Let's talk about Weezer.

This is the "all-ages" column, a column specifically for music lovers in the 13–20 age range, so chances are you were born sometime between 1986 and 1993. (If you're reading this and, like me, are much older, it isn't my intention to make you feel ancient. Promise. Bear with me while I get to the point.) You probably started listening to music on your own accord around 2000? 2001?

You dabbled in the current radio hits like Green Day and the Foo Fighters (but avoided junk like Limp Bizkit, I hope), and eventually someone turned you on to a group called Weezer. That person probably wore thick-rimmed glasses, and seemed inexplicably cooler than you despite his or her shapeless sweaters and inability to find a date on Saturday night.

If you're lucky, the record you first heard was Pinkerton, which, as it came out in 1996, would've been about four years old at this point (and it remains Weezer's best album, only slightly better than their debut). But there's a good chance your Weezer epiphany came via 2001's self-titled record known as the "green album," which was Weezer's highly anticipated return from a very long hiatus. It's a good effort, yes, but clearly lacking the charming presence of Matt Sharp.

Now here's why I bring this all up. Do you know who Matt Sharp is? If you do, then class dismissed. If not, pay attention.

Matt Sharp was in Weezer before you knew who Weezer were. As co-songwriter, bassist, and backup vocalist, he was a big part of the band's first two releases (the self-titled debut known as the "blue album" and Pinkerton). He was a big part of what made Weezer Weezer.

Also, Matt Sharp is a genius.

Now let's talk about the Rentals.

The Rentals came onto the scene in 1995 with Return of the Rentals. It was Sharp's side project during Weezer's downtime, and they were really, really great—power pop with a keyboard punch and male/female harmonies. After the release of Pinkerton, Weezer's future became questionable. The band went on hiatus, frontman Rivers Cuomo expressed disdain for Pinkerton, and Sharp left the band, causing turmoil between the two former friends.

The Rentals moved on, though, and eventually released another album in 1999, Seven More Minutes. It's more rock-oriented than Return, but still a strong album.

Sadly, then the Rentals too ceased to exist. Word of a breakup spread through the fan base, and Sharp disappeared only to reappear after the turn of the millennium with solo material. The new material just wasn't the same as what he can do with a full band.

But now, and finally, the world seems to be righting all the wrongs. Not only did last year bring rumors of a Sharp/Cuomo reconciliation, but the Rentals are back again! A new record is slated for release in 2007, but more importantly, they play an all-ages show at Neumo's on Monday, July 24! So do not miss this show. Just don't. It's musical history in the making.