Weezer - Pinkerton

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Label: DGC
Genre: Emo
Year: 1996
Recommended by: Abe Martinez

Wikipedia has constructed the most Weezer sentence in history. Let me cite it here, "After abandoning plans for a rock opera titled Songs from the Black Hole, Weezer recorded Pinkerton between songwriter Rivers Cuomo's terms at Harvard University, where he wrote much of the album." 

I always go back and forth between Pinkerton and The Blue Album as my favorite Weezer record. I think the Blue Album is a better introduction into Weezer, but Pinkerton has the stronger songs overall. 

I'm unsure how people can hate Weezer when they released two amazing albums right off the bat. In March I reviewed their latest offering and it is also awesome. Love Weezer, it's okay to admit it.

Thursday - No Devolución

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Label: Epitaph
Year: 2011
Genre: Emo
Recommending Person: Brent N.

Is this what happens when bands stagnate? The music is crisp and strong, but the message seems to stay the same as the first Thursday album I had heard in 2001. Understanding in a Car Crash was one of the those tracks that led me to a full on Emo binge.

I have since moved on from the genre, although I still visit the songs I love occasionally, Thursday seems to have stayed in their lane. While this is a smart move for the majority of bands it leads me to wanting more. I think Brand New has done an excellent job in evolving where I didn't feel that way about this particular Thursday lbum.

American Football - American Football

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Label: Polyvinyl Records
Year: 1999
Genre: Emo
Recommending Person: Ryan Sullivan

The sole record from American Football, until they have recently come back together, is a classic that I have avoided. They come from Champaign-Urbana where they released only this eponymous album. They were only active from 1997 to 2000 and had a huge impact on the Emo scene in that short time.

I didn't love the album, it puts you in a state during the time you are listening that puts you at ease while still being interesting enough to keep your attention. It's a well done album, but there was nothing with a pop hook that kept me coming back. 

The Promise Ring - Nothing Feels Good

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Label: Jade Tree
Year: 1997
Genre: Emo
Recommending Person: Dan Henry

This album seems a bit dated, but it reminds me of the albums I listened to throughout high school. You wish the singing was a bit better, but it's part of the feel of much of the genre and makes it easier to sing along when you feel the need, some call it the Bob Dylan effect. I only listened to the album twice instead of the 3 I was aiming for to feel confident in a review.