Weezer/Teenage Fanclub/Turbonegro....

I was going to write more 'in-depth' reviews about the new albums I've been fortunate enough to hear this week, but instead I'll do a wee summary of them...

Weezer - Make Believe

What's the beef? Bespectacled Harvard student Rivers Cuomo returns with US pop-rockers fifth album. Will it make up for the disappointing Maladroit? Will it prove to be a sparkling and triumphant return to form? Well....
Sounds like: Maladroit. Which was Weezer's worst record to date. You do the maths.
Highlight: 'This Is Such A Pity'. My favourite song right now. Synth-driven guitar pop, catchy as fuck, but not 'catchy' as in 'annoying'. I love it. Sounds like the Human League and other 80's pop, but is never cheesy. Fantastic song.
Lowlight: 'Beverly Hills'. Horrible song. Sounds like Busted or something. The annoying female backing vocals are completely unnecessary. Comparable to 90's boyband 'Five'. Coupled with a bright, colourful MTV-friendly video makes this song a real shitter. I get the impression they were trying to be ironic, but it backfired. Reminded me of Good Charlotte.
So, any good?: Well, it's not bad. There's not alot new here, and it's a bit bland in places, but Rivers' knack for beautiful melodies still shine through. Hardcore fans and MTV2 whores will think it's a work of art, however.
Marks out of 5?: Three. It would have been four if they had more songs like 'This Is Such A Pity', because it's a little bit different from your identikit Weezer song.


Teenage Fanclub - Man-Made

What's the beef?: Scottish indie heroes are back with umpteenth album of pretty harmonies and plinky guitars. How many albums have they had now? Not sure... I'd have to look it up.
Sounds like: The musical equivalent of lying in a meadow in the sun with a cool breeze tickling your toes. (Hey, I could get a job for the NME with redundant metaphors like that)
Highlight: 'Cells'. Brilliant song, lovely guitar, perfect harmonies, and the bit where the drums come in made me a bit shivery.
Lowlight: I haven't decided yet. It's really hard to choose. Maybe 'Flowing'.
So, any good?: Very much so. Unfortunately this album will probably appeal to those over the age of 25 more than anyone else, but I doubts the Fannies would want a bunch of Slipknot fans listening to their album. Maybe they would, but I wouldn't.
Marks out of 5?: Four. TF have a knack of sounding the same as they did 15 years ago but still sounding fresh at the same time.

Turbonegro - Party Animals

What's the beef?: The Apocalypse Dudes are here again! Fine Glam-rock stylings from Norwegian six-piece, with huge doses of irony.
Sounds like: 70's glam bands, only with a smidge of self awareness. It's not to be taken too seriously, but there are some fantastic riffs on here. Everyone thought 2003's 'Scandinavian Leather' was the most accessible Turbonegro album, well, it was, until this one.
Highlight: 'All My Friends Are Dead'. Crunching riff, manic laughter, followed by "where are my friends? all my friends are dead!". Rock and roll folks.
Lowlight: 'Hot Stuff Hot Shit'. They've totally nicked this off someone, and I can't think who it is, which is why it's a lowlight. It's frustrating me. It's actually a pretty good tune.
So, any good? Hell yeah. Does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a party album. Stick it on at your next social gathering. People will enjoy it, if they like that sort of thing.
Marks out of 5?: Four. I'm rather partial to Turbonegro so I was tempted to give it five, but I showed a bit of restraint. It'll never better 99's stunning 'Apocalypse Dudes', but it tries.

FIND OUT MORE:
Weezer
Teenage Fanclub
Turbonegro

All three albums are released tomorrow (May 9th) in the UK.