The Crate
Ween
Quebec
Quebec is the eighth studio album by Ween, released August 5, 2003 on Sanctuary Records. It marks a darker, more intimate turn for the duo amid personal turmoil and a move from Elektra to an indie label. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
Recording History
- Recorded 2001–2003 at Zion House of Flesh, Hopewell, New Jersey, with Andrew Weiss producing. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
- Drums were handled by Josh Freese, stepping in while Claude Coleman Jr. recovered from a car crash. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
- A notable studio anecdote: Dean Ween illicitly used Carlos Santana’s guitar and amplifier to record the guitar solo on “Transdermal Celebration,” completing the take in about ten minutes. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
- The Caesar Demos document early Quebec material (recorded 2001–2003 at Holgate beach space and other home studios); the Caesar Demos were released in 2011. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
Chart Performance & Recognition
- US Billboard 200 peak: No. 81. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ween_discography))
- Critical reception was generally positive (Metacritic ~71; Pitchfork 7.7/10; Jambands praise); Mojo named it a year-end top 40. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
- The album later gained recognition in year-end tallies (CMJ No. 8; Mojo No. 39 for 2003). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
Cultural Impact & Legacy
- The track “It’s Gonna Be a Long Night” appeared in Tony Hawk’s Underground 2, ATV Offroad Fury 3, Rock Band DLC, and The Shield. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
- Devin Townsend covered “Transdermal Celebration” (2016); “If You Could Save Yourself” has appeared in media such as The Morning Show. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))
- The Caesar Demos (2011) illuminate the album’s origins and the band’s state during its creation, reinforcing Quebec’s reputation as a cohesive, darkly ambitious Ween landmark. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_%28album%29))