Brian Bell's newest musicial relationship

When people think of Weezer, the first figure that comes to mind is the first man of geek rock, Rivers Cuomo. But let’s look past the coke-bottle glasses, sweater vests, and pocket protectors for a brief moment and focus on another integral figure in the Weez, lead guitarist Brian Bell.

It’s a shame that more attention isn’t given to Bell. His axe playing is underrated, stage presence is respectable, and wardrobe rivals that of Lou Reed. And also lost in all of this is that fact that he’s had a side project, The Relationship, going for the past few years.

While it may have taken awhile, The Relationship finally has a debut LP coming out. It’s self-titled and is debuting tomorrow (11.29) via iTunes and Amazon.com. I’ve only heard a little bit of Bell’s band, and it’s style is definitely a detour from his Weezer work.

I would describe it as old-school bar rock, with influences from Tom Petty and the aforementioned Reed, among other similar acts. I’m not sure if this song made the LP, but here’s a number from The Relationship.

PS: Rumors are flying that Bell will be personally signing copies of the LP after both shows of Weezer’s upcoming Memories tour, December 14 and 15 in Boston.