Weezer: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

April 1, 2019 | Robin Hilton -- This is probably the loosest you'll ever see Weezer. Known for meticulously produced - and electric - live shows, frontman Rivers Cuomo and the rest of the band settled in behind the Tiny Desk for an entirely acoustic set without the in-ear monitors, click track or vocal separation they usually employ to stay locked-in and tight for bigger performances. The result is surprisingly intimate, with songs that feel lived-in and rumpled, like an old flannel shirt from the '90s.
Weezer opened with one of the band's rarer songs: "Longtime Sunshine," a 1994 track that's only appeared as a Rivers Cuomo home recording on bootlegs and compilations, and on the deluxe edition of Pinkerton. Then the band performed a stripped-down version of its electro-pop song "Living in L.A.," from Weezer's new self-titled "Black Album," followed by another deep cut, "Across the Sea." It's a song Cuomo originally wrote in his early 20s, inspired by a fan letter he'd received from a young woman in Japan. While beloved by many Gen-Xers who'd first heard it on 1996's Pinkerton, the song's lyrics haven't aged terribly well.
Weezer returned to its newest material to close the set with "High as a Kite," from the new album. A song of innocence and escapism, Cuomo sings about daydreaming and how he wants to disappear - which is exactly what the band did once the song was over, but not before Cuomo told the crowd, "We are Weezer, from the planet Earth. Have a nice life!"
SET LIST
"Longtime Sunshine"
"Living in L.A."
"Across the Sea"
"High as a Kite"
MUSICIANS
Rivers Cuomo: lead vocals, guitar; Brian Bell: guitar, vocals, keys; Scott Shriner: bass guitar; Patrick Wilson: drums
CREDITS
Producers: Robin Hilton, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Beck Harlan, Kimani Oletu; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Adelaide Sandstrom; Photo: Amr Alfiky/NPR

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@KozmixBlitz]

weezer

[@rubyselio]

@@KozmixBlitzreal

[@Lebowski55]

It’s cool how these tiny desk shows have kind of replaced the MTV unplugged thing

[@malvonanaliseiv8629]

Not only that, the death ratio of artists who went on NPR is much lower than the MTV (I jest)

[@ShayerQuasem]

What an excellent observation man. I've recently been going through the tiny desk catalogue, and I didn't know that was the void it was filling

[@nikolatesla9384]

I have noticed it too. Its just a shame theyr so short compared wish they released full length versions as well the short ones

[@paulmarion3013]

Yeah for real. Wish this could have been a way longer set. But I’ve also found a lot of cool bands from this format

[@william4661]

They're not comparable size-wise/production-wise though, but I get what you mean. You have very nice intimacy with tiny desk, even more so than with the Unplugged shows. Though at the same time, some of the best unplugged shows could've never been recorded at tiny desk. But yeah, intimacy-wise tiny desk one-ups Unplugged for sure.

[@gabestew262]

They went from being a nerdy kid band to a nerdy dad band

[@DirtCheapFU]

They were definitely not a kid band lol ever. They were garage punk.

[@summit6077]

@@DirtCheapFU pretty sure he means literal kids, which they pretty much were

[@gabestew262]

@@Shitsuxify poo on you! I like all their music. (Well, pinkerton was eh).

[@gabestew262]

@@summit6077 thanks

[@jmc5532]

Kevin Miller they’re honestly turning it around with van weezer tho

[@alexbowring7489]

I can't believe they played longtime sunshine... those Pinkerton B-sides have a very special place in my soul. think i'd have lost my mind if i'd been there.

[@Bhanna4d]

Takes me back to when I first started driving....Pinkerton is the best!!

[@KatchouroBlade]

To be a pedant it wasn't a Pinkerton B-side, The demo, recorded in 1994, was first released online in 2002 by the band, officially in 2007 on Alone and then the Coda Version from the Pinkerton sessions on Deluxe. It was written an individual track that became part of the Songs From The Black Hole tracklist and then the intended closing track for Pinkerton. But SFTBH got scrapped and they went with Butterfly.

[@tcoker0416]

@@KatchouroBlade this is how you tell a fanatic from a groupie💛

[@cadeng8168]

I almost lost it! it's one of my favorites. It actually gave me goosebumps. Though i kinda wish they snuck the Why Bother lyrics into the end like on the recording, but it was just nice to hear it at all!

[@TVForces]

@@tcoker0416 you don't need to be a fanatic to know the proper definition of b-side

[@craw_daddy97]

Across the Sea is still amazing. Rivers was super insecure about all the Pinkerton songs when the album first flopped upon release. So the fact that he still performs these cuts is great

[@Aniseedlake]

48 year old guy, voice sounds like he's 18

[@dovahkiinhowey]

He's a non-virgin virgin

[@TranceXZero]

He still looks 18 😂

[@nathanengelmann2669]

Nice brand new pic

[@HighBrowComedy]

Rivers doesn’t age. He’ll look 18 when he’s 80

[@neptune4167]

10 seconds in I was thinking the same exact thing.

[@TheKevlar4]

7:13 for Across The Sea

[@twoinabush100]

You are a godsend

[@MagickFlavour]

TheKevlar4 thanks!

[@vincetrujillojr510]

you know whats up

[@Zambezi_]

Real g

[@Iceblade2187]

TheKevlar4 this guy gets it

[@madeleinep.828]

I love how Rivers’ voice sounds almost exactly the same here as it does in studio recordings.

[@maddyloveslemons]

He’s so perfect

[@joeyrinaldi2629]

Was thinking the same thing!!

[@Yomommahouse6801]

I almost died in a car accident while listening to Weezer in 1995. I still love them, flashbacks and all. 😂

[@hikerrock]

and if a double decker bus crashes onto us, to die by weezah oh such a heavenly way to die

[@toalladepapel]

weezer would honestly be the last band i would want to listen to

[@claudiolarrosasm]

@@hikerrock haha good one.

[@solitary_witch]

I need an acoustic Weezer album of all their classic songs

[@jonathanrandol794]

The Pixies did that. They had a strictly acoustic set at the 2008 Newport Folk Festival. I have the DVD, it is amazing. I agree that Weezer should have an acoustic album, but I don't see them going much further than they did here, so, rip this set, put it on a c.d., and enjoy. Lol. ✌💚🎵

[@jimbowen8973]

@raeannel They put out a special double album of The Blue Album and one of the discs has a bunch of acoustic versions of those songs. It's great. Also, check out the acoustic set Rivers did in San Francisco - you'll find it on KZbin.

[@Cat-co6fz]

he does these shows sometimes called "An evening with Rivers Cuomo" where he does full acoustic covers of weezer. Went to one last year, it was amazing

[@jonathanrandol794]

@J B I didn't know that. Cool. Wish I knew about it. It's not like we can't just jump on KZbin and watch these wonderful sets anytime we want... Lol. 1st world problems.

[@tomasrios1903]

in spotify theres a ep of five acoustic songs called "spotify sessions"

[@joelmyers8149]

Literally I cannot believe they opened with Longtime Sunshine. That's one of my all time favorite Weezer songs, and they like literally never play it. That's so amazing, what a time to be alive.

[@tcduck02]

I have seen then many times live and have NEVER heard them play it EVER... it is such a deep cut...

[@zachary9009]

Literally

[@justnick222]

Same here!!!

[@Thx1130plus]

You are lost.

[@Thx1130plus]

Please stop

[@ocaugustwo8392]

The black album actually sounds so interesting on acoustic instruments. Makes me wish for a deluxe black album with acoustic recordings and other stuff like that

[@salgadoluca]

aye, hadn't listened the Black Album, went to check Livin in LA out after this set and went straight back here lol

[@hummussock]

I misread acoustic as “autistic recordings”-

[@rattfish]

imagine “im just being honest” acoustic cover

[@SergeantRookieGame]

can we all just appreciate how good of a bassist scott is? he's doing nothing fancy, but his fills, improvised notes, and rhythms are so well placed and lively, they add so much texture.

[@daybends26]

You guys can hear the bass?

[@SergeantRookieGame]

yup, using headphones and know the songs like the back of my hand. granted, i listen out for the bass guitar in songs.

[@hankfleming0560]

YES! Scott Shriner is top 5 bassists for me, his tone and everything is just so good. and he looks really cool all the time

[@bobthemadmonkey]

Yep, listened to this for the hundredth time and I got a lot out of the bass

[@sporeforce]

Longtime Sunshine: 0:00 Living in LA: 3:25 Across the Sea: 7:14 High as a Kite: 11:45

[@kuromi8384]

Thank you!

[@Owen-hd3oq]

thanks man

[@LordCapybara08]

thank you cool guy, very cool

[@endmylife4526]

seriously tho, no there are no other places with as many toon link avatars as weezer comment sections

[@chattingesque372]

This should be top comment

[@nicolaspigrais482]

Thought Cuomo was too ashamed of Pinkerton to play this album's songs live ever again. Good thing he changed his mind!

[@KatchouroBlade]

It was only as recently as 2010 that Rivers changed his mind and toured playing all the Pinkerton tracks.. He seems over his Pinkerton PTSD now.

[@nickkinney5416]

He seems to have come to peace with exposing himself via Pinkerton. What made him a freak then makes him a genius now. How many late 90's/early 2000 emo bands have cited Pinkerton as their Bible?

[@culodesobra]

The good life live sounds amazing

[@hippopilot6750]

They way they did Pinkerton dirty back then is music history's greatest fault.

[@galgrim8672]

When I saw them live in '16, they played El Scorcho and I believe Across the Sea

[@truetruetruetrue1]

Should have played Only in Dreams. That would have been amazing!!!

[@alecdavid5744]

Tim Olson Only in Dreams is a fantastic song. I’d love to hear what it would sound like acoustically.

[@Poy687]

well it would have been half their set haha

[@bensneed1078]

came here to comment this

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

Its too electric of a song to be on here I would think.

[@stjhnn8592]

Imagine Butterfly

[@farheezil]

I don’t care what anyone says, Pinkerton is a great album.

[@rgvdiego]

Agreed

[@loucypher9213]

Yes, it absolutely is.

[@Peeeeeeee__]

Best

[@kellymcphaul2793]

I don’t get how people don’t like it. Maybe they just immediately put it down and never gave it a real listen.

[@jasonwong6369]

I think most people would agree with you. The album was panned when it first came out, but many people consider it Weezer's best album.

[@michaelholland6533]

River's voice was absolutely flawless in across the sea. As good as they ever were. Loved it.

[@fakerrain]

Time to listen to Pinkerton again...

[@samhailess]

it's always time to listen to pinkerton again lol

[@robindoss3282]

J B Hash Pipe wasn’t on Pinkerton.

[@clurrtree]

Yesssssssss I have been so much lately. Forever howling the lyrics to no other one.

[@user-wj4pc9id9f]

I did again.

[@filmtape5247]

J B hash pipe was in the green album?

[@senecablank9249]

As a woman, people need to chill about Across the Sea. Lust and love are concepts that transcend age. Obviously there are healthy and unhealthy relationships and age can indicate this but both in the song were adults. Rivers honesty is what makes this refreshing, I can feel the heartache and loneliness. If you say you haven’t fantasized about someone that you couldn’t be with in reality you’re lying.

[@chattingesque372]

I agree with you. That's the whole reason we have fantasy. It's healthy.

[@jasonwong6369]

I think it aged fine. Great songs great performance

[@prettyboy3333]

the only reason it freaks me out is because how young and age he picked he was like 23-24 when it was written despite both being legal adults talked about in a song 18 is still barely so he could’ve done twenty and it would’ve worked just as well yknow this is the perspective of someone who had horrid things happen to them because “4 years isn’t that big of a difference”

[@VarynDEE33t]

@@prettyboy3333 Horrible things could happen to someone in a relationship even if the other person was the same age as them. Point is, I don’t think age difference always determines manipulative/predatory behavior. Although it often is a factor.

[@iplayeddishonored2475]

You being a woman doesn’t make your opinion at all anymore important on this topic

[@yamato.takeru.no.mikoto]

he's singing about unwanted urges he had as a 26 year old. it aged perfectly well, especially because the magnitude of the song's impact increased massively given that he's like 50 now.

[@hopewilson7918]

One of the lyrics of the song is "I wonder how you touch yourself." Think about the very likely possibility that the girl herself has heard this song. He has said that for all he knew the girl was 14. Just because he wrote these feelings into a publicly shared song instead of sending them to her privately doesn't mean she didn't hear them and feel sickened by them.

[@richwindex9371]

@@hopewilson7918 it’s not about her. It’s about being so alone that you become infatuated with somebody who you know you will never meet. It’s weird but it’s art. Not everything has to be censored all of the time. It’s really refreshing to hear a song with honest lyrics

[@panfilolivia]

@@richwindex9371 agreed..! Art can and should sometimes be messy. I think the themes people deem “problematic” from pinkerton add to its complexity. Its a very earnest album and clashing because it touches on emotions that to some extent we have all had. Even if youre discusted, Who hasnt felt lonely, sad, angry or heartbroken?

[@uncleurda8101]

@@panfilolivia People are disgusted because when their inner dark emotions are projected onto something else they have something to call out and repress. I love all types of music, such as Weezer, but heavy metal has always been close to me for exploring the dark recesses of the human psyche in an explicitly-detailed manner.

[@panfilolivia]

@@uncleurda8101 i dont listen to a lot of metal but agreed :)

[@keitasuzuki6318]

Suddenly, this acoustic Across the Sea made me remember when I listened to Weezer for the first time in Japan. I just see their name in magazine what my father loves to read, and I bought Pinkerton, their 2nd album. That was the first record what I bought. My father found the record from my shelf and he has given me his all Weezer’s album. Now, in my shelf, there are two Pinkertons and all Weezer’s album.

[@feedmewifi_477]

that’s sweet

[@indraprambudi7310]

Across the sea is my awkward teenage nostalgia. Thank you Weezer & NPR

[@nickkinney5416]

The Blue Album and Pinkerton perfectly capture awkward teenage nostalgia. So do the B-Sides from the Green Album and Maladroit

[@ILikeMakeBelieveUnironically]

Teenager rn and that's my favourite weezer song along with the last one from Blue, hope that does bring me nostalgia

[@danandkiko]

As a singer, I really appreciate how Rivers allows himself to be vulnerable when he sings in this kind of venue. It's not easy.

[@shaynamabee]

I remember screaming “Why are you so far away from me!?” Loving on this song while my husband was deployed. It’s sexy, it’s full of longing. Across the Sea is my jam forever.

[@Maffulfish]

The chords to longtime sunshine started and then I realised - this always was the brightest timeline

[@franciscot]

community refference?

[@kdowns350]

"across the sea" isn't a ballsy song to play due to the lyrics, its because its one of the most complex weezer songs musically! that breakdown after the second chorus...still impressive 20+ years later!

[@ryline666]

I'll never forget the first time I head that track back in 97 or so. I was losing my mind with the changes at that part, it seemed so darn complex to me. Still haven't bothered to learn that tune due to not wanting the mystery to fade.

[@mojotex357]

It’s actually not that hard. That break down is actually the easiest cause it’s in half time lol

[@williamsuppes8704]

falling for you goes hard in every aspect

[@oodlemynoodle3753]

@@williamsuppes8704 FFY is definitely one of their most complex songs musically, shame they don't play it live often.

[@paulfc9290]

And a very hard song to sing

[@jakobledoux2599]

I actually hadn't hear Across the Sea before this, and I was super curious after reading the description on this video. After sitting through it, I can see how much of an honest and vulnerable kind of song this is. It's words straight from River's brain, and that's awesome. The lyrics have aged especially well in this day and age, when it doesn't seem like being honest in your music is very popular. Love Weezer and love this set

[@robwizproductions]

Paul WT Are you kidding me, Butterfly is a song about regret but based upon one of the characters in an opera called Madame Butterfly if I’m not mistaken and Across the sea is based on it also. It isn’t creepy

[@jandcstopmotion7774]

It’s a cool song musically but the lyrics have definitely not aged well lol

[@kadeknu537]

I don't think Rivers wrote Across The Sea and I hope he didn't

[@sunmock]

@@robwizproductions​ No, it's based on Rivers' personal experience while attending Harvard and being terribly lonely but then got a fan letter from a girl from Japan. Song's based on how he'll never get to meet her. Also a weird aside about how he considered becoming a monk. Rivers talks about this in interviews.

[@sunmock]

Yeah I agree, aged or not the lyrics come from a really honest and vulnerable place that you don't really get to see as much in weezer songs that came after this album. Just something really refreshing about that

[@gabehernandez8750]

I remember joking in 2002 that "I've got your letter, you've got my song" hadn't aged well because it would be more like "I've got your email, you've got my MP3" so maybe that's what the "didn't age well" could've referred to.

[@retrocysper3709]

I've got your email, You've got my FLAC.

[@gisming]

i guess now it'd be "I've got your text, you've got my spotify playlist" or something like that

[@sethewing15]

So cool to hear Longtime Sunshine!!

[@jonathanrandol794]

@nryastew ✌💚🎵

[@whateverjustposting]

I know its my all time favorite weezer song

[@esb2mlb]

Seth Ewing all time fav weezer song and probably top 5 of any band. I’ve always dreamed of seeing it live!

[@joshcaplan8862]

It’s my favorite of theirs.

[@jennileecreates]

I was bummed they didn't do the coda, but it was awesome to hear regardless. One of my favorites.

[@jj9533]

High as a kite is such a beautiful song

[@toastythebear]

It’s basically a whiter shade of pale by procol harem

[@Serena-bd1oy]

Rivers’s voice in Across the Sea is heavenly 😌

[@maxryan9052]

I love when weezer said “its weezing time” and weezed all over the stage

[@talldan645]

well said mate. Weez on with your bad self

[@Kyogre9600]

"It's Weezing time" -John Weezer

[@erikkibler3466]

Wheezing the juice,they did..

[@offbeatkiki]

My favorite part of Longtime Sunshine is the layering of different songs at the end. Wish they had done that but it was awesome (and emotional) to hear him sing that song an octave up. Who's cutting onions...

[@Madadader]

If they started shouting lyrics from songs like Why Bother? and Blast Off! i might've screamed.

[@KatchouroBlade]

The coda only works in the context of Songs From the Black Hole. I like the version they played, the simple song Rivers wrote in 94 when he was feeling down and seeking comfort from childhood memories.

[@magpiemuneca]

@Danny 12 half steps up.

[@Strat_inthehat]

Hearing “Across the Sea” reminded me of why I loved =w= so much back on high school- and “Long Time Sunshine” was a very special surprise. Thanks for everything, guys.

[@ThanhDuongSEO]

Rivers' songs about a lack of connection, sense of isolation, and feelings of loneliness... ironically made me feel connected and less alone precisely because I knew he'd felt the same things as I did. Even if I was alone, I was alone... together.

[@starry7544]

The lyrics to Across the Sea have aged perfectly well, random NPR intern.

[@ahhhhyes]

A 48 year old singing about how he can't touch an 18 year old cause it'd be wrong? I mean you can't say it's aged well haha

[@xthexadvantagex1219]

ironic speling well when you were 20 you probably liked 18 year olds too. 🤷‍♂️ Is it wrong for your grandfather to reminisce about meeting your grandmother at 17 or whatever?

[@ahhhhyes]

@@xthexadvantagex1219 I'm 17 and I don't think there is anything wrong with a 20 and 18 year old but from what I had heard he was 26 and he has also come out and said he didn't even know what age she was she couldve been 15 so he was fantasising over someone he thought could've been 15.

[@BaronVonBielski]

xTHE x ADVANTAGEx you’re the idiot who doesn’t realize rivers had no idea how old this fan was and he was 26 at the time. He said himself she very well could’ve been 15

[@Almethese84]

@@BaronVonBielski She also could have been 30. Let it go, this is a ridiculous argument. Furthermore, I assume you aren't the picture of a perfect human being; would you rather listen to sanitized lyrics from soulless Zombies?

[@JACKFENX16]

00:00 Longtime Sunshine 03:25 Living in L.A. 07:15 Across the Sea 11:48 High as a Kite

[@nathandiaz2863]

Something about Rivers wearing the Lightning Strap thats so symbolic of early Weezer makes me feel something. Like this guy's been through so much, in his own way. So much criticism, ridicule, and his own pain. Yeah, someone could just say hes wearing that to appeal to his older fans and evoke nostalgia, and while that may be true, I just see a guy who wears his imperfections like an old guitar strap.

[@oilpatch432]

I have the same strap. I suffer from on the spectrum type stuff. First thing i noticed. Lol

[@Find-Your-Bliss-]

Nathan Diaz Bravo! You are a kind man. The very best kind of person, in my humble opinion.

[@southtka]

lets go back, back to the shack, back to the strat with the lightning strap i wonder if he based that lyric off his own experiences

[@ryanvlvt]

@Paul WT doesnt mean he hasnt been through any troubles in his adult life lol

[@grasspatchkid6751]

I got this strap years ago cause it symbolises what music is to me through rivers and weezer in a weird way

[@oshie6300]

seriously his voice is so good still, high as a kite is an instant classic. this version is better than the album release IMO

[@whodatchink]

The guy singing looks like Buddy Holly

[@beats.bymario]

whodatchink 😂

[@monkeysalad4444]

He literally has a song about how he looks like Buddy Holly lol

[@black1582]

Yea, that someone else he rips off!

[@owthrow6136]

a confused dana carvey

[@ryanryan3961]

And you're Mary Tyler Moore.

[@CharlieRose19000]

10:50 rivers vocals are amazing. this song gets so much hate but i love the raw emotions and the pure feeling he puts into it.

[@Orchible]

Across the Sea aged just fine.

[@toddkobashigawa7670]

I don’t think I heard that song before. I saw the description as was wondering what they meant. As soon as heard it I knew what they meant. It’s a little weird to hear a 49 year old man singing about a 18 year old girl. I get that he wrote the song a long time ago but still it’s a little weird

[@irislafontaine]

@@toddkobashigawa7670 I think they should probably stop singing that haha. Even if this imaginary girl is (barely) legal... It seems the song was released in '96 so I figured "Oh ok, he was a lot younger", but that would've made him 25. Still somewhat creepy.

[@GeckoPixel]

@@irislafontaine Please just go away. You pearl clutchers are killing art.

[@ggr.]

@@irislafontaine But music though, ya know? The most important part of the song.

[@deli0178]

So good. I just became a Weezer fan.

[@vicvinegar6828]

Man, you can just tell how much Brian Bell loves making music.

[@jukian2077]

@EntAsAlways he fucked up the intro in "Across the sea" the guy seemed he could barely play this shit, wtf.

[@EricTinkerhess]

I don't think he messed it up.

[@seanswift03]

Calm down Vic. I can smell that vinegar boiling up inside of you

[@midkills]

I think he has a different attitude toward the new songs since his performance in across the sea is pretty great

[@WaldoCarmen]

Man all y'all niggas crazy, just let the boi ride his bike

[@phlywitegy]

To this day Weezer is my favorite concert I've ever been to. I was supposed to see them on 09/11/01, which obviously got canceled. It eventually got rescheduled and opener changed to Tenacious D. It was an amazing concert and I can still vividly remember how I felt when they played "Only in Dreams."

[@cicadaseason6890]

Upsetting how they took a dig at the lyrics from Across the Sea. One of their best songs in my opinion.

[@cicadaseason6890]

And Rivers was 20 something when he wrote the song as well? It’s not like he wrote it recently as a 40 year old man. He was still very young at the time as well.

[@SolarSurfLeo]

Ahhh "Across The Sea"... so many high school memories. Classic Weezer is magic!

[@RiseForDoom]

Saw them years and years and years ago open up for Blink 182 wearing full orange jumpsuits and traffic cones on their heads. They were amazing

[@CrialCrial]

Benzi Taking Back Sunday, Weezer and Blink in Camden NJ. Was awesome. That was like over 10 years ago.

[@oshie6300]

are you sure that wasn't devo?

[@Jayisafunkydude]

I saw them on that tour! It was my first time seeing Weezer. I stuck with them, regardless of the jumpsuits lol

[@RiseForDoom]

@@oshie6300 100000000% positive that Devo did not sing 'Say it Aint So'

[@TheFlightmongoose]

Nah that was 2009

[@Peeeeeeee__]

"Across the sea" is one of the most beautiful songs

[@cremin13]

The bass line on High as a Kite is the best on the setlist

[@liquidsworrds3818]

How about rather than shaming them we appreciate the fact that they still play these songs. Totally unnecessary criticism of their own guest in the description.

[@boko5150]

"my wife is dead" - craig boone

[@cameronmacmillan1849]

I must've forgotten how to read because I have no idea what criticism in the description you could be talking about,

[@takeshelter5313]

It was unnecessary i totally agree

[@orrhousecreative]

"While beloved by many Gen-Xers who'd first heard it on 1996's Pinkerton, the song's lyrics haven't aged terribly well." Just like they stated, the Gen-Xers are going wild because of a harmless mention about how the lyrics aren't as acceptable nowadays. The song is great but it's literally about a barely legal teenage girl across the world who wrote him fan mail. That parts fine, the part that ISNT fine is the part where he states that he sniffs and licks the envelopes, trying to imagine what she is wearing and imagining her masturbating. Again, about a barely legal teenage girl. Explain how a small comment on how that's not really okay anymore is the same as shaming them and is unnecessary criticism.

[@liquidsworrds3818]

Liam my point is that they have weezer as a guest. It’s amazing that they played the song for npr at all so they should just be thankful. Weezer doesn’t play these songs as much today because of criticism of the lyrics, so if we want them to keep these songs in their live performances we shouldn’t remind them of how uncomfortable the lyrics are every time they play it. Clearly Rivers was brutally authentic when he wrote these songs, that is a part of what makes their early material so good.

[@ZackScottGames]

Great production, great performances!

[@salmanuddin7923]

ZackScottGames is a Weezer fan 😳

[@joocool4783]

Weezer is my favorite band

[@swaggypanda1808]

thanks zack!

[@CaptainParlow]

Fancy seeing you here

[@anemoia6867]

subscribe if you have not.

[@madeleinep.828]

The fact that they still recognize that Longtime Sunshine exists... fantastic.

[@isthisit2251]

The timbre of River's voice has and will transend time and space. lyrics included timbre emphasized.

[@cameronhamm436]

Very glad they performed; now just wishing to see Arcade Fire or Modest Mouse someday on here.

[@lynnpehrson8826]

MM would be sick

[@GathererThompson]

Gimmie dat Mouse, ye

[@slanjbo]

Father John Misty wouldn't hurt either 😊

[@slanjbo]

or Andrew Jackson Jihad

[@CotyMLong]

Hard pass on Arcade Fire for me, but Modest Mouse would be real nice.

[@typalmer6850]

The fact that NPR thinks that the lyrics of "Across the Sea" haven't aged terribly well shows how little they actually understand of intimate and vulnerable music.

[@patriciofernandez2711]

Yeah fuck them

[@drowninglifeguards]

Agreed. While it’s troubling that the song is about a (most likely) underaged fan, the song has merit because it’s honest and true. Does NPR think Lolita is a bad novel because of its subject matter?

[@typalmer6850]

@@drowninglifeguards A fine comparison.

[@chuckyDLuffy]

Ty Palmer truly!! broke my heart to read it honestly,look at rivers man he looks like he really feels every word even though it’s been years,i wanna hug him so bad

[@NickJGerdes]

Im 21, the song came out the year I was born. I'm about to be a senior in college and it still speaks to me 100%

[@eppyfourtwenny4013]

you can see the faces on everybody else in the band caring for him during the recording, incredible. I love weezer

[@webuiltthissmitty]

High as a Kite really stands up to some of Weezer's classics - it definitely shines in this arrangement

[@Kingcrab0]

Been a while since I saw a tiny desk concert, but I felt like checking at random. I can't say no to Weezer.

[@rafaelkovashikawa2711]

meirl

[@alex-51]

Needless to say, you should watch more tiny desk concerts

[@ricardoemidio7692]

you're missing out on good stuff, check it out sometime.

[@Drexeh]

The description reads: "While beloved by many Gen-Xers who'd first heard it on 1996's Pinkerton, the song's lyrics haven't aged terribly well. " How so? This is arguably Weezer's masterpiece.

[@christopherarias6943]

They meant in terms of todays pc culture.

[@takeshelter5313]

True it's Weezer's finest moment and npr shit on it shame on them.

[@florisbackx1744]

@@christopherarias6943 I don't get it.. What's 'not politically correct' with fantasizing about a young girl who admires you? It's called human

[@smokesgtp]

@@christopherarias6943 and comments like that are why we have this PC culture. It's why Trump was elected. Everyone is so fucking uptight...

[@gadguard]

@@orrhousecreative True; if I was a sailor I would adore it. Songs are great to certain people. They invoke certain emotions in many people.

[@eirenikos]

I am still mad crushing on Rivers after so many years

[@mistahswags]

Rivers performance of High As A Kite is so great good lord

[@kaiwood6471]

Longtime Sunshine is my favorite Weezer song wtf thank you NPR

[@chloerenee4148]

Me too I'm glad they created this set

[@offbeatkiki]

Long Time Sunshine? I haven't heard that name in years... (just kidding it's my favorite bonus track off Pinkerton omfg I can't believe this exists)

[@Kevtron9000]

offbeat kiki how is this even real....

[@clemcovers]

What a voice. When he sings "feel so lonely", close your eyes and you will hear Sting.

[@douglasthurman3285]

I've watched this many times and it's obvious how exceptional and tight this band is. Weezer has always had a HUGE following in the skateboard community and this is just another example of how truly RAD this band is. Man these songs truly bring out wonderful human emotions and it's a joy to have these guys share their talent with us. Thanks Weezer.

[@laurathomas3625]

You don’t need to apologise for the lyrics for the bands you have invited on.

[@sageantone7291]

fn npr

[@Likeitornot91]

Yeah the description pissed me off they clearly don't get the point of the song but that's the culture of outrage for ya.

[@mellowdromedary]

rivers keeps getting older, but she stays the same age. alright alright alright.

[@GoingFar77]

Seriously, was that even needed in the description of the video? They've had legitimate gang members and drug dealers on the show, but they have to add that text about a freaking Weezer song. Lame ass NPR.

[@thelongafternoon4209]

Just read that. NPR, you should really edit that out. What kind of bullshit?

[@Cobzah]

thank you weezer very cool!

[@cambuurleeuwarden]

dragon energy

[@joelvarela4444]

Big pee pee energy

[@cmdrriotz5283]

This is so raw and so good. Weezer never disappoints.

[@UrScum]

Idk about never disappoints but they’re definitely a good band!

[@Werewolf_Eyebrows]

I could watch Brian all day. He makes 999 faces each set. I dig it.

[@ThePoark]

Across the Sea is my favorite Weezer song since Pinkerton released, and I never expected this performance, nor that song included in it. Thank you immeasurably!

[@_nikk0]

Thanks for always introducing me to these new fresh up and coming bands TinyDesk!

[@_nikk0]

Confused Loner there I fixed it 😏

[@_nikk0]

Confused Loner re do everything no one will notice 😏

[@matthewnotch8331]

These guys are going places I bet

[@coolcharles45]

Upcoming lmao

[@coolcharles45]

@@matthewnotch8331 dude th9s band is almost like 25 years old wtf

[@showtime6045]

NPR Music: Hey Weezer! How about some Hash Pipe, Sweater, or Africa? Weezer:

[@xxandrewwilsonxxable]

How many people were waiting for them to play their hit songs and then just got into the music and grooved with it. Rock n Roll if you did vibe!!!

[@Mattingersoll]

Word.

[@SebastianGonzalez-jm9kw]

I think Weezer derives so much of their beauty from the pure voice and lyrics of their singer (rivers cuomo). The innocence is transfixing and that's where people fall in love. Not in the perfection but the cracks in his voice, the innocent hum of a child who never fully grew up, we see ourselves in this man simply singing out his life, holding back nothing.. never realized this until i watched this video, Longtime Sunshine (0:00) especially

[@Madadader]

Dude you're gonna make me cry...

[@DINGDONGDANIEL3]

Rivers is anything but innocent lol

[@takeshelter5313]

Same

[@tonyn.5592]

the high as a kite acoustic is so good

[@DannySullivanMusic]

It makes me so joyful that there's someone who comprehends reality for what it is

[@howardmitnick8582]

Hey Robin, The lyrics to "Across The Sea" were just as awkward when it came out. Part of what made that album so challenging and part of why that album is revered. Honest to a fault. Superlame of you to undermine this band that you are showcasing. If you don't support them then don't support them.

[@calmbbaer]

There's got to be some name for the assumption that our times are so much more sophisticated than what came before. Call it "OKboomerism." (Robin isn't young, but that's the best word I could come up with.)

[@21Cayque12]

Talk about blowing a small "It didn't age terribly well" extremely out of proportion

[@kreepiehouse74]

Weezer's music in general, especially their older stuff, is so raw, unfiltered, you can feel the songs written with true to heart content. He knew how he felt, and he put that into a song. Beauitful.

[@21Cayque12]

@Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart It literally did not

[@bigbuh9961]

Living In L.A sounds like such a "Hall and Oates" song here, its so good acoustically

[@garrettknowles8614]

We need these acoustic versions on Spotify ASAP!

[@takeshelter5313]

Spotify is dead artists are leaving in droves for Apple music

[@HotStrange]

Loki John lol like who?

[@jaimerios2631]

Dear weeze, I luv you. You might not be perfect. But i love you all the more because of that. Love, rios

[@yanille4109]

Dude im so glad pinkerton gets the recognition it deserves nowadays, extremely honest music right there. Across the sea is a fantastic tune.

[@morganghetti]

That was one brave and stunning description.

[@DannySullivanMusic]

wow lol perfect

[@JamesChatting]

But they didn't call the band out for stealing black music

[@cameronpeterson6734]

Wow, I didn't expect Weezer to be on NPR but I'm glad. Rivers still looks young and I'm also surprised that they didn't play Africa which I'm glad and they played a couple rare songs, noice.

[@jenningso]

It's a pretty low blow to criticise Across the sea lyrics. If you think about it, the song addresses the urges a young man might have, but admits it would be wrong to act upon. Is all art now supposed to censor even thought processes....

[@michaelholden7863]

@J B She was 18 in the song. She would be at least in her 40s today (pinkerton came out in 1996)

[@m.j.8226]

@@naomi-xd9sz not really, unless you decide to totally ignore the context

[@90fordb2]

@@naomi-xd9sz It's so weird that middle aged people weren't always middle aged and talk about stuff from a time when they were much younger. That is some crazy and weird stuff. My mind is blown now.

[@jacobbastian1849]

Yeah the point there is that hes a 50 year old now and the lyrics still start with "you are an 18 year old girl" they were just making a joke and not criticizing the meaning of the lyrics

[@chamberamba123]

The song revolves around Rivers' loneliness at the time of writing, and his detachment from anybody emotionally. He would never act upon the perversions he describes, but the fact he feels closest to a random fan on the other side of the world who he would never meet is a strong sentiment.

[@gdl30]

After 2 nights of panic attacks, an early morning sunny drive I finally feel at peace. The intro song was the perfect companion

[@mynameisjefferson3771]

I’m a millennial who thinks the “Across the Sea” lyrics have aged well. It’s art, for crying out loud.

[@IMDMeta]

I GOT YOUR LEEEEEEETTER YOU GOT MY SOOOONG omg that song almost makes me cry everytime

[@Ben-ci1vz]

Wasn't a Weezer fan before this video... I'm digging it for sure

[@meowpacino21692]

What hasn’t aged well about Across the Sea? It’s just an intensely personal song - timeless is how it should be described.

[@Yateveo]

Across the Sea is a great song. The first line is “you are an 18-year-old-girl,” so he’s not talking about a kid. He says, “I could never touch you, I think it would be wrong,” recognizing the power imbalance that comes from fan-artist interactions. “I’ve got your letter, you’ve got my song,” realizing they don’t (and likely never will) really know each other as people, only the bits they’ve chosen to share. It’s always been a bluntly, even uncomfortably, honest song because it recognizes the reality and consequences of “groupie” interactions, instead of just glossing over them. NPR unfortunately disappeared up its own butthole in an effort to be “woke.”

[@___________T_____________190]

Across the sea ❤️ I think I’m in love...

[@paulcaton7093]

"the song's lyrics haven't aged terribly well" You expressed this as a statement of fact, whereas it is in fact simply your personal opinion. Personally I think you are 100% wrong, but that's just my opinion, too.

[@nancybabbage1169]

Paul Caton thats the problem today, people not understanding the difference between a fact and their petty opinion...

[@Mr1945pete]

I have never seen an NPR performance where the people who hosted it gave it a negative review.

[@cadebryan4088]

I'm hoping they're just saying that with the context of Rivers pushing 50 the song becomes kinda creepy until you think about the fact that he wrote the song in his early 20s

[@nancybabbage1169]

Cade Bryan so I guess Mcartney should feel ashamed of I Saw Her Standing There...stupid newage sjw logic.

[@aidenwavra748]

I’m sure he was aware he was just expressing his opinion and his alone

[@Sethm411]

this rendition of High as a Kite is incredible to me. way better than the studio (album) cut. so beautiful.

[@greatbigconvoy]

1:13 Man, Brian's really gettin' his rocks off over there on the piano

[@greatbigconvoy]

Also, cool vest Brian

[@MaquiladoraIII]

Absolutely stunning high vocals in that last chorus of "Longtime Sunshine".

[@raleighdentcompany]

I lolled when Scott hits the wrong note @1:44 . Rivers went off key and Brian's obviously like, "Dude!? Is this your first time?"

[@ihateritzcrackers729]

“Haven’t aged well” The lyrics weren’t ok then and still aren’t ok now and that’s what makes the song so great

[@mtrps_]

Longtime Sunshine has been in my head since i first listened to it here in 2019 😭

[@fakienightmareflip]

Who else heard all those vocal harmonies at the end of "Longtime Sunshine" inside there own head? SFTBH version one please come back!!!

[@AddyAdderson]

Dana Carvey shouldn't be making fun of Weezer like this.

[@GoodieDickman]

DUDE

[@LooopQ]

😂😂😂

[@gabelogan56]

Nailed it!

[@emmablumreich7925]

Lol, I just saw weezer with my dad in madison and he kept saying he looked like Dana Carvey

[@ThomasSaffel]

BOOOOOOM

[@guillermocabrales6963]

I love how they all still enjoy playing Across the Sea. You can just see it in their faces!