My Name Is Jonas
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“My Name Is Jonas” | ||
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Song by Weezer | ||
Album | Weezer | |
Released | May 10, 1994 | |
Recorded | August-September 1993 at Electric Lady Studios, NYC | |
Genre | Alternative rock | |
Length | 3 min 24 s | |
Label | Geffen | |
Producer | Ric Ocasek | |
Weezer (The Blue album) track listing | ||
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"My Name Is Jonas" is a song by alternative rock band Weezer, written by Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson and Jason Cropper that appears on their self-titled debut 1994 album Weezer, also known as The Blue Album. It is one of the few Weezer songs with any co-writing credits and the only writing credit Cropper ever received in the band, as he came up with the acoustic intro to the song.[1]
"My Name is Jonas" was inspired by Rivers's brother who got into a car accident at Oberlin College and was having a problem with his insurance. According to Cuomo himself "'Jonas' explains how The Plan is reaming us all, especially my brother."[2]
In 1995 there was apparently some confusion as to what the 3rd single off The Blue Album would be, and several stations in the US and Canada played "My Name Is Jonas" as a single in spring 1995. This actually got to the stage in Canada where radio stations were serviced with a promo single. The plug was pulled early after "Say It Ain't So" was confirmed as the 3rd single, and the Canadian only radio promo is thus one of the most prized Weezer collectibles.[3]
This song has remained a very popular song for the band and is a concert staple. When the song is played live Brian Bell plays the harmonica solo. It is entirely in 6/8 time.
[edit] In the media
- A character in the popular Internet series lonelygirl15 is named Jonas and the character's first video bears the title "My Name is Jonas" and includes references to the song.[4]
- This song is featured in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock as a playable track.[5]
- AFI used this song to soundcheck before performing for Channel V in Australia in 2003.
- Jack's Mannequin have been known to have covered the song.
[edit] Personnel
- Rivers Cuomo – lead guitar, harmonica, lead vocals
- Brian Bell – rhythm guitar, backing vocals*
- Matt Sharp – bass guitar
- Patrick Wilson – percussion
- Ric Ocasek – producer
- *Brian Bell plays the harmonica part live.
[edit] References
- ^ Luerssen D., John. Rivers' Edge: The Weezer Story. ECW Press, 2004, ISBN 1-55022-619-3 p. 61
- ^ Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 110–111
- ^ Blue Album era releases (1992-1995). Weezer.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ My Name is Jonas - LGPedia. LGPedia. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ Holden, Tom (October 2007). "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock: Rock Your Way to the Top". Independent PlayStation Magazine (128): 26.
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