Lateralus I feel was way more balanced -- less filler (though there's definitely still some there). I always hungered for more in Tool records because I felt they were so empty; they could easily make a kickass four-track EP but instead they defer to lengthen it. I enjoy a bit of Tool now and again, but that doesn't prevent Tool fans (in general) from being some of the most fantastic morons I've ever met.
Good pick on Tago Mago. I really enjoy your reviews; it's refreshing to find someone willing to engage in analogy and metaphor instead of a track by track breakdown. Your approach to it was unconventional but nevertheless insightful. I'm rediscovering Tago Mago as I speak, but I'm still partial to Ege Bamyasi.
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