Weezer "Hurley" (ADVANCE)

Ladies and gentlemen, I have good news. Hurley is better than the album cover would make you think. Reports of the forthcoming apocalypse seem to be unfounded, as Hurley takes Weezer back to where they were before the 2 very wrong turns of The Red Album and Raditude.

The Red Album was a challenging concept that didn't lend itself to mainstream acceptance. Raditude was much too sophomoric for the now 40 year old Rivers Cuomo to get away with. As a matter of fact, Rivers seems to be through his mid-life crisis and is finally acknowledging his age; this record is bookended by the songs "Memories" and "Time Flies".

It sounds like Rivers has found his voice again. These new songs harken back to Weezer's heyday. It is a brand of enjoyable, intuitive power pop-rock. Even the 4 bonus tracks on the Deluxe Edition (including a cover of Coldplay's "Viva la Vida") are top notch.

Must hear: Ruling Me

(Release Date: 9/14/10)

Crash Kings "Crash Kings"

By now you may have heard the Crash Kings song and legitimate hit "Mountain Man". It recently reached #1 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. This isn't an entire album of "Mountain Man" sound-alikes but it is better than anticipated. I hear a lot of different musical influences here: The White Stripes, Ben Folds, Weezer, Queen, The Fray, Snow Patrol, Augustana, etc. It may not be the most original material but if you're going to copy styles at least they're taking it from well-liked and successful bands.

Must hear: Mountain Man

(Release Date: 5/26/09)

Weezer "Raditude"

Raditude? Rainn Wilson? And that ridiculous cover? Yes, Weezer is pandering to the lowest common denominator. OK, fine. Let's get to the music.

With song titles like "I'm Your Daddy", "The Girl Got Hot" and "Can't Stop Partying" you can't help but think there's something else going on here. Maybe they're making a statement. About the music industry? About the consumer? Maybe everyone. A song like "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To" is a classic pop song. But the title is intentionally long and jarring because it isn't easily marketable. It wouldn't surprise me if Weezer was just churning out these records to fulfill their contract and be able to move on.

Must hear: (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A7OruAFESw)

(Release Date: 11/3/09)