The past couple weeks have delivered two new albums by two of my favorite artists: Weezer and Tegan and Sara. Both are seasoned veterans and released their seventh and fifth major albums, respectively, but have chosen very different paths with their 2009 releases.
Tegan and Sara's "Sainthood" is the duo's most mature and experimental album. The super-processed opening strums of the first track, "Arrow" is reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails. Though the song never reaches its potential, it is still a cool listen. The same is true with the single "Hell." Cool vibe, but not too memorable. The two exceptions to the underachieving trend are "On Directing" and "Alligator." "Alligator" may be the closest we see the Quin twins come to a disco dance track, but I wouldn't mind more because it's pretty groovy. "On Directing" has its own groove. The Quins skillfully surround the same chords over and over with ominous synthesizers and vocals until the song has worked its way deep into your soul and just sits in it. It's quite infectious. Yes, Tegan and Sara have obviously grown up as musicians, but they have lost some their charm on "Sainthood." This is hopefully a momentary hiccup because, though they manage a cool groove, the album is pretty forgettable.
Weezer, on the other hand, seem to have anything but growing up on their mind. Their recent collaborations with Kenny G and Chamillionaire on their AOL Sessions serve as convicting evidence of that. Somehow, at 39, Rivers Cuomo has written his most juvenile album, "Raditude". Just look at the song titles: "I'm Your Daddy," "The Girl Got Hot," "Let it All Hang Out." Every track on the album answers each cynically cocked eyebrow with a confident "you betcha!" "Raditude" is unapologetic pop music at its purest. The lyrics are ridiculous, but never show up the hooks (which are Weezer's best since the Green album). "Raditude" is not Weezer's most solid album, but it's so fun that you can forgive it. Purists may also scoff at the interpretation of "Can't Stop Partying," claiming the collaboration with Lil' Wayne corrupts the genius of River's "Alone 2" version. Well then just listen to the "Alone" version. The rest of us will listen to "Raditude" with jaws dropped, grinning from ear to ear.
Weezer's return to power after a two-album funk gives me hope that Tegan and Sara will make a similar comeback.
