I must admit that I always wrote Tool off as just another nu-metal band that I had absolutley no interest in. But I've always liked their videos, so I downloaded Schism because I liked the bass-riff. Liked it so much that I went to the store and picked up a used copy of AEnima the next day. And now I can't stop listening to it. These guys are clearly amazing musicians. Lots of odd time signatures, nice riffs, and I'm becoming a fan of Carey's drumming. They're like a metal version of Rush or King Crimson. I can't believe it took me this long to 'discover' these guys.
I've never really gotten into Tool, but I do enjoy Maynard Keenan's, side project A Perfect Circle, alot more. Its more mellow for my liking.
Sorry to break it to you, but Tool is dead. One of the greatest bands is ruined. Maynard has changed his style and now sings like a girl Old Tool was gold, this new sh/t is r****ded, whyyyy
Tool is awesome. I think my favorite album of their's is probably Lateralus. Pretty strong album from top to bottom.
That's 'artistic integrity' for you. Bands have great stuff when they hit, then try to mix it up and change the flavor that people fell in love with. The list is huge, but at the top of mine is Pearl Jam. Oh well. There are tons of great new bands every year to love, you just have to be progressive in your tastes.
Being a drummer, it makes sense that you'd appreciate Danny Carey right off the bat (drumstick?). And that's a good thing. Too many people get caught up in Maynard's epic voice and the directly corresponding metal guitars. But that's not what makes Tool special, IMO. Anyone can scream - albeit nowhere near as beautifully as Keenan - and quite a few can carry a soft touch in their vocal repertoire to compliment it. Guitar players have very little room to separate themselves nowadays, outside of extreme electric modification. So I implore any novice Tool listeners to focus their eardrums on the realdrums. Sit back and give Aenima or Lateralus a listen from the backbone's perspective. The flexing of tones, the shifting of tempos - all the melodies become supplemental. Therein lies the beauty.
I saw them do the side stage at Lollapalooza (2, I think). It was them and an unknown band called Rage Against the Machine. Best part of the whole day was watching those two bands play.
Exactly. I've seen some YouTube videos of some open solos Carey has done at drumshop clinics and whatnot. I wasn't real impressed, frankly. But when you listen to what he does within the context of the music (including a lot of very subtle things that you won't hear unless you really listen for them), it gives me a whole new respect for his playing. Now, I finally understand all the hype surrounding this guy...and why so many kids today get off on playing along with their CDs. Much like MY generation did with Neil Peart and Rush.
Their music is definetly more appreciated by people who "listen" to music rather then skim through the radio stations. Seeing Tool live is just ridiculous. As challenging as their music is they are still able to make it sound "cd quality" during a live performance. I've seen them live about 4 or 5 times and every time was great.
I loved their first two albums then got very sick of them and all the Perfect Circle stuff -- their newest single has me curious again. Will probably grab the new album...
I love Tool....and I've reached the age where I should be listening to more mellow type stuff. Like Barry Manilow. Still, Tool is awesome.....and I like 10,000 days. Then again, I lost a parent around the time the album came out, so it had some relevance to me. The last two articles I've read on Keenan were both in Wine Spectator.......so he holds a special appeal to me (he's definitely not the JD guzzling type lead singer).
