Weezer is just one of those bands with which people from all different backgrounds seem to have some kind of uncanny fascination. However, up until the summer of 2000, the band was basically missing in action. Resurrecting themselves in the world of rock and roll, Weezer has gone from hitting the bottom to selling out the Spectrum in little over a year.
Even before hitting Philadelphia, this tour has already proven to be an interesting experience, with Scott Shriner of the band Broken filling in on bass after the mysterious "disappearance" of former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh, and opening band Cold dropping out of the tour mid-way through.< p>
Nevertheless, when the lights went out and Weezer stepped onstage, the crowd went ballistic, even though the band provided a mellow intro and then proceeded straight into the similarly peaceful "Island in the Sun." The liveliness of the "pit" was incredible as every single person sang along to every word. The energy level never dissipated throughout the show, even when the band previewed new material like "So Low," "Dope Nose," and "Do You Want Me To Stay." (Actually, "Dope Nose" was played back in the summer of 2000, but the other new songs show a progression in songwriting for lead- singer Rivers.)
While a majority of the songs on the "Green Album" have short guitar solos that simply restate the main riff, the new songs have extended solos, more in the vein of Pinkerton.
But last Wednesday night's set was comprised mainly of songs from the group's debut and most recent album. Highlights of the show included "Say It Ain't So," "Photograph," and the closer, "Surf Wax America," all from the band's debut album. But much to the chagrin of most of the audience, there was only "Tired of Sex" to represent Pinkerton.
