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Rivers Cuomo is mighty stoked about Raditude (© Reuters/CORBIS)

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Weezer's new album Raditude, due out 3 November, finds the band exploring some previously unchartered territory, as heard on their head-turning collaboration with rapper Lil Wayne on Can't Stop Partying.

There's even a authentic take on traditional Indian music, Love Is The Answer, that is bound to have the late George Harrison smiling somewhere.

Produced by an array of boardsmen (some of whom lent a hand in the songwriting) - Butch Walker, Jacknife Lee, Dr Luke, and Polow da Don - it's Weezer's strongest effort since their self-titled 'comeback' album of 2001 (otherwise known as 'The Green Album').

It's a record of bold experimentation but one still brimming with enough catchy-as-hell hook-o-ramas to keep the multitudes happy.

In this exclusive interview with MusicRadar, Cuomo discusses the state of Weezer and the making of Raditude.

Congratulations, Rivers. Raditude is excellent.

"Oh, hey, thanks. I'm glad you like it. I love it myself."

"I was telling him about the album and how it's fun and rocking, and I asked him what he thought a title should be. He just said, 'Raditude'" Rivers Cuomo, on how actor Rainn Wilson named the new record

Well, one would hope you'd like your own album. The other day you explained your definition of the word 'Raditude,' but I understand that the actor Rainn Wilson actually came up with the title.

"Yes, that's true. I was telling him about the album and how it's fun and rocking, and I asked him what he thought a title should be. He just said, 'Raditude.' After he told me the title, which I liked immediately, I applied my own definition to it. It just seemed to fit. Raditude. It's all right there."

The band's lineup has been fairly consistent for a number of years. However, Josh Freese has been drumming for you live and he's on several cuts on the record. Is he a permanent member of the band now?

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