The Rise and Fall of Weezer: The Red Album | The Rock Critic Episode #5

[@Orvil64]

Oh man. I mentionned on your Raditude video that Red album was actually my second-favorite Weezer album after Pinkerton. I just wanted to share with you why. You bring some valid points throughout your video. However, I always saw Red as a concept album. It is about the life of «The Greatest Man That Ever Lived», his rockstar status, his cockiness being expressed in Troublemaker, his IDGAF attitude in Pork and Beans, etc. The three first songs of the album are an introduction to the character. Heart Songs is about his inspirations as a rockstar (wich could also fit for Rivers Cuomo, as he has stated). Everybody Get Dangerous is a little stupid, but it's from the perspective of a reminescing adult about his teenage life, so he remembers it whimsically. And it's from the perspective of a cocky guy, too. Dreamin' is where it gets interesting. This is the first time it is explicitly stated that «The Greatest Man That Ever Lived» (who we'll now refer as TGMTEL) has a huge default: he is immature, irresponsible, he doesn't get along well with his father (keep that in mind for later). He wants to remain a child. Thought I knew is TGMTEL's first relationship with a woman. And spoiler alert, it didn't go well. TGMTEL was obviously not caring about her (he forgot his name and «caused her harm»), yet he stills blames the girl, and like you said, it's a huge Fuck You song. This comes directly after Dreamin' and that can't be a coincidence. TGMTEL is actually a childish, entitled prick. Cold Dark World. He's flirting with a woman he saw at the grocery store. He's OBVIOUSLY trying to lure her into sex, with false promises of «I'll always be there for you». He views her as an object. He even says in the first verse that he thinks she'll «end up a penniless hag». The guy is clearly an asshole. In Automatic, we finally see a little bit of maturity from TGMTEL. This seems to be a song about the first woman he ever truly loved, and this time he knows it («It's automatic when you feel it») In Angel and the One, TGMTEL is faced with something he didn't think was possible until then: defeat. He wants to stay with his love, but he can't. You can feel the emotion, the despair of knowing there is no way out of this situation other than having to let her go. For a man that thinks himself the greatest that ever lived, that must be rough as hell. And even if the lyrics aren't uplifting, the tone is, because the listener hopes TGMTEL will grow from that experience. Miss Sweeney comes next, TGMTEL has found a new girl who he loves more than everything. It is to be noted here that the confidence he showed earlier is absent from this song, probably because of the events of Angel and the One. Pig is the next track. It doesn't talk about TGMTEL. But it is a nice foreshadowing to what comes next, with the character dying. The album takes a very dark turn here. The Spider is TGMTEL talking to his love about his fear of his own death. He sees himself aging, not knowing what to do. He's corrected a lot of defaults in his lifetime: his treatment towards women, his cockiness, etc. But he still won't admit defeat. The perspective of death taking him away is fucking scary and unnaceptable to him. He's drove to madness. The last track is King. TGMTEL is an insane aging man, going in the discos to score with chicks, apparently still convinced he's young. An altercation with another man trying to score too happens, and TGMTEL starts bantering, blabbering about how he owns this town, how he's a winner, how the guy's a loser, he completely snaps. The tone of the song is clearly indicating that something is wrong: this is not a boasting track, this is pathetic, it is sad to watch. The album ends with TGMTEL muttering incessantly to himself «I'm king, I'm king, I'm king...», trying to convince himself in his madness. Pretty depressing, right? Well not that much. Remember how TGMTEL had troubles with his father? Rivers Cuomo has said in the past that he had troubles with his father too. Remember how TGMTEL takes every defeat very harshly, to the point of driving him mad? Rivers Cuomo was drove to near insanity after the bad reception Pinkerton, a very personal album wich he put a lot of effort in, had gotten (the dude painted his room in black, closed the shutters to his windows and fucking bounced a ball on a wall all day). And remember, you even said it yourself: Rivers Cuomo came to terms with Pinkerton around 2008, the year Red was released. Red album is about Rivers Cuomo realising that it is okay to make mistakes. That you cannot be perfect. That if you can't understand that you are flawed as a human being, you will be driven insane, just like TGMTEL. Red album is Rivers Cuomo realising he made mistakes and has to move on, and that's why it is the most mature album ever released by Weezer. I hope you read it all because that was a bitch to write :P also excuse my english, it isn't my first language. PS: «The Greatest Man That Ever Lived»'s sections are each inspired by a different artist: it starts off with rap, then goes to Slipknot, then to Jeff Buckley, then choirs, then Aerosmith (the ooooh baby part), then Nirvana (wich they execute very well if I do say so myself), then The Andrew Sisters, then Green Day (first time I heard this song I really thought they brought in Billy Joe Armstrong to do that part), then Elvis Presley's «Are you Lonesome Tonight?», Bach, Beethoven, and they end it with Weezer style rock. This shows in my opinion a superb mastery of rock music in general, and it also serves well in the context of the album: TGMTEL is highly pretentious because of his artistic talent and it is why he cannot see he's flawed as a human being. Sorry for the wall of text, I just really wanted to vent.

[@PatoGuzmanAd]

That's a really interesting concept, I really like it, I will listen again to Red with this on mind. Weirdly it makes sense.

[@MykiiMescal]

A NymphomaniacWalrus isn't every weezer album a concept album if you think about it?

[@FittedMushroom]

Additionally, correct me if I'm wrong but from what I heard Rivers during the time of Pinkerton wanted to be front and center of the band, even being angry at Matt Sharp for taking some of his spotlight eventually kicking him from the band to an extent. This album River's gives the other band mates their own chance at the spotlight and it really pays off aswell. Goes along with the idea of Rivers coming to accept Pinkerton IDK just a thought. I'm also super late to the conversation but yeah just a thought.

[@MykiiMescal]

Johnny Munz the moistman you can string a loose narrative in most of them ...

[@TIMMUT17]

I listened to the Red album and I didn't like it that much except for a few songs, after reading this comment I listened to the whole album and I could appreciate all of them now, even if I didn't like them all.

[@dewhi100]

Here to defend The Greatest Man That Ever Lived. A medley of their favorite styes, with lyrics ironically deconstructing a performer's ego. I like it a lot!

[@CrashThompson]

+A NymphomiacWalrus Wow. That is actually an very intriguing theory! It's weird how well the pieces fit into place for that one too. No joke, that is some next level analysis there! Thank you very much for the insight! I'll have to listen to Red again taking your comments in mind and see how it flows. High-five!

[@Tothe5BoroughsAgain]

You do know Troublemaker is satire right? They dont mean to be badass. Most of the themes of being "hardcore badasses" was because of a conference from Geffen to try and keep up the sales Make Believe brought. But Rivers had finally got brave enough to want to try and be experimental and thumb his nose at them. Now Troublemaker isnt a great song, but it is catchy. And actually more thought out than you thought. While Pork And Beans' lyrics are direct from the execs mouths. Rogaine and timbaland were both sarcastic quips in the song. In fact, the album goes down hill on Heart Songs, Dangerous and every song the other guys sing on the standard edition. Ive already given you an essay here so i wont go into it. But the bonus tracks that stemmed from this album shouldve replaced a good chunk of the album. But Troublemaker is Rivers' attempt at satire. Its much more clever than youre giving it credit for.

[@Tothe5BoroughsAgain]

And im pretty sure the performance of Greatest Man you used for the review was shot a little after Cuomo was caught in a car accident that i think destroyed his ribs. Im sorry, i just really understand where they were coming from on this album and they just chose some wrong tracks. Youre awesome!

[@JohnnyOrgan]

Recently subscribed because I enjoy your vids, humour and personality but I think, as a critic, you completely ignored/missed the whole concept of this album imho.

[@theangelandtheone]

+Gabe Suarez The Greatest Man was Spike TV Video Game Awards 2008 and the bus accident was in 2009 during the Raditude tour

[@tiralana8360]

I think it's the bad porn stache and bad hair cuts. I mean good grief that would affect anyone.

[@DeBruyne42]

HOLD ON The Greatest Man that Ever Lived is a fantastic song!!

[@CrashThompson]

To each his own. It just wasn't my particular cup of tea.

[@MattUseInternet]

I agree! I've actually never heard anyone diss it before.

[@oliverfletcher1939]

I personally find it one of weezers low points of their career

[@morganfoster3477]

I ironically love the song. If I need cheering up I listen to it cuz it makes me laugh.

[@SPOOFY_D]

"Everybody Get Dangerous" sounds like the Chili Peppers should be performing it.

[@virgillewis6240]

Colin O'Briant I would love to see that actually. With Frusciante not Klinghoffer

[@achair650]

That would be pretty cool now that I think of it....

[@AlienMyth64]

14:07 that "I'm gonna be cowboy!" line is freaking gold

[@williamleopold6707]

I like and I'm a republican

[@JuanJDuenas]

+William Leopold Scott: "Yeah, I'm not doing this." Rivers: "Whatever, they'll still buy it."

[@RohanAgrawalpeepeepoopoo]

@@IABITVpresents *I WANNA BE A COWBOY BABYEH*

[@artanmcmanusarchives]

@@JuanJDuenas Rivers: *They’ll still buy it*

[@trueblueryu5713]

Personally "Greatest Man" is probably my favorite of Weezer's songs, if only because it just puts me in a good mood and I always just took it as being one of those bombastic, yet joking, boast songs. Plus, most of the song styles after the beginning feel really great to me. But yeah, calling it a 21st century "Bohemian Rhapsody" is quite a stretch; it's big, but definitely not as finely tuned. Other than that I can agree with your stances on most of the other songs.

[@RecreationalCarrot]

The lyrics in Troublemaker are meant to be ironic, like Fight for Your Right

[@NicholasSpadafora]

yes

[@galleryofrogues]

True, but it’s still kind of a crappy and annoying song.

[@michaelgraham9774]

Just cause it's ironic doesnt mean it isn't a pretty sub-par song by itself.

[@foixjonwilliamson]

On the greatest man thatever lived, rivers combined the lead singers of all of his favorite bands and molded them into a giant macho badass, and made him the basis of the songs lyrics(not joking). All of the movements signify all of the bands that he took the front men out of. There is actually a list on some site. Tupac Shakur 0:35 Slipknot 1:00 Jeff Buckley 1:26 Choral (not specified to a single person) 1:51 Aerosmith 2:17 Nirvana 2:43 Andrews Sisters 3:08 Green Day 3:33 Spoken word (heavily inspired by Elvis' "Are You Lonesome Tonight?") 4:06 Bach 4:37, Beethoven 4:54 Weezer (himself) 5:10 That is the reason for all of the movements.

[@christianpireslopes7725]

Go back recording with MC Ride, you bafoon.

[@artanmcmanusarchives]

Andrew sisters straight to green day? This song DOES kick ass.

[@Ryan-Petre]

No opinion on Dreamin'?

[@Nega-Tim]

It's the best on the album imo. Shame he didn't talk about it.

[@artanmcmanusarchives]

Good bc he probably would’ve find a reason to dislike it like with every, other, fucking, track.

[@Ryan-Petre]

@@artanmcmanusarchives Yeah, I haven't watched thie guy in a bunch of years, but he's got some Doug Walker tier opinions. Especially with how he takes all the lyrics at face value, and criticizes Rivers for including references to his guilty pleasure tracks on Heart Song, even tho that was literally the entire point lol

[@LouisWritingSomethingCrazy]

"Get Dangerous" is actually just a tongue in cheek song. He keeps listing stuff that isn't dangerous, but actually just weird. It reads like someone making fun of a lot of other groups attempts to appear dangerous. Listen to it with the sarcasm its intended, and it becomes clear.

[@herobrineslay12]

I do actually like the greatest man that ever lived.

[@Uncannyguitar]

To me heart songs is much better because of the artists he chose to sing about. Everybody loves Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Beach Boys etc, but I think artists learn how to truly create something original by having weird influences. Whenever I write songs I find that my guilty pleasures tend to subconsciously work their way into my music frequently. I almost appreciate those artists more in a way because the connection feels more personal to me.

[@finnarmstrong2359]

Is there a longer version of that Scott/Goku training montage?

[@eclecticmuso]

+Finn Armstrong Scott is the real super saiyan lol...

[@chickennugstudios55]

As a bassist I love this comment and I also wonder if there is a longer version

[@Jopes17]

Brians vocals in the Nirvana section of The Greatest Man that ever lived are some of the best screaming vocals I've heard

[@enthnd03]

I love these videos (yes I am a huge weezer fan) but these are just pure fun, you got a nostalgia critic vibe that I definitely am a fan of.

[@CrashThompson]

Thank you very much! I'm a big fan of Doug Walker's work!

[@mattsbanduploads]

Greatest Man Who Ever lived is a play on the idea of variations (using the same theme and making it different styles) that's why it's structured so strange (the term variations is even in the title haha) It's a pretty smart musical idea actually

[@eclecticmuso]

+Matty Jiles yeah but the execution of that smart idea is poor.

[@100Italian]

I'm actually surprised you continued after the Make Believe vid...I cannot wait to hear your Hurley thoughts!

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I'm actually finishing up Raditude at the moment. Should be out by the endo f April.

[@100Italian]

uh oh...

[@TheHeroOfTomorrow]

Alright, I love Pork and Beans too--but I love it for three reasons. 1) I don't have that much experience with Weezer in general, so it being a departure from their other music doesn't bother me as much. 2) The video is a lot of fun to me, even today. And 3) Unlike Beverly Hills, this IS an uplifting song about being yourself, and screw what anyone else thinks. I still think that's a good message.

[@MichaelMikey320]

Meh. I like Troublemaker. I know the lyrics are really stupid, but I like how catchy the song is.

[@OnBP]

Same

[@desmondhume8071]

+Michael Mikey me too

[@RohanAgrawalpeepeepoopoo]

Me to

[@NicholasSpadafora]

I think the stupidness of the lyrics is intentional.

[@Flamestar320]

I remember first hearing that song from a video named "Lightsabers Are Fun" that was released when _Weezer (The Red Album)_ was new.

[@ThomasSMASHDOWN]

Enjoying watching the series so far, but something caught my eye at 11:24. That view for the Live video of 'The Angel and the One' looked awfully similar to the live video that I recorded and uploaded all those years ago. Went to re-watch my video to compare and what do you know, complete match. You are so Busted!!! Haha jk, all good. Good to know it came to good use. I only uploaded it because the sound came out alright for it, and it was the first (and still only) live performance of the song.

[@nitromagilou597]

I've heard "Troublemaker" on the radio once. Once.

[@galleryofrogues]

Matthew Cool You’re lucky.

[@galleryofrogues]

Used to play on WKQX CONSTANTLY in 2008-2009 🤮

[@poinoup]

Been digging this series. I chuckle every time with the Rivers "Oh no" I must say. Also, as a Canadian, great hearing another Hip fan out there man. Keep this up!

[@CrashThompson]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you're enjoying the show!

[@Superblamblamman]

The Rock Critic Yeah, the show is awesome. Personally, I loved the Red Album's songs, but to each his/her own.

[@AtrocityEquine01]

It's kinda depressing with all the hate people threw at Kesha back then..and now we feel *SO* sorry for her.

[@djcreeps121]

I dont

[@AtrocityEquine01]

djcreeps121 Well that's you compared to the slew of other people.

[@cnjlakes]

Thank you, The Rock Critic. You made a slow day at work VERY entertaining!

[@CrashThompson]

Happy to oblige. :)

[@tonymarshall3978]

My Itunes bugged out as I only downloaded "The angel and the one" It just added the song to the blue album. It doesn't fully fit but it does mean I have one of their best songs on an even more deserving album. It's my favourite Weezer slow jam

[@ogbee9690]

Dude You're the Best Rock Critic I've Heard. The information & opinions you share are flawless, Added to the Fact That Your Humor Is Easy to understand and just plain hilarious. Great Job, I Can Definitely See your Channel getting big soon. :D

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@second1814]

Brandough Crox and he give HIS option not anyone else's

[@panterxbeats]

I'm pretty sure that Heart Songs was more about his taste as a KID rather than his current taste or who he considers to be the "greats".

[@CrashThompson]

Yeah, I get that. And again, there's no accounting for personal taste. Everyone has an eclectic mix of stuff that makes them happy. I can actually respect the boldness with coming out with some of your guilty pleasures publicly. I almost thought about not touching on Heart Songs for that reason, but what convinced me to keep it in was discussing this song with different groups of friends. At least in my circles, there are always people who are taken aback by at least one if not many of the artists referenced. The interesting thing about that though... it's NEVER the same artists. In fact, here's a fun experiment you can try with your Weezer fan friends. (At least it was fun when I did it.) Bring up that song to them when in you're in a group setting. Particularly if there are people there who don't know each other. Bring up your opinions or wait to see who brings up their opinions about any one particular band in general, and watch the powder keg go off. The debate that song can stir up can be downright fascinating. Hell, it was the best 20-30 minutes I've ever spent talking about Terrence Trent D'Arby, at least.

[@PatoGuzmanAd]

I love this album completely, but I really like your weezer reviews, they are so great and hilarious, suscribed :)

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying the show!

[@crocketthall793]

ready for the rest of the albums to be reviewed. im curious about your take on Hurley. keep up the great work

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I just finished the Raditude script today, so hopefully the wait won't be too much longer.

[@crocketthall793]

The Rock Critic cool. glad to hear it. i'll keep my thoughts on hurley to myself because im interested in hearing your take on it. but i'm excited to see the critique of raditude.

[@guitar2231]

YES the video I've been waiting for so long for!!!!! Crash you're the man!!!

[@CrashThompson]

Thank you kindly. :)

[@dog8668]

I find "kee-yods" so hilarious for some reason

[@struannelson8135]

Will the Raditude review be up at any point? Can't wait to see what's to be said about that

[@lucasspencer5579]

What I've noticed about the "the greatest man that ever lived" is that people either love it or hate it. I personally love it, I think the 7 different themes are awesome.

[@samcarroll6210]

The Greatest Man that Ever Lived is actually a good song on the album, you're just judging the live version

[@second1814]

Batboy Carroll the live version is better

[@chickennugstudios55]

I can respect the fact that you like the greatest man that ever lived, it’s your opinion but please don’t just say that it’s good, give some points to support your statement

[@MichaelTaylor-fn7zl]

Hey man. You forgot to talk about "Dreamin." What did you think of that song?

[@austinwilleke409]

Hey I just wanted to say, I'm 18 and just entering college as a music student, about to get a Weezer tattoo on my right arm, and love your work. I appreciate your perspective and critical eye. I got this album when I was 12 and I liked most of it and even then some of it was off putting. Thank you so much for the amazing videos and this amazing series. You have a new subscriber and I will be telling any Weezer fans I know to get the hell over here. (Also we have the same Rush shirt which is bad ass.) Thanks you!

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying the show. Feel free to spread the word as much as you like. The more, the merrier! Cheers!

[@josephwilliams9714]

Loving this video series, man. However, with this one I am a bit disappointed you didn't talk about "Dreamin,".

[@prodigylover]

Yes man!! I knew I had faith in you from coming across your video randomly! When I reached you mentioning one of your favorite songs by weezer ever being The Angel and the one, my faith was completed! could listen to that song over and over and the final minute and a half of controlled sustain, gives me the shivers! Haven't fully watched the entire video but pig is a great song and would have been a great album opener and King too! Hopefully I'll hear your thoughts on them as I continue watching this video!:)

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I agree. That linger at the end just... Ooooh! Also, I'm with you on "Pig", too. I would have definitely preferred that over "Troublemaker".

[@beitie]

I had to rewatch over and over the voice over for the cover art, it's just so brilliant.

[@sillypenta]

That was 40 minutes well spent; no wonder it took so long. I am in agreement with this review but I'm surprised you didn't mention Dreamin'. On the subject of Raditude, have you ever heard the Alone version of Can't Stop Partying? It gives the song a completely different feel, as if Rivers is tired of always being at parties. It's almost like somebody saw the word Party in the title and thought it must be perfect for a manufactured hit featuring Lil Wayne, especially since it was originally supposed to be the lead single.

[@CrashThompson]

I haven't really dug too deep. Just little bits and pieces while Spotifying. But with the Raditude episode I'll need to research those albums as well, so I will definitely hear it while making the episode. Looking forward to it, actually.

[@CrashThompson]

Oh and actually, the original cut of the episode DID feature a brief segment on Dreamin'! But I had to axe it out for time constraints. Believe it or not I actually had to leave a few things on the cutting room floor. Kinda sad, but I didn't want this to be a crazy, stupidly-long episode. (In case you were wondering, I do like Dreamin'! But it was a hard song to write good material for... at least, it was for me.)

[@BennyOkay]

And although I appreciate the amount you dug to make this series of video it really does come off as if you've listened deeper than the music.

[@awsmdrummer62]

Wow, he didn't even mention the Descendents in Heart Songs.

[@DanielDriverA]

I really appreciate your insight. Weezer is one of my favorite bands, and I really don't get to engage in any sort of real conversation about their work with many people because...well most people know only the singles and such. That being said I agree with nearly every point you made here (Except I Am The Gre...) Something about that song catches the ironic Weezerness that I enjoy so much. It is Rivers attempting to be someone who he is not and I find that a pretty fascinating concept. Especially compared to his early work where all he wanted to do was be himself. Also, I'd never given that much thought towards the fact that Rivers is singing about what his friends did in Everybody Get Dangerous--brought a chuckle. **DANGEROUS!** That being said Angel and The One is by far the absolute best piece this band has composed as a unit. EVERY time I listen to it chills run down my body. It is beautiful. Thanks again for this honest, fair, and forgiving review. I'm pretty excited to watch this Ratitude slaughter.

[@ZacLavender]

FYI, The Piano intro to "Greatest Man Who Ever Lived" and the consequent variations are from an 1870s Shaker Hymn ("Simple Gifts") which was famously used in Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring. I actually like this song and thought it was the most adventurous tracks on the album due to theme + variations form and the inventiveness of thematic transformation through different styles. Watching that live video, it's hard to tell if Rivers is completely serious or just being a massive troll, either way I found the song humourous and enjoyable as a work of art.

[@coffeemon3607]

During the part while talking about the rhymes in troublemaker you forgot to finish some of the lines, making some seem like they don't rhyme when they do.

[@TimLoyer]

I think this is your best full-length review yet. Keep up the great work Crash!

[@DoubleO711]

You managed to make a nearly 40 minute video about THE RED ALBUM interesting. You sir, have my respect. When is the Raditude one coming? I can't wait!

[@CrashThompson]

I'm working on it now. Should be out by the end of April if not sooner. Glad you liked the episode!

[@podAA27]

Dude, I'm really liking this series of videos. It kinda reminds me of Red Letter Media's series on the Star Wars prequels. I disagree with some things here and there, but you make really valid points. The best point you made was the fact that these lyrics come across as cocky jock bullshit and how it's the opposite of what got us to like Weezer in the first place. In some ways it's like an anti-weezer album. I feel like it's him rebelling against his fanbase for hating his newer work. It's like when they told Neil Young he couldn't play country. I like goofy nonsense. Sweater song is in my top five favorite Weezer tunes. So, I tried to brush off the douchey lyrics in Red as being goofy nonsense but, like you said, there's a grossness to it. If you've ever read the book "River's Edge" you start to understand them a little bit more. River's started off wanting to be a sex god metal head kinda douche. Even songs like "Greatest Man" seem tongue and cheek you can feel underneath he kinda really wants to be that cock rock douche. The book also talks about this weird phase he went through where he completely bashed Pinkerton and called it "gay" and got into arguments with his fans on his forum. I'm not saying I don't like the album I'm just........ blargudy blarg blarg Anyway, this comment is really long and these videos are really good.

[@daviddalton8861]

Contrary with all you feel about the two albums, I like both Make Believe and Red. Not really sure why they and Hurley can be compared with Raditude. And what about Dreamin'? Not sure why that wasn't included in your review.

[@AlienMyth64]

watching this while sick makes me feel a lot better :)

[@jacksonkimball4583]

Heart Song is really good. Are you gonna do a one for there newest shit album?

[@KirbyDee]

The White Album's not that bad, it's okay. But the next album is gonna be good, I bet.

[@KirbyDee]

+KirbyDee Crew (Da Crew) I heard it was gonna be the "beach boys gone bad".

[@lolproductoins]

So a fun fact I think you might find interesting that I read during my research, Pork and Beans and Troublemaker were added after the album was finished. Basically Geffen was unimpressed and decided that "The Red Album" was lacking any hits, so thy told Weezer they better add some hits Knowing that, and how well received Troublemaker was, Its actually kind of a good example of Weezers masterful abilities. I mean its simple, which I dont mind, but its also punchy and the humor might not be "funny", but if you can kind of distance yourself from what it is, it makes the song cute and fun if nothing else. Pork And Beans is good but your right, the lyrics are a little funky. Troublemaker is one of my favorite Weezer jams one big disagreement I have with your take on this album is your opinion on "Heart Songs" I mean Its not so much a tribute to "great artists" as its a nod to the music he grew up on. To judge this pretty little number by his taste in music seems a little unfair. Which I guess you did touch on a little.

[@lolproductoins]

Also I think Everybody get dangerous is super rad and hilarious but I get where your comming from

[@CrashThompson]

MichaelCoon That's fair. This album was a weird one in that it resonated with people in many different ways. It's a bit of a polarizing one, but regardless, it has plenty of bright spots. I guess this album, like most albums really, just boiled down to taste.

[@lolproductoins]

My band is working on just throwing a few videos of us playing our songs online right now, I don't guess you'd like to run your opinion by it? nothing fancy just what you think, It would be fun to get such a different opinion from a fellow rock enthusiast

[@ZoanBlade90]

+The Rock Critic 3:42 Shame, you did the voice really well.

[@emf56]

YES! I've been waiting so long for this video!

[@drumboy940]

Troublemaker is ironic, that's why it looks so stupid. It's basic but not particularly generic and it suits the cover very well

[@ashenveil6759]

Can anyone tell me what the song at 9:35 is?

[@chickenfries2812]

dude when is the next video about hurley and raditude

[@CrashThompson]

Raditude should be out this week! Be ready, because it's a big one.

[@chickenfries2812]

YES !!! THANK YOU YOURE FUNNY AND YOU GIVE GOOD REVIEWS you should have an MTV daily show

[@CrashThompson]

Thank ye kindly.

[@dylana5044]

Hey man, I just finished watching all of your Weezer videos. Well done! You're a great writer and have the ability to put together a funny and entertaining video while getting your point across clearly. While I disagree with some of your points, I will absolutely keep coming back to watch the rest when you make them. I am a huge Weezer fan, and while I think you've been a bit too harsh on the band, I've come to expect these types of criticisms from other fans. But I appreciate how you took the time to explain exactly what your points are, which is something other Weeze fans don't do (most of the time its just "everything sucks after Blue and Pinkerton!"). Red is one of my favorite albums, and I'm glad that you've given it a detailed review and threw a lot of love at it. But dang! I don't think I've ever heard so much hate on The Greatest Man before. That really surprised me. I see your points, but I do like how experimental and different it is. And like a previous poster said, the beginning of the album is all about confidence, which is a departure from their recurring themes of, well, lack of confidence. Troublemaker and Greatest Man may come off a little corny and silly, but I think they're supposed to. I think they're meant to be fun, kick-ass songs that kinda play with the idea of this newfound confidence, and then by the time Pork and Beans comes around, they give a more mature and healthy approach to having self-confidence. I think the songs all really compliment each other nicely. I wish you spent more time with the b-sides too! Those songs are a big reason why this album's one of my favorites. But all in all, I really enjoyed your videos and look forward to seeing your other stuff!

[@CrashThompson]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you've enjoyed the videos. I can see where you're coming from with the opening tracks, too. I can kinda grasp why there is a certain appeal behind them. They do certainly have their charm (even if their charm wasn't particularly effective on me), and I can see how they do interconnect with the overall themes of the album. If nothing else, I'll give them credit for just going out on a limb like that and stepping outside of their comfort zone. There are plenty of bands who don't have the cojones to do that, so that alone is worthy of respect.

[@RiverOfWetness468]

Crash, could you tell me which part of the Weezer series, and at which point in the video, was the one where you explained why "Beverly Hills" doesn't work as satire? I know it wasn't the one on Make Believe, but it would be a tad inefficient to just rewatch all the other videos until I get to that part :P

[@nikkilev78]

Oh shit!! First of all, I give you SUCH props for your KZbin video mastery. This is a VERY entertaining video, and I laughed many times, despite a certain opposite-ness of opinion with you about the actual quality of the album, track by track. I'm not going to try on Greatest Man, because I REALLY think you didn't get it and it would just take too long, and I'd have to get into Classical Theme and Variation, and the inherent oppositeness of the Rivers lyrics from the lyrics of the Shaker Hymn and herewithin the purposeful irony of the song etc and so forth. Not to mention the falsity of using that live rendition as you tear the song apart... the song works because of the production on the album, especially the vocal layering, which is where the "Queenlike" aspect comes in, not from the lyrical content or purposely disjointed arrangement. Oops, I did it anyway. So instead: Heartsong: which we both agree is very good musically. However you literally write the song off because you don't agree with Rivers choice of songs he highlights that influenced his life from a HEART perspective. You seem to want to judge the song itself based on your personal opinion of each song within the song. THAT IS NOT WHAT THE SONG IS ABOUT. Its about him daydreaming year by year through his life and thinking about what he was listening to at the moment. Also, Rivers is not saying: Quiet Riot is as good as Judas Priest, or that Rick Astley is equal to Nirvana. He is saying: we all fucking listen to the radio and hear snatches of beauty in the strangest combination of songs... that ultimately is the whole subjective beauty of musical taste, and you seem to want to put some quantification on that: This song is less because Rivers picks "bad" music to like. Very strange to my sensibility of life, but still... good point on the Debbie Gibson/Tiffany mess up. That said, I love that you make 37 minute to hour plus album reviews of Weezer albums. What a beautifully nerdy thing to do! I approve.

[@coolbro6969]

you totally had me fooled with the first three minutes.. this is SUPERB HIGH QUALITY REVIEW.

[@spagett1670]

V for Vendetta, Game Grump, Bravest Warriors, and Weezer in the first 5 minutes? You've got my attention.

[@ChrisTheSheriff]

My previous theroy about the guitar strap is proven untrue, i didnt realize that he wore it in "Troubl-" *shudders* I cant finish it

[@jimmycain82]

Hey man, I'm a huge weezer fan, and I still hold out hope they'll return to form...but I think all your reviews are spot on and hilarious. I appreciate you taking the time to make them.

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I'm glad you've enjoyed them!

[@tomataso]

I love your videos, but the reason that makes The Greatest Man That Ever Lived, so awesome it's the change of atmospheres, it's a tribute to the main composition professor of rivers. He died 3 days after he can give it, in fact maybe it's the first "academic" composition of rivers. I love the final part of the video, you defined the best weezer. I love your videos, please make MORE!, regards from Costa Rica!

[@CrashThompson]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying the show. It's nice seeing the differing opinions come in on that particular track. It certainly does seem to be a polarizing one.

[@tomataso]

:DDDD THE ROCK CRITIC TALK TO ME!!! :DDDD AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA You are like Karl XD a part of a band

[@tomataso]

the*

[@retroriley5202]

awesome i'm your 1000th subscriber! love listening to your opinions, you do a great job!

[@panterxbeats]

I watched your last two Weezer videos just tonight and wasn't expecting to see this, but part 3, cool! I'm enjoying the videos but What took so long for this? o.O nearly a year

[@CrashThompson]

Around the Iggy & The Stooges Quickie a few months back I got ridiculously sick for a few months. And around the time I was finally recovering from that, my outdated tech finally crapped out on me, so I had to put things on hold to save up for new equipment. (That's a big reason why the past episodes look and sound a little wonky. I was making videos on old cameras and a MacBook more than a few generations old.) Circumstance. It can fuck ya really well when it wants to. :S

[@noah-os5ev]

What are your opinions on dreamin and miss Sweeney.

[@danielbloomquist9810]

Not out of the intro yet, and I surrender to you all of my yes.

[@mattgunn2382]

Did you make the Raditude video yet? Maybe I'm blind, but I just don't see it. Probably blindness.

[@ogbee9690]

he released it april 2014. so the next month of your comment. lol

[@j0ckEph]

Woah man, EXCELLENT as usual! WOO OMG When you mentioned "The Angel and the One" Woo! Okay!

[@CrashThompson]

Thank ye kindly!

[@justincasas9967]

M’lady, have you heard of V for Vendetta and VV for VVeezer?

[@mychemicalrepublican8420]

I know this was just an off hand comment, but whenever someone mentions the 21st century Bohemian Raphsody two songs come to mind. Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance or The Jesus of Suburbia by Green Day. Any other contenders anyone?

[@msterquilz6435]

V for Vendetta reference and rendition was fucking brilliant, had me rolling on the floor laughing

[@Guzuma]

everybody get dangerous came on shuffle once when i was playing a game and it made it look cooler lmao. i also remember it from the commercials for g force, that disney guinea pig movie from like 10 years ago. (every day i feel older.)

[@JohnnyOrgan]

A Nymphomaniac Walrus - BANG ON MY FRIEND.

[@panterxbeats]

Great review though, the ending had me laughing. When are we gonna see part 4?

[@CrashThompson]

Hopefully sometime before the winter is over. My schedule is crazy and finicky though, plus there are other reviews I'd like to do. I can't hammer in a hard deadline, but it is a top priority. And thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@chrisotero3842]

Considering you didnt bring it up in the review, I have to ask: how do you feel about Dreamin? I really like the first half of the song but I feel like everything after the second chorus is out of place and the ideas are all under developed.

[@jdgx95]

every time i hear everybody get dangerous i cant help but think its a background song on the English dub of beyblade >.>

[@dangerousanalysis]

The angel and the one is precisely the situation I just sorta walked out of. I'm friends with the person still, but I've moved on mentally and spiritually from where I was. I just realized, i am complete, I don't need them. I am fine on my own. That's what the song is about I think. Realizing that you need to move on from someone.

[@Flamestar320]

I feel like "The Angel and The One" is Weezer's "Bohemian Rhapsody". They both start off with minimal instrumentation and slowly build up as they go along and then back to the minimal instrumentation. "The Angel and The One" is one of the very best songs from Weezer in my opinion.

[@michaelmclane7892]

I like perfect situation and troublemaker

[@evanleo9746]

I hope you listened to dreaming well. Incredible song there

[@chrisotero3842]

The Greatest Man That Ever Lived is one of my favorite Weezer songs ever, simply because they really came out left field with that track. Granted, it is sporadic and off so I can get the hate, but I love that experimentation.

[@mikesantiago96]

I agree with a LOT of stuff you said in this review. For me, this album is a bit of a mixed bag. I really dig the second half of this album, specifically tracks 7-10. And I also enjoy the bonus tracks, too! I tried listening to the album with the first six tracks removed in favor of the bonus tracks (minus the cover songs) and then rearranged the order. By doing this, the album suddenly has a more darker and melancholic feel to it. And it just baffles me on why any of these bonus tracks didn't make the final cut!

[@jcabassi]

The cockiness of TRA is a lot of fun, IMO. It seems playful. And much (much) preferable to the whininess of Make Believe. Loving all your Weezer videos! Just discovered them today.

[@jcabassi]

Can't believe you didn't mention Miss Sweeney though! AAAaaaarggghhh! :P

[@danielmcdermott138]

Critic I know you slagged them off kind of there, but what is your overall opinion of Oasis? I think they're great but I can understand the backlash

[@TheGlooSniffer]

WUT!! WEZER CAN DOES NO WRUNG

[@williamleopold6707]

Best comment ever

[@spencercowan8862]

+The Rock Critic I believe you should look at this, it's quite important sir.

[@raistarr]

Again bang on, its so sad man. I feel like the band that shaped my musical influence was a mirage?? how can Rivers be the same person that wrote pinkerton and all the pinkerton b-sides??? i just dont get it??? maybe something happened with matt sharp??

[@dummytree]

Matt was obviously an important part of the Weezer chemistry...

[@pushon10]

29:42 that songs sounds like Clones by Ash, except not as good.

[@blau6832]

At the part where you´ve said that you don´t think all the ideas in "The greatest man that ever lived" were necessarily bad, you showed the more... uh... "you can headbang to that" parts of the song. Did you do this by intent to show WHICH parts you were referring to or did it just happen to be at the point in time where you said that?

[@thomasgorre9285]

The red album describes the color i was seeing when i heard it.

[@BarkesProductions990]

I lost it at the king of the hill clip XD

[@MerpSquad21]

So I was looking for a good overview of the band and then and find this and it's amazing the entire series. My only not really complaint but wonder was why math sharp leaving the band wasn't talked about more and who you prefer more. I like Sharp personally but not by much.

[@lukeboyer1594]

I always saw “Greatest Man That Ever Lived” as a story telling track about an overly pompous and self indulgent dude with no form of self awareness

[@whitefreshprince218]

I love how he complains about Rivers talking about his sex life on The Greatest Man That Ever Lived, yet most of Pinkerton talks about Rivers sex life and yet it’s one of his favorite Weezer albums

[@jamiethomas6953]

I'd just like to let you know that "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" is my favourite song. It's a wonderful, joyous, life-affirming song. It's exactly the kind of song I want to hear when I'm feeling sad, small, let down, lacking in confidence. It's my go-to song. It doesn't just lift you above your problems, it SMASHES you above them. If anything, the fact that a smug, self-important, "listen to me, I'm so clever!" self-appointed critic doesn't like it only serves to demonstrate what a success the song is. This song is Rivers saying "fuck you" to people exactly like you.

[@CrashThompson]

That's fine. To each their own. I'm glad you can get that kind of feeling out of the song! I do believe that that was it's original intention when it was written. Many other people have commented on how it uplifting and inspiring it can be, and I'm glad you can find enjoyment in the song where I couldn't. It just seemed a bit too out of character for my tastes, but again, those are only my tastes. If you like this song, like it, and don't let anybody else tell you that you can't. Thank you for your honest feedback. Cheers!

[@flamingcabbage8359]

I've never heard anyone say they like "Thought I Knew" and didn't like "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived". I honestly thought that the overwhelming (and correct) consensus was the other way around.

[@meridianheights6255]

FIVE YEARS LATER... Red is one of my favorite albums. I like your videos even though I usually don't share your opinion. I'm curious to see your review of the Black Album.

[@beyondawesomefilms]

I think Dreamin is a decent track. What are your thoughts on it you never covered it.

[@CrashThompson]

It's just okay. I personally didn't think it was anything special. I originally cut a segment on Dreamin' for time, but my thoughts pretty much just among not to that.

[@christophercarter6962]

what was that song at 9:35