Various Artists

Weezer began making a name for themselves when their self-titled 1994 debut album spawned three modern alternative rock staples (“Undone,” “Buddy Holly,” and “Say It Ain’t So”). After a hiatus (during which singer / guitarist Rivers Cuomo attended Harvard University), the group reconvened to record their highly anticipated follow up, Pinkerton, which did not surpass the popularity of their first album. Bassist Matt Sharp left the group to work on his other musical project The Rentals, and was replaced with Mikey Welsh (ex-Juliana Hatfield bassist). Weezer dropped out of sight for over a year, fueling rumors of their breakup. However, the group re-emerged in 2000 on the Vans Warped Tour and released their second self-titled record (often referred to as The Green Album) to excellent reviews. Unbeknownst to the band, their fan base had grown exponentially during their hiatus, and the group easily dusted off their collective alternative rock-god crown. Maladroit was released a year later, and currently, the group is reinventing themselves as the next Kiss.

– Maurice S. Teilmann (August, 2002)

The seeds of Burning Brides were germinated in New York City where Boston-born guitarist/singer Dimitri Coats was pursuing a career in theatre and Texas-born bassist Melanie Campbell was studying modern dance. After the two hooked up and dropped out of The Juilliard School, they eventually resettled in Philadelphia, forming the group and signing with local indie label File 13, eventually adding drummer Jason Kourkounis to the lineup. The group built up a reputation as an excellent, brutal live band, throwing down concussive riffs with passionate delivery. They released Fall of The Plastic Empire in 2001 on File 13, but soon signed with V2 Records, re-releasing their newly Howie Weinberg- remastered album in September of 2002.

– Maurice S. Teilmann (October, 2002)