulgent. Cuomo himself felt embarrassed and rejected by the album, and went into a period of depression and isolation. He later called Pinkerton "a huge mistake" and "a hideous record" . Weezer went on a hiatus after touring for the album, and their future seemed uncertain.
But something unexpected happened in the years that followed. Pinkerton slowly but surely gained a cult following and a critical reappraisal, thanks to the internet, word-of-mouth, and the emergence of emo rock. Many fans and critics began to appreciate the album's honesty, emotion, and musicality, and recognized it as a masterpiece of alternative rock. Pinkerton was eventually ranked among the best albums of all time by publications like Rolling Stone , Pitchfork , and Spin . It also inspired many emo bands and fans with its raw and vulnerable expression of feelings. Pinkerton became a classic that defined a generation of rock music.
Background and Concept
Songs from the Black Hole
Pinkerton was not originally intended to be the album that it became. In fact, it was supposed to be a sci-fi rock opera called Songs from the Black Hole , which Cuomo had been working on since 1994. The concept was about a group of astronauts on a mission to save the universe from a cosmic disaster, while dealing with their personal relationships and conflicts. The characters were based on the members of Weezer and their friends, and each song represented a different scene or dialogue in the story. Cuomo had written several songs for the project, some of which were demoed or performed live by Weezer.
However, Cuomo soon realized that Songs from the Black Hole was too ambitious and complicated to execute. He also felt that it was too detached from his own reality and emotions. He decided to scrap the project and start over with a new concept that was more personal and authentic. He said: "I realized that what I really wanted to sing about were all these things I was going through at Harvard: feeling alone; having trouble relating to people; having trouble relating to girls; feeling confused about sex; feeling guilty about sex; feeling confused about what I wanted to do with my life" . He also wanted to make an album that sounded more like Weezer's live shows, which were louder and more energetic than their studio recordings.
Rivers Cuomo's Personal Struggles
Cuomo's decision to attend Harvard University in 1995 was one of the main factors that influenced his songwriting for Pinkerton . He enrolled as an undergraduate student in English literature, hoping to expand his horizons and find new inspiration. However, he soon found himself feeling lonely, alienated, and depressed in the academic environment. He said: "I didn't make any friends there at all. I just stayed in my room studying or writing songs or reading books" . He also felt insecure about his appearance and his musical abilities. He said: "I felt like I had no sex appeal whatsoever ... I felt like I had nothing to offer anybody" .
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Another source of pain for Cuomo was his leg surgery in 1995. He had been born with one leg shorter than the other, which caused him chronic back pain and discomfort. He decided to undergo a corrective procedure that involved breaking his leg bone and stretching it with a metal device over several months. The process was painful and debilitating, and affected his mobility and mood. He said: "It was really hard for me to deal with ... I couldn't walk for six months ... I felt like a freak" . He also felt guilty for spending his money on the surgery instead of donating it to charity.
All these factors contributed to Cuomo's sense of disillusionment and frustration with his life and his music. He said: "I was really unhappy ... I hated being in Weezer ... I hated being at Harvard ... I hated everything" . He channeled these feelings into his songs for Pinkerton , which were more raw and honest than anything he had written before.
Madama Butterfly and Japanese Culture
One of the main inspirations for Pinkerton was the opera Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini, which Cuomo had seen in 1994. He was moved by the tragic story of Cio-Cio San, a Japanese geisha who falls in love with an American naval officer named B.F. Pinkerton, who marries her and then abandons her. Cuomo related to the character of Pinkerton, who he saw as a symbol of his own selfishness and immaturity. He said: "I identified very strongly with him ... I felt like I had done the same thing to a lot of girls that I had dated and then left behind" . He also admired the character of Cio-Cio San, who he saw as a symbol of purity and devotion. He said: "She was so beautiful and innocent and faithful ... I wished I could find a girl like that" .
Cuomo decided to name the album after the character of Pinkerton, and to use the opera as a framework for his songs. He said: "I thought it would be a great way to organize all these songs that I had written about different girls and different experiences" . He also used some of the lyrics and melodies from the opera in his songs, such as "Across the Sea", "Butterfly", and "El Scorcho". He said: "I wanted to pay tribute to Puccini and to show how much his music had influenced me" .
Besides the opera, Cuomo was also fascinated by Japanese culture in general, which he had been exposed to through his father, who had lived in Japan for several years. He said: "I loved everything about Japan ... the language, the food, the art, the history, the people" . He incorporated some elements of Japanese culture into his songs and artwork for Pinkerton , such as references to geishas, samurais, sushi, sake, anime, manga, and Japanese fan letters. He said: "I wanted to express my admiration and respect for Japan and its culture" .
Music and Lyrics
Darker and Rawer Sound
One of the most noticeable differences between Pinkerton and Weezer's debut album was the sound. While their first album was polished and produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars, their second album was self-produced by Weezer themselves, with assistance from engineer Dave Fridmann. They wanted to capture their live sound, which was louder, heavier, and more energetic than their studio sound. They said: "We wanted to make an album that sounded like we sounded on stage ... we wanted to rock out" .
To achieve this goal, they recorded most of the songs live in the studio, with minimal overdubs and effects. They used vintage equipment and analog tape to create a warm and organic sound. They also experimented with different tunings, tempos, time signatures, and guitar tones. They said: "We wanted to make an album that sounded different from anything else out there ... we wanted to challenge ourselves and our listeners" .
The result was a sound that was darker, rawer, and more abrasive than their previous album. It contrasted with the glossy and poppy sound of other alternative rock bands of the time, such as Oasis, Green Day, and No Doubt. It also reflected the mood and attitude of Cuomo's songs, which were more angry, bitter, and cynical than before. He said: "I wanted to make an album that sounded like how I felt ... I wanted to scream out my pain and frustration" .
Confessional and Vulnerable Themes
Another major difference between Pinkerton and Weezer's debut album was the lyrics. While their first album featured mostly humorous and geeky lyrics about surfing, sweaters, Dungeons & Dragons , and Buddy Holly , their second album featured mostly confessional and vulnerable lyrics about sex, love, identity, and regret. Cuomo said: "I wanted to write lyrics that were more honest and personal than ever before ... I wanted to open up my heart and soul to the world" .
Cuomo's lyrics for Pinkerton were inspired by his own experiences and emotions during his time at Harvard and after his leg surgery. He wrote about his loneliness, his sexual frustration, his guilt, his confusion, his self-loathing, and his desire for true love. He wrote about his crushes, his fantasies, his affairs, his breakups, and his apologies. He wrote about his admiration for Japan and its culture, as well as his frustration with the music industry and the media. He wrote with brutal honesty and raw emotion, without holding back or censoring himself.
Cuomo's lyrics for Pinkerton were also influenced by the opera Madama Butterfly , which he used as a metaphor for his own relationships and feelings. He compared himself to B.F. Pinkerton, the American officer who seduces and abandons Cio-Cio San, the Japanese geisha. He expressed his guilt and remorse for hurting the women he loved, as well as his longing and hope for finding true love. He also compared himself to Cio-Cio San, the faithful and devoted geisha who waits for Pinkerton's return. He expressed his vulnerability and loneliness, as well as his loyalty and optimism.
Cuomo's lyrics for Pinkerton were some of the most personal and emotional lyrics ever written in rock music. They resonated with many fans and critics, who found them relatable and authentic. They also shocked and offended some listeners, who found them immature, sexist, and self-indulgent. Cuomo himself later regretted some of his lyrics, saying: "I was very naive ... I didn't realize how much I was exposing myself ... I didn't realize how much I was hurting other people" .
Catchy and Memorable Hooks
Despite the dark and raw sound and lyrics of Pinkerton , the album also featured some of the most catchy and memorable hooks of Weezer's career. Cuomo's songwriting skills were still evident in the album, as he crafted melodies and choruses that stuck in the listener's mind. He said: "I wanted to make an album that was still catchy and fun to listen to ... I wanted to balance the darkness with some light" .
The album featured 10 songs, each with its own distinctive hook and personality. Some of the singles and fan favorites included: - "The Good Life" , a upbeat rocker that expressed Cuomo's desire to return to his old life of fame and fun - "El Scorcho" , a quirky and eclectic song that mixed acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, drums, and feedback - "Across the Sea" , a ballad that addressed Cuomo's feelings for a Japanese fan who wrote him a letter - "Pink Triangle" , a poppy song that told the story of Cuomo's crush on a lesbian - "Butterfly" , a acoustic song that served as an apology to all the women he had hurt The album also featured some hidden gems, such as: - "Tired of Sex" , a noisy and distorted song that expressed Cuomo's dissatisfaction with casual sex - "Why Bother?" , a punky song that questioned the point of falling in love - "No Other One" , a heavy song that described Cuomo's dysfunctional relationship with a drug-addicted girlfriend - "Falling for You" , a sweet song that confessed Cuomo's feelings for a new love interest - "Getchoo" , a angsty song that conveyed Cuomo's pain after a breakup The album showcased Weezer's musical versatility and creativity, as they experimented with different styles, genres, and influences. It also demonstrated their musical talent and chemistry, as they played their instruments with skill and passion.
Reception and Legacy
Initial Disappointment and Backlash
Pinkerton was released on September 24, 1996, by DGC Records. It was expected to be a big hit, following the success of Weezer's debut album. However, it turned out to be a huge disappointment, both commercially and critically.
The album sold poorly, barely reaching gold status in the US, compared to the triple platinum status of their first album. It peaked at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart, dropping quickly afterwards. It failed to produce any hit singles or videos, unlike their previous album.
The album also received mixed reviews from critics, who were confused and turned off by its sound and lyrics. Some of the negative comments included: - "A collection of songs so bitter you can almost taste it in your mouth" ( Entertainment Weekly ) - "A whiny-ass bitchfest from an overprivileged pop star" ( Spin ) - "A bunch of songs about how it sucks to be famous" ( Rolling Stone ) - "A colossal blunder" ( The Village Voice ) Cuomo himself felt embarrassed and rejected by the album, saying: "I felt like I had made a big mistake ... I felt like I had exposed my private parts to everyone ... I felt like everyone hated me" . He went into a period of depression and isolation, avoiding interviews and public appearances. He also lost his interest and confidence in music, saying: "I didn't want to write songs anymore ... I didn't think I had anything to say ... I didn't think I was good enough" . He decided to take a break from Weezer and focus on his studies at Harvard.
Weezer went on a hiatus after touring for Pinkerton , and their future seemed uncertain. Many fans and critics thought that they had broken up or that they had lost their touch. Pinkerton seemed to be a forgotten and failed album that marked the end of Weezer's career.
Cult Following and Critical Reappraisal
However, something unexpected happened in the years that followed. Pinkerton slowly but surely gained a cult following and a critical reappraisal, thanks to the internet, word-of-mouth, and the emergence of emo rock.
The internet played a major role in spreading the word about Pinkerton , as fans created websites, forums, blogs, and podcasts dedicated to the album. They shared their opinions, interpretations, stories, and experiences related to the album. They also created fan art, covers, remixes, and tributes to the album. They expressed their love and appreciation for the album, and encouraged others to listen to it. They said: "Pinkerton is the best album ever ... Pinkerton changed my life ... Pinkerton is a masterpiece" .
Word-of-mouth also helped Pinkerton gain popularity and acclaim, as fans recommended the album to their friends, family, and peers. They said: "You have to listen to Pinkerton ... Pinkerton is amazing ... Pinkerton will blow your mind" . They also lent or gave copies of the album to others, or played it at parties, clubs, or events. They created a buzz and a hype around the album, making it more desirable and intriguing.
The emergence of emo rock also contributed to Pinkerton 's success, as many emo bands and fans cited the album as an influence and inspiration. Emo rock was a genre of alternative rock that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, characterized by its emotional and confessional lyrics, melodic hooks, and dynamic sound. Some of the bands that were part of the emo scene included Jimmy Eat World , Dashboard Confessional , The Get Up Kids , Saves the Day , Taking Back Sunday , Fall Out Boy , My Chemical Romance , and Paramore . Many of these bands praised Pinkerton for its honesty, emotion, and musicality, saying: "Pinkerton is the reason we started playing music ... Pinkerton is our favorite album ... Pinkerton is the bible of emo rock" .
All these factors led to a resurgence of interest and admiration for Pinkerton , which was reflected in its sales and reviews. The album sold over one million copies in the US by 2001, reaching platinum status. It also received glowing reviews from critics who had previously dismissed or ignored it. Some of the positive comments included: - "A masterpiece of confessional rock" ( AllMusic ) - "A landmark album that shaped a generation of indie rock" ( Pitchfork ) - "A classic that stands the test of time" ( Rolling Stone ) - "A triumph of artistic expression" ( The A.V. Club ) Cuomo himself was surprised and touched by the album's comeback, saying: "I was amazed ... I was grateful ... I was proud" . He regained his passion and confidence in music, saying: "I realized that I had made something good ... I realized that I had something to say ... I realized that I was good enough" . He decided to reunite with Weezer and resume his musical career.
Influence and Impact on Emo Rock
Pinkerton is widely regarded as one of the most influential and acclaimed albums in emo rock. It inspired many emo bands and fans with its honesty and emotion, as well as its sound and style.
Pinkerton influenced many emo bands with its lyrical themes, which dealt with topics such as sex, love, identity, and regret. These themes resonated with many emo listeners, who felt similar feelings and experiences. They said: "Pinkerton spoke to me ... Pinkerton understood me ... Pinkerton helped me" . They also admired Cuomo's courage and vulnerability in expressing his feelings, which encouraged them to do the same. They said: "Pinkerton taught me how to be honest ... Pinkerton taught me how to be emotional ... Pinkerton taught me how to be myself" .
Pinkerton also influenced many emo bands with its musical sound, which was darker, rawer, and more abrasive than their previous album. These qualities appealed to many emo listeners, who liked the intensity and energy of the music. They said: "Pinkerton rocked me ... Pinkerton pumped me up ... Pinkerton blew me away" . They also appreciated Weezer's musical versatility and creativity, which inspired them to experiment with different styles, genres, and influences. They said: "Pinkerton showed me how to be diverse ... Pinkerton showed me how to be original ... Pinkerton showed me how to be musical" .
Pinkerton also influenced many emo bands with its musical style, which was characterized by catchy and memorable hooks, dynamic and contrasting sound, and emotional and confessional lyrics. These elements became some of the hallmarks of emo rock, as many bands adopted and adapted them in their own songs. Some of the bands that cited Pinkerton as an influence included: - Jimmy Eat World , who covered "The Good Life" and "My Name Is Jonas" in their live shows - Dashboard Confessional , who named their album The Swiss Army Romance after a lyric from "El Scorcho" - The Get Up Kids , who thanked Weezer in the liner notes of their album Something to Write Home About - Saves the Day , who referenced Weezer in their song "You Vandal" - Taking Back Sunday , who sampled "El Scorcho" in their song "What's It Feel Like to Be a Ghost?" - Fall Out Boy , who named their album From Under the Cork Tree after a lyric from "El Scorcho" - My Chemical Romance , who covered "Pink Triangle" and "The Good Life" in their live shows - Paramore , who covered "Butterfly" and "My Name Is Jonas" in their live shows Pinkerton had a lasting impact on emo rock, as it shaped its sound, style, and culture. It also had a lasting impact on rock music in general, as it influenced many other bands and genres beyond emo. It became a classic that defined a generation of rock music.
Conclusion
Pinkerton is one of the most remarkable albums in rock history. It is an album that was hated, loved, misunderstood, appreciated, ignored, celebrated, rejected, and embraced by different people at different times. It is an album that went from being a failure to being a success, from being a mistake to being a masterpiece, from being a blunder to being a legend. It is an album that tells a personal and emotional story, that expresses a unique and authentic vision, that creates a powerful and memorable impression. It is an album that stands out among its peers, that challenges its listeners, that inspires its followers. It is an album that deserves to be heard, to be felt, to be respected.
Pinkerton is Weezer's Pinkerton . And it is awesome.
FAQs
Q: When was Pinkerton released?
A: Pinkerton was released on September 24, 1996.
Q: What genre is Pinkerton ?
A: Pinkerton is an alternative rock album with elements of emo rock.
Q: What is the concept of Pinkerton ?
A: Pinkerton is based on the opera Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini, and on Rivers Cuomo's personal struggles during his time at Harvard and after his leg surgery.
Q: How did Pinkerton perform commercially and critically?
A: Pinkerton was initially a commercial flop and a critical disappointment that almost ended Weezer's career. However, it later gained a cult following and a critical reappraisal, becoming one of the most influential and acclaimed albums of all time.
Q: How did Pinkerton influence emo rock?
A: Pinkerton influenced many emo bands and fans with its honesty, emotion, musicality, sound, style, and culture. It inspired many bands to write songs about their personal feelings and experiences, to experiment with different sounds and styles, and to create catchy and memorable hooks. 44f88ac181
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