Special Goodness

Weezer drummer Patrick Wilson got bored during the band's long layoff between 1997-2000 and decided to take the bull by the horns and do some rocking of his own. He and his pal Atom Willard of Rocket From the Crypt formed the Special Goodness. Land Air Sea is their second album. Unsurprisingly they travel the same road that Weezer does; guitar-heavy powerful pop with hooky choruses and soaring vocals. Wilson proves to be quite capable in the vocal department. Not overly distinctive but unstintingly pleasant and often quite emotional. The songs on Land Air Sea aren't spectacular. At their best they sound like Weezer album tracks and there is no shame in that game. "N.F.A." is a driving tune with a solid hook and a great vocal from Wilson, "Whatever's Going On" is a sweet ballad, and "Inside My Heart" is a chunk of modern power pop that sounds like the Foo Fighters (but better) and just might be the best track on the record. The only problem with the album is that it gets a little samey after a bit. The production is the same on all the tracks and they all have similar tempos and feel. Still it is a pretty good modern rock record that will make Weezer fans happy. And that is a worthy goal. [Epitaph's 2004 release of Land Air Sea is a remixed and resequenced edition of the record, which was first out in 2003 on N.O.S.] ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide