TORONTO -- Weezer wouldn't be the first rock band to adopt the role of reluctant heroes.

After all, that shrugging, we're-not-as-great-as-you-think-we-are routine has proven as familiar a trapping in alt-rock circles as banged-up guitars and horn-rimmed specs.

But rarely do you see it lead to an argument between a band and its devotees, as it did -- however lightheartedly -- at Arrow Hall Monday night, where there was a strange note of conviction in Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo's voice as he repeatedly refused requests from his audience.

After cranking out the opening notes of his L.A. power-pop band's 1996 tune El Scorcho, Cuomo spat, "That song sucks."

A roaring disagreement from the 6,500-strong crowd followed.

"That songs sucks, you guys," Cuomo insisted.

He then offered a few choice words about the sketchy quality of Pinkerton, the second of Weezer's three albums, then withstood a round of chants for El Scorcho before introducing the next few songs as El Scorcho (none of them was).

It was tough to tell if he was amused or agitated.

Fortunately, what Weezer did dole out was strong enough in the way of fan favourites and new material to constitute a solid set.

The band's set list, drawn mainly from its classic 1994 debut and swell self-titled 2001 "comeback" disc, moved at a steady clip, with no less than 19 songs fit neatly into less than 90 minutes of stage time.

That pacing was hampered by frequent technical glitches involving Cuomo's guitar, which, for a relatively no-frills show, had a troubling number of roadies hovering around at times.

Strangely, Weezer also seemed to tailor its presentation to reflect both the concise, quick-fix quality of the music and the band's more rock-starrish aspirations.

Stark, white lighting during the opening salvo of Island In The Sun, In The Garage, Crab and Kock-down Drag-out -- intensely catchy numbers all -- made them look almost like an opening band. By the set climax of Hash Pipe and the one-off shoegazing moment Only In Dreams, they were drowning in fog and blue swirling lights. Their trademark flashing "W" didn't make its appearance until the encore, which included a sadder than usual Buddy Holly and Surf Wax America.

Ever the nerds with guitars, Cuomo and guitarist Brian Bell looked like they'd rather be elsewhere, while drummer Patrick Wilson offered some humour with his dry salute of "Thank you Toronto ... er, Mississauga." Newly added bassist Scott Shriner -- in for Mikey Welsh, who checked himself into a mental hospital last month -- added a one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other factor with his greasy locks and muscles.

What stood out most, though, was the show underlined the deft quality control Weezer have exercised since they first emerged in '94 like some sugary antidote to the lingering ache of grunge. What appears like a spotty career on paper -- just three albums, with a five-year lull in the middle -- sounded tidy and timeless, with hits and anthems a-plenty. Hearing kids who must have been eight years old when Weezer's first album came out bellowing along with early staples Undone -- The Sweater Song, My Name Is Jonas and Say It Ain't So was proof enough of that.

JAM! Rating: 3 out of 5

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