What Weezer has lost in indie/hipster cred, they've certainly gained in creative and innovative viral marketing (surrounding new releases).
Last go around, it was Weezer's "Snuggie" promoting Raditude, and for their eighth studio album, Hurley, the band features a huge photo of Hugo "Hurley" Reyes (actor Jorge Garcia) of Lost on the cover. After generating huge Internet buzz, frontman Rivers Cuomo told Spinner.com:
"I just loved this photo of Jorge Garcia -- it just had this amazing vibe.... No words are on the cover because all we wanted was his amazing face."
Before seeing Weezer on Saturday at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, you can download the first single off Hurley, "Memories," for free (and legally) via Spinner.com. In the peppy three-minute jam, Rivers remembers the '90s with references of hackiesacks, Pogs, Nintendo 64, Beanie Babies, Tickle Me Elmo and Rage Against the Machine. The only thing missing? Aa solid nod to Weezer's '90s masterpiece, Pinkerton.
What do you think of the new Weezer?
Download of the Wednesday: Weezer's "Memories" (Hurley is out Sept. 14)
Chris Cantore, SoundDiego's anchor contributor and a longtime fixture on San Diego radio, is on the air weekdays from 3-7 p.m. on 102.1 KPRI. Follow Chris on Twitter @chriscantore or send him a story idea.
