Draft:Weezer Recording Chronology: 1993

From Weezerpedia

WRC Project Tracker

Phase 1: Community Input
(Completed)
Phase 2: Review

(Active)

Phase 3: Lockdown and Karlification!

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<- 1992 | 1993 | 1994-1997 ->


The Weezer Recording Chronology (WRC) is an attempt by Weezerpedia to create a successor to the Recording History, a detailed list of every demo, bootleg, and studio recording by the band Weezer and any directly associated bands, written by Karl Koch from the years of 2000 to 2011. Pages are separated by years.

This page details the year 1993. It contains the recording sessions of Weezer (The Blue Album), and events and recordings that led up to them.

January-July 1993

Snacktime For Captain Bligh, January 11—January 14, 1993

Snacktime For Captain Bligh is a demo by Pat Finn with Patrick Wilson on drums, recorded from January 11 to January 14, 1993 on a ADAT recorder owned by Spike Jonze. "Building Houses in the Rain" would be remixed in late 1994.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Building Houses in the Rain January 11—January 14, 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA Snacktime For Captain Bligh Remix from late 1994. A mix of the song was played by Karl Koch in a Stickam chat
Sweet Home January 11—January 14, 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA Snacktime For Captain Bligh Also known as "Snacktime Theme Song".
Sheriff Wong January 11—January 14, 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA Snacktime For Captain Bligh Instrumental, unknown if vocals were intended. Played by Karl Koch in a Stickam chat
Building Houses in the Rain January 11—January 14, 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA Snacktime For Captain Bligh Rough mix from January 1993. A mix of the song was played by Karl Koch in a Stickam chat
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Pat and Rivers 8-track recordings, early 1993

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Patrick Wilson Early 1993 8-track demo, instrumental, might have become a later Wilson song
Patrick Wilson Show Me How to Ride This Thing Spring 1993 8-track demo, became "Old and Wise"
Patrick Wilson All I Want Is You 1993 8-track demo, short U2 cover
Patrick Wilson Thrown It All Away 1993 4-track demo, drum machine and bass only
Patrick Wilson Thrown It All Away 1993 4-track demo, Yamaha workstation only
Rivers Cuomo Thrown It All Away 18 Thrown It All Away end edit.mp3 February 1993 2:54 8-track demo, the version released has a truncated end for an unclear reason
Rivers Cuomo I Need Some Touch 19 I Need Some Touch.mp3 February 1993 3:57 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo When You're Near Me 21 When You're Near Me.mp3 March 1993 0:30 8-track demo
Patrick Wilson Don't Quit Your Day Job!!! 1993 8-track demo, "this song rules"
Patrick Wilson Minutemen/Crazy Song February 1993 8-track demo
Patrick Wilson Lady Madonna February 1993 8-track demo, The Beatles cover
Patrick Wilson She's Leaving Home February 1993 8-track demo, The Beatles cover
Patrick Wilson A Day in the Life February 1993 8-track demo, The Beatles cover
Patrick Wilson Thank You February 1993 8-track demo, became "Congratulations" by The Special Goodness
Patrick Wilson Thank You March 1993 8-track demo, became "Congratulations" by The Special Goodness
Patrick Wilson You Make Me Wacky March 1993 8-track demo
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Kraft

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo Please Pick Up the Phone 13 Please Pick Up The Phone.mp3 January 1993 3:23 8-track demo, became "Mykel and Carli"
Rivers Cuomo Lullaby for Wayne 17 Lullaby For Wayne.mp3 January 1993 3:17 8-track demo
Jason Cropper, Rivers Cuomo A Final Tear of Red February(?) 1993 8-track demo, vocal tracks wiped, no mix with vocals exists
Rivers Cuomo Can't Keep My Hands off You February(?) 1993 8-track demo, also known as "I Refuse to Be Your Friend"
1991(?) "Unknown rap song" theorized to be from 1991
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Karlification!

Weezerpedia Discord Q&A With Karl Koch - February 2025

—Karl Koch, [citation needed]


Comeback, Nunbucket

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo Comin' Home (Left My Broken Heart in Carolina)
  • RC-1993-Comin_Home.mp3
  • 20 Comin' Home (Left My Broken Heart.mp3
 Spring 1993 2:39 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo Jamie 22 Jamie.mp3 March 1993 4:37 8-track demo, labelled as "Original Jamie" on j-card
Rivers Cuomo Because Spring 1993 Monterey Jack 8-track demo, acapella Beatles cover, labelled as "Because The World is Round", includes fragment of Patrick Wilson's "Thank You" at beginning
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Karlification!

8 track “Comeback, Nunbucket” (spring ‘93)

1. Left My Broken Heart… [In Carolina] 2. Original Jamie [original demo]

3. Because The World Is Round [Beatles cover] [PW “Thank You” demo fragment at beginning]

—Karl Koch, Weezerpedia Discord Q&A With Karl Koch - February 2025


Club Lingerie concert, March 15, 1993

See Weezer concert: 03/15/1993

Weezer played their forty-seventh show at Club Lingerie on March 15, 1993. This show was taped off the mixing board by Karl Koch.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer No One Else March 15, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here March 15, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer My Name Is Jonas March 15, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Surf Wax America March 15, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Say It Ain't So March 15, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Lullaby for Wayne March 15, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Undone - The Sweater Song March 15, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
about this table
Karlification!

taped off the mixing board

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


Rivers 8-track recordings, April 1993

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo Lemonade April 1993 2:31 Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo Speed Wax America Speed Wax America.mp3 April 1993 0:35 Patrick & Rivers 8-track demo, "Surf Wax America" chorus sped up so Cuomo could figure out harmonies, reversed clip of "Only in Dreams" appended to end
Rivers Cuomo If I Fell 24 If I Fell.mp3 April 1993 2:20 8-track demo, Beatles cover with sped up vocals
Rivers Cuomo Don't Worry Baby April 1993 2:57 Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo 8-track demo, The Beach Boys cover
Rivers Cuomo Old Melody April 1993 8-track demo, vocal harmony experiment
Rivers Cuomo He's My Sweetheart 15 He's My Sweetheart.mp3 April 1993 0:43 8-track demo, Michael Nolan cover with altered lyrics to be about Pat Finn
Rivers Cuomo Punk Rock Girl 26 Punk Rock Girl.mp3 April 1993 2:15 8-track demo, written in tribute to that dog.
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Pat and Jason funny 4-track recordings, April 1993

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Black Plant Forceps Techno Ono April 1993 4-track demo, funny rap song
Patrick Wilson, Jason Cropper Song for Los Angeles April 1993 4-track demo, instrumental made up of Los Angeles news highlights
Patrick Wilson, Jason Cropper Song for Los Angeles April 1993 4-track demo, reprise
Black Plant Forceps Techno Ono April 1993 4-track demo, "Echo Chamber Magnum Mix"
Black Plant Forceps Techno Ono April 1993 4-track demo, "Echo Chamber Magnum Mix 2"
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Pat Wilson and Pat Finn 8-track recordings (The Blue Diamond Terrace), spring 1993

It is unknown exactly what tracks were recorded, except for a 5-part "Caffeine Saga".

Karlification!

Exact tracks done are unknown, except for an epic 5 part "Caffeine Saga"

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


Loyola Marymount University sessions, April 1993

Dale Johnson, a student at Loyola Marymount University, had done sound engineering at an in-store performance at Rhino Records in March, and asked Weezer to record at LMU's 24-track studios for his final project in music engineering. They recorded several versions of "Jamie" live to 2-track tape, with Rivers Cuomo recording his vocals and guitar separate from the rest of the band in a small room.[1] Later, a classmate of Johnson's brought Weezer in again as she didn't have a band lined up for her project, and they recorded several takes of "My Name Is Jonas" and "Lullaby for Wayne".

I was the LMU student that brought Weezer into the studio and engineered the version of "Jamie" that appears on DGC Rarities Vol 1. I saw Weezer for the first time in the early spring of 1993 when i did the sound for them at an in-store at Rhino Records in Santa Monica. I had worked there for a bit and had become familiar with them thru my friends Rachel Haden and Kerry Murphy, who had booked the show there that night.

So, I asked them to do the recording assignment which was a live to 2 track version of "Jamie". I still have the shitty copy of the original 8-track demo that was dubbed on the back of a Grant Lee Buffalo sampler cassette somewhere in my closet. I hooked them up with another classmate of mine named Sharon when she didn't have a band lined up at the last minute. I tried to get her That Dog (who was the other band I really wanted to record) but they couldn't get it together in time so I figured the Weezer guys would be down with coming back for a second time.

Anyways, I guess the guys were happy with the LMU version of "Jamie", but i never entirely was completely satisfied. I mean, only so much you can do with a live take and only a few hours! Rivers seemed to be really completely amazed when i told him I only got a B+ on the project. "But it's gonna be on a CD, man....!" I remember Matt being really adamant that they would do the recording project with me, but that they had to own the master. Smart boys they were, and I agreed to it, I just really wanted to be credited with the recording.

—Dale Johnson, engineer of LMU sessions[2]


There was an idea to make a indie 7" single of "Jamie" and "My Name Is Jonas" from these sessions, though it never materialized.[1]

April 15, 1993

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer Jamie April 15, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA Recorded live to 2-track tape, take 1, incomplete
Weezer Jamie April 15, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA Recorded live to 2-track tape, take 2, complete but determined to be inferior
Weezer Jamie April 15, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA Recorded live to 2-track tape, take 3, incomplete
Weezer Jamie April 15, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA Recorded live to 2-track tape, take 4, complete but determined to be inferior
Weezer Jamie April 15, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 4:20 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition) Recorded live to 2-track tape, take 5, selected for a final mix but was rejected in favor of take 6
Weezer Jamie April 15, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 4:18 Recorded live to 2-track tape, take 6
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April 27, 1993

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer My Name Is Jonas April 27, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 3:16 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition) Unknown number of takes
Weezer Lullaby for Wayne April 27, 1993 Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 3:32 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition) Unknown number of takes
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Karlification!

Dale Johnson, a student at LMU had seen a weezer show, and asked them to come record at the LMU 24 track studios, for his final project in music engineering class. They recorded several takes of "Jamie". a few weeks later, a classmate of Mark's asked the band to come back, for her own final project. The second time, they recorded various takes of "Lullaby for Wayne" and "My Name is Jonas". On both occasions, the students had to select microphone placement and recording techniques. In all cases, the music was recorded "live", each microphone assigned to its own track. There were no overdubs.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


The Central (Club Dump) concert, April 29, 1993

See Weezer concert: 04/29/1993

Weezer played a show at The Central on April 29, 1993 as part of Club Dump. This show was recorded on video tape by the venue, in addition to being audio taped by Karl Koch. A staff member of Geffen also recorded this show, and it was later sold on eBay in June 2025.[3]

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer Surf Wax America April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA
Weezer No One Else April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA
Weezer My Name Is Jonas April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA
Weezer Jamie April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA
Weezer Say It Ain't So April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA
Weezer Lullaby for Pat Finn April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA 4:09 Video Capture Device "Lullaby for Wayne" with altered lyrics for Pat Finn.
Weezer Undone - The Sweater Song April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA
Weezer If I Fell
  • 19930429-WEEZER-If_I_Fell-at_Club_Dump.mp3
  • 20021225-Happy_Holidays_2002.mpg
  • 00_20021225-happy-holidays.ram
April 29, 1993 The Central, West Hollywood, CA 3:25 Released on weezer.com Beatles cover.
about this table
Karlification!

this show was both audio bootlegged by karl and videotaped by the in house camera

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


Matt and Rivers 4-track "Mrs. Young", May 1993

This song (also known as "Jamie II") was intended to be released as a B-side for a planned, but unrealized, independent single release of "Jamie". Matt Sharp wrote most of the song, with Rivers Cuomo helping on additional writing and harmonies. The song was tried out by The Rentals later on and would eventually become "Please Let That Be You".

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Mrs. Young May 1993 3:34 Excellent Stocking Stuffer 4-track demo
about this table
Karlification!

(This is an early version of "Please Let That Be You" ) Matt wrote much of the song and then asked Rivers to help with some parts and harmonies ; 4 track

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


Club Lingerie concert, June 7, 1993

See Weezer concert: 06/07/1993

Weezer played a show at Club Lingerie on June 7, 1993. This show was taped off the mixing board by Karl Koch.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer No One Else June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA 3:18 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition)
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA 4:20 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition)
Weezer My Name Is Jonas June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Surf Wax America June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Say It Ain't So June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA 4:22 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition)
Weezer Jamie June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA 4:15 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition)
Weezer Lullaby for Wayne June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA 3:53 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition)
Weezer Undone - The Sweater Song June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA "with a nice 'metal memories' ending"
Weezer Only in Dreams June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer China Grove/Baby, You're a Rich Man June 7, 1993 Club Lingerie, Los Angeles, CA 3:24 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition) "Mutated" cover of songs by the Doobie Brothers and The Beatles respectively, "classic rock with metallic freakout-very funny and well done. "
about this table
Karlification!

Taped off the mixing board

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


Rivers 8-track recordings, May-June 1993

Reeperbhan Billingsly

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo Chess June 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 2:25 Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo 8-track demo, first half is taped over on the master
Rivers Cuomo Holiday 04 Holiday.mp3 June 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 3:05 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo, Adam Orth Souvenirs, Novelties, Party Tricks June 25, 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 2:37 Released online 8-track demo, recorded the day Weezer signed to Geffen Records
Rivers Cuomo Buddy Holly June(?) 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 2:59 Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo 8-track demo, taped over "Chess"
Rivers Cuomo «RC Drum Jamb» June(?) 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 8-track demo, drum jam, taped over "Chess"
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Karlification!

8 track “Reeperbhan Billingsly” 6/93 (“June 1993 In The Garage”)

1. Buddy Holly

  • 2. [RC Drum Jamb]

3. Chess [2nd half only] 4. Holiday 5. Souvenirs, Novelties, Party Tricks [with A.Orth]

[j-card does not list #2]

—Karl Koch, Weezerpedia Discord Q&A With Karl Koch - February 2025


Miscellaneous 8-tracks

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo Negativland 01 Negativland.mp3 May 1993 1:04 8-track demo, became "Blast Off!"
Rivers Cuomo To Mykel and Carli (From a High School Friend) 02 Mykel + Carli.mp3 June 1993 3:17 8-track demo
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July-December 1993

Rivers 8-track recordings, July—August 1993

Go - Go - Go

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo The Purification of Water July(?) 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 3:55 Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo 8-track demo, second version, first half is taped over on the master
Rivers Cuomo Hot Tub 08 Hot Tub.mp3 July 1993 3:07 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo Hot Tub July 1993 8-track demo, alternate drums only take
Rivers Cuomo Port O' Jonas 09 Port O' Jonas.mp3 July 1993 1:06 8-track demo, guitar solos from "My Name Is Jonas"
Rivers Cuomo In My Room July(?) 1993 8-track demo, cover of the Beach Boys song of the same name, wiped from master and replaced by "In the Garage"
Rivers Cuomo In the Garage 10 In The Garage.mp3 July-August 1993 4:01 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo I Swear It's True(?) August(?) 1993 8-track demo, alternate drums only take
Rivers Cuomo I Swear It's True
  • 11 I Swear It's True.mp3
  • RC-1993-I_Swear_Its_True.mp3
 August(?) 1993 2:47 8-track demo, taped over "The Purification of Water"
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Karlification!

8 track “Go – Go - Go” 7(?)/93

1. I Swear It’s True 2. The Purification Of Water [2nd half only] 3. Hot Tub

  • 4. Hot Tub (drum tracks only)
  • 5. Port O’ Jones [part of Jonas – harmonica solo work]

6. In The Garage [‘grage’]

  • 7. drum track for (?) I Swear It’s True(?)

[j-card shows that “Purification” was crossed off and replaced with “I Swear..”, and that “In The Garage” was originally listed as “In My Room”]

—Karl Koch, Weezerpedia Discord Q&A With Karl Koch - February 2025


Miscellaneous 8-tracks

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo Getting Up and Leaving August(?) 1993 8-track demo, master is missing
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The Adventures of Super Devil, July 1993

Heretix was a band from Boston, Massachusetts, that was active from August 1983 to June 1995.

On December 31, 1992, as Mikey Welsh's former band Left Nut was nearing the end, he was invited by Heretix to replace their bassist Eric Hill. After Welsh joined and toured the East Coast with the band in the spring of 1993, they went into Boston's Squid Hell studio that July to record their third album, The Adventures of Super Devil, which was released on October 26, 1993.[4]

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Heretix Liquid California July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 4:05 The Adventures of Super Devil
Heretix Michigan July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 4:33 The Adventures of Super Devil
Heretix Nothing More to Talk About July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 4:08 The Adventures of Super Devil
Heretix Butcher's Brain July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 4:03 The Adventures of Super Devil
Heretix Hedgehog July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 4:27 The Adventures of Super Devil
Heretix Taste July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 3:48 The Adventures of Super Devil A re-recording of a song originally on the band's second album, Continuous Soft Hits on the Head.
Heretix Alchemy July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 4:46 The Adventures of Super Devil
Heretix Buzzy Baby July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 5:37 The Adventures of Super Devil Features former bassist Eric Hill on bass along with Welsh on bass and fuzz bass.
Heretix Llik July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 2:50 The Adventures of Super Devil
Heretix 10-2-1 July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 4:08 The Adventures of Super Devil A re-recording of a song originally on the band's second album, Continuous Soft Hits on the Head.
Heretix Chariot Choogle July 1993 Squid Hell, Boston, MA 2:34 The Adventures of Super Devil
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Cole Rehearsals Studios vocal rehearsals, July—August 1993

Running concurrently with band rehearsals, vocal rehearsals are conducted at Cole Rehearsals. At least one session is recorded to microcassette, which includes the band goofing around and covering barbershop songs.

It's likely songs in contention for The Blue Album were also recorded, but this is unconfirmed.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby July—August 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA 0:40 Recorded to cheap microcassette. Played by Karl Koch in a Stickam chat.
about this table
Karlification!

Vocal rehersals, including much silliness,as well as barbershop songs (recorded direct to a cheap microcassette)

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


Rivers 8-track recordings at Cole Rehearsal Studios, July 26—August 5, 1993

On some days in late July and early August 1993, Rivers Cuomo came to Cole Rehearsal Studios early to write and record some demos. It's unknown what was recorded these days (if anything), but it's known July 26, July 29, August 2 and August 5 were designated as "writing / recording days". It's possible some of the demos listed on Go - Go - Go were recorded on these dates, but this is merely speculation.[5]

Practice at Cole Rehearsal Studios, August 6, 1993

A few days before Weezer went to New York to record The Blue Album, Rivers Cuomo bought a portable DAT tape recorder and taped a rehearsal at Cole Rehearsal Studios in Los Angeles.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer No One Else August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer My Name Is Jonas August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer Surf Wax America August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer Mykel and Carli August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer Holiday August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer In the Garage August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer Buddy Holly August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA 2:44 Weezer (The Blue Album) (Super Deluxe Edition) Recorded to DAT tape, "molasses slow tempo", master likely missing
Weezer Say It Ain't So August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer Lullaby for Wayne August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer Getting Up and Leaving August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA Recorded to DAT tape, master likely missing
Weezer Just What I Needed August 6, 1993 Cole Rehearsal Studios, Los Angeles, CA 2:18 Recorded to DAT tape, The Cars cover, master likely missing
about this table
Karlification!

Rehersals were underway for the forthcoming recording sessions in New York City. Rivers bought a portable DAT recorder and taped the band after they had settled into the new environment of Cole Rehersals.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


The Blue Album pre-production rehearsal, August 10, 1993

After the band was flown to New York City on August 8th to record The Blue Album, some time was taken before going to Electric Lady Studios to do some final rehearsals. On this day Ric Ocasek brought his video camera and captured footage of the band rehearsing.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer Only in Dreams
  • 00_20040720-weezerdvdleftover04.ram
  • 20040720weezerDVDleftovers04.mpg
 August 10, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY 8:46 Video was released on weezer.com on July 22, 2004 as a DVD leftover
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Karlification!

The band continued their final rehearsal work at S.I.R. On this day Ric Ocasek brought his video camera into the studio and taped the band running thru several songs. (Ric's recording of "Only In Dreams", which he later edited with some other random footage he shot elsewhere, is available on the audio-video page, as a 'DVD leftover'.)

—Karl Koch, [citation needed]


The Blue Album pre-production demo, August 11, 1993

After 2 days of rehearsal, the band was recorded onto an Akai 12-track to capture the feel of the band as well as to help narrow down the list of songs. Chris Shaw, who would later go onto engineer the album, would also engineer this demo.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer No One Else August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer My Name is Jonas August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Surf Wax America August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Say It Ain't So August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Lullaby for Wayne August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY 3:36 Dusty Gems & Raw Nuggets Appears on the deluxe edition of Weezer (The Blue Album)
Weezer Undone - The Sweater Song August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Mykel and Carli August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Only in Dreams August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Holiday August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Buddy Holly August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer In the Garage August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer Getting Up and Leaving August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY
Weezer I Swear It's True August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY 3:50 Dusty Gems & Raw Nuggets Appears on the deluxe edition of Weezer (The Blue Album)
Weezer In the Garage August 11, 1993 S.I.R., New York City, NY Listed as "In The Garage (Reprise)", "Kind of a weird mellow vocal harmony thing"
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Karlification!

The band flew to New York and was booked time for final rehersals at S.I.R. Studios in Manhattan. Ric Ocasek, along with Ric's assistant Haig, and engineer Chris Shaw recorded the band to get a feel for the sound of the group and try and narrow down the song selection for recording the album. This demo was taped on a big Akai 12-track that used beta video style tapes. I'm sure Ric still has the master tapes. Also, various videotape was shot of the rehersals and during the recording of the demo.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


Miscellaneous microcassette recordings, August—September 1993

Multiple microcassette recordings are made during the recording of The Blue Album, both in and out of Electric Lady Studios in New York. The contents of these are varied, including impromptu folk songs and "very silly material".

Karlification!

Microcassette recordings of all kinds of nonsense in the studio and out. includes some impromptu folk songs and some very silly material.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 4


The Blue Album recording sessions, August 16—September 24(?), November 1, 1993

Album cover

Recording

For more information, see Weezer (The Blue Album)

The band, alongside Ocasek and Shaw, recorded and mixed 11 songs: the songs that appear on the Blue Album, plus "Mykel and Carli" (which was later released as a bonus track on the iTunes and vinyl releases of Death to False Metal).

There were several takes recorded of each song (probably around 4-5), which the band would listen to, especially the drums, and choose one to record on top of. In the case where the drums were the best over multiple different takes, the master reels were spliced together to make a new take.

Cropper was asked to leave the band during recording, and was replaced by Brian Bell, who the band had made acquaintance with during his time with Carnival Art. Cuomo re-recorded all of Cropper's guitars, with Bell re-recording some of Cropper's backing vocals, although in the cases where he was too unfamiliar with the material, Cuomo would sing backing vocals instead. The only track that wasn't changed was "Mykel and Carli", which was abandoned due to time constraints.

Karl Koch filmed a lot of the recording process, as well as the band's time in New York. Some of this footage can be seen on Video Capture Device.

Karlification!

The guys recorded and mixed 11 songs. The 10 songs that appear on the album , plus "Mykel and Carli", which was never quite finished. It still exists on the master tapes at Electric Lady Studios, along with the 10 main tracks.

There were several "takes" (recorded tries) of each song. I dont have documentation of this. I do recall there being about 4-5 takes per song that appeared on the album. The guys would then listen to the raw first takes, especially the drums, and pick out the best one. The best one was then used to over-dub all the other insturments and singing on, which effectively "wiped over" the original bass, guitars and vocals. In some cases it was determined that the drums were best in two different parts on two different takes. In this case the two master reels were actually cut and spliced together, creating a new "take" which consisted of pieces of the originals. (hey, the Beatles did this too, dont knock it!) Again, if I were at Electric Lady, I'd ask to see the reels and write down all the details. But im not there, so we can only guess at the number of original takes.

Jason Cropper was asked to leave the band during the recording sessions, and was replaced by Brian Bell, who had to send in an "audition" tape (see below), so the guys could see if he could sing. Jason's guitar tracks were re-recorded by Rivers, and his backing vocals were re-recorded by Brian, except when Brian was too unfamiliar with the material to get it just right, in which case Rivers stepped in. The only track that wasnt changed was "Mykel and Carli", which was abandoned due to a lack of time to finish it. The version of "Mykel and Carli" that you are familiar with was recorded later in 1994 (see below).

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Tracking rough tapes

Over the course of recording, several "tracking rough" tapes were made with the intention of listening and deciding what needed fixing with them. These tapes are not different takes of the songs, but earlier mixes, often with different guitar parts of scratch vocal tracks.

Tracking roughs as of August 22

These recordings contain Cropper's guitars and occasional singing.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer Undone - The Sweater Song August 16, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Mykel and Carli August 20, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY Version 1
Weezer In the Garage August 18, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Buddy Holly August 21, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Say It Ain't So August 20, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY Version 1, nearly was the final album mix
Weezer Only in Dreams August 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Holiday August 21, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here August 17, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Surf Wax America August 17, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Mykel and Carli August 20, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY Version 2
Weezer Say It Ain't So August 20, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY Version 2
Weezer Say It Ain't So August 20, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY Version 3
Weezer My Name Is Jonas August 18, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer No One Else August 17, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
about this table
"Ruffs" as of August 25—27
Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer No One Else August 17—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here August 17—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Surf Wax America August 17—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Holiday August 21—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Mykel and Carli August 20—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer My Name Is Jonas August 18—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Undone - The Sweater Song August 16—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Say It Ain't So August 20—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Only in Dreams August 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer In the Garage August 18—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Buddy Holly August 21—August 27(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
about this table
Karlification!

During the course of recording, "tracking roughs" were made on cassettes, for the guys to take back to the hotel at the end of the day, and listen to, with the intention of deciding what needed fixing, etc. The following is a list of the "roughs" that I personally ended up with, and may be just a sampling of the total amount. Again, these are not different "takes" from what you hear on the album, they are earlier mixes, often with different guitar parts, or rough "scratch" vocals. One "rough" (listed below) was very nearly the final album mix. Again I was asked to supply samples for the intro to "Undone". The samples were added to the master reel, and the matter was assumed to be done with. But then, once we were back in LA in November, we got word thet my samples were too difficult to gain legal clearence for, and so something else had to be done. This is when the familiar "party dialogue" was added. This was done on Rivers's 8 track in "the" garage, with Mykel, Matt, a "crowd noise" sound effect CD and me. (see below)

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


"weezer master mixes", September 11(?), 1993

A short tape of master mixes made right before Jason Cropper would leave the band on September 12.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer Holiday August 21—September 11(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer My Name Is Jonas August 18—September 11(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer In the Garage August 18—September 11(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
Weezer Surf Wax America August 17—September 11(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
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Brian Bell audition tape, September 14, 1993

Master tape insert and tape.

After Cropper was asked to leave the band, Bell was asked to make an audition tape, so the band could know if he could sing. A tape was sent to Bell from New York City, featuring four rough mixes of Weezer songs, to which he added hastily learned, partially made-up backing vocals and guitar. This audition was well received, and the band flew him out to New York for recording the next week.[6]

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
No One Else August 17—September 11(?), 1993, September 14, 1993
  • Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
  • ?, Los Angeles, CA
Undone - The Sweater Song August 16—September 11(?), 1993, September 14, 1993
  • Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
  • ?, Los Angeles, CA
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here August 17—September 11(?), 1993, September 14, 1993
  • Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
  • ?, Los Angeles, CA
Say It Ain't So August 20—September 11(?), 1993, September 14, 1993
  • Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY
  • ?, Los Angeles, CA
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Brian & Rivers overdub sessions, September 21—26(?), 1993

Brian Bell arrives in New York on September 16, and begins practicing each song from the next day to September 20, when it's decided that Bell will replace Jason Cropper's backing vocals, and Rivers Cuomo will replace all of his guitar parts. From September 21 to at least September 24, Bell would replace all of Cropper's backing vocals, with Cuomo replacing his guitar parts on at least September 24.

September 25 and September 26 are undocumented, so some backing vocals and overdubs may have been done during these dates.

Chris Shaw would begin mixing partially on September 18, then from September 27 to October 8, where it would then be mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound. Mastering sessions would take place from October 11 to October 15, with Cuomo in attendance. Alongside the entire album, "Jamie" would also be mastered for use as a B-side, and thus appears on internal CDs made after mastering was completed.

Undone - The Sweater Song intro, September 10, November 1, 1993

"Undone - The Sweater Song" originally contained several samples in its intro, collected by Karl Koch. They were mixed so the left speaker would contain cheery, happy samples, and the right speaker would contain the opposite. The samples were added to the master reel, and recording for the album was assumed to be finished, before they were informed in November that the samples would be too difficult to get legal clearance for. The mix with the samples still made it as far as an unmastered cassette tape of the album. The samples included audio from Humphrey Bogart movies, the Peanuts, and "dialogue from the Black Hole".

A mix of the song was made to DAT tape at Electric Lady, which was then sent to Los Angeles, since they had already finished recording, where Cuomo copied it to two stereo tracks on his 8-track recorder on November 1. Crowd noise taken from a sound effect CD, as well as conversations between Koch and Sharp, and Koch and Mykel Allan, were put on other tracks, which were mixed down by themselves to DAT tape and sent back to Electric Lady, to ensure that they weren't talking later than they needed to be.

Due to the new recording, "Undone" would be remastered with the new intro included. Cuomo would travel back to Sterling Sound, where it was remastered on November 3, finally completing the album.

Karlification!

Undone "final mix" w/ karl's samples, which got as far as a "final, unmastered" cassette of the album

(samples included Humphery Bogart , the Peanuts gang, and Dialogue from "The Black Hole", mixed in a way so that the left side was all enthusiastic happy stuff, and the right was all bummed , depressed things)

Undone "replace the samples" voice over 8 track master

To do this, a mix was made to a DAT tape at Electric Lady , with the samples turned down. this was sent to LA, where rivers copied it to two stereo tracks of his 8 track cassette recorder. Then on other tracks, the party noise was put on, as well as conversations between Matt and I, and Mykel and I. Then the newly recorded vocals and party noise was mixed down (with no guitars, drums, etc) to another DAT tape, which was sent back to New York, to be "flown in" to the final mix. This was done in this manner to make sure the timing was exact, so that we werent still talking during the chorus part or any other errors. The only other option was to fly back to New york and book studio time to re-do it "professionally", which would have been rediculously expensive for such a minor thing.

(And yes, karl was bummed that my samples werent used)

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Track listing

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer My Name Is Jonas August 18—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 3:24 Weezer (The Blue Album)
Weezer No One Else August 17—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 3:04 Weezer (The Blue Album)
Weezer The World Has Turned and Left Me Here August 17—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 4:19 Weezer (The Blue Album)
Weezer Buddy Holly August 21—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 2:39 Sped up an unknown amount during mastering. Keyboard recorded September 11.
Weezer Undone - The Sweater Song August 16—September 24(?), November 1, 1993 5:05 "Piano madness" recorded on August 31. Samples recorded by Karl Koch on September 10. "Party" vocals recorded on November 1.
Weezer Surf Wax America August 17—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 3:06 Weezer (The Blue Album)
Weezer Say It Ain't So August 20—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 4:18 Was remixed for single release, this remix replaces the original on all pressings from 1995 onward.
Weezer In the Garage August 18—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 3:55 Weezer (The Blue Album) Instrumental tracking footage can be seen on Video Capture Device.
Weezer Holiday August 21—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 3:24 Organ recorded August 25.
Weezer Only in Dreams August—September 24(?), 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 8:00 Weezer (The Blue Album) "Climax guitars" recorded September 11.
Weezer Mykel and Carli August 20—September, 1993 Electric Lady Studios, New York City, NY 3:13 Death to False Metal (iTunes, vinyl) Recorded during sessions for the Blue Album but abandoned due to time constraints, mixed for the first time in 2010.
about this table
Karlification!

note that this has NOT been x-referenced with anything - could be missing all sorts of data! All pulled from my journal....

August 1993

  • Sat 7 - Farewell Party - Amherst House
  • Sun 8 - fly to NYC
  • Mon 9 - S.I.R. rehearsal
  • Tues 10 - S.I.R. rehearsal
  • Wed 11 - S.I.R. rehearsal
  • Thurs 12 - S.I.R. rehearsal
  • Fri 12 - Sun 15 - unclear, but includes: Gear going to Electric Lady, getting set up/mic'ed by Chris Shaw. Ric O. rehearsing with his band in the same SIR space weezer was in (we meet Greg Hawkes, Eliot Easton), then going to Boston for a show to promote "Quick Change World" - (he later went on letterman to play "his"dont let go" oct 13, 1993) see youtube
  • Mon 16 - electric lady, Studio A - Undone
  • tues 17 - electric lady, Studio A - no one else, surf wax, world
  • wed 18 electric lady, Studio A - jonas, garage. "cheese foam skateboard" video shot this day
  • thur 19 - Taylor Dayne video shoot in A, Studio C: hangout, stew over Taylor Daynes prebooked session
  • fri 20 - electric lady, Studio A - mykel & carli, SIAS
  • sat 21 - electric lady, Studio A - holiday, buddy holly
  • sun 22 - off
  • Mon 23 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs
  • Tues 24 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs [photos taken this day]
  • wed 25 - electric lady, Studio A+B - overdubs [Holiday organ in B; Rivers acoustic in A][photos taken this day]
  • thurs 26 - electric lady, Studio C - overdubs
  • Fri 27 - electric lady, Studio C - overdubs ["guitar sounds finally weezer-ized, booming"]
  • Sat 28 - ?
  • Sun 29 off - [KK, PF, AP, PW to Snapcase show lower manhattan at "Wetlands"]
  • Mon 30 ?
  • Tues 31 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs [undone piano; vocals] [photos of RC+MS]

September

  • Wed 1 - ? [KK to Buffalo]
  • Thurs 2 - ? [KK to Buffalo]
  • Fri 3 - ? [KK returns to NYC, pm]
  • Sat 4 - electric lady, Studio C - overdubs
  • Sun 5 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs [issues re: Jason come to fore]
  • Mon 6 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs [Jason not at studio]
  • Tues 7 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs [Jason not at studio?]
  • Wed 8 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs [Jason not at studio?]
  • Thurs 9 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs [Jason not at studio?]
  • Fri 10 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs, KK records undone samples [Jason not at studio?]
  • Sat 11 - electric lady, Studio B - overdubs (Only In Dreams "climax guitars", Buddy Holly Keyboard part) [Jason not at studio?]
  • Sun 12 - off - Jason leaves NYC, leaves weezer
  • Mon 13 - off (C. Shaw prepares for mixing, Phone call to Brian in LA)
  • Tues 14 - off (Brian records "Audition Tape" in LA, Fedexed to NYC)
  • Wed 15 - off (tape recieved in NYC, listened to, Brian invited to join weezer)(Karl turns 24)
  • Thurs 16 - off (Brian arrives in NYC) [Brian bed photo]
  • Fri 17 - electric lady, Studio B - Brian vocal and guitar practice
  • Sat 18 - electric lady, Studio B - Chris Shaw mixing (partial/prepartory) - Brian vocal and guitar practice [KK and RC see Les Mis]
  • Sun 19 - off (Brian continues practice) - KK (+RC?) to Guggenhiem
  • Mon 20 - off (Brian continues practice)(determined: Brian will re-do vocals, RC will re-do guitars)
  • Tues 21- electric lady, Studio B - Brian Vocals
  • Wed 22 - electric lady, Studio B - Brian Vocals
  • Thurs 23 - electric lady, Studio B - Brian Vocals [kk to buffalo]
  • Fri 24 - electric lady, Studio B - Brian Vocals, Rivers re-does all JC guitars [kk in buffalo]
  • Sat 25 - ? [kk in buffalo]
  • Sun 26 - ? [kk in buffalo]
  • Mon 27 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing [kk returns to NYC][KK, RC, BB? PW? see "Dazed And Confused"]
  • Tues 28 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing [RC and KK go see "Cats"]
  • Wed 29 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing [kk to Buffalo]
  • Thurs 30 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing [kk in Buffalo]

October

  • Fri 1 thru Tues 5 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing [kk in Buffalo]
  • Wed 6 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing [kk back in NYC]
  • Thurs 7 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing [RC + KK go see Phantom of the Opera]
  • Fri 8 - electric lady, Studio B - Mixing - Last day [Ric takes all to Blue Man Group at Astor Theater, then to Rics house for party]
  • Sat 9 KK + PW to LA
  • Mon 11- Fri 15 - Mastering at Sterling sound [RC on hand]
  • Sat 16 RC returns to LA
  • Thurs 21 MS, BB to LA
  • Sun 31 - band vocal rehearsals start

November

  • Mon 1 - record undone "party" vocals, 2226 Amherst
  • Tues 2 - RC to NYC for re-mastering w/new undone
  • Wed 3 - RC in NYC for re-mastering
  • Thurs 4 - Sat 6 RC off in CT
  • Sun 5 - RC returns to LA, album finished.
  • Mon 6 - daily practices start on Venice Blvd [B+W photos from these following days/weeks], + vocal rehearsals daily at Kyung-Hee's house

[note we didnt officially live at Amherst House anymore, other bands were using "The Garage" now]

—Karl Koch, Weezerpedia Discord Q&A with Karl Koch - August 2024


Pat Wilson & Matt 4-track recordings, September—October 1993

Pat Wilson and Matt Sharp would independently record demos on Sharp's 4-track tape recorder during sessions for The Blue Album, while they were staying at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Patrick Wilson Buying and Selling September 1993 Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY 4-track recording.
Patrick Wilson I Wouldn't Say It September 1993 Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY 4-track recording.
Patrick Wilson Old and Wise September 1993 Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY 4-track recording.
Patrick Wilson «Commercials for Levi's» September 1993 Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY 4-track recording, exact contents and purpose of recording is unknown.
Patrick Wilson Scare You Off September 1993 Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY 4-track recording.
Patrick Wilson These People Aren't My Friends September 1993 Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY 4-track recording.
about this table
Karlification!

Done at the hotel we stayed at (the Gramercy, on Gramercy Park), on Matt's 4 track, during blue album recording sessions.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Exact songs Sharp recorded during this period are unknown, except one. Most of these recordings are likely destroyed.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Matt Sharp Friends of P. September—October 1993 Gramercy Park Hotel, New York, NY 3:25 Friends of P. (promo single) 4-track recording.
about this table
Karlification!

I dont have exact details of what songs he did at this time, however see 10-11/93 below. (All of Matt's '93-'94 4 track activity is summed up below) This is definitely when the "Friends of P" demo was recorded that became a rentals B-side much later.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Pat 8-tracks, October 1993

Upon returning to Los Angeles after completing The Blue Album, Wilson did 2 master tapes worth of 8-track recordings. However, both tapes are almost completely taped over, cut off, or rendered unusable, with several tracks having other songs playing over them simultaneously and also seemingly being used as practice tapes. Early attempts of "I Wouldn't Say It" are audible on both tapes, as well as several tracks with drum machine drums.

Karlification!

This was likely made upon return to LA, after the blue album was finished. Unfortunately it seems Pat was careless with his recordings, and there are multiple tape-overs. over the course of 2 master tapes there is not one song that isnt cut off early, partially recorded over, or otherwise rendered unusable. In many cases different tracks have different songs on them, playing simultaneously. It sounds like he was using the tape as a practice tape, just working out the songs.I could detect definate early attempts of "I Wouldn't Say It" on both tapes, as well as one song w/ drum machine drums, similar to his later Suburban Advantage demo (see below), but clearly before that time due to its raw state.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Pat 8-track "My Spine", October-November 1993

Precursor to the Suburban Advantage EP

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Patrick Wilson Old and Wise October—November 1993 My Spine 8-track recording.
Patrick Wilson You'll Never Change October—November 1993 My Spine 8-track recording.
Patrick Wilson Someday You Will Have to Leave October—November 1993 My Spine 8-track recording. Played by Karl Koch in a Stickam chat.
Patrick Wilson I Wouldn't Say It October—November 1993 My Spine 8-track recording.
Patrick Wilson Buying and Selling October—November 1993 My Spine 8-track recording. Evolved into "New Wave Lullaby" on Suburban Advantage.
Patrick Wilson Why is This So October—November 1993 My Spine 8-track recording. Evolved into "Let's Go to the Mall" on Suburban Advantage and Special Goodness song "Riff".
Patrick Wilson Scare You Off October—November 1993 My Spine 8-track recording.
about this table
Karlification!

This was a rough demo, all parts played by Pat. Soon he would move on from this material and write new songs, and make the Suburban Advantage EP.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Matt Sharp 4 tracks, October-November 1993

By November, Sharp had 3 songs that he was fairly pleased with (including the "Friends of P." demo from New York).

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Matt Sharp California October-November 1993 4-track demo
Matt Sharp Stupid Girl October-November 1993 4-track demo
about this table
Karlification!

As of November, Matt had 3 songs that he was fairly pleased with. I imagine he destroyed a considerable amount of his New York hotel room recordings, focusing on a few standout tracks. He would continue to make 4 track recordings till Spring '94.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Rivers 8 tracks, November-December 1993

Nilakantan Bertram

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Rivers Cuomo When You're Alone 12 When You're Alone.mp3 November-December 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 0:56 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo You Gave Your Love to Me Softly 14 You Gave Your Love To Me Softly.mp3 December 2, 1993[7] 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 2:02 8-track demo, "nasty tape splice gap"
Rivers Cuomo I'm Tired of Having Sex 15 Tired Of Sex.mp3 November-December 1993 2226 Amherst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 2:42 8-track demo
Rivers Cuomo Victory on the Hill November-December 1993 0:50 Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo 8-track demo
about this table
Karlification!

8 track “Nilakantan Bertram” 1/94

1. When You’re Alone 2. You Gave Your Love To Me Softly [nasty tape splice gap] 3. Tired Of Having Sex 4. Victory On The Hill

[j-card lists 3 and 4 in reverse order]

—Karl Koch, Weezerpedia Discord Q&A With Karl Koch - February 2025


Martha V2, November 1993

This was a more professional recording of the previously mentioned "Martha", recorded by Wilson by Koch's request (apparently the song "lost its silliness" as a result) onto Cuomo's 8-track recorder at 2226 Amherst Ave. Cuomo plays a trumpet solo on this recording, as he was trying to learn trumpet at the time. Wilson plays guitars, and Koch sings.

Karlification!

This officially counts as a Southern Fried Swing recording, which when I first mentioned SFS (above), I said I wouldn't be including further details of. However, this is a special exception. At my behest, Pat Wilson helped me record a more "pro" version of this song, which was probably a bad idea, as it lost its special silliness. The unusual thing is that I persuaded Rivers to play a trumpet solo on the song. He was on a kick to learn trumpet (I suppose if you've just recorded your debut major label album, you need to find new challenges!), and I corralled him into the garage. Pat played drums and guitar, I "sang". Recorded on Rivers's 8 track.

—Karl Koch, Weezer Recording History, Page 5


Weezer rehearsal, November 26, 1993

Weezer rehearsed at a rehearsal space on Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles from November 6 to November 26, 1993, in advance of their upcoming LA Basin / Self Punishment Tour. The last rehearsal before the first show was videotaped by Karl Koch and exists in the Weezer archives.

Performer(s) Title Filename Date of recording Recording location Length Appeared on Notes
Weezer Buddy Holly November 26, 1993 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Surf Wax America November 26, 1993 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA "chatter - discussion of SIAS" captured after
Weezer In the Garage November 26, 1993 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA Brian Bell vocals and backing track only
Weezer Holiday November 26, 1993 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA No vocals
Weezer Holiday November 26, 1993 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Jamie November 26, 1993 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Weezer Mykel and Carli November 26, 1993 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA Partial footage circulating
about this table
Karlification!

ok i checked - this is from 11/26/93. that was the only rehearsal i videotaped from this time

the tape includes:

Buddy Holly Surf Wax "chatter - discussion of SIAS" In The Garage (only BB sings) "chatter - funny" Holiday (no vocals) Holiday Jaime Mykel & Carli

(this refutes my above statement that they were only rehearsing Blue and Jaime. In my defense, i, er, totally forgot)

cant confirm but 95% sure there are gaps that werent filmed - this wasnt the whole rehearsal

this was at a small new rehearsal studio on Venice Blvd somewhere around La Cienega. A nice couple Richard and Cindy ran it.

—Karl Koch, Weezerpedia Discord Q&A With Karl Koch - May 2025


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Koch, Karl. Weezer (The Blue Album) (30th Anniversary Deluxe) liner notes.
  2. ↑ "Weezer Recording History, Page 4
  3. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20250627201252/https://www.ebay.com/itm/256989142443
  4. ↑ Archive.org archive of the October 22, 1993 Boston Phoenix
  5. ↑ Karl Koch (March 4, 2025). Weezerpedia Discord server message. Archived at Weezerpedia Discord Q&A with Karl Koch - March 2025.
  6. ↑ Knoxville News-Sentinel article - July 23, 1995. Article reads: "The next day Bell received a demo tape with four of the songs the band was recording. He made an audition tape, adding his vocals and guitar to the songs, and shipped it back overnight. A Weezer member called back the next day, told Bell he was in and sent him plane tickets to New York. By the next week, he was in the studio recording with producer Ric Ocasek."
  7. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20111113163257/http://riverscuomo.cinderblock.com/
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