This One Goes to 11, much like the Fast & Furious film franchise, is all about family. And we’re welcoming the brother of Season 2 guest Nitza Melo before the tribunal today: the wonderful Aldo Melo! Aldo is a creative hailing from Miami, FL. He has worn many hats in his life and currently calls Northern California home after a good long stretch in Seattle.

The album he brought for our consideration was considered a big flop when it was released, but time has given it a new much-admired stature in the story of 90s alternative rock in America. We’re talking about Weezer’s sophomore effort Pinkerton. The album was born of frontman Rivers Cuomo’s desire to follow 1994’s Weezer (The Blue Album) with something decidedly more personal. His time as a student at Harvard and complications from a serious leg surgery imbued the album with a raw, at times discomfiting, sense of isolation and frustration. This contrasted the swinging guitar hooks and anthemic pop power of many of the songs, leaving many critics and listeners perplexed.

Aldo takes up the case for this album in a spirit that feels quintessentially him. He hasn’t doubted the album for a moment since its release, connecting deeply with its sincerity and the way its foibles paint a complex picture of a rock star publicly dealing with many of the fears and insecurities any of us might. Aldo is generous, warm-hearted, and funny as hell. It was a privilege to have him on and welcome him to the TOGT11 family. I think Vin Diesel would approve.

But will Aldo’s case have what it takes for Pinkerton to make it into the pantheon? Buckle up with us and find out!

Here’s the link to Part 2 of our chat with Aldo:    • Ep 70: Aldo Melo Nominates Weezer’s “...  

Theme music composed by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Damien Figueras.

Got a question, comment, or suggestion? E-mail us at [email protected]. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@thisonegoesto11podcast).