1994. The world was introduced to Friends, the quirky show about the lives of Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Joey, Ross and Phoebe. That same year, Nelson Mandela became President of South Africa and the Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding feud escalated.

But who cares about one of the longest-running sitcoms and a President of the most influential countries of Africa – especially when you’re six years old in New York? When I wasn’t in school, I was playing man-hunt and swinging on playgrounds. And when I wasn’t doing that, I was glued to vinyl records and watching cartoons.

So, you could imagine my surprise when I flipped through the channels and discovered an extremely well-written and catchy tune by a man that resembled a younger-version of Buddy Holly from The Crickets. I later learned that this was not Buddy Holly – but a man by the name of Rivers Cuomo. And that the song I had just discovered was an ode to the man I mistook as Rivers (the aptly titled “Buddy Holly”). So I convinced my mother to drive me to Sam Goody the day the album was released. I was one of four people (and certainly the youngest) standing outside before the store opened. When the doors opened, I searched frantically for the bright blue cover. Once I had Weezer in my hand and gave it a listen, I knew that my musical styles would become more progressive.

Sixteen years later, Weezer still stands as one of my favorite bands. I have seen them four times already and have tickets to see ‘em another two or three times this summer. I also have Weezer stickers on close to everything I own. But more importantly, I also have every album ever released. At least, now I do.

It wasn’t until two weeks ago that I decided to listen to Weezer’s releases in chronological order – only to find out that there is a pretty huge gap between the band’s blue album and green album. Yes, I had everything the band has ever released – except Pinkerton. How a super-fan like me overlooked one of the most critically acclaimed albums is beyond me. Imagine that parent that accidentally brings home a doll instead of the child. While you sympathize with that parent, you are still disappointed with them.

So, once again, I went back to the record store with the same wide-eyed enthusiasm I had 16 years earlier – and picked up an album dating back to 1996. I grabbed the CD and threw it on. I was amazed by how much of my life was wasted by not having this album.

Before listening to Pinkerton in its entirety, what little I knew was this: With the exception of “El Scorcho” and “Why Bother”, the album is generally untouched live. Here is what I discovered and have concluded from this gem:

On one hand, I can absolutely see why Cuomo and Co. leaves this album locked up tight. While the songs off of Weezer (1994) exposes Rivers’ emotional side (“In The Garage”, “Only In Dreams”), the 11 songs here bring out a darker side of Cuomo – a side reminiscent of his solo material. “Tired of Sex”, the album’s opener, is a raunchy alternative song with lyrics that suggest self-wallowing and an ever-growing state of depression. “Pink Triangle” explains that love isn’t always what is seems – and that is the saddest theme to any song, right?

Instrumentally, the album is not like the early alternative of Weezer (1994) or the radio-friendly singles from its 2001 (or, green) counterpart. Instead, the raw emotion of Rivers’ vocals is complemented with the raw, garage-rock sound iconic of the decade. “No Other One” and “Why Bother” are the two songs that stand out instrumentally, incorporating the shrill wail of guitars and fast-paced drums.

“The Good Life” is one of the most underrated songs on both the album and in the Weezer discography. A number that opens with a simplistic and catchy guitar riff and “Yeahhhhhhh check me” in a smooth, velvety voice is definitely one of the more light-hearted moments on the entire album. The song then goes into an Earth-rattling bass riff, the same catchy riff and synced vocals. Take a listen to the chorus and bridge of the song — the two highlight Weezer’s expertise in executing the album.

Even my personal least favorite track on the album, “Falling For You”, is better than most songs I have on my iTunes and is part of the memorable formula Rivers and Co. bleed into every track.

Oh well, even the collector often overlooks treasure.