Tool/A Perfect Circle (lyrics, rock, albums, Radiohead, Tool)

Rainard Jalen · 04-26-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheUsed2lguy

I wouldn't venture to say that tool is a 'smartperson group', as someone had mentioned. Which seems to suggest that if you listen to them, you're smart. I believe what makes them most accessible is the sheer honesty that speaks to fans. Maynard probably displays more emotions in his songs than by far most singers. From Jerk-Off, where he screams that he wants to 'shoot you in your f*cking head', far from an intellectual sentiment, but very raw emotionally, to lighter songs like Lateralus, where he sings, 'swing on the spiral of our own divinity.' What he and the band display in their music is a great deal of emotional complexity, which I believe we, as humans are very much that way. So, I think the honesty is what plays so well, from Maynard to Adam, ripping through a solo on Undertow, or much subtler work on H. Carey is an uber-aggressive drummer, but when he speaks, he is a very gentle soul. So, I think you can see that they unapologetically embody and display the range of emotions, that we, as humans feel, and I think that this is to be seen as virtuous, and something that everyone aspires to do, and is capable of doing. To attempt to make music that is reserved for a sophisticated 'elite' group of individuals with a higher I.Q. than the rest of us would be considered pretension, and honesty is not above any of us.

I wasn't suggesting that Maynard is any sort of pseudo-intellectual. On the contrary, he isn't. He just writes about things that personally take his interest, obviously. I think Maynard's lyrical work was always quite honest, though I must say that I never felt much sincerity was emanating from that awful 10,000 Days LP, with its cliché-laden nonsense.

Miltamec Soundsquinaez · 04-26-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainard Jalen

I wasn't suggesting that Maynard is any sort of pseudo-intellectual. On the contrary, he isn't. He just writes about things that personally take his interest, obviously. I think Maynard's lyrical work was always quite honest, though I must say that I never felt much sincerity was emanating from that awful 10,000 Days LP, with its cliché-laden nonsense.

I don't really see what you consider cliche laden about it. Maynard does delve into politics on The Pot, but other than that he sings about people watching too much T.V. on Vicariously. On Wings for Marie he continues to disagree with organized religion, while at the same time mourning his mother's passing. On Rosetta Stoned he talks about an LSD induced alien abduction. Danny Carey tries out a drum kit, they sing about de-evolution, and they still play in unusual time signatures. I admit it is probably their worst album, but I'm not really sure what you want them to do, create an album that somehow creates everlasting peace and harmony on this planet?

Miltamec Soundsquinaez · 04-26-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayfarer

Dude, that shit's been done by everyone.

Grant it, it was the title of 98 Degrees' second album, but in Maynard's version he's speaking from the perspective of a person who appears to be having a nightmare, whereas we know that for Drew Lachey, he draws on a firsthand experience. So, it was somewhat original.