A few nights ago some friends and I were reminiscing about a Ween show we had seen on New Year’s Day 1999. It was the first show this particular group had seen together so it was automatically bound to be a great night, but the fact that it was Ween made it even better. While listening to their memories of that night I quickly realized that the only part of the show I specifically remember is that they opened with Prince’s "1999." Yeah, it was that good! Since then I’ve been convinced that a Ween show – or album – is best when you can lose yourself in it completely one way or another.
I’ve been a Ween fan for longer than I can remember which probably has more to do with growing up in the same area of Pennsylvania as Dean and Gene then my fuzzy memory. Though I definitely have favorite songs I have yet to dislike any one of their albums as a whole including 12 Golden Country Greats which sent a lot of fans running for the hills. It’s easy to say I waited eagerly for this album, simply titled quebec as it’s been about three years since their last studio effort and awhile since I’ve seen them live. Maybe it’s the water in the Philly area, but I’ve always been one of those people that just seemed to naturally "get" Ween. It can be an acquired taste too, but many discredit the band as a novelty because they lean toward inane lyrics and grandiose style parodies.
quebec surprised me because it’s an overall subdued album. Not in a "we’re trying to make it big in the mainstream way" (which was an argument about their 2000 release White Pepper) but in a "this is just the place in life we’re at now" kind of way. There are still plenty of tongue-in-cheek lyrics, drug references, and off the wall effects and such, but this is a Ween that has grown up a bit – and I love it!
The album opens with the rocker "It’s Going to be a Long Night" which ever so gently rips off Motorhead’s "Ace of Spades." This track is hands down the most aggressive on the album and with lyrics like "you bring the razor blade, I’ll bring the speed, it’s going to be a long night" the tone of the rest of the songs is perfectly set. "Transdermal Celebration" is the type of Ween older fans will remember and it greatly reminds me of "What Deaner Was Talking About" off of Chocolate & Cheese, if only a little less upbeat. "Among His Tribe" has a similar vibe, but with a more psychedelic edge – I love the acoustic guitar here and the interesting background sounds that make you listen just a little closer. "Captain" is another great song, but I imagine it translates better live without the aid of an electronic manipulations. "Tried and True" shows off Ween’s pop sensibilities with lavish flair while "Hey There Fancypants" will appeal to fans of the band’s sillier side.
While not really breaking any completely new ground, Ween has put just enough humor, emotion, and great songwriting into the pot to cook up a ridiculously good album. quebec finds Ween further exploring some of the styles they’ve frequented on previous efforts and I think they’ve created just the right mix that will appeal to old and new fans alike. Dean and Gene have grown up a bit, but the Ween people have come to know and love is still there shining right through it all. If you are one of those folks that found previous Ween efforts to "out there" I highly recommend checking out this album.
While I whole heartedly recommend quebec I’m only giving it four stars not because it’s lacking anything, but because so far other Ween albums stand out just a little bit more in my mind. That’s not really a huge deal though and it won’t keep quebec out of constant rotation in my house. This a brilliant effort and I hope it brings Ween at least a little bit of the respect they are long due in the music industry.
Track Listing:
It's Gonna Be A Long Night
Zoloft
Transdermal Celebration
Among His Tribe
So Many People In The Neighborhood
Tried And True
Happy Colored Marbles
Hey There Fancypants
Captain
Chocolate Town
I Don't Want It
The F.ucked Jam
Alcan Road
The Argus
If You Could Save Yourself (You'd Save Us All)
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