Billy Cobb - Zerwee

"I got tired of waiting for Weezer to release another album so I made one myself" -Billy Cobb

I can't tell you how frequently I see Weezer news announcing some new album that is laden with the author's hope that maybe, just maybe, it'll get back to that Weezer sound they love. They're always disappointed. It's been 25 years since the release of Pinkerton and folks are still holding out hope that they'll come back around. Hell, even Weezer themselves are planning on an album inspired by Weezer.

I occasionally dip my toe into the contemporary Weezer waters. I've heard a few tracks from OK Human but even the title makes my skin crawl. That said, I recognize it's just not for me anymore. Pop culture does not allow me to avoid it entirely but I am comfortable not caring one iota. All that said, stumbling upon Zerwee and Zerwee, Pt 2 has been a real treat. Artist Billy Cobb is actively and openly aping the early 90's Weezer sound in both releases. In interviews he states how carefully he's constructed the songs to have all the "right" Weezer ingredients and I'd confidently say he's cracked it.

Are both these releases shamelessly appealing to nostalgia? Yes. Am I okay with that? You betcha.

If Weezer actually released an album in this style I'm sure folks would flip but they've done it. I'd love to see Billy Cobb take this experiment through to the next logical step - making Weezer inspired music that somehow delivers an original twist to the formula. Just have to wait and see.. maybe it'll take 25 years but I'll be tuned in.