What do “Beverly Hills,” “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So” all have in common?
It doesn’t take a Weezer die-hard to know these are all names of hit songs by the nostalgic rock band — but even further, none of them fall on one of Weezer’s cult-favorite albums that’s currently celebrating 30 years since its release.
Two years after the triple-platinum success of their 1994 debut album, Weezer made a bold hard right with Pinkerton, the story of what frontman Rivers Cuomo reportedly called “two very weird years” of his life, according to Interscope Records. The lyrics, reportedly lifted directly from Cuomo’s journals, explore what he called his “dark side — all the parts of myself that I was either afraid or embarrassed to think about before.”
Yet musically, it remains some of the group’s most adventurous work. But still divisive, mind you, given that Weezer decided to self-produce the record.
Interscope recently took to social media to show love for the LP’s 30-year milestone and promote a limited-edition anniversary reissue of Pinkerton, whose original edition was released in September 1996. The deluxe re-release includes 11 Bonus B-Sides, a lyric sheet insert, bonus collectible Pinkerton stationery featuring lyric quotes and more. Check out the record label’s Instagram reel below.
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Fans have since commented on the reel to show their appreciation for Pinkerton. “One of the best albums of all time,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “Best album hands down.”
The ’90s Were Weezer’s Decade
Earlier this month, Parade reported on the LA-native band’s track “Buddy Holly,” given that September 7 would have been the titular icon’s 90th birthday. Weezer’s song named after Holly is still a banger and has even earned a spot on Rolling Stone‘s updated list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Written by Cuomo, 56, “Buddy Holly” was another breakthrough hit for the young band in 1994 following their debut single, “Undone (The Sweater Song).” Find out more here.