That there was a time when California power-pop trio Weezer had a discernible "sound" matters less, it seems, than the fact that the band's post-2000 mystique is built on gimmicks, quirks, and stunts: the Lil Wayne cameo, the Hurley from Lost album cover, the geek-pandering video clips, et al. Indeed, the group built an early rep on excessive sincerity and impeccable songwriting, turning out a pair of solid, shameless discs of Beach Boys/hair metal lineage—until it became obvious that the masses preferred schmaltz, at which they turned, improbably, into a perennially buzzed-about singles unit piloting a Snapple truck full of scare quotes. Lost along the way were irresistibility and forthrightness, but frontman Rivers Cuomo remains good for a deliriously linear lark or two: "Pork and Beans," "Perfect Situation," "Keep Fishin'." Hate them now, but their best-of album's gonna be tight.
Sat., Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m., 2011