In the late 90's, the California band Weezer had, for all intents and purposes, called it quits. But Rivers Cuomo was coaxed back by fans, so he reformed Weezer and they recorded a third album that sparkled with sunshine and inescapable pop hooks. It was released on May 15, 2001 and became known simply by the colour of its cover -- the Green album. Thanks to hits like Hash Pipe, Photograph, and Island in the Sun, the album went to number 2 in Canada. And Randy Renaud revisits the story behind it for the Chronicles of Rock.

In May 1969, with the Who on the brink of bankruptcy, Pete Townshend decided to risk it all with an extremely ambitious project -- arguably the most ambitious undertaking in rock to that point -- a 4-sided rock opera about a sight and hearing-impaired young man named Tommy who becomes a kind of messiah figure. The album became a true sensation, especially after The Who performed it at Woodstock. It would end being adapted into a movie, a stage musical, and even a ballet by a Montreal dance troupe. And it would influence the course of rock that followed.

On the heels of a break-through album, Toys in the Attic, and three hit singles -- Walk This Way, Sweet Emotion, and the re-released Dream On -- Aerosmith sought to record an album that would capture the electrifying power of their live shows. So they brought a mobile recording studio to their rehearsal space outside Boston, and laid down the tracks for one of rock's greatest-ever albums, Rocks. Released on May 3, 1976, it proved to be a huge success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard charts and being named by James Hetfield, Slash, and Kurt Cobain as one of their all-time favouroite records. Randy Renaud marks its 50th anniversary on the Chronicles of Rock.

On April 23, 1976, four friends from Queens, New York released an album that helped trigger a whole new rock movement called "punk." It only took them four days to record with songs inspired by such diverse influences as The Beatles, MC5 and the Bay City Rollers. Randy Renaud celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Ramones debut album, on the Chronicles of Rock.

In 1971, with Jim Morrison facing the possibility of jail time, and after the band's producer quit, the Doors managed to rally themselves to create one of rock's all-time great albums. Sadly, it would prove to be Jim Morrison's last. Randy Renaud marks the 55th anniversary of L.A. Woman (released on April 19, 1971) on this week's edition of the Chronicles of Rock.

Donald Tarlton was one of the most important figures in not only the history of popular music here in Montreal, but in Canada. He founded the concert promotion and booking company Donald K. Donald (or DKD) in 1966, and was instrumental in bringing to Montreal bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and the Who. He also helped create the Aquarius record label featuring artists like April Wine, Corey Hart and Sum 41. In the year 2000, he was selected as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Here he is in conversation with CHOM deejay Live Earl Jive in 1974 talking about a new Canadian band who were coming to Montreal for the first time, named not Mahogany Rush, but "Rush."

CP PHOTO/Adrian Wyld

On April 23rd, 1971, armed with a brand new guitarist, a sound punched up by a pair of American horn players, and a controversial album cover, The Rolling Stones released their ninth and possibly best album ever. Randy Renaud celebrates the 55th anniversary of Sticky Fingers on the Chronicles of Rock.

On April 2, 1968, Jimi Hendrix came to Montreal to perform for the one and only time. He and the Experience did a concert at the Paul Sauvé arena (that's Jimi backstage at the arena in the photo), but unruly fans kept invading the stage and even stole some of the band's equipment. Jimi, Mitch Mitchell, and Noel Redding arrived in town the night before, and ended up in an Irish pub. Randy Renaud has the story on today's episode of For The Record.