Rivers Cuomo reflected on the mixed response that welcomed the release of Weezer’s ‘Pinkerton’ album after its release in 1996.
The album, which was the band’s second studio album, will turn 25 in September.
Cuomo recalled ‘Pinkerton’ during a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, with the vocalist quoting the album when asked by Lowe which of Weezer’s LPs he would like to revisit with the orchestral approach that was applied to the band’s new album ‘OK Humano’ ‘.
“These are the most complex and the most exciting songs,” explained Cuomo of ‘Pinkerton’ tracks (you can watch the discussion at 7:38 in the video below). “And yet, the way we record is such raw four-piece rock noise. I would be very interested to hear that with an orchestra. “
Cuomo also said that ‘Pinkerton’ “was meant to be our magnum opus and was destroyed – and it’s almost as if the game is over for our band”.
Despite mixed criticism, Cuomo said he still loves ‘Pinkerton’ – especially his vocals.
“Especially, I love the sound of my voice,” said the musician. “It’s too low in the mix. I would love to hear a remix of the loudest vocal, but there is so much pain and vulnerability in my voice. “
Cuomo continued: “I don’t know if this is disappointing, but I think part of the pain you hear in my voice [on ‘Pinkerton’] it’s really physical.
“At that time I was doing a procedure on my leg where I had all these pins and tips and wires going through my muscle and bone, for a year and a half, and this is a constant pain. And right in the middle of that, I recorded the vocals for the album.
“So, it looks like I’ve been through a lot and I think part of it is physical. And maybe if you want to have really good vocal performance, you could consider some kind of self-cutting device … ”
Last month, Cuomo said that European dates at Weezer Hella Mega Tour with Green Day and Fall Out Boy are still scheduled to go ahead this summer.