Blog Post 4: "Buddy Holly" by Weezer

Though there are not a variety of contexts displayed in this Weezer video, those that are, are very apparent and well rounded. Most obvious is the historical context that makes up the entire composition of the song and video. The setting is in Al's Restaurant from the television show "Happy Days"and features cast member Al Molinaro, who was the owner of the restaurant, from the show itself. Besides using the set of the show itself, the video was also set up like a spoof of the show. Weezer was introduced by Molinaro and there was a "commercial" break in the middle of the video. On top of the location and video format, Weezer band members dress as though they are from that same 50s era, making the point to go along with the song how people tend to dress up and act like those they idolize, in this case, Buddy Holly and Mary Tyler Moore. Although these celebrities were from that time period, the same holds true today. Much of why the video was set up this way is to back up the song's purpose, but it also could help bring in older audiences as well. By structuring the video and song around concepts older people can relate well to, they will in turn connect to the music, whether or not they actually like the music for its quality.

Other than historical, the video also captured the classic cultural example of the 50s in America. For instance, when one girl "cast an eyeball" on the "cool cats" playing on the stage, her apparent boyfriend decided to "agitate the gravel" and "cut out." From the jute box in the corner to the swing dancing on the floor, the video, whether intentional or not, could give a definite perspective of American 1950s. Along with the location and format from "Happy Days," the cultural parody could help garner appreciation from older demographics and create ethos for the newer, younger music that older generations usually may not be a able to connect to.