Happy Wednesday, Geekly Gang! Today, our writers share what they’ve been listening to over the past month. Feel free to share what you’ve been listening to in the comments, because we’re all part of the Geekly Gang. I’ll get this post kicked off with what I’ve been listening to over the past month.

Kyra’s Tunes

I mentioned Weezer some time last year. I still claim their first two albums are all-time greats, but the rest of the band’s catalogue pales in comparison. Bassist Matt Sharpe (pictured second from the right above) was Weezer’s secret weapon. His falsetto and dynamic harmonies with main songwriter Rivers Cuomo was chef’s kiss. But I may need to delve deeper into Weezer. I listened more to the band’s self-titled debut, dubbed The Blue Album (also pictured above). Most of the tracks are great fusions of alternative rock, beach music, and blues with a whisper of Hip-Hop. “Holiday” makes me think of the Beach Boys writing a song in a 90s alternative style. So good. Typically, I skip “No One Else.” This track is a sign of things to come for Weezer. But most of the tracks on Weezer’s debut are one’s I’ll gladly listen.

Pinkerton is the height of Weezer’s musical creativity. The band stretches their creative muscles in this album. But Pinkerton may also be Incel Rock. Yeah. I’ve been listening to instrumental versions of Pinkerton, because the lyrics are cringe. They’re beyond cringe. Half the album is River Cuomo crooning how he can’t find a lady. The other half is Cuomo blaming every woman for his predicament. The lone standout is “The Good Life.” I have listened to “The Good Life” with vocals. This one track–in the middle of Pinkerton–is the one moment where Cuomo’s lyrics assume personal responsibility. Don’t believe me that Pinkerton is Incel Rock? “El Scorchio” begins with the lyrics “Goddamn you half-Japanese girls. You do it to me every time.” And Cuomo proceeds to sing about how he reads the girl’s diary. Um. Okay. “Pink Triangle” has the lines “I’m dumb she’s a lesbian” and “Everyone’s a little queer. Why can’t she be a little straight?” Yikes!

I dabbled with the rest of Weezer’s catalogue this past month. I do enjoy the band’s overall sound, but The Green Album (the band’s third studio release) proved indicative of the band’s future output. Release two to four songs that differ from the rest on the album. These are your singles. The rest sound exactly the same. I returned to Weezer because they released a new album last month, The Gold Album. This is the first self-titled album the band has released without picturing the band against a flat color background. Unfortunately, “C.E.O.,” the lead single, shows the album’s conceit.

Cranking out another 90’s jam.
Wish I could do something new,
But nobody wants to hear that
They just want the classics
You can’t blame em really
There’s something special about your early shit

“C.E.O.” is a reheated “Undone (The Sweater Song).” Ouch! I enjoyed The Gold Album more than much of Weezer’s recent output, but the album retreads old ground. I wish I could hear something new and exciting from Weezer.

Have I mentioned I’m from the South? Yes? Well, every once and while I get on a Southern Rock kick, and The Black Crowes dominated this past month’s playlist. I liked “She Talks to Angels” when it first released (in 1990), but I was too young to realize The Black Crowes were singing about drug withdrawals and getting sober.

She paints her eyes as black as night now,
she pulls those shades down tight
Oh yeah; gives a smile when the pain comes,
the pain gonna’ make everything alright (alright, yeah yeah)!

“Gives a smile when the pain comes; the pain gonna’ make everything alright.” Ah! After watching a family member detox, “She Talks to Angels” hits on another level. The Black Crowes were one of the 90’s most volatile bands, but I loved them just the same. They had that spark. Perhaps their volatility gave them their spark. From “Hard to Handle” to “Jealous Again” and “Remedy,” The Black Crowes bring me joy. I don’t listen to this local band often (I grew up near where The Black Crowes formed), but I enjoy the ride whenever I do.

We just hit the “Ber” season, the months that end in BER, so I’ve been writing…a ton. That means I’m hitting up Homework Radio (on YouTube). Homework Radio has plenty of great lofi and Chillhop songs that help me reach a flow state. “the forest guard keeps watch” may be my favorite of the channel’s recent offerings, but I’m certain you’ll find a playlist that will help you reach that flow state, too. I love how this channel doesn’t use AI and how they future various musical artists. Seriously, peruse their offerings, and I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like.

Those are all the tunes I’ve been listening to over the past month. Let’s check in with Season and Skye.

Season’s Tune

Hey, Geekly Gang! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve contributed to this series. This past month has been a bit rough. However, I’ve got more nostalgia tunes to share. I’m back with more early 2000’s pop-punk.

The first song on blink-182’s self-titled album, “Feeling This,” is a song I heard twenty years ago, but I never knew what the song was titled. Yes. I spent two decades trying to find this song, but I struggled to remember the lyrics. I heard a snippet of it in an Instagram reel a few weeks ago and got the title that way. I was like, “Of course it’s a blink-182 song.” I facepalmed. I’ve been listening to “Feeling This” way too much lately to compensate for lost time. Eh-heh.

Yeah, I’ve been feelin’ the classics lately. That and I left Goodbye Yellow-Brick Road on my turntable for over a month while I was recovering. I regret nothing. And why should I? Sometimes I may not be craving the sound of a particular album, but after I hit play, I’m completely hooked. Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow-Brick Road is one of those albums for me. The combo of John’s infectious piano melodies and upbeat/playful vocals make this album difficult to get out of my head. Even now I can’t seem to stop thinking about “Bennie and the Jets.” You’re welcome, it’s in your head now too (B-B-B-Bennie and the Jetsssssss). Maybe this is your sign to listen to Goodbye Yellow-Brick Road again. I promise you won’t regret it.

Those are the tunes our writers have been listening to this past month. What’ve you been listening to, Geekly Gang? Let us know in the comments. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.