OZMA Discography

OZMA – Rock and Roll Part Three (2000)
OZMA will surely please any Weezer fan with their first studio release. They share the same energetic powerpop, but where OZMA excels is their witty and often ironic lyrics. Prepare for a tribute to Natalie Portman, the contradictory lyrics of “Ups and Downs,” Nintendo refrences (Mario and Luigi), and plenty of wordplay. Theres a great Back to the Future reference in “In Search of 1988:” “Warp me back at 88″ (the speed required for time travel, duh).

Favorite Line: “An apple pie, the number pi, I studied you in math class. I did all my work, but never got your digits!”
Favorite Song: “In Search of 1988″

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OZMA – The Doubble Donkey Disc (2001)

Early in 2001, the band also self-released The Doubble Donkey Disc (later reissued on Kung Fu Records). With this release, Ozma experimented with the traditional Russian balalaika and the flute to create a sound they called “Russian coldfusion”. The disc was split into two imaginary “concept EPs”: the first five songs (including the Russian folk song “Korobeiniki”, more famously the Tetris theme) revolved around Russian themes, while the second half created a more “dance party” atmosphere.

Expanding on the Nintendo theme, OZMA begins to experiment with their rendition of the Tetris theme song, and it becomes a common thread in a lot of their songs. They will continue to use the style of connecting songs with common musical themes and melodies. Also, check out references to Link from Zelda, and playing with Legos.

Favorite Line: Eh, no favorite. I’m not nearly as familiar with this album as the others, but it’s still very good.
Favorite Song: Korobeiniki [Traditional Russian Folk Song] (aka: the Tetris theme song)

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OZMA – Spending Time on the Borderline (2003)

OZMA’s third studio album is powerpop like it ain’t no thang. Notice more of OZMA’s use of Nintendo and Back to the Future references (Both in “Game Over”: “where I go I don’t need roads!” and also a reference to Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love” in “Come Home Andrea:” “Girl make a one man cry, make another man sing”)

Favorite Line: From “Come Home Andrea”: “Tonight I’ll be a whore for you, and you can dance for me. No money exchanged if we ask the same fee”
Favorite Song: “Wake Up” It’s the song that hooked me.

So witty OZMA!

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OZMA – Pasadena (2007)

Review from previous post here

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OZMA – Pasadena

Isn’t it fun to move through the years and see what bands stick with you?

Well here’s one of my favorites that I discovered back in high school, OZMA. This is their latest release, and the first after their break up in 2004. OZMA to me, is best signified by their witty lyrics, and geek rockness. Over their four studio albums, they reference the “Back to the Future” trilogy multiple times, and various Nintendo games including “Super Mario Brothers”, and “Zelda.” While this release seems to be a bit more serious, it still brings a smile to my face every time I hear the wailing love rock song “Eponine.” Fans of Weezer will be much pleased by this I’m sure.

I think what I’ve just said is a jumbled mess…so listen to it already.

Here’s “Spending Time” from their previous release “Spending Time on the Borderline.” Essentially the same sound, it’s just the only good video I could find. In any case, I’m sure I’ll post that album soon.

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