Return of the Rentals by The Rentals (Review)

Would it make me sound too geeky if I admitted that I first listened to this album while playing Doom on my brother’s PlayStation? Well, it shouldn’t, because if any album epitomizes pocket protector pop, it’s probably Return of the Rentals. One look at the album cover, with bandleader Matt Sharp dressed in a frumpy grey suit, ugly tie, and eyeglasses reserved for those in either NASA or an indie-pop group, should be the first sign. This is the sort of pop that rocket scientists from the 1960s might make wiling away their time amongst spinning tape drives and slide rules.

Despite the band’s frumpy appearances, this album contains one hidden pop gem after another. And that should come as no surprise, seeing as how Matt Sharp was once a part of Weezer. Both Weezer and The Rentals share a lot in common, but it’d be far too easy to simply describe The Rentals as “Weezer with Moogs.” Whereas Weezer got a little too big for their britches, The Rentals never lose that sense of naiveté, or that brand of awkward honesty that could only come from an aerospace engineer on his first date.

The songs are simple and silly, but that’s all a part of their charm. The cheeky “Friends Of P.” sees Sharp singing, somewhat self-deprecatingly, “I’m gonna break down at 50/And I’m not quite a stallion/I’m a good guy for a gal” over fuzzy guitars and airy female “ooh’s.” The album’s shining moment, “Please Let That Be You,” is as urgent as the album gets, with Moog tones swooping and bubbling over as Matt and Co. sing with unabashed sincerity “You are my faith and I love you/Raise my right hand and swear it’s true.” But even in the midst of their nerdy demeanor, The Rentals throw in those surprising moments when they rock out, such as that arena rock bridge in “My Summer Girl” or the aggressive drumming of fellow Weezer-ite Pat Wilson on tracks like “Friends Of P.” or “Naive.”

Even though this album came out 5 years ago, it hasn’t aged one bit. And considering that this band started off as a Weezer side-project, I’ve actually come to appreciate it more than Weezer (which explains why I own Return of the Rentals but none of Weezer’s albums). Now all I need is a copy of Doom for my PlayStation and I’m good to go.