Rivers -
To me you seem to be singing closer to the way you used to on newer songs like 'The Dawn' and 'We Go Together' because you really belt the lyrics out like you did on Blue, Pinkerton and the Summer Songs 2k. I like Green alot, but you rarely seem to really belt them out, except on Hash Pipe and maybe the end of 'Simple Pages', which to me sounds like older stuff. However, most of the Green songs probably wouldn't call for that either, so....? Anyway, thanks for listening to all our input, It's pretty cool of you.
- Ridd Sorensen
From: "karl@weezer" <karl@weezer.net>
Date: Sat, 1 Dec 2001 20:23:04 -0600
To: <ridd@atomiccartoons.com>
Subject: FW: To Rivers re: his vocals
-----Original Message-----
Dear Mr. or Mrs. Sorensen,
Thanks for the encouragement.
I know what you're saying about the belting; the end of Simple Pages is one of my favorite moments on the Green Album.
Sincerely,
Rivers Cuomo
From: Ridd Sorensen <ridd@atomiccartoons.com>
Date: Sun, 02 Dec 2001 13:01:06 -0800
To: "karl@weezer" <karl@weezer.net>
Subject: Re: To Rivers re: his vocals
Rivers,
Hey - thanks for your response. I'd like to expand a little on what I was saying, if that's cool. First of all, I agree with you on Simple Pages. That end part has actually moved me quite often. I get the same feeling sometimes with O Girlfriend. I don't know if the lyrics to those songs mean something to you or whatever, but you sing them like they do. Personally, I enjoy the music you make more than what you decide to write for the lyrics. I always have. Basically if I like the melody and instrumentation, I'm sold. Although I think meaningful and well written lyrics are important for some songs, it doesn't have to be the case for everything you write, but they definitely have their place. So, in my opinion, the argument that you're not singing 'the way you used to' (whatever that involves) because the lyrics mean nothing to you, falls short. There are a lot of artists I can think of that don't even write their own lyrics and sound like they're totally living it. Call it acting or whatever, but it works for them for the most part. Then there are the artists that DO write their own lyrics, and end up coming across as overdoing it, or, for lack of a better term, over-acting (Scott Stapp comes to mind). If Simple Pages and O Girlfriend are as I suspect, not personal, then you're doing a great job. I don't think there's anything wrong with 'acting' a little. It's how well you do it. On some of the tracks on Green, you succeed, on others, I won't say you fail, but maybe you fall short a little. This is hard for me to say because Green is definitely my favorite release of 2001, and the album actually means a lot to me. I think the songs work the way they are, and I would not change one of them. I'm just trying to maybe identify why some of the more hardcore fans have rejected and reacted so negatively towards it. I hope this might shed some light on where I think some people are coming from. Again I want to say thanks a lot for listening and responding. I'm happy that I have been able to help you in any way. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further please do not hesitate to reply...
- 'Mr' Ridd Sorensen
Ps - oh yeah - I forgot to mention - Photograph - old school Rivers vocal stylings as well.
From: "karl@weezer" <karl@weezer.net>
Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2001 16:09:17 -0500
To: "Ridd Sorensen" <ridd@atomiccartoons.com>
Subject: FW: To Rivers re: his vocals
-----Original Message-----
Dear Mr. Sorensen,
Do you think it's possible that the songs on Green are actually really good and that we just choked in the studio? I mean, not just me, but all four of us in Weezer. I feel like if we had managed to attack the songs with more conviction, people wouldn't have noticed the things like impersonal lyrics or repetitive song structures as much. But I could be wrong.
Sincerely,
Rivers Cuomo
From: Ridd Sorensen <ridd@atomiccartoons.com>
Date: Wed, 05 Dec 2001 17:01:52 -0800
To: "karl@weezer" <karl@weezer.net>
Subject: Re: To Rivers re: his vocals
Dear Mr. Cuomo
>"Do you think it's possible that the songs on Green are actually really good, and that we just choked in the studio? I mean, not just me, but all four of us in Weezer."
Good question. First of all, the songs on Green ARE actually really good. But I will say this, I prefer them live. Especially with what you've done with them lately. I don't know if this is because of the production of the album, or the mindset you guys were in during the recording - so I won't speculate too much on that. But judging by the recent responses I've read from my fellow fans (who can be extremely critical and negative), the reworking has struck a chord. People are responding very positively. That brings me to your next comment...
>I feel like if we had managed to attack the songs with more conviction, people wouldn't have noticed the things like impersonal lyrics or repetitive song structures as much. But I could be wrong.
Unfortunately, people will always find fault in what you do. Thatís the problem with being an artist of stature such as yourself. I think the key word here is conviction. I like that word. I hear a lot of conviction on all the older stuff, and even newer songs like 'The Dawn', 'We Go Together' and 'Fall Together'. The thing about the Green Album is - yes, it is lacking this conviction for the most part. It seemed to be put aside for the recording of the album, then brought back a little in the live shows. Whether or not this is due to the technical aspect or whatever, I've no idea. That's not my department. Maybe the album is just too perfect? Too polished? I don't know.
So yeah - no matter what you do, people will criticize. The lyrics and what you are trying to communicate through them will always be a huge part of what people will respond to. Maybe if Pinkerton didn't happen, things wouldn't be that way, but they are. Personally, like I said in my last message, I don't care what lyrics you are singing, as long as you sing them like you mean them - with conviction. That can also be applied to your instrumentation. If you're not going to feel the song and really get into it, it's going to show. Even people who aren't musicians can tell this. I don't this aspect plays a part for you guys though. You are all very talented musicians and it is evident you love to play your instruments.
As far as 'repetitive song structures', I know exactly what you are trying to do on Green. I get it, and I like it. I like it a lot, actually. The fact of the matter is, everything you write, every album you guys release, will be compared to the musical complexity of Pinkerton by the hardcore fans. I know you know this. Personally, I am for Weezer moving on, trying different styles. I love Pinkerton. I listen to it at least once every day - but honestly, I don't need another one. However, I like what you're doing on newer songs like Death & Destruction and some of the DC/BBC demos like Saturday night. They harken back to Pinkerton (musically), but they don't try to duplicate that sound and come across as impersonations. Do you know what I'm saying here?
Okay that's it for now. I hope I am helping you. I don't profess to have all the answers to your questions, but I've spent enough time around other Weezer fans to know where it is they're coming from.
I'd like it if we could keep corresponding like this. If you have any more questions or comments don't hesitate to reply.
Sincerely,
Ridd Sorensen
By the way, I've been playing guitar pretty hardcore for 16 years now. If you have any musical questions or comments I'd be happy to tackle those as well.