im a musically illiterate drummer n i just love this gibberish u are speaking:) i love apc n tool n all the beautiful things in which u miss are a recent addition:)
The first time I heard a perfect circle was live, opening for nine inch nails before they even had an album out. I literally fell in love with music because of that performance. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced and all of a sudden everything else felt alien. They made a huge impact on my life. Their first album is perfect.
I had the same experience. I had heard Judith but that was it, the album wasn't out yet like you said. I was definitely blown away by how good they sounded live. NIN opening acts can be hit or miss in my opinion. Prick, TV on the Radio and Peaches were some of my favorites but there were definitely some duds in there over the years.
Yes, same here, saw them April 28, 2000 in Toronto. Drove up for NIN saw A Perfect Circle on the ticket stub and had no idea who they were. They came out and I instantly liked it and while I was 2nd row standing in front of the stage I didn't realize it was Maynard until like 3 or 4 songs in because of the wig he was wearing.
🌹 I do now! This was one of my favorite albums from my years right after highschool, I haven't listened to it in years. I'm hyped to listen to it again, your analysis has given me a lot more to appreciate and look forward to!
Paz's violin work (I think it's Paz playing?) is amazing on the unplugged version of 3 libras. If you haven't heard it, definitely give it a listen ua-cam.com/video/8NBAvTLp15Q/v-deo.html
Once I saw APC at a place called PPAC which is a beautiful opera style venue. When Josh Freese hit the drums at the beginning of the set for the song Vanishing it was so loud and powerful it actually scared me a little.
So glad you're tackling APC! Billy Howerdel is a genius. Mer De Noms was recorded with early primitive digital amp modeling technology. Billy would layer up to 20 separately EQd guitar tracks. It's like a guitar orchestra. His use of otherwise cheesy 80s effects like chorus is beautiful, especially the ring mod in The Hollow's arpeggio is really awesome.
Line 6 Pod. The cheese of any fx is all in how you use. Album still sounds fresh nearly 22 years later... insane, a lifetime old already. Was an instantly recognisable as a classic on release.
The album "Mer de Noms" was just a masterpiece. Talk about a super unique magnum opus! When I heard this live, it was almost a spiritual experience. It was during Lollapalooza. 2003 in Sunnyvale. I had been preparing for this concert for months. Queens of the Stone Age, Incubus, Audioslave, A Perfect Circle, Janes Addiction, to name a few! I was 19 years old, I had eaten at least 20 valium by the time A Perfect Circle came on! It was amazing. They played the first 3 songs, in the same order as the CD. The Hollow, Magdalena, and Rose! It was amazing. I also saw APC the next year in SF when 13th Step came out! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and love of APC with us!
I learn so much from you! I’ve heard these songs thousands of times and you show me the inner beauty and complexity that I didn’t know was there. Thank you ixi!
By the way. When I see your face, and how beautiful you are, you make my heart skip a beat. You are gorgeous and smart, and the fact I found you talking about APC is amazing. So talented.
@ixi: I just want to say you're amazing. Your analysis put all these songs in a new light for me. Songs I have loved for a long time, but the matching of chord progressions with the lyrical content or the movement of the song is a level of depth in music I have not really thought about or encountered before. You are like an Art History major, bringing a new dimension of thought into a painting I have never considered before. I appreciate your work! Because of you, I now know I like 7ths, 9ths, and Dorian mode. These aren't things I'd ever know about myself #drummerProblems. 🌹 I can't wait until you dive into the Cure.
I was lucky enough to see them in the UK on their tour in 2000. Although supporting act My Vitriol smashed his guitar all over the stage on his first song - apparently in a fury about the sound setup. They didn't support APC the rest of the tour - hah! My Vitriol sucked anyway.
Rose is a rollercoaster. EDIT: commented before watching ;) Rose doesn't get the recognition it deserves, afaic because this album is full of fuckin BANGERS. And they're all different! Always favored the front-half of this album. Besides just driving around and listening to this album i would attempt to sing it in the shower... Probably poorly. This was during a time where it was a chore to either burn a CD with the tracks perfectly laid out how you wanted em, OR use the program feature on CD players to play songs out of order. This was one of the few albums i started at track 1 and ran til the water turned cold. Was the second half of my senior year right around graduation and i had been jamming Aenima for about a year already., so i was pretty damn angsty (any and all things Maynard welcome) and Judith was absolutely the highlight during that time. The vocals, the riffs, the *emotion* that really persist throughout the entire album... This album was a daily listen for a lil over a year til Lateralu(i)s so i was able to appreciate it as my tastes rapidly changed which went with this album, really. I don't think two tracks sound all that similar compared to other bands at the time. Not gonna name names. Wound up seeing em live at The Taft theater in Cincy 2004 (not a rock n roll venue, more concert in the orchestral sense or live plays.2500 seats) and Tool 2009 at the Pavillion. both among the Top Three shows i've saw, and both only behind July 27th 2001 at Bogart's. Drowning Pool, Taproot, and Nonpoint. Stephen Richards of Taproot did a stage-dive off the upper balcony. Drowning Pool still had Dave Williams (RIP) in all his shovel slamming glory. I was there for Nonpont and secondarily Taproot (Gift was/is a masterpiece). I wasn't even that big of a fan of DP, but that show was *fucking* amazing. I'll never forget it.
If you enjoyed this and you'd like to hear my thoughts on Thirteenth Step, there's a live listening party recording of it on my Patreon! www.patreon.com/posts/59493734. AND. As per usual there are so many more things about these songs that are worth mentioning, but I had to keep the video to a "reasonable" length. So let's talk about more great moments in these songs in the comments!
Ah that magic moment rocking out to this unknown band opening for NIN on the fragility tour then releasing that dude doesn’t sound like MJK it is MJK in a wig . Good times Also ... That’s cool to find out Billy was originally interested in Fraser to do vox , not too surprising he is a big classic goth fan , they did The Cure and Siouxsie covers on that tour . I’d not be at all surprised if he was a This Mortal Coil fan as She was one member of that 4AD super group and probably her most famous song “Song to the Siren” came from their debut album “ This Will End In Tears “ which as a music lover such as you are I’d highly recommend giving that LP a full listen too .
I remember as a kid describing to Pops how I thought that the irresolution of the arpeggios in "The Hollow" felt reminiscent of waves slapping up the beach. I wonder if that synesthesia was considered in (or derived from) the album's title. Thank you for the new word, 'melisma' ua-cam.com/video/vIC_SNtYpxQ/v-deo.html
Your beautiful brain and your emotional intelligence are perfectly tuned. Makes me wish I had the gift of a person like you to converse with. Captivating in many ways. ✌🏻
Wow what a very in depth and wonderful video. I just wonder if you really mean/meant to say you were "Stricken" by the album. I'm not sure why i got hung up on that just caught me off guard and was defensive when your discussion started but as i watched i learned that you were indeed struck by the music but in a good way. Anyways, I learned a ton about this album from you thanks. Its defiantly a fantastic album.
I love this album. This video is very interesting. I play, but all by ear and feel. I am learning a lot from you. Thank you. I love your NIN breakdowns as well, but this was a great choice
Thank you so much for this breakdown of songs from what I think is some of the most brilliantly written music in rock. My background has been in drumming so my musical vocabulary can be somewhat limited in being able to convey what sounds I hear in music and inside of my creative headspace but you explain things so precisely and delve into the psychology of how the music makes us feel and think. I felt I must thank you and let you know how happy I was to have stumbled upon your UA-cam channel. Thanks again
I love Nine Inch Nails I seen them live I like the videos you do with Nine Inch Nails. But I'm glad you're doing a different band friendly you can't go wrong with perfect circle you should check out tool or Puscifer those are both great bands to
i saw them twice. and the first time was like a week or something after i saw Primus (who until that point hadn't been on tour for 7 years -- so, pretty incredible week for music). and then i saw them on the Thirteenth Step tour.
i remember when this song came out. they played to a small club because noone knew who they where. i got kicked out just before they started though for running around biting people.
I’m back and because I’m an idiot I forgot to leave this one right here for one of my favorite songs I’ve ever heard, possibly one of the great underrated masterpieces ever written 🌹
ive only seen them live once but it was when they first released this album what an amazing show billy howedell had wrote alot of the songs all the way back in the 80s so he really spent alot of time getting exactly the sound he wanted a masterful and very tasteful musician and thank god maynards there singer and i love how they picked up james iha from the smashing pumpkins for a backing rythmm guitarist
Funny we listened to the same music yet you're chipper and im the poster child for crippling depression. The 1st song imo is about a woman who fills the empty spot in her with sex. ""run him like a blade to and through the heart" "fill me up again" Also most like she's a succubus toying with men, breaking their hearts just so she can fill that void. Some people turn to drugs, others turn to sex. 18:23 i agree, it's like the reasonable part of her that can change to end the hallow and stop having flings as band-aids... the the hunger takes over aging falling back into her habits. imo Magdalena is about a stripper/prostitute (like what's her name in the bible). "That I've lost my self-control Beyond compelled to throw this dollar Down before your Holiest of altars" Like he knows he shouldn't lust for her but does. Never realized rose was about that. James did have relationships with controlling women. Maybe ill listen to it more to "rise" myself. I can see why that could be your favorite, it's empowering. But for me 3 libras is my fav song. I'm a libra and lines like "Here I am expecting Just a little bit too much from the wounded" really hit home. Also "Difficult not to feel a little bit Disappointed and passed over When I look right through To see you naked but oblivious And you don't see me" kinda calls back to the hallow. She wants what she wants and doesn't see him as who he is, but only as what she wants. Like he wants to love her and her love him back but when they have sex he sees she doesn't see him and it kills him... or not idk.
Hi miss! May I ask, is there a possibility that you make a mer de noms album in piano version, maybe you could also sing, that would be awesome! Watched all your reaction vid on mer de noms album, your piano versions of some of the parts of the songs are mesmerizing. More power ma’am!❤
Fun facts about this album: 1. TIL Ixi and I are apparently the same age, because I bought this CD in highschool as well 2. Magdalena was a stripper Maynard was infatuated with, possibly 'Mary' Magdalena a well known suicide girl model. Legend goes he wrote the lyrics on a napkin at a strip club. Brena is the middle name of Maynard's first wife and long time fiance. RENHOLDER spelled backwards is RE: D Lohner a reference to Danny Lohner from Bassist of NIN and a close friend of Maynards. The song is apparently some indecipherable tongue and cheek message to him. Danny was apparently flattered by this and has since started using Renholder as his moniker on his producer and soundtrack work like the soundtrack for Underworld. The remaining three songs Judith, Thomas, and Orestes are about Maynard's relationship with his mother. Maynard frequently writes songs about growing up with a Mother who couldn't care for him, and the abuse he suffered as a child due to his step father. Judith is Maynard's mother who was paralyzed due to a stroke at a young age which effectively crippled her for the rest of her life. She remained a devout Christian throughout while Maynard sings about a supposedly all loving God that would allow this to happen to his Mother. Thomas is the doubting Thomas from the bible who doubted Jesus until he met him, likely again a reference to Maynard's doubts to his own faith after seeing that horrible thing happen to his Mother. In the Greek Drama Orestes, he is forced by the Gods to kill his mother, and this deed tortures him. This song is likely about the pain Maynard feels about having to let his Mother go as he realizes that some day he'll have to pull the plug on her life support. Judith Keenan died in 2003, 3 years after this album was released. Maynard had her cremated and spread the ashes at his home a vineyard in Arizona. 3. If you watch the NIN live performance at Woodstock '94, Billy Howerdel can be seen on stage several times handing and retrieving guitars from Trent 4. The first track 'The Hollow' is the only one featuring Tim Alexander of Primus on Drums. Tim had to leave the band during recording to be replaced by prolific session drummer Josh Freese who recorded the rest of the album. But if you want to hear what the band sounded like with Tim there's a bootleg on the internet called 'Perfect Angels' of one of the early performances with Tim on Drums with many early versions of the songs sounding quite different, having slightly different lyrics, and Maynard apparently reading lyrics out of a notebook while singing because he hadn't memorized them yet.
These are so great, thank you! Found a quote from Billy about his time with Trent that made me smile: "I don't know if I ever told this [story] publicly - I was a guitar tech for many years for other bands, and Nine Inch Nails was one of them; so I worked for Trent Reznor. "On 'The Downward Spiral' tour - I think it was 1994 or 1995 - there was a part in the show where things got crazy and broken, and the screen came down. We had some time before the next song started, but not much, and there was a digital clock over there, and I could see the countdown. "So I came out with a guitar to give to Trent, but he's lying on the floor, bleeding, because he just destroyed a bunch of keyboards, and I think he had knocked himself in the head. "I was like, 'Alright, we've got 40 seconds, let's go.' Then it counted down to 20 seconds and then I said, '12 seconds, come on, let's go. Do you want me to play this or what?' "Side story: I had always done all his sound checks, if he was busy or something like that, so I knew how to play the songs. "I was kidding when I said that ['Do you want me to play this or what?'], but he kind of moaned, 'Yes...' So I stepped out into the spotlight and started the song 'Eraser.' I continued to play the rest of the song, and it was bizarre. "I had that moment where I could hear the gasp of the stage manager on the side, thinking did I go crazy and knock Trent out, had delusions of grandeur and grabbed the guitar and went onstage. "So I played the song that night, he [Trent] pulled me back in to sing the vocal with him at the end. We kept doing it, he said, 'Let's keep doing that.' We did that for the next week or so."
@@iximusic That's an awesome story It reminds me James Hettfield after his pyro accident in Montreal saying something like: "This isn't Guns and Roses, if something goes wrong we don't want to piss off the fans and storm off stage. So if you're a guitar tech you'd better know the set list backwards and forwards because like it or not you're the backup"
@@darkalman I saw Metallica on the “Master of Puppets” tour in the U.K. (with Cliff just before they went to Scandinavia for the tragic bus crash) and their guitar tech played rhythm guitar as James had broken his arm skateboarding.
I'll tell you what's pure and rare: Witnessing an Earthly goddess simultaneously dissecting art dutifully while describing lyrics about herself...speaking as an adequate judge.
🌹@iximusic I was searching for this song the other day after listening to some self help books because it made me reinterpret the lyrics of laying down like a doe in front of headlights. Seems to me that it's about self-empowerment. The follow-up album, 13th Step, on which Stranger, The Noose, and Gravity are noteworthy, is also about empowerment.
4:40 Billy still cannot recreate that effect that was on that arpeggio part. It was some comb filter effect he had in an old multi effects unit that eventually broke. Fun fact: The main guitar Billy used to record Mer De Noms, and all APC records was one of about 2 dozen Les Paul's in various states of destruction from when he teched the NIN tour. There is something about the way they incorrectly reattached the broken neck that makes it play, and sound special.
I was probably about 17 or 18 when I bought this Cd on it's release. Differently though, I was a Tool fan beforehand. This was a very strong album. I saw A Perfect Circle in Birmingham shortly after. Maynard sang with his back to the crowd and sported a funny long-haired wig. All I remember was his back tattoo that ran down his spine. The guitar player was insane. I forced myself to the front row and almost got into a few fights. But I had to be up there. I think the opener was switchblade symphony or something like that, a Gothic hard rock outfit with a girl singer. This album shaped a lot of my musical endeavors at that time and even to this day.Thank You for this video. I've never had an in depth discussion about why this album is so great. But you've covered so much here. I will keep my eyes out for all of this series and, I have been going through all of your NiN stuff too. I love what you are doing with this channel. Your uploads make me happy. P.s. I've really been getting into Peter Gabriel and realizing how much he inspired Trent's earlier work. There's a sample on further down the spiral of Gabriel's intruder off of melt. It's crazy hearing samples that you just thought were synths or guitar effects. It adds another layer to the story. Be easy, IXi. Happy Newyear.
5:51 Zelda Breath of the Wild! That game is full of those type of chords. Very a-melodic, but beautiful. If you dig that sound I would recommend the Breath of the Wild soundtrack.
This breakdown was almost as beautiful as the songs themselves! Wonderful job. You just got a subscriber. Any chance you know how to play the ocarina and are hire-able for lessons? I’m trying to learn and I like your approach to music.
Ahh I wish! I had to look it up 😂 I teach ear training and music composition via Zoom! Email me if you'd like more info and I can put you on my waiting list! lessons@iximusic.com
One of the albums I listened to the most in my entire life. Already thrilled for the coming parts. Gonna be cheeky here (I'm sure you already saw me posting NIN stuff recently) but around 31:48 you play something you also integrated into your improvisation for The Wretched I believe. Something I'm still listening to several times a week. *cheff's kiss* 🌹
24:16 Romanian or Double Augmented?? Sorry, I just found this channel and I LOVE it!! APC is definitely a worthy compromise between Tool and Nine Inch (Toe, jk) Nails!!
IxI pls pls, check out the band Tesseract, pls start with the album Polaris, I'm going crazy, they're the only band I could relate to tool, and a perfect circle, I feel like tesseract with there last two albums is the next chapter in what could be considered so many genres of modern music, and it makes to much sense, a tool and a ratio of a circle of infinite space via harmony makes the tesseract, this is not a joke, you're a Tool fan?, Tesseract Polaris NOW!, Rejoice in the power of love and music, the greatest to ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return.
Howdy, yes I did! It's the PIGGY tier, $10. It's available for download only, because UA-cam blocked it. It's about 1.5 GB to download. Do you have the HD space? www.patreon.com/posts/59493734
This album is a masterpiece. My favorite song of these three is The Hollow, by far. I personally think Maynard was going through a, how shall I say it, promiscuous phase in his life at this time. The first two songs clearly deal with using sex to fill some emotional void in his life. The bridge lyrics in The Hollow are some of my favorites. "It's time to bring the fire down" - I think he's saying "chill out, Maynard. You're too hot and bothered" "Bridle all this indiscretion"- he's literally saying "pull the reigns, control your urges better" "Long enough to edify"- he needs to learn how to control his urges and not let them take over his life. "And permanently fill this hollow" I think he realizes what he's doing by being so promiscuous, and it's not working. He needs to find another way to fill that void. Just genius level lyric writing. I love this album. Great video. I'm looking forward to next week's instalment with my two favorite songs on the album! 🌹
Rose doesn't do for me what it does for you. I enjoy it. I cry. Frequently. But the intense moment of connection, which I think you have, I don't typically experience that so much with this song, at least not like I do with other songs, even other APC songs. I'm posting this comment, not to be contrarian or irrelevant, but to tell you how much I love that you shared how special this song is for you. Thank you for that, it's nice to know things that are special to people, especially when you share an interest, or dare I say, passion for an artist, art form, or really, anything. It's a little window into you, and that is entirely pleasant. :)
That ascending/descending bit in the Hollow sounds like a ring modulator - that would be doubly cool, because then the arpeggio is both rising and falling at the same time in that part.
As the ring modulator was integral to the legendary "texture" of the Dalek Voice (and to a lesser extent, the 1960's Cybermen), I thank you for this comment!
Coming back to this because APC, Puscifier and Primus are touring in spring of 2024. This is such a well done video. Love the detail and passion you put into it.
Rose is one of my favorite songs because of its vivid story. You can picture the beast and the jungle while trying to move around it. Although after reading Maynard's book I think its more internalized struggle dealing with a heavy choice or personal demon. Music is a huge influence in my life and this CD helped me get through some ruff times.
Rose! Rose was the one that first immediately jumped out of the album for me (after the banger of an intro with The Hollow). Rose was the one I kept going back to over and over, even listening to it on repeat (which is something I never ever do). While people were going nuts for 3 Libras (no shade on 3 Libras, it's also amazing), I was just baffled that nobody was talking about Rose. It still gives me goosebumps all over my body and tears to my eyes even after all this time.
To stand out, which if you have something interesting to say, you want, needs treble. The lower notes don't stand out. A good bit of dissonance helps too.
hello, I see You are talking about melismatic singing. I would be curious on Your take on the band "Extra Life", which is like a progressive avantgarde rock from the year 1513. :-))
im a musically illiterate drummer n i just love this gibberish u are speaking:) i love apc n tool n all the beautiful things in which u miss are a recent addition:)
The first time I heard a perfect circle was live, opening for nine inch nails before they even had an album out. I literally fell in love with music because of that performance. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced and all of a sudden everything else felt alien. They made a huge impact on my life. Their first album is perfect.
I had the same experience. I had heard Judith but that was it, the album wasn't out yet like you said. I was definitely blown away by how good they sounded live. NIN opening acts can be hit or miss in my opinion. Prick, TV on the Radio and Peaches were some of my favorites but there were definitely some duds in there over the years.
Yes same. It was the fragile tour iirc and had no idea who they were, no album yet out and was blown away.
Saw them live opening for NIN, too! Had to be dragged out of the pit by my friend during “Thinking of You” cuz I was dehydrated and overstimulated lol
@@unclegumbald989 given the subject matter of that song, that's a hilarious description
Yes, same here, saw them April 28, 2000 in Toronto. Drove up for NIN saw A Perfect Circle on the ticket stub and had no idea who they were. They came out and I instantly liked it and while I was 2nd row standing in front of the stage I didn't realize it was Maynard until like 3 or 4 songs in because of the wig he was wearing.
Who else loves ROSE? 🌹
🙌
I do! This entire album is amazing (which of course includes Rose!) :)
🌹 I do now! This was one of my favorite albums from my years right after highschool, I haven't listened to it in years. I'm hyped to listen to it again, your analysis has given me a lot more to appreciate and look forward to!
A few days ago I thought, wouldn't it be nice if ixi analysed rose. Personal favorite.
It still is up there with my favorite APC songs. The bass line is so powerful and drives that song.
Paz's violin work (I think it's Paz playing?) is amazing on the unplugged version of 3 libras. If you haven't heard it, definitely give it a listen ua-cam.com/video/8NBAvTLp15Q/v-deo.html
Once I saw APC at a place called PPAC which is a beautiful opera style venue. When Josh Freese hit the drums at the beginning of the set for the song Vanishing it was so loud and powerful it actually scared me a little.
So glad you're tackling APC! Billy Howerdel is a genius.
Mer De Noms was recorded with early primitive digital amp modeling technology. Billy would layer up to 20 separately EQd guitar tracks. It's like a guitar orchestra.
His use of otherwise cheesy 80s effects like chorus is beautiful, especially the ring mod in The Hollow's arpeggio is really awesome.
Line 6 Pod.
The cheese of any fx is all in how you use.
Album still sounds fresh nearly 22 years later... insane, a lifetime old already.
Was an instantly recognisable as a classic on release.
Mer De Noms is the album i will never stop listening to. AMAZING and ENDLESS 🌹
The album "Mer de Noms" was just a masterpiece. Talk about a super unique magnum opus! When I heard this live, it was almost a spiritual experience. It was during Lollapalooza. 2003 in Sunnyvale. I had been preparing for this concert for months. Queens of the Stone Age, Incubus, Audioslave, A Perfect Circle, Janes Addiction, to name a few! I was 19 years old, I had eaten at least 20 valium by the time A Perfect Circle came on! It was amazing. They played the first 3 songs, in the same order as the CD. The Hollow, Magdalena, and Rose! It was amazing. I also saw APC the next year in SF when 13th Step came out! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and love of APC with us!
Have a decoded the codes on the album artwork back in the day? I have! It was so cool
I learn so much from you!
I’ve heard these songs thousands of times and you show me the inner beauty and complexity that I didn’t know was there.
Thank you ixi!
By the way. When I see your face, and how beautiful you are, you make my heart skip a beat. You are gorgeous and smart, and the fact I found you talking about APC is amazing. So talented.
@ixi: I just want to say you're amazing. Your analysis put all these songs in a new light for me. Songs I have loved for a long time, but the matching of chord progressions with the lyrical content or the movement of the song is a level of depth in music I have not really thought about or encountered before. You are like an Art History major, bringing a new dimension of thought into a painting I have never considered before. I appreciate your work! Because of you, I now know I like 7ths, 9ths, and Dorian mode. These aren't things I'd ever know about myself #drummerProblems.
🌹
I can't wait until you dive into the Cure.
It's so uplifting how you beautifully described my favorite APC song (The Hollow)
I was lucky enough to see them in the UK on their tour in 2000. Although supporting act My Vitriol smashed his guitar all over the stage on his first song - apparently in a fury about the sound setup. They didn't support APC the rest of the tour - hah! My Vitriol sucked anyway.
Rose is a rollercoaster.
EDIT: commented before watching ;)
Rose doesn't get the recognition it deserves, afaic because this album is full of fuckin BANGERS. And they're all different! Always favored the front-half of this album. Besides just driving around and listening to this album i would attempt to sing it in the shower... Probably poorly. This was during a time where it was a chore to either burn a CD with the tracks perfectly laid out how you wanted em, OR use the program feature on CD players to play songs out of order. This was one of the few albums i started at track 1 and ran til the water turned cold.
Was the second half of my senior year right around graduation and i had been jamming Aenima for about a year already., so i was pretty damn angsty (any and all things Maynard welcome) and Judith was absolutely the highlight during that time. The vocals, the riffs, the *emotion* that really persist throughout the entire album...
This album was a daily listen for a lil over a year til Lateralu(i)s so i was able to appreciate it as my tastes rapidly changed which went with this album, really. I don't think two tracks sound all that similar compared to other bands at the time. Not gonna name names.
Wound up seeing em live at The Taft theater in Cincy 2004 (not a rock n roll venue, more concert in the orchestral sense or live plays.2500 seats) and Tool 2009 at the Pavillion. both among the Top Three shows i've saw, and both only behind July 27th 2001 at Bogart's. Drowning Pool, Taproot, and Nonpoint. Stephen Richards of Taproot did a stage-dive off the upper balcony. Drowning Pool still had Dave Williams (RIP) in all his shovel slamming glory. I was there for Nonpont and secondarily Taproot (Gift was/is a masterpiece). I wasn't even that big of a fan of DP, but that show was *fucking* amazing. I'll never forget it.
Awesome Video Thanks Ixi!
I saw them in 2000 in The Garage, Glasgow UK They were Awesome!
Happy New Year xxx
If you enjoyed this and you'd like to hear my thoughts on Thirteenth Step, there's a live listening party recording of it on my Patreon! www.patreon.com/posts/59493734. AND. As per usual there are so many more things about these songs that are worth mentioning, but I had to keep the video to a "reasonable" length. So let's talk about more great moments in these songs in the comments!
I love your in-depth-ful-ness. So much detail to unpack.... thank you for your time. This is amazing. Outstanding
Thirteenth step is their ultimate album
I'm totally signing up for your Patreon. I don't know why I've waited so long. ♥️♥️♥️
@@MostlyCloudy Excited to have you!
@@iximusic glad you discover this gem
Ixi!@& I love your musical breakdowns. Thank you for sharing these. You’re awesome ;) 👇🏽🤘🏽
🌹…you are a great inspiration to me!! Thnx for sharing your knowledge 🌹
With great appreciation and love, Olli from Germany
Ah that magic moment rocking out to this unknown band opening for NIN on the fragility tour then releasing that dude doesn’t sound like MJK it is MJK in a wig . Good times
Also ...
That’s cool to find out Billy was originally interested in Fraser to do vox , not too surprising he is a big classic goth fan , they did The Cure and Siouxsie covers on that tour . I’d not be at all surprised if he was a This Mortal Coil fan as She was one member of that 4AD super group and probably her most famous song “Song to the Siren” came from their debut album “ This Will End In Tears “ which as a music lover such as you are I’d highly recommend giving that LP a full listen too .
Speaking of strings and Celtic influence, have you ever heard Paz's mix of "The Hollow?" ua-cam.com/video/YiTml3pH9Iw/v-deo.html
I remember as a kid describing to Pops how I thought that the irresolution of the arpeggios in "The Hollow" felt reminiscent of waves slapping up the beach.
I wonder if that synesthesia was considered in (or derived from) the album's title.
Thank you for the new word, 'melisma'
ua-cam.com/video/vIC_SNtYpxQ/v-deo.html
Astonishing work Ixi. You are unmatched and unparalleled. Thank you
again what a great joice! I love APC! Again thank you for the analysis! You're the best!
Your beautiful brain and your emotional intelligence are perfectly tuned. Makes me wish I had the gift of a person like you to converse with. Captivating in many ways. ✌🏻
Wow what a very in depth and wonderful video. I just wonder if you really mean/meant to say you were "Stricken" by the album. I'm not sure why i got hung up on that just caught me off guard and was defensive when your discussion started but as i watched i learned that you were indeed struck by the music but in a good way. Anyways, I learned a ton about this album from you thanks. Its defiantly a fantastic album.
@ixi music
I have to brag: My first experience with A Perfect Circle was when they debuted this album - as the opening act for NIN !
I love this album. This video is very interesting. I play, but all by ear and feel. I am learning a lot from you. Thank you. I love your NIN breakdowns as well, but this was a great choice
Thank you so much for this breakdown of songs from what I think is some of the most brilliantly written music in rock. My background has been in drumming so my musical vocabulary can be somewhat limited in being able to convey what sounds I hear in music and inside of my creative headspace but you explain things so precisely and delve into the psychology of how the music makes us feel and think. I felt I must thank you and let you know how happy I was to have stumbled upon your UA-cam channel. Thanks again
Understanding how powerful Magdalena is makes my brain hurt in a good way and in a [Sigmund Freud Intensifies] kind of way as well.
I love Nine Inch Nails I seen them live I like the videos you do with Nine Inch Nails. But I'm glad you're doing a different band friendly you can't go wrong with perfect circle you should check out tool or Puscifer those are both great bands to
Loved your analysis of a fantastic album! Great for you to articulate in words what I've always felt listening to this. Many thanks.
Enjoy the Deep Dive on A Perfect Circle, Eat the Elephant deep dive as well? seems like a group of songs to analyze
The Hollow and Magdalena. Amazing, blew my mind first time I heard them
I’m learning so much from your vids. Thanks!!!
Despite rarely touring I have seen apc live more than any other band. Huge emotional connection to their sound.
That's awesome, I'm jelly!!
i saw them twice. and the first time was like a week or something after i saw Primus (who until that point hadn't been on tour for 7 years -- so, pretty incredible week for music).
and then i saw them on the Thirteenth Step tour.
Excelent video ixi, really love this band.
I absolutely adore, three libras, can't wait 'tll the next video.
One other thing... those sus2 chords never ever get old.. I pretty much overuse them, but goddamn I love them.
Mer de Noms is absolutely amazing front to back.
i remember when this song came out. they played to a small club because noone knew who they where. i got kicked out just before they started though for running around biting people.
I’m back and because I’m an idiot I forgot to leave this one right here for one of my favorite songs I’ve ever heard, possibly one of the great underrated masterpieces ever written 🌹
ive only seen them live once but it was when they first released this album what an amazing show billy howedell had wrote alot of the songs all the way back in the 80s so he really spent alot of time getting exactly the sound he wanted a masterful and very tasteful musician and thank god maynards there singer and i love how they picked up james iha from the smashing pumpkins for a backing rythmm guitarist
Judith is my all time fav rock tune. It’s perfect.
Well, I just found my new favorite channel! 😍♥️
👏👏👏 I love this album. I got to see them live on their first tour. simply amazing
Funny we listened to the same music yet you're chipper and im the poster child for crippling depression. The 1st song imo is about a woman who fills the empty spot in her with sex. ""run him like a blade to and through the heart" "fill me up again" Also most like she's a succubus toying with men, breaking their hearts just so she can fill that void. Some people turn to drugs, others turn to sex. 18:23 i agree, it's like the reasonable part of her that can change to end the hallow and stop having flings as band-aids... the the hunger takes over aging falling back into her habits.
imo Magdalena is about a stripper/prostitute (like what's her name in the bible). "That I've lost my self-control
Beyond compelled to throw this dollar Down before your Holiest of altars" Like he knows he shouldn't lust for her but does.
Never realized rose was about that. James did have relationships with controlling women. Maybe ill listen to it more to "rise" myself.
I can see why that could be your favorite, it's empowering. But for me 3 libras is my fav song. I'm a libra and lines like "Here I am expecting
Just a little bit too much from the wounded" really hit home. Also "Difficult not to feel a little bit
Disappointed and passed over
When I look right through To see you naked but oblivious And you don't see me" kinda calls back to the hallow. She wants what she wants and doesn't see him as who he is, but only as what she wants. Like he wants to love her and her love him back but when they have sex he sees she doesn't see him and it kills him... or not idk.
Orestes is possibly the greatest song ever.
Apc is the linkin park of the maynardverse
⚘ Rose is great. Always hear it in colors, like dark red or orange blooming against black...
Hi miss! May I ask, is there a possibility that you make a mer de noms album in piano version, maybe you could also sing, that would be awesome! Watched all your reaction vid on mer de noms album, your piano versions of some of the parts of the songs are mesmerizing. More power ma’am!❤
your explanation to make me understand thing I didn't know needed was great. I listen a bit more intensely thanks
Discovered APC when they opened for NIN on the Fragile tour. Noice
Fun facts about this album:
1. TIL Ixi and I are apparently the same age, because I bought this CD in highschool as well
2. Magdalena was a stripper Maynard was infatuated with, possibly 'Mary' Magdalena a well known suicide girl model. Legend goes he wrote the lyrics on a napkin at a strip club.
Brena is the middle name of Maynard's first wife and long time fiance.
RENHOLDER spelled backwards is RE: D Lohner a reference to Danny Lohner from Bassist of NIN and a close friend of Maynards. The song is apparently some indecipherable tongue and cheek message to him. Danny was apparently flattered by this and has since started using Renholder as his moniker on his producer and soundtrack work like the soundtrack for Underworld.
The remaining three songs Judith, Thomas, and Orestes are about Maynard's relationship with his mother. Maynard frequently writes songs about growing up with a Mother who couldn't care for him, and the abuse he suffered as a child due to his step father.
Judith is Maynard's mother who was paralyzed due to a stroke at a young age which effectively crippled her for the rest of her life. She remained a devout Christian throughout while Maynard sings about a supposedly all loving God that would allow this to happen to his Mother.
Thomas is the doubting Thomas from the bible who doubted Jesus until he met him, likely again a reference to Maynard's doubts to his own faith after seeing that horrible thing happen to his Mother.
In the Greek Drama Orestes, he is forced by the Gods to kill his mother, and this deed tortures him. This song is likely about the pain Maynard feels about having to let his Mother go as he realizes that some day he'll have to pull the plug on her life support.
Judith Keenan died in 2003, 3 years after this album was released. Maynard had her cremated and spread the ashes at his home a vineyard in Arizona.
3. If you watch the NIN live performance at Woodstock '94, Billy Howerdel can be seen on stage several times handing and retrieving guitars from Trent
4. The first track 'The Hollow' is the only one featuring Tim Alexander of Primus on Drums. Tim had to leave the band during recording to be replaced by prolific session drummer Josh Freese who recorded the rest of the album. But if you want to hear what the band sounded like with Tim there's a bootleg on the internet called 'Perfect Angels' of one of the early performances with Tim on Drums with many early versions of the songs sounding quite different, having slightly different lyrics, and Maynard apparently reading lyrics out of a notebook while singing because he hadn't memorized them yet.
These are so great, thank you! Found a quote from Billy about his time with Trent that made me smile: "I don't know if I ever told this [story] publicly - I was a guitar tech for many years for other bands, and Nine Inch Nails was one of them; so I worked for Trent Reznor.
"On 'The Downward Spiral' tour - I think it was 1994 or 1995 - there was a part in the show where things got crazy and broken, and the screen came down. We had some time before the next song started, but not much, and there was a digital clock over there, and I could see the countdown.
"So I came out with a guitar to give to Trent, but he's lying on the floor, bleeding, because he just destroyed a bunch of keyboards, and I think he had knocked himself in the head.
"I was like, 'Alright, we've got 40 seconds, let's go.' Then it counted down to 20 seconds and then I said, '12 seconds, come on, let's go. Do you want me to play this or what?'
"Side story: I had always done all his sound checks, if he was busy or something like that, so I knew how to play the songs.
"I was kidding when I said that ['Do you want me to play this or what?'], but he kind of moaned, 'Yes...' So I stepped out into the spotlight and started the song 'Eraser.' I continued to play the rest of the song, and it was bizarre.
"I had that moment where I could hear the gasp of the stage manager on the side, thinking did I go crazy and knock Trent out, had delusions of grandeur and grabbed the guitar and went onstage.
"So I played the song that night, he [Trent] pulled me back in to sing the vocal with him at the end. We kept doing it, he said, 'Let's keep doing that.' We did that for the next week or so."
@@iximusic That's an awesome story
It reminds me James Hettfield after his pyro accident in Montreal saying something like:
"This isn't Guns and Roses, if something goes wrong we don't want to piss off the fans and storm off stage. So if you're a guitar tech you'd better know the set list backwards and forwards because like it or not you're the backup"
The hero we all need. This is great!
@@darkalman I saw Metallica on the “Master of Puppets” tour in the U.K. (with Cliff just before they went to Scandinavia for the tragic bus crash) and their guitar tech played rhythm guitar as James had broken his arm skateboarding.
Yesss thank you so much for this I love this band ! Subscribing
Wonderful, thank you very much for doing this :)
100% rose has always been my favorite along with brena
I'll tell you what's pure and rare: Witnessing an Earthly goddess simultaneously dissecting art dutifully while describing lyrics about herself...speaking as an adequate judge.
🌹@iximusic I was searching for this song the other day after listening to some self help books because it made me reinterpret the lyrics of laying down like a doe in front of headlights. Seems to me that it's about self-empowerment. The follow-up album, 13th Step, on which Stranger, The Noose, and Gravity are noteworthy, is also about empowerment.
4:40 Billy still cannot recreate that effect that was on that arpeggio part. It was some comb filter effect he had in an old multi effects unit that eventually broke. Fun fact: The main guitar Billy used to record Mer De Noms, and all APC records was one of about 2 dozen Les Paul's in various states of destruction from when he teched the NIN tour. There is something about the way they incorrectly reattached the broken neck that makes it play, and sound special.
Songs you pick are all the bands I listen too. I find that interesting that people that listen to these bands also listen to the same bands
I was probably about 17 or 18 when I bought this Cd on it's release. Differently though, I was a Tool fan beforehand. This was a very strong album. I saw A Perfect Circle in Birmingham shortly after. Maynard sang with his back to the crowd and sported a funny long-haired wig. All I remember was his back tattoo that ran down his spine. The guitar player was insane. I forced myself to the front row and almost got into a few fights. But I had to be up there. I think the opener was switchblade symphony or something like that, a Gothic hard rock outfit with a girl singer. This album shaped a lot of my musical endeavors at that time and even to this day.Thank You for this video. I've never had an in depth discussion about why this album is so great. But you've covered so much here. I will keep my eyes out for all of this series and, I have been going through all of your NiN stuff too. I love what you are doing with this channel. Your uploads make me happy. P.s. I've really been getting into Peter Gabriel and realizing how much he inspired Trent's earlier work. There's a sample on further down the spiral of Gabriel's intruder off of melt. It's crazy hearing samples that you just thought were synths or guitar effects. It adds another layer to the story. Be easy, IXi. Happy Newyear.
Paz just drove it like it was the last time she was gonna get to play.
Wow, what an amazing video. Thank you.
Are you a fan of queens of the stone age? Will you analyze a qotsa song?
5:51 Zelda Breath of the Wild! That game is full of those type of chords. Very a-melodic, but beautiful. If you dig that sound I would recommend the Breath of the Wild soundtrack.
I'll try to check it out!
I've always considered Rose as a climb up a thorny stem of pain only to rest easily in the petals.
This breakdown was almost as beautiful as the songs themselves! Wonderful job. You just got a subscriber. Any chance you know how to play the ocarina and are hire-able for lessons? I’m trying to learn and I like your approach to music.
Ahh I wish! I had to look it up 😂 I teach ear training and music composition via Zoom! Email me if you'd like more info and I can put you on my waiting list! lessons@iximusic.com
One of the albums I listened to the most in my entire life. Already thrilled for the coming parts. Gonna be cheeky here (I'm sure you already saw me posting NIN stuff recently) but around 31:48 you play something you also integrated into your improvisation for The Wretched I believe. Something I'm still listening to several times a week. *cheff's kiss* 🌹
oooh, you gotta good pair of ears on you, girl! 👏
I could listen to you play this entire album on piano and absolutely love it. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Looks like we're starting off 2022 on the right foot! This is easily one of my favorite albums of all time! Thanks so much ixi!
18:46 sounds a little bit like You Are The Perfect Drug ;)
Edit: specifically, the “Take me….” Part
24:16 Romanian or Double Augmented?? Sorry, I just found this channel and I LOVE it!!
APC is definitely a worthy compromise between Tool and Nine Inch (Toe, jk) Nails!!
IxI pls pls, check out the band Tesseract, pls start with the album Polaris, I'm going crazy, they're the only band I could relate to tool, and a perfect circle, I feel like tesseract with there last two albums is the next chapter in what could be considered so many genres of modern music, and it makes to much sense, a tool and a ratio of a circle of infinite space via harmony makes the tesseract, this is not a joke, you're a Tool fan?, Tesseract Polaris NOW!, Rejoice in the power of love and music, the greatest to ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return.
I have Hexes in one of my playlists and it's one of the best songs I've ever heard!
I thank you a thousand times from the bottom of my heart for your videos.
2:56 I'm confused that the graphic says "D#", though I think you may have meant Db which is the relative major of Bbm
Honestly I don't know what I was thinking, can't remember what part you're talking about but I probably just made a careless mistake, sorry! 😅
I never knew I needed this channel in my life. But I absolutely adore these breakdowns. You are a gem love! Never change! 💚
Fun fact... I don't think he actually harmonises with himself at all I believe it's billy singing with him on most tracks
Oh really! Ok then, I will have to look into that! Gotta give proper credit. Thanks!
These deconstructions are so precise, you're such a gift for all of us 🌹
Hey ixi, I remember reading somewhere that you analysed Thirteenth Step by APC in full? What level of your patreon would allow me to watch it? Thanks!
Howdy, yes I did! It's the PIGGY tier, $10. It's available for download only, because UA-cam blocked it. It's about 1.5 GB to download. Do you have the HD space? www.patreon.com/posts/59493734
This album is a masterpiece. My favorite song of these three is The Hollow, by far. I personally think Maynard was going through a, how shall I say it, promiscuous phase in his life at this time. The first two songs clearly deal with using sex to fill some emotional void in his life. The bridge lyrics in The Hollow are some of my favorites.
"It's time to bring the fire down" - I think he's saying "chill out, Maynard. You're too hot and bothered"
"Bridle all this indiscretion"- he's literally saying "pull the reigns, control your urges better"
"Long enough to edify"- he needs to learn how to control his urges and not let them take over his life.
"And permanently fill this hollow" I think he realizes what he's doing by being so promiscuous, and it's not working. He needs to find another way to fill that void.
Just genius level lyric writing. I love this album. Great video. I'm looking forward to next week's instalment with my two favorite songs on the album! 🌹
Songs aren't always autobiographic
@@guitaristssuck8979 but Maynard's are
I absolutely love your videos! ❤
One of my favourite albums
Rose doesn't do for me what it does for you. I enjoy it. I cry. Frequently. But the intense moment of connection, which I think you have, I don't typically experience that so much with this song, at least not like I do with other songs, even other APC songs. I'm posting this comment, not to be contrarian or irrelevant, but to tell you how much I love that you shared how special this song is for you. Thank you for that, it's nice to know things that are special to people, especially when you share an interest, or dare I say, passion for an artist, art form, or really, anything. It's a little window into you, and that is entirely pleasant. :)
This analysis is truly amazing. I think it’s time to support your Patreon.
Thank you, I believe I just saw your pledge! 🙏
I totally could watch 10 hours of this
probably my favorite album of all time.
Yes I loved Rose from the first time I heard it
Rose is a great song - The Hollow, 3 Libras and Orestes take the cake for me tho.
3-Libras always seemed so knotted up in my heartstrings... But that was me, typical high school crowds, and anxiety, lol.
Rose was one of the most noteworthy songs to me because of the synth track in the intro
That ascending/descending bit in the Hollow sounds like a ring modulator - that would be doubly cool, because then the arpeggio is both rising and falling at the same time in that part.
As the ring modulator was integral to the legendary "texture" of the Dalek Voice (and to a lesser extent, the 1960's Cybermen), I thank you for this comment!
🌹 rose is also my favorite apc song and now even more so.
Coming back to this because APC, Puscifier and Primus are touring in spring of 2024. This is such a well done video. Love the detail and passion you put into it.
I got tickets!
@@iximusic Nice! Same here
APC is beautiful and powerful….instantly fell in love in them. Billy’s new album is good too
I can't wait for this!! A perfect circle is a must. Haunting and melodically beautiful.
You deserve more subscribers.
Rose is one of my favorite songs because of its vivid story. You can picture the beast and the jungle while trying to move around it. Although after reading Maynard's book I think its more internalized struggle dealing with a heavy choice or personal demon. Music is a huge influence in my life and this CD helped me get through some ruff times.
These videos are amazing
Rose! Rose was the one that first immediately jumped out of the album for me (after the banger of an intro with The Hollow). Rose was the one I kept going back to over and over, even listening to it on repeat (which is something I never ever do). While people were going nuts for 3 Libras (no shade on 3 Libras, it's also amazing), I was just baffled that nobody was talking about Rose. It still gives me goosebumps all over my body and tears to my eyes even after all this time.
Rose is brilliant. Brena also
Admirable analysis!
21:12 Billy Howerdel sings background vocals both live and on the recordings.
🌹
Oh really! Ok then, I will have to look into that! Gotta give proper credit. Thanks!
@@iximusic check the specific credits in the booklet 😉
We're all over here waiting for which APC song ixi will analyze and then she drops an entire album on us. There are no words ❤️
A 'Mer de Noms' sounds really very Structuralist.
A Sea of Names could come from Baudrillard.
of course it is very relevant to music, where each note is inter-related within a system.
[ rather than having an absolute value ]
To stand out, which if you have something interesting to say, you want,
needs treble. The lower notes don't stand out. A good bit of dissonance helps too.
hello, I see You are talking about melismatic singing. I would be curious on Your take on the band "Extra Life", which is like a progressive avantgarde rock from the year 1513. :-))