Weezer... Listen to Pinkerton and you'll understand my obsession.

One day, I was at the Portland Central Library with my friend, Evan. As we are making our way downstairs, we pass a man going the opposite way. This man resembled a psychotic serial killer/pedophile (scruffy facial hair and mustache.) I am about 99% sure that man was Rivers Cuomo, because Evan and I both turned and looked at each other and said "holy shit, was that who I think it was?" Alas, I did not talk to him, because I would have no idea what to ask him. First, to understand my hesitance, you must know that I am a CRAZY Weezer fanatic. I know all their albums by heart, and I forgive them for making Maladroit, because they followed it up with Make Believe. And when I saw them live, it was one of the seldom times that I knew all the words to every song the band played. Which, if you have experienced before, you'll understand how amazing it is...

The point of this post, is I am going to give some thoughts Weezer is amazing. And Why Pinkerton is one of my favorite albums...

A blurry storm of distorted guitars, the deep cry of Rivers Cuomo's meloncholy thoughts, to day dreaming about teenage girls in Japan. ("Why are you so far away from me/I need help, and you're way across the sea.") Weezer's Pinkerton is one of the messiest albums I have ever heard, yet, one of the greatest. It is Rivers Cuomo's thoughts, put to music. It goes against the mainstream media of 1996. Therefore, it was considered awful, and the opposite of their previous LP. Which was heavy, yet poppy enough for radio play. Pinkerton, however heavy, but not poppy enough for 1996. Contrary to the common belief, I think it is similar in the sense that it is about girl trouble, and just being that wallflower that nobody really understands. Give it a good couple of listens all the way through... You'll love it or hate it.

It's sad to say that key tracks, such as Across The Sea, Butterfly, and Falling For You will only be appreciated by die-hard Weezer fans. Although, those tracks could be used to sway an individual into loving Weezer, but I think they're better off this way. It's a way for us fans to connect on a level, others cannot comprehend...?

Another pointless post...
-Cannon

Interview with Hutch Harris of 'The Thermals'

Interview with Hutch Harris of 'The Thermals',
by Cannon Riggs


Cannon: When 'The Thermals' first formed, what were your intentions, and did you expect to come this far, as far as popularity is concerned?

Hutch: 'The Thermals' were basically formed when i recorded a bunch of songs on my own, at my apartment in Portland. i wrote all the music and lyrics and played all the instruments myself. these are the songs that became the first Thermals LP, More Parts Per Million.

I really started the band just for fun, then things took off very quickly. soon we were signed to "Sub Pop Records" and were playing to large crowds in europe. frankly i never expected any of that to happen, although i always hoped it would, i think. the band has become far more popular than i ever expected, but i'm very glad it did.

Cannon: I know "The Body, The Blood, The Machine" dealt with Christianity related topics, yet, correct me if I'm wrong, you are an atheist. Which leads me to my next question, what is your view on religion?


Hutch: I don't call myself an atheist. I might be closer to an agnostic but really, I'm a recovering catholic. My view on religion is i think it causes more harm than good. It uses people for money and causes endless pain and suffering.

Cannon: You have switched drummers quite a few times in the past. How did you end up with Westin Glass as your (current) drummer?
Hutch: Our friends in the band "The Big Sleep" recommended Westin. He got in touch with us and auditioned a few times. He is a great drummer with great style so we hired him.
Cannon: Good choice, you guys seem to gel pretty well... Anyways, next question... What are your plans for the future? Touring? New record? Take a break?

Hutch: We are touring every month from now until November and we toured in February April, and May as well. (We'll) Hopefully record a new record at the end of the year.

Cannon: The Thermals are an odd genre of music, what would you describe your genre as? I've heard, Lo-fi, Post Pop-Punk, Grunge.... What would you say??

Hutch: We say NO-fi, post-pop-punk, and neo-grunge.
Cannon: What would your advice be, to kids my age (13-14) that want to make music?

Hutch: Just do it! Not much other advice is needed at this age. Just write songs, learn songs and play songs. Don't worry about trying to "make it" or other BS at this point.

Let's Give This A Shot.

Well, I've never really blogged before...

I guess I better give it a shot, after all, I would be unaccepted if I didn't have a blog in today's society. This blog will be mostly about music, and pop culture... It will contain interviews with bands, pictures from concerts, information about cool local bands (Portland) and musical recommendations...

I will probably post stuff once a week or so, so check in every now and then...


wish me luck,
Cannon