I absolutely love Weezer. Sure their brand of geek rock may be shallow, but not many bands can put out song after song which has a hook as strong as the last. This is what Weezer has done their entire career - until recently that is. My local record store carried the vinyl copy of their newest album Raditude a few days before release, which prompted a purchase from myself. Originally I was on the fence on whether or not to pick up the vinyl version, but ultimately, the early release date pushed me over the edge. Damn you Record Store!

The package felt a little light, but for $19 I figured there would have to be something in there. Who makes vinyl package now and days with nothing more than just a vinyl inside? Well apparently Weezer does. What a waste of money this was. I rip off the wrapper to find just a fine piece of black wax, nothing else. No gatefold artwork, no lyrics, no free download. Nothing. Not to mention, reading that Little Wayne was featured on the album made me a little weary - rightfully so too.

In an age where pushing a physical product is becoming increasingly difficult due to illegal downloading, Weezer displays why the music industry is collapsing under its own weight. You can say that it’s all about the music, and it’s impossible to refute that point, but if the record industry wants to continue urging us to spend our hard earned money for overpriced music, then they better get their act together. Give me lyrics, a free download when I buy a vinyl, some kind of artwork - SOMETHING!

If you’re interested, Raditude has its moments, but misses on the Weezer spirit. At some point after they recorded their hit single "Beverly Hills", Weezer became some party hard group that practically abandoned that insecure geek. I wish I could burn the wax and melt it for fuel for my car. $19 would have lasted me the week in gas...