All photos courtesy of Weezer.
This is SOUND ADVICE, a weekly destination for playlists curated by Interview’s friends, enemies and lovers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered playlists from After, Soulwax, and 1LDK. This week’s installment comes from beloved rock foursome Weezer. Continuing the tradition of releasing their Blue, Green, Red, White, Teal, and Black albums, the L.A. band is adding a new color to their musical canvas with their latest record, Gold. Sonically, the album is a delicious mix of pop calculation and raw rock grit that harkens back to the group’s beginnings. Ahead of their first record in four years—with a North American tour to follow—they made us a playlist of their favorite hits and deep cuts. From Beethoven sonatas to ’80s Van Halen rock jams, the quartet showcased an eclectic collection of tunes fit for an eclectic group of guys. Afterwards, they had a crack at our questionnaire, where they shared their pre-show musical jams, set the record straight on ghosting, and shared their thoughts on what the hell is up with Gen Z.
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What do you listen to before hitting the stage?
SCOTT SHRINER: I usually do not listen to music before we play. I do vocal warmups and go through any of the songs in our set that need practicing.
RIVERS CUOMO: Nature sounds, like birds and creeks and waterfalls.
Dream fifth member of the band, dead or alive?
PATRICK WILSON: 4 is plenty!
CUOMO: Matt Sharp
Favorite album: Blue, Green, Red, White, Teal, Black or Gold?
SHRINER: Fave color album is Red.
One of your songs off the new album is titled “Don’t Make It Weird.” What’s the fastest way someone can make things weird?
BRIAN BELL: I think ghosting someone ranks up there with weird and abhorrent behavior.
CUOMO: Say the first thing that pops into your mind.
Which song is going to surprise longtime fans the most?
CUOMO: “C.E.O.” because we interpolate ourselves.
BELL: The song that will surprise most Weezer fans is “The Show Must Go On.” It’s a good driving song, and while it might sound familiar, it will also take you to very unexpected places.
Which artist are you streaming the most right now?
CUOMO: Binaural beats.
Which city has the most unhinged Weezer fans?
SHRINER: I’m going with Mexico City for most unhinged W fans.
Thoughts on Gen Z?
CUOMO: They value different kinds of people.
WILSON: They’re great! Two of my kids are Gen Z! The way I’m like, “No, because same!”
Pick three words to describe this new album:
WILSON: Analog, feel, dimensional.
