For six whole songs.

But hey, it was a school night. And this was quality over quantity, to be sure. Opening with the ironically appropriate "Don't Let Go," Cuomo and Weezer grabbed the audience of San Diego scenesters by the lapels straight out of the box, spitting up hyperkinetic run-throughs of six new songs before retiring early to begin a two-and-a-half-hour autograph session that ultimately sated the smitten crowd.

Local acts Convoy and Soulcracker, as well as Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland were in attendance. But more impressive was that almost all the local music glitterati cleared out from the bar area when Weezer began their set, which also included two songs sure to rule the airwaves this summer -- "Islands in the Sun" and "Hash-Pipe," the lyrics of which Cuomo altered for the occasion to "You've got your problems/I've got my half-pipe."

However brief the show, it served its purpose. Weezer got to preview and promote what sounds like a rejuvenated return to their classic, up-and-down melodies. Local industry insiders got to say they were there. And the kids were alright -- particularly if they got a signed copy of the new album ("pre-purchased" for $15) or a signed Kearny Mesa bowling pin ($2). Leave it to Weezer to make a promotional junket feel like transcendental communion with these suburban prophets of simple-minded art-pop.

-- Will K. Shilling