Any songs or albums you want me to check out? Personal reviews sent directly to you.👇 ko-fi.com/musickingdom/commissions Little did I know - the print on my shirt is of seashells. (Fibonacci Sequence) Can’t make this shit up. Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts!
You won't regret the experience of Parabol/Parabola (2 tracks, but meant to be heard back to back). Another great message that moves ya, and much more digestible groove. 👍
To pick a favorite Tool-song is hard, it shifts depending on how I’m feeling and where my life is at. But some essential songs would be: 46 & 2 The Grudge Descending Vicarious Eulogy Prison Sex Opiate Sober Pneuma The Pot Right In Two H. These are just my two cents. That being said, you really can’t go wrong with Tool. They are more than a band. More than music. Tool is an experience. Tool is purpose. Tool is life.
I like The Pot and Sober a lot. My favorite metal band is probably Megadeth there is almost never a dull moment in their songs while still having tons of character.
Sir, I do believe you and Tool will go together like peanut butter and jelly. Also, I think the "listenability" of a lot of Tool songs actually goes up after multiple listens. Once you know exactly where the song is going and you can really just ride with it it becomes amazingly enjoyable, but at first yeah Tool songs can be a little jarring and hard to bop to for some people. Just my opinion. Great breakdown dude. ✊🏽
My favorite part about this song, is that by listening to it for the first time, you are actually living the message they are putting out in the song itself. The very act of exposing yourself to this music is the point of the music. The song is essentially it's own self fulfilling prophecy. We watched YOU "spiral out" , and you reflected our own joy back to us. Pretty dope.
Here we go again!! Welcome to one of the greatest bands of all time. Tool, made up of Vocalist Maynard James Keenan, Guitarist Adam Jones, Bassist Justin Chancellor, and the Octopus on Drums Mr. Danny Carry. In general the Tool discography can be divided between their early years which had a more aggressive, angry tone and their later years which is more spiritual and reflective, either way Tool has never produced a bad song. Each member are elite musicians, Tool only sounds like Tool and are a genre all their own. Maynard writes all the lyrics, and his performances are on par with some of the greatest vocalists in history. He is also a vocalist for A Perfect Circle and Puscifer both of which I highly recommended to dive into. Tool fans will tell you to stay away from reacting to any of their official videos as they distract quite a bit from the songs and lyrics, I typically recommend to just listen to their music first and then on a second go around pull up the lyrics, we promise, it'll add dimension and depth to the entire experience. Tool fans are devoted and love to watch reactions of people’s first time listening, to say they are unique doesn’t do them justice. Take your time with reactions, we don’t mind if you pause and analyze, a lot of their music is open to interpretation which is fun for all of us. Spiral out and have fun on your journey...oh and YES headphones are a must! The Staples: The Pot 46 and 2 Lateralus The Grudge Sober Schism Pneuma 7empest Right in Two Vicarious The Patient Opiate Deeper Cuts: Jambi Hooker with a Penis Pushit Pushit (Salival Version) Eulogy Disposition / Reflection / Triad (All in a row) Culling Voices Decending Swamp Song 4 Degrees Parabol/Parabola Ticks & Leaches No Quarter Maynard’s Dick Songs related to Maynard's mother. Judith Marie Keenan was a devote Baptist who suffered a paralyzing cerebral hemorrhage when Maynard was just 11-years-old. Judith would remain paralyzed for 27 years (approx. 10,000 days) until her death in 2003. Jimmy Judith (A Perfect Circle) Wings for Marie (Part 1) 10,000 Days (Wings Part 2)
I recommend every Tool song. Like their entire catalogue. From start to present. Even their covers. No seriously. And then branch out to Maynards other bands, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Lots of good content to cover my man. And believe me when I say, “the Tool Army will follow”. Spiral out my friend.
This song regularly brings tears to my eyes. Especially this moment: "I embrace my desire to Feel the rhythm, to feel connected Enough to step aside and weep like a widow To feel inspired To fathom the power To witness the beauty To bathe in the fountain To swing on the spiral"
@@TheMusicKingdom you see how Tool fans just come out of everywhere 🤣 Check out A PERFECT CIRCLE " by and down the river" @ Red Rock Maynard's voice is hauntingly perfect 💯🔥
1. If you listen to more TOOL, and you learn the backstory of a few songs.. you will cry. You will be bewildered, baffled, amazed. 2. The more TOOL you listen to, the more TOOL army followers you'll get. Its a thing 3. There is no 'bad' TOOL song, the journey through their discography is like anyones journey from young, angry kid through spiritual wise adult Have fun. We're here for it As far as listenability, I think that's what really gives their songs the longevity they have. You will never get sick of their songs... they get better and better over time. Its really unique to TOOL as far as I can tell
Wings for Marie and 10,000 Days. These two songs are meant to be heard together as a story arc. Somber, moving, triumphant - it captures the raw emotion of Maynard about his mother’s passing.
Most Tool songs are a journey. They are not the most listenable songs for a one time listen, the more you listen to them the more they grow on you and you pick up new things. They are all long with builds and changes. Like you said about some art, most Tool songs aren't immediately understandable or clear. To be honest, listening to Tool requires thinking and some work to really get it (like you did here). That's why they aren't for everyone, but the people like me who love them really love them, there just isn't anyone like them. Not to mention each member of the band is amazing and Danny Carey on drums is my favorite drummer. Good reaction! Looking forward to more Tool songs. Easier to digest Tool songs imo: The Pot, Aenema, Schism, Sober, 46 and 2. Great but maybe a little more work: Right in Two, Vicarious, The Grudge. We all love all the Tool songs though.
Indeed...well said. It would be fun to have the technical guy break down the Grudge and the vocal aspect of that song would be amusing. And too I would add, Pushit from the Salival album is always pleasant trip.
@Scott Grabo I do love Pushit. While i like the Salival version, I think I'm in the minority by preferring the original version, but think both are great. There are too many good ones, I also really like H and that seems to not get as much love.
As you're about to learn, Tool fans are much different than fans of any other Band you've ever heard before. I will tell you this. I started listening to Tool in the early 90s and I thought I was a fan, but when I went to see them live for the 1st time, it was life changing experience. Only one other Band I've ever seen live even came close to doing that to me and that was Pink Floyd, and they're a Band you will never be able to see live. So, if you ever get the chance to go see Tool live, DO IT, because some day probably not to far off, they won't be doing anymore live performances.
Welcome to the Tool Army. I appreciate your approach to music. You approach these songs with history and lore that no other channel does. I'm going to dive into your videos in the same way you're about to dive into Tool's library. I get the feeling that Tool has always been the band your self has been looking for. I was lucky that my friends helped me see this a lifetime ago. Cheers dude.
And now you know...Spiral Out! Now, Learn to Swim! FYI...all of T00L Army has cried...many times over many yrs because of this band. The joy, love, angst, understanding of self that we have learned from this band is immeasurable.
Listenability = you are able to listen to this song a thousand times. After 50 times you will be able to let go the (over-)analyzing ear and just enjoy it. Still you will discover new details and layers. The great thing is: every Tool song on every album takes you on a ride like that. Enjoy! And thanks for your reaction to this music!
Few bands have ever put so much deliberate thought and effort into every aspect of their music before, and I relish riding down this particular rabbit hole with you.
I get the chills and every time I hear this song. I even cry sometimes. The music and lyrics and the meaning of the words resonate how I feel spiritually.
Tool are just next level artists , I get something from Tool that i cant get from any other band ...they are just sublime, my fave band in the universe ....you wouldn't be the first grown guy that I've seen weep at the beauty of this piece of art....spiral out...
Amazing reaction. No shame in some tears; it’s a deeply emotional ride. I love that moment at around 8:05 in the song when they move Maynard way back in the mix. If you’re really along from the ride it feels like you are being swallowed up by the music right along with him. That overwhelming moment of immersion is one of my favorite moments in any song ever. Enjoy the Tool ride brother, it will be one of the best you ever take.
@@TheMusicKingdom What I would give to hear the Parabol -> Parabola transition again for the first time... Keep in mind that Tool is a visual band. I don't know if you incorporate video from music videos in your reactions, but you are robbing yourself and your viewers if you don't include the visuals for the songs that have music videos. The guitarist, Adam Jones, quit work on Jurassic Park visual effects to start Tool. Him, along with his partner in crime now, Alex Grey, create very compelling visuals to accompany the songs. If you describe yourself as a Tool fan, you will know who the artist Alex Grey is. How many bands can you say that have a visual artist unofficially linked to them to the point that fans would be able to point out that artists work no matter whether they have seen the painting or not? You haven't experience Tool until you have seen a live show and watched their video DJs live mix Tool visuals. They were doing stunning full screen movie backdrops to their songs in 97 when I saw them and they have only gotten better. The entire damn stage was a screen during one tour and the visuals were behind them, above them, under them, and probably inside them for all I know. Their last album had a video screen on the actual album and when you opened it, it plays a movie. That is all to say, they REALLY care about their visuals and you will have a better experience if you hear the story with the visuals in place as well. They don't all have a video, but he ones that do you absolutely should include in your edit and watch live while recording. These aren't your typical music videos. These were loved and slaved over for 6 months to sometimes more than a year before being released. Also, while I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this song, I think you might might find it suffers from the same problems you had with Lateralus, if I'm understanding your point. This album was very artistic in nature I feel, where as songs off Aenima are more musically straight forward often times. 46&2 for instance has an adjacent message that is also very deep, an absolute monster of a song, but I feel will have significantly more replayability for most musical tastes than Lateralus or Parabol/Parabola. There is a reason the songs that became radio hits were radio hits. There are also songs that weren't, because they are too long to be played on the radio, but what can you do?
Man, out of all the reaction channels I've seen, your videos are some of the most professional, well put together, well edited, content rich, conceptually brilliant offerings a reaction channel has made in years. I cant believe I've stumbled upon your channel in its infancy and that I'll get to be along for the ride. If you keep doing rock reactions to bands like Metallica, Tool, Iron Maiden, etc., your views and subs are going to explode. These fans are some of the most passionate in music and they will show up in droves I promise you. As for Tool, I've been a Tool fan for 25 years, and Lateralus is probably their "nerdiest" song. Stinkfist is my personal favorite tool song. It's such a jam. However, 46&2 is probably, if I look at it objectively, their single best song. It balances technicality with listenability perfectly with profound lyrics. I look forward to you tackling that one in the future. Anyway, enjoy your journey man! Great job! Say hi to your "Professional Older Brother" for me Lol and tell him keep up the good work!
When talking about lyrics I thought it was a compliment when saying the things they are not (Joni Mitchell happens to be an idol of Maynard's). It tells me these lyrics are unique and stand on their own. Looking forward to "The Grudge" and "46 & 2" (and every Tool song) next.
Well that was an easy subscribe! Goosebumps through your whole reaction, really like your approach. I cant say anything that other Tool mega fans havent already said so…I’ll definitely be checking in on more of your reactions!
As others have said, you're clearly in the right place and time to go down the Tool path RIGHT NOW. You've already done it completely right - headphones, lyrics, and just going with every change. Cannot wait to see you musical pro have his mind bent and blown with the tempo and time sigs to come. I predict he'll find his joy in it the more he learns the musical language. It's all a journey. Suggested songs next: The Pot 46&2 Pushit Pneuma Descending Can't wait till you get to 3rd Eye...
Maynard has extreme vocal flexibility- if you want a feeling for his abilities, I HIGHLY recommend 'The Pot' and 'The Grudge'. There's also a live version of 'Sober' where you get a REALLY good feeling for how intense he can be. Danny Carey is the drummer, and there's an incredible live drumcam video of him playing Pneuma, which though isn't as complex as most TOOL songs compositionally, you can see why he's in the top 10 drummers of metal. One interesting thing about TOOL is that they compose their songs a bit backwards. Danny (drums) writes his piece first, or with the guitar and bassist. Then the guitarist and bassist write their pieces, and they hand off the full instrumental to Maynard, who works on the lyrics and vocals. Maynard has commented that it can be irritating when the musicians decide to change something so he has to redo his work XD
Great reaction brother, Tool brought me, instant subscriber, please keep the Tool coming... The power of Tool's music is much like a drug, but for your brain instead of your vein. I Highly recommend Tool's Descending, from their most current album, "Fear Inoculum" and is undoubtedly one of, if not the greatest song ever created, my opinion lol, anyways, I can't wait for next time... 🤩🤘
I would like to make a point about listenability on the song and most Tool songs. The more you listen to the song, the more listenable it becomes. You will tend to look for more of the intricacies you missed the first time and the second time and the third time… I would agree that most people’s initial score or feeling of listenability is usually low when it comes to a first listen of a Tool song, but the more often you listen to it, the more your opinion will change on that subject.
Awwww i love seeing people listen to Tool for the first time! Tool is a whole experience for real though. You should listen to The Pot and Pneuma...lord i can go on and on about songs of theirs you should listen to but I'll stop at those two lol
Awesome reaction! When I saw your shirt before the music even started, I just wanted to laugh because I thought " so ironic ". As a spiritual person myself, this was a great song for a first time Tool reaction. When I stumbled upon Tool (2001), I appreciated the music very much. It wasn't until I was older that the lyrics really hit. In my opinion, you need to have some/a lot of world experience to truely appreciate Tool's songs. Parabol/Parabola was my first song and I would love for you to listen to it. Also Pneuma. Sober is great, but better to watch live Tool, in my opinion, is a great live band. So when you listen to the studio music, it can be hard. 10,000 days is the only studio album I can listen to over and over again because of better production and the flow of the general album. Keep up the good work! Love from Australia.
Brilliant analysis! I concur with your ratings in each category. As a Tool fan for 26 years, it's hard to recommend just one song at a time. Considering how much you liked Lateralus, I think you should listen to *"Parabol/Parabola"* next (also from the Lateralus album). It's one song split into two tracks, so you'll want to search out both *Parabol* and *Parabola.* *Parabol* is the build-up and intro that leads right into *Parabola.* As for the meaning of the lyrics, it's somewhat open for interpretation. It seems to refer to our pineal gland which holds DMT, Melatonin, etc. and releases our natural pain killers. Being the focal point used in meditation, the pineal gland is believed to hold the "third eye" which in turn is believed to be where the collective consciousness is accessible. A parabola itself has a focal point so the song can also be talking about how we as humans are on a path shaped like a parabola. Our existence begins (even before birth) then at a certain point we experience life (the curve that a parabola has near its focal point) then we return to a different point after death with the third eye perceiving the collective consciousness. I don't personally subscribe to that particular philosophy, but it seems to be what the lyrics are about. Hope you enjoy the song as much as I do!
You just experienced one of the greatest tracks of music ever made. From any perspective and genre of music. Some would argue and I would agree, that the album Lateralus is Tool's crowning achievement from start to finish. Which isn't too say any of their other albums or songs are bad, because honestly each track is fantastic in its own way, but its one of the few albums you can put up there with Dark Side of the Moon tier albums. And this song in particular is top tier for the album. I would add that since the song nearly brought tears to your eyes, that is the hallmark of holistic beauty beyond pure melody. In any case, many of their songs are challenging upon first, second, tenth listen, but this is one of those songs that the more you listen and hear the other details, nuances, etc it gets better every time.
bruh, by your reation, you are gonna absolutely love listening to tool. You probably will hear this more than once, but tool does not have a bad song. Greatest band of our time, hands down. If you decide to do another, Pneuma - the live drum cam version of danny carey, is amazing.
TOOL music is finished like no music is ever finished. It's a complete thing. It's so obvious that it turns you essentially into a tuning fork...... it just makes you resonate. I listen to Beethoven's 5th..... the 3rd movement.... and it's the same for me. Something so perfectly complete.... is rare.
I see you also know the movie "Amadeus" very well. (Your first sentence quotes Antonio about Mozart) Then you mention Beethoven. In a TOOL reaction comment. You, sir, have good taste.
@@tomhardy6422 Appreciated .... and good catch. It seemed to sum up my feelings re; Tool's music. It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that their fans are also classical lovers. The romance composers especially. Heavy strings ..... lots of satisfying ebbs and flows. Mozart just didn't seem right...... he was more "pop" to Beethoven's "heavy metal."
I get most of the recommendations so far but you are a considerate and articulate listener. I suggest we cut to the chase and get straight to "Right in Two"
New subscriber here! Glad I found your channel and loving your metal reviews. Suggestion for next challenge: Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Every member of this band is, in their own right, a master of their instrument and competent in music theory and composition. Instrumental suggestion: Ytse Jam - Majesty spelled backward - the original band name before they found out it was taken and had to rename themselves as Dream Theater. Vocal suggestion: Pull Me Under - While most fans consider this a great song, they will also tell you that it was their first DT song and what drew them in. This one even hit mainstream and had a lot of play on MTV back when they actually played music still. My favorite: Metropolis, Pt. 1 - The nine-minute song defines Dream Theater’s signature sound featuring incredibly heavy riffs and mind-altering time signature and tempo changes. It truly shows off each member of the band as they take a musical journey full of melodic harmonies and chaotic dissonant sounds that somehow all seamlessly work together.
Tool is an amazing band for their musicality and lyrics, I would personally recommend invincible and the pot very poetic lyricism and a all around amazing put together double of songs
You ought to check out Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope (Live in Colorado 2016). Six of the most incredible musicians you'll ever lay eyes on. Clean singing, harsh vocals, a violin, insane drummer, bassist, two amazing guitar players. Magic made into sound.
As far as “listenability” goes, it’s hard to grasp on first listen. But like most good music, it get’s better with each listen, which most good music should. I didn’t get Miles Davis at first, but now I love it. The same is true of Tool.
Great review for a first listen. I’ve been a Tool fan since the mid 90’s and I must say they only get better as you listen to them more and more. I hope you dive into all of their music. They are amazing to say the least. My favorite band
tool is 100% my favorite band each of their albums are different in their own ways you can really see the evolution of the band members as people through out their music. some great recommendations that I saw are forty six and 2, and parabol/parabola both are from the top of my head are the most alike laturalus in their subjective meanings. But if you want to take a deeper dive into them like you have said you like to do in past videos I would recommend 4 degrees, and jimmy. But my favorite would probably have to be invincible or eulogy.
One thing to note given how many times you commented on how intertwined the lyrics and the instrumentals are is that the band writes the music first, finishes up recording their parts of the track, and only then does the vocalist/lyricist sit down and starts writing the words.
Loved seeing you review this! It's great to see someone listen to Tool with an open mind and an earnest attitude. I'll throw out a couple recommendations: 'Pneuma' from this same album is a great track with similar spiritual themes and gnarly tempos/polyrhythms, although it's arguable less 'listenable' than Lateralus. Also, the song '7emptest' from their 2019 album Fear Inoculum is another standout track with great composition. It went on to win a Grammy for best metal performance, despite being over fifteen minutes long... it's a beast of a song. Anyway... hope to see you guys listen to more Tool!! 🤘
Welcome to the Tool journey friend! Their entire library is amazing, but there's a few that should be listened to together - do yourself a huge favour, and listen to "Parabol" + "Parabola" together, "Disposition" + "Reflection" + "Triad" in order together, and "Lipan Conjuring" + "Lost Keys(Blame Hoffman)" + "Rosetta Stoned" in order together. You will definitely need the lyrics for "Rosetta Stoned" handy... Also, the track "46+2" has some similar topical themes to "Lateralus", and may be right up your alley for your next Tool review. Spiral out!
TBH you should have started with "The Pot" or "Stinkfist" or "Schism." Thise are the most accessible ones to pretty much any other genre. And for clarity, after this one, their other deeply Spiritual song "Pneuma" with the drum cam is an amazing experience, especially for anyone with the least musical or performance experience or training.
Great breakdown on the entirety of the song. Tool is not for everyone. They are a cerebral band, much like Rush, or the earlier works of Pink Floyd. To people who are open to ideas and insights, Tool has gotten some of them through many of life's tribulations like divorce, financial woes and even the death of loved ones. I see a lot of reviewers just grooving to Tool's music and missing completely what you so eloquently covered. It's like seeing the statue of David and saying, "nice marble!" But I digress... Thank you for the analysis and I hope you'll delve deeper into Tool's catalog. May I suggest Invincible, which concerns an aging warrior, and Stinkfist which I will leave to your interpretation. Maynard is a wordsmith, and his lyrics can be interpreted differently by different listeners, but it always seems to mean to YOU what you need it to. Happy hunting!
Welcome to the rabbit hole. Tool is like no other band and when you consider their whole catalog, they really have no rivalry. Other artist have good pieces but Tools whole work is outstanding. I will tune in for your journey. Great review!!!
You really jumped into the deep end for your first TOOL song. With that said, this was really good. I enjoy when people with a different background, whether that be musically or socially, are enjoying things I love. Thank you!
Damn man that was an emotional ride brotha! Keep spiraling out 🌀 with 🔥👽👽TOOL👽👽🔥 You’d absolutely love “pneuma”, they have a drum cam version where they are LIVE in Boston!! Mind blowing 🤯
I must say, that was one of the best and most honest reviews I’ve ever watched. I must also add, being a musician myself that once you start the Tool journey it’s hard to stop. In regards to complexity and listenability, the entire “Fear Inoculum” album is a must. Review or not, do yourself a favor and check it out. A Masterpiece. Thanks for what you do and keep it up!
Great reaction and analysis of my favorite band! Please do more Tool! I would like to suggest Forty Six and Two, Parabola/Parabola (listen to these both, one is an intro to the other) and Pneuma.
One of my most favorite Maynard songs is from A Perfect Circle. Pet. Used to listen to it every night while I was serving in Iraq missing my wife and children and seeing how the war machine works from the front row.
Greatest band that ever existed!🤘 Possibly their best song, but they are all great. TOOL does not have a bad song.🔥🌀 EDIT: Their production only gets better on their latter albums. Leading up to Fear Inoculum in 2019 which is a studio masterpiece 👌
I commented on the last one, but Im going to do another one If you want a deep dive into metal in the future, but don't want to be scared away immediately, do something by Nuclear Assault, Sepultura, or Motorhead, they aren't too popular in the mainstream yet very popular in the metal community (mostly), just a suggestion. Cool vid, I'm glad some people don't just blow off the Genre and and actually examine it deeply, it's very cool to see videos like this and hope you continue, these are always really cool vids, also somehow I forgot to subscribe last video so I am now.
Well done, with diction and attention to detail! Parabol>Parabola should be next for you to dive into. Sidebar, there is a fair amount of attention (whether you ascribe to the theory or not, still interesting) on this entire album tuned down to 432 hZ, and even a 'Holy Gift' re-imagining of the albums track order, done by a member of the Tool Army. Lots of ways to go down this rabbit hole, Alice. Again, great job, cheers!
First-time visitor-I enjoyed your style of analysis. I’m not used to assigning scores but the one you gave to this was pretty decent and indicative of respect as well as your underlying knowledge. To be fair, I think of this entire album as a tone poem, meant to be listened to in one sitting, in sequence. Once fully assimilated in that manner, the “listenability” of each individual song is significantly enhanced regardless of sequence, but particularly when each complements the flow of its neighboring songs. Subscribed.
Amazing reaction, friend. I WAS in tears myself. You just listened to perhaps the best song of all time. That's subjective, of course. Do Pneuma next. It's the followup to this one, IMO.
After finishing the video, I totally respect your grade and your reasoning behind it. I give it a solid 9. I do not count this as a "perfect" song, but 2 of TOOL's songs DO get that rating. Jambi and Pneuma.
Would love to see you do "The Grudge" next but for just a personal experience finding a distraction free place, putting your headphones on and listening to this whole album from start to finish is definitely an experience in itself.
So glad you discovered Tool! You would for sure also enjoy Gojira, they have really deep songs with amazing metaphysical lyrics, like The Art of Dying, Esoteric Surgery, Oroborus, to name just a few.
For me personally, often THE most beautiful and/or rewarding art is not immediately approachable in the way a great pop song is. Tool’s music rewards repeated listening more than any music I have ever found. But, similar to spiritual practice or psychedelics, really experiencing what this music has to offer requires curiosity, intention and focus. This music challenges the biases and attention span of everyone that falls in love with it. I used to fast forward through certain movements in several songs, to give you some context, but there was an initial recognition of feeling that there was something special going on that I could only partially process. There was an immediate fascination and curiosity there. I think that is common to every Tool fan. If you don't feel that initial fascination, you will never give their music the time and setting it deserves. You need to listen in a dark room with zero distraction, on more than one occasion, imo, to truly begin to undertand what all the fuss is about. This music is simply too alien for casual listening. It requires growth from the listener.
Someone else may have mentioned this already but PLEASE DO PARABOL/PARABOLA BY TOOL (2 songs, but one is basically part 1 of 2 with a purposeful transition. You’ll absolutely love the lyrics and the instrumental is also top class. It’s off the same album. Also Pushit - Salival Version is another beautiful Tool track recorded live and very good quality. It has a beautiful spoken intro by the singer Maynard.
I'm a huge music lover, and needless to say Tool is my favorite. They brought me here, but I really enjoyed your thoughts, and looking forward to more reactions on all genres!
I’ve been a Tool fan ever since I 1st heard “Sober” on the radio on 98Rock Baltimore in my work truck in the summer of 93 & while I love all of their music this song has always been my favorite….it’s simply stunning it’s so good 🤤
You have to do Schism. It plays with time signatures so much yet still manages to be super appealing. And I think you'll like the vocals in that one more than Lateralus.
I'm a prog guy but my all-time favourite Tool song is still "Reflection" which has no tempo changes and it's all in 4/4. There is no other song in this world that puts me in a trance in a way like it does. The second one would be "Wings for Marie & 10.000 Days" that go together and are about Maynard's mother dying. You simply cannot listen to that song without shedding tears if you read the lyrics. Especially when you know Maynard is an atheist and his mother was a believer. It's just heartbreaking.
You want philosophy, well then welcome to rev. Maynard James Keenan. He will make you think like you've never thought before in such a beautiful and unconventional way. Keep spiraling out on tool for a journey that you won't regret. May I recommend the pot, right in two, pushit, aenima, or really any tool song. Starting from the beginning and riding the spiral til the end is always a fun journey in itself too.
Watching someone hearing and opening their mind to TOOL for the first time is only slightly less amazing than the feeling I had when I heard TOOL for the first time. Welcome to the magic of TOOL 🔧 🤟 It's time now, for 46&2
Great reaction. Really well produced. Even after a thousand listens, this song along with many of their others, brings me to tears. Greatest band to grace my ears.
Any songs or albums you want me to check out? Personal reviews sent directly to you.👇
ko-fi.com/musickingdom/commissions
Little did I know - the print on my shirt is of seashells. (Fibonacci Sequence) Can’t make this shit up.
Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts!
You won't regret the experience of Parabol/Parabola (2 tracks, but meant to be heard back to back). Another great message that moves ya, and much more digestible groove. 👍
To pick a favorite Tool-song is hard, it shifts depending on how I’m feeling and where my life is at.
But some essential songs would be:
46 & 2
The Grudge
Descending
Vicarious
Eulogy
Prison Sex
Opiate
Sober
Pneuma
The Pot
Right In Two
H.
These are just my two cents.
That being said, you really can’t go wrong with Tool. They are more than a band. More than music.
Tool is an experience.
Tool is purpose.
Tool is life.
Hell of a comment. Much appreciated!🌀
My favourite Tool song is "Schism." But "Pneuma" is up there too.
I like The Pot and Sober a lot. My favorite metal band is probably Megadeth there is almost never a dull moment in their songs while still having tons of character.
Sir, I do believe you and Tool will go together like peanut butter and jelly. Also, I think the "listenability" of a lot of Tool songs actually goes up after multiple listens. Once you know exactly where the song is going and you can really just ride with it it becomes amazingly enjoyable, but at first yeah Tool songs can be a little jarring and hard to bop to for some people. Just my opinion. Great breakdown dude. ✊🏽
Much appreciated! I’d compare what you described to a roller coaster, in the best way possible.
@@TheMusicKingdom That's true. A great roller coaster gets better and better once you are familiar with it
I was thinking the same thing when they get a chance to listen and not analyze the song they are all more powerful I think.
You are absolutely correct. Good take
when the Tool Army finds a good reactor we flock to that channel like moths to a flame. and you sir definetly got it
Much appreciated!
Seconded 🌀
yes
We are the Tooligans
Facts
Never be ashamed to cry to Tool. All good Tool fans do. 🤗
If you don't, you're not Tooling it right.
Not gonna lie. I cried the happiest tears of my life when I discovered this album by accident on lsd. It was a profound experience.
#truth
I've never cried to greatest band ever. I get the chills.
Not me, I'm a man and therefore, never cry or show emotion... 😭
My favorite part about this song, is that by listening to it for the first time, you are actually living the message they are putting out in the song itself. The very act of exposing yourself to this music is the point of the music. The song is essentially it's own self fulfilling prophecy. We watched YOU "spiral out" , and you reflected our own joy back to us. Pretty dope.
Here we go again!! Welcome to one of the greatest bands of all time. Tool, made up of Vocalist Maynard James Keenan, Guitarist Adam Jones, Bassist Justin Chancellor, and the Octopus on Drums Mr. Danny Carry. In general the Tool discography can be divided between their early years which had a more aggressive, angry tone and their later years which is more spiritual and reflective, either way Tool has never produced a bad song. Each member are elite musicians, Tool only sounds like Tool and are a genre all their own. Maynard writes all the lyrics, and his performances are on par with some of the greatest vocalists in history. He is also a vocalist for A Perfect Circle and Puscifer both of which I highly recommended to dive into. Tool fans will tell you to stay away from reacting to any of their official videos as they distract quite a bit from the songs and lyrics, I typically recommend to just listen to their music first and then on a second go around pull up the lyrics, we promise, it'll add dimension and depth to the entire experience.
Tool fans are devoted and love to watch reactions of people’s first time listening, to say they are unique doesn’t do them justice. Take your time with reactions, we don’t mind if you pause and analyze, a lot of their music is open to interpretation which is fun for all of us. Spiral out and have fun on your journey...oh and YES headphones are a must!
The Staples:
The Pot
46 and 2
Lateralus
The Grudge
Sober
Schism
Pneuma
7empest
Right in Two
Vicarious
The Patient
Opiate
Deeper Cuts:
Jambi
Hooker with a Penis
Pushit
Pushit (Salival Version)
Eulogy
Disposition / Reflection / Triad (All in a row)
Culling Voices
Decending
Swamp Song
4 Degrees
Parabol/Parabola
Ticks & Leaches
No Quarter
Maynard’s Dick
Songs related to Maynard's mother. Judith Marie Keenan was a devote Baptist who suffered a paralyzing cerebral hemorrhage when Maynard was just 11-years-old. Judith would remain paralyzed for 27 years (approx. 10,000 days) until her death in 2003.
Jimmy
Judith (A Perfect Circle)
Wings for Marie (Part 1)
10,000 Days (Wings Part 2)
Hell yes! What a comment! 🔥 Duly noted!
Wicked comment and spot on. Spiral out ✌🏻🌀🌀👁
Songs you can hear over and over and always hear something else you didn’t notice previously
bro summed it all up
Yep. This!
I recommend every Tool song. Like their entire catalogue. From start to present. Even their covers. No seriously. And then branch out to Maynards other bands, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. Lots of good content to cover my man. And believe me when I say, “the Tool Army will follow”. Spiral out my friend.
🤣🔥 What a spiral it’ll be.
🌀🌀🌀🧘🧘🧘🔥🔥🔥
😮💨😵💫
@@TheMusicKingdom You don't even know my man - I'll watch them all :)
^^^^^he's right!!
This song regularly brings tears to my eyes. Especially this moment:
"I embrace my desire to
Feel the rhythm, to feel connected
Enough to step aside and weep like a widow
To feel inspired
To fathom the power
To witness the beauty
To bathe in the fountain
To swing on the spiral"
Stunningly beautiful, and hits home. I was not prepared.
just got done wiping my eyes lol!
@@TheMusicKingdom you see how Tool fans just come out of everywhere 🤣 Check out A PERFECT CIRCLE " by and down the river" @ Red Rock Maynard's voice is hauntingly perfect 💯🔥
1. If you listen to more TOOL, and you learn the backstory of a few songs.. you will cry. You will be bewildered, baffled, amazed.
2. The more TOOL you listen to, the more TOOL army followers you'll get. Its a thing
3. There is no 'bad' TOOL song, the journey through their discography is like anyones journey from young, angry kid through spiritual wise adult
Have fun. We're here for it
As far as listenability, I think that's what really gives their songs the longevity they have.
You will never get sick of their songs... they get better and better over time. Its really unique to TOOL as far as I can tell
As a 58 year old Floyd Zep Rush Judas Priest fan. Old school head banger They are on their own level I love Tool
Im 35 but I started with the classics you just listed, and still love them all...but then found Tool after High School. Indeed on their own level.
46 and 2. The Grudge..holding grudges and how they will destroy you..all their music is very deep lyrically ..gotta have the lyrics!
Another great breakdown! Pneuma is another track from Tool thats really interesting. It's full of poly-rhythms - Danny Carey is an uncanny drummer.
Much appreciated!
@@TheMusicKingdom that is an EXCELLENT suggestion.
@@TheMusicKingdom Watch the drum cam version of this on Vic Firth's channel! You'll be blown away!
46&2 would be good to do next. Not sure if you're into Jung and "The Shadow" but honestly, you're gonna love it as much as Lateralus. Great reaction!
You explained why we say Tool is life. You've opened the rabbit hole, let it take you on a journey.❤
Yeah, keep digging through their catalog. It's all great
"What a journey this is."
You're right my friend. It's so good
Lateralus is great but its not my favorite song on the album, Parabol + Parabola is for the excellent music and lyrics, more to the vocals too imo.
Wings for Marie and 10,000 Days. These two songs are meant to be heard together as a story arc. Somber, moving, triumphant - it captures the raw emotion of Maynard about his mother’s passing.
Most Tool songs are a journey. They are not the most listenable songs for a one time listen, the more you listen to them the more they grow on you and you pick up new things. They are all long with builds and changes. Like you said about some art, most Tool songs aren't immediately understandable or clear. To be honest, listening to Tool requires thinking and some work to really get it (like you did here). That's why they aren't for everyone, but the people like me who love them really love them, there just isn't anyone like them. Not to mention each member of the band is amazing and Danny Carey on drums is my favorite drummer. Good reaction! Looking forward to more Tool songs. Easier to digest Tool songs imo: The Pot, Aenema, Schism, Sober, 46 and 2. Great but maybe a little more work: Right in Two, Vicarious, The Grudge. We all love all the Tool songs though.
Very well said!
Indeed...well said. It would be fun to have the technical guy break down the Grudge and the vocal aspect of that song would be amusing. And too I would add, Pushit from the Salival album is always pleasant trip.
@Scott Grabo I do love Pushit. While i like the Salival version, I think I'm in the minority by preferring the original version, but think both are great. There are too many good ones, I also really like H and that seems to not get as much love.
Tool doesn't have a bad song. They are an amazing band to see live as well. Excellent analysis 👏..
Much appreciated!
They only have great songs and a few strange interludes on their albums ;-)
Stfu every band has a bad song. I'm a Tool fan but at I am not so blind as to claim they have no bad song.
@@copbabycombo1311 Just a matter of opinion? Maybe first EP and Undertow have some ok songs, but after that they never really had a miss.
@@lenni-hazels I just find it so annoying when people say their favorite band has no bad songs. It is so stupid.
As you're about to learn, Tool fans are much different than fans of any other Band you've ever heard before. I will tell you this. I started listening to Tool in the early 90s and I thought I was a fan, but when I went to see them live for the 1st time, it was life changing experience. Only one other Band I've ever seen live even came close to doing that to me and that was Pink Floyd, and they're a Band you will never be able to see live. So, if you ever get the chance to go see Tool live, DO IT, because some day probably not to far off, they won't be doing anymore live performances.
What until you hear the timing of Pneuma . Great reaction, there are so many works of art to explore. I look forward to seeing more from you.
Welcome to the Tool Army. I appreciate your approach to music. You approach these songs with history and lore that no other channel does. I'm going to dive into your videos in the same way you're about to dive into Tool's library. I get the feeling that Tool has always been the band your self has been looking for. I was lucky that my friends helped me see this a lifetime ago. Cheers dude.
Much appreciated Jeff!
And now you know...Spiral Out! Now, Learn to Swim! FYI...all of T00L Army has cried...many times over many yrs because of this band. The joy, love, angst, understanding of self that we have learned from this band is immeasurable.
Listenability = you are able to listen to this song a thousand times. After 50 times you will be able to let go the (over-)analyzing ear and just enjoy it. Still you will discover new details and layers. The great thing is: every Tool song on every album takes you on a ride like that. Enjoy! And thanks for your reaction to this music!
Few bands have ever put so much deliberate thought and effort into every aspect of their music before, and I relish riding down this particular rabbit hole with you.
"I'm almost tearing up"
1000 listens later
"I'm STILL almost tearing up"
That’s how it goes!
I get the chills and every time I hear this song. I even cry sometimes. The music and lyrics and the meaning of the words resonate how I feel spiritually.
Tool are just next level artists , I get something from Tool that i cant get from any other band ...they are just sublime, my fave band in the universe ....you wouldn't be the first grown guy that I've seen weep at the beauty of this piece of art....spiral out...
Simply put, this is one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. No question about it. It's a perfect masterpiece of 4 absolutly great musicians.
Wish all people would realize how beautiful and special that their music is
Amazing reaction. No shame in some tears; it’s a deeply emotional ride. I love that moment at around 8:05 in the song when they move Maynard way back in the mix. If you’re really along from the ride it feels like you are being swallowed up by the music right along with him. That overwhelming moment of immersion is one of my favorite moments in any song ever. Enjoy the Tool ride brother, it will be one of the best you ever take.
Well said, and much appreciated!
@@TheMusicKingdom appreciate you!
I think you'd appreciate Tool's Parabol / Parabola as your next Tool song adventure. It ties very well with the spiritual theme of Lateralus.
Noted! 🌀
I actually wholeheartedly agree with this posting. Parabol / Parabola will blow you away...... the first half is heart the second half is muscle.
@@TheMusicKingdom What I would give to hear the Parabol -> Parabola transition again for the first time... Keep in mind that Tool is a visual band. I don't know if you incorporate video from music videos in your reactions, but you are robbing yourself and your viewers if you don't include the visuals for the songs that have music videos. The guitarist, Adam Jones, quit work on Jurassic Park visual effects to start Tool. Him, along with his partner in crime now, Alex Grey, create very compelling visuals to accompany the songs. If you describe yourself as a Tool fan, you will know who the artist Alex Grey is. How many bands can you say that have a visual artist unofficially linked to them to the point that fans would be able to point out that artists work no matter whether they have seen the painting or not? You haven't experience Tool until you have seen a live show and watched their video DJs live mix Tool visuals. They were doing stunning full screen movie backdrops to their songs in 97 when I saw them and they have only gotten better. The entire damn stage was a screen during one tour and the visuals were behind them, above them, under them, and probably inside them for all I know. Their last album had a video screen on the actual album and when you opened it, it plays a movie. That is all to say, they REALLY care about their visuals and you will have a better experience if you hear the story with the visuals in place as well. They don't all have a video, but he ones that do you absolutely should include in your edit and watch live while recording. These aren't your typical music videos. These were loved and slaved over for 6 months to sometimes more than a year before being released.
Also, while I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this song, I think you might might find it suffers from the same problems you had with Lateralus, if I'm understanding your point. This album was very artistic in nature I feel, where as songs off Aenima are more musically straight forward often times. 46&2 for instance has an adjacent message that is also very deep, an absolute monster of a song, but I feel will have significantly more replayability for most musical tastes than Lateralus or Parabol/Parabola. There is a reason the songs that became radio hits were radio hits. There are also songs that weren't, because they are too long to be played on the radio, but what can you do?
I personally don't like Parobala very much
👍 agreed.. spiral out!
Man, out of all the reaction channels I've seen, your videos are some of the most professional, well put together, well edited, content rich, conceptually brilliant offerings a reaction channel has made in years. I cant believe I've stumbled upon your channel in its infancy and that I'll get to be along for the ride. If you keep doing rock reactions to bands like Metallica, Tool, Iron Maiden, etc., your views and subs are going to explode. These fans are some of the most passionate in music and they will show up in droves I promise you. As for Tool, I've been a Tool fan for 25 years, and Lateralus is probably their "nerdiest" song. Stinkfist is my personal favorite tool song. It's such a jam. However, 46&2 is probably, if I look at it objectively, their single best song. It balances technicality with listenability perfectly with profound lyrics. I look forward to you tackling that one in the future. Anyway, enjoy your journey man! Great job! Say hi to your "Professional Older Brother" for me Lol and tell him keep up the good work!
Much appreciated Scott! 🤘🏼
Love the way you approached this. 46 & 2 would be a great next step into the Tool rabbit hole.
When talking about lyrics I thought it was a compliment when saying the things they are not (Joni Mitchell happens to be an idol of Maynard's). It tells me these lyrics are unique and stand on their own. Looking forward to "The Grudge" and "46 & 2" (and every Tool song) next.
Agreed. A “9 out of 10” can look like two very different things - executed at an exceptional level.
Well that was an easy subscribe! Goosebumps through your whole reaction, really like your approach. I cant say anything that other Tool mega fans havent already said so…I’ll definitely be checking in on more of your reactions!
Much appreciated!!
I like how you mentioned Joni Mitchell. She’s a big inspiration to the singer of this band.
Had no idea!
@@TheMusicKingdom A Perfect Circle, another band that Maynard is in, covered The Fiddle and The Drum by Joni Mitchell
As others have said, you're clearly in the right place and time to go down the Tool path RIGHT NOW. You've already done it completely right - headphones, lyrics, and just going with every change. Cannot wait to see you musical pro have his mind bent and blown with the tempo and time sigs to come. I predict he'll find his joy in it the more he learns the musical language. It's all a journey.
Suggested songs next:
The Pot
46&2
Pushit
Pneuma
Descending
Can't wait till you get to 3rd Eye...
Noted! 🔥
Wings for Marie part 1 and 2. Artsy, religious, philosophical, anger, rage, awe, deep sadness, beauty, elevating. Just a beautiful piece together.
Yep, a list of Tool songs that make people cry is incomplete without these 2 masterpieces.
This band and especially this song changed my view on the music permanently!
Good luck on TOOLs adventure, we will follow
Maynard has extreme vocal flexibility- if you want a feeling for his abilities, I HIGHLY recommend 'The Pot' and 'The Grudge'. There's also a live version of 'Sober' where you get a REALLY good feeling for how intense he can be.
Danny Carey is the drummer, and there's an incredible live drumcam video of him playing Pneuma, which though isn't as complex as most TOOL songs compositionally, you can see why he's in the top 10 drummers of metal.
One interesting thing about TOOL is that they compose their songs a bit backwards. Danny (drums) writes his piece first, or with the guitar and bassist. Then the guitarist and bassist write their pieces, and they hand off the full instrumental to Maynard, who works on the lyrics and vocals. Maynard has commented that it can be irritating when the musicians decide to change something so he has to redo his work XD
Many of history’s best musicians also worked backwards! I think it’s a way of letting “the music” dictate the creative process. 🌀
Great reaction brother, Tool brought me, instant subscriber, please keep the Tool coming...
The power of Tool's music is much like a drug, but for your brain instead of your vein.
I Highly recommend Tool's Descending, from their most current album, "Fear Inoculum" and is undoubtedly one of, if not the greatest song ever created, my opinion lol, anyways, I can't wait for next time... 🤩🤘
I would like to make a point about listenability on the song and most Tool songs.
The more you listen to the song, the more listenable it becomes. You will tend to look for more of the intricacies you missed the first time and the second time and the third time…
I would agree that most people’s initial score or feeling of listenability is usually low when it comes to a first listen of a Tool song, but the more often you listen to it, the more your opinion will change on that subject.
Great point.
Awwww i love seeing people listen to Tool for the first time! Tool is a whole experience for real though. You should listen to The Pot and Pneuma...lord i can go on and on about songs of theirs you should listen to but I'll stop at those two lol
Awesome reaction! When I saw your shirt before the music even started, I just wanted to laugh because I thought " so ironic ".
As a spiritual person myself, this was a great song for a first time Tool reaction. When I stumbled upon Tool (2001), I appreciated the music very much. It wasn't until I was older that the lyrics really hit. In my opinion, you need to have some/a lot of world experience to truely appreciate Tool's songs.
Parabol/Parabola was my first song and I would love for you to listen to it. Also Pneuma. Sober is great, but better to watch live
Tool, in my opinion, is a great live band. So when you listen to the studio music, it can be hard. 10,000 days is the only studio album I can listen to over and over again because of better production and the flow of the general album.
Keep up the good work!
Love from Australia.
Very well said, Kara! 🫶🏼🌀🤘🏼
Brilliant analysis! I concur with your ratings in each category. As a Tool fan for 26 years, it's hard to recommend just one song at a time. Considering how much you liked Lateralus, I think you should listen to *"Parabol/Parabola"* next (also from the Lateralus album). It's one song split into two tracks, so you'll want to search out both *Parabol* and *Parabola.* *Parabol* is the build-up and intro that leads right into *Parabola.*
As for the meaning of the lyrics, it's somewhat open for interpretation. It seems to refer to our pineal gland which holds DMT, Melatonin, etc. and releases our natural pain killers. Being the focal point used in meditation, the pineal gland is believed to hold the "third eye" which in turn is believed to be where the collective consciousness is accessible. A parabola itself has a focal point so the song can also be talking about how we as humans are on a path shaped like a parabola. Our existence begins (even before birth) then at a certain point we experience life (the curve that a parabola has near its focal point) then we return to a different point after death with the third eye perceiving the collective consciousness.
I don't personally subscribe to that particular philosophy, but it seems to be what the lyrics are about. Hope you enjoy the song as much as I do!
Well said, and much appreciated!
You just experienced one of the greatest tracks of music ever made. From any perspective and genre of music. Some would argue and I would agree, that the album Lateralus is Tool's crowning achievement from start to finish. Which isn't too say any of their other albums or songs are bad, because honestly each track is fantastic in its own way, but its one of the few albums you can put up there with Dark Side of the Moon tier albums. And this song in particular is top tier for the album. I would add that since the song nearly brought tears to your eyes, that is the hallmark of holistic beauty beyond pure melody. In any case, many of their songs are challenging upon first, second, tenth listen, but this is one of those songs that the more you listen and hear the other details, nuances, etc it gets better every time.
bruh, by your reation, you are gonna absolutely love listening to tool. You probably will hear this more than once, but tool does not have a bad song. Greatest band of our time, hands down. If you decide to do another, Pneuma - the live drum cam version of danny carey, is amazing.
TOOL music is finished like no music is ever finished. It's a complete thing. It's so obvious that it turns you essentially into a tuning fork...... it just makes you resonate.
I listen to Beethoven's 5th..... the 3rd movement.... and it's the same for me. Something so perfectly complete.... is rare.
I’m the same way, hence my deep affinity for truly great music.
I see you also know the movie "Amadeus" very well. (Your first sentence quotes Antonio about Mozart) Then you mention Beethoven. In a TOOL reaction comment. You, sir, have good taste.
Tool fans 🤝 classical music
@@tomhardy6422 Appreciated .... and good catch. It seemed to sum up my feelings re; Tool's music. It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that their fans are also classical lovers. The romance composers especially. Heavy strings ..... lots of satisfying ebbs and flows. Mozart just didn't seem right...... he was more "pop" to Beethoven's "heavy metal."
I get most of the recommendations so far but you are a considerate and articulate listener. I suggest we cut to the chase and get straight to "Right in Two"
Noted! Greatly appreciated.
New subscriber here! Glad I found your channel and loving your metal reviews.
Suggestion for next challenge: Dream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Every member of this band is, in their own right, a master of their instrument and competent in music theory and composition.
Instrumental suggestion: Ytse Jam - Majesty spelled backward - the original band name before they found out it was taken and had to rename themselves as Dream Theater.
Vocal suggestion: Pull Me Under - While most fans consider this a great song, they will also tell you that it was their first DT song and what drew them in. This one even hit mainstream and had a lot of play on MTV back when they actually played music still.
My favorite: Metropolis, Pt. 1 - The nine-minute song defines Dream Theater’s signature sound featuring incredibly heavy riffs and mind-altering time signature and tempo changes. It truly shows off each member of the band as they take a musical journey full of melodic harmonies and chaotic dissonant sounds that somehow all seamlessly work together.
Tool is an amazing band for their musicality and lyrics, I would personally recommend invincible and the pot very poetic lyricism and a all around amazing put together double of songs
You ought to check out Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope (Live in Colorado 2016). Six of the most incredible musicians you'll ever lay eyes on. Clean singing, harsh vocals, a violin, insane drummer, bassist, two amazing guitar players. Magic made into sound.
As far as “listenability” goes, it’s hard to grasp on first listen. But like most good music, it get’s better with each listen, which most good music should. I didn’t get Miles Davis at first, but now I love it. The same is true of Tool.
Try Schism. It's the Tool song that won a Grammy for this album. Also, 46&2 and Pushit from their previous album.
Great review for a first listen. I’ve been a Tool fan since the mid 90’s and I must say they only get better as you listen to them more and more. I hope you dive into all of their music. They are amazing to say the least. My favorite band
This is their best spiritual album. You should do the whole album.
The other albums are fantastic in their own right, with spirituality sprinkled in.
Hell to the fuckin yes.
tool is 100% my favorite band each of their albums are different in their own ways you can really see the evolution of the band members as people through out their music. some great recommendations that I saw are forty six and 2, and parabol/parabola both are from the top of my head are the most alike laturalus in their subjective meanings. But if you want to take a deeper dive into them like you have said you like to do in past videos I would recommend 4 degrees, and jimmy. But my favorite would probably have to be invincible or eulogy.
One thing to note given how many times you commented on how intertwined the lyrics and the instrumentals are is that the band writes the music first, finishes up recording their parts of the track, and only then does the vocalist/lyricist sit down and starts writing the words.
Loved seeing you review this! It's great to see someone listen to Tool with an open mind and an earnest attitude. I'll throw out a couple recommendations: 'Pneuma' from this same album is a great track with similar spiritual themes and gnarly tempos/polyrhythms, although it's arguable less 'listenable' than Lateralus. Also, the song '7emptest' from their 2019 album Fear Inoculum is another standout track with great composition. It went on to win a Grammy for best metal performance, despite being over fifteen minutes long... it's a beast of a song. Anyway... hope to see you guys listen to more Tool!! 🤘
Welcome to the Tool journey friend! Their entire library is amazing, but there's a few that should be listened to together - do yourself a huge favour, and listen to "Parabol" + "Parabola" together, "Disposition" + "Reflection" + "Triad" in order together, and "Lipan Conjuring" + "Lost Keys(Blame Hoffman)" + "Rosetta Stoned" in order together. You will definitely need the lyrics for "Rosetta Stoned" handy...
Also, the track "46+2" has some similar topical themes to "Lateralus", and may be right up your alley for your next Tool review. Spiral out!
TBH you should have started with "The Pot" or "Stinkfist" or "Schism." Thise are the most accessible ones to pretty much any other genre.
And for clarity, after this one, their other deeply Spiritual song "Pneuma" with the drum cam is an amazing experience, especially for anyone with the least musical or performance experience or training.
Great breakdown on the entirety of the song. Tool is not for everyone. They are a cerebral band, much like Rush, or the earlier works of Pink Floyd. To people who are open to ideas and insights, Tool has gotten some of them through many of life's tribulations like divorce, financial woes and even the death of loved ones. I see a lot of reviewers just grooving to Tool's music and missing completely what you so eloquently covered. It's like seeing the statue of David and saying, "nice marble!" But I digress... Thank you for the analysis and I hope you'll delve deeper into Tool's catalog. May I suggest Invincible, which concerns an aging warrior, and Stinkfist which I will leave to your interpretation. Maynard is a wordsmith, and his lyrics can be interpreted differently by different listeners, but it always seems to mean to YOU what you need it to. Happy hunting!
46 and 2. A must!
Welcome to TOOL army, this guys are amazing, you must see the video pneuma, the drummer camera
Very good first reaction, subbed!
Excellent song, great reaction🤘🏼🔧
Welcome to the rabbit hole. Tool is like no other band and when you consider their whole catalog, they really have no rivalry. Other artist have good pieces but Tools whole work is outstanding. I will tune in for your journey. Great review!!!
I have always loved that this song closes with a big ONE TWO, ONE TWO THREE. Been putting a smile on my face for decades.
You really jumped into the deep end for your first TOOL song. With that said, this was really good. I enjoy when people with a different background, whether that be musically or socially, are enjoying things I love. Thank you!
Great breakdown! Would love to see you react to Forty Six & 2 or The Pot (both by Tool). Metallica’s One would also be a great song to breakdown.
Noted!
Damn man that was an emotional ride brotha! Keep spiraling out 🌀 with
🔥👽👽TOOL👽👽🔥
You’d absolutely love “pneuma”, they have a drum cam version where they are LIVE in Boston!! Mind blowing 🤯
I must say, that was one of the best and most honest reviews I’ve ever watched. I must also add, being a musician myself that once you start the Tool journey it’s hard to stop. In regards to complexity and listenability, the entire “Fear Inoculum” album is a must. Review or not, do yourself a favor and check it out. A Masterpiece. Thanks for what you do and keep it up!
Great reaction and analysis of my favorite band! Please do more Tool! I would like to suggest Forty Six and Two, Parabola/Parabola (listen to these both, one is an intro to the other) and Pneuma.
Much appreciated!
One of my most favorite Maynard songs is from A Perfect Circle. Pet. Used to listen to it every night while I was serving in Iraq missing my wife and children and seeing how the war machine works from the front row.
Before I even see your reaction to the song, your introduction and vibe is amazing and I love it. You earned a sub right there.
Much appreciated!
Greatest band that ever existed!🤘 Possibly their best song, but they are all great. TOOL does not have a bad song.🔥🌀
EDIT: Their production only gets better on their latter albums. Leading up to Fear Inoculum in 2019 which is a studio masterpiece 👌
I commented on the last one, but Im going to do another one
If you want a deep dive into metal in the future, but don't want to be scared away immediately, do something by Nuclear Assault, Sepultura, or Motorhead, they aren't too popular in the mainstream yet very popular in the metal community (mostly), just a suggestion.
Cool vid, I'm glad some people don't just blow off the Genre and and actually examine it deeply, it's very cool to see videos like this and hope you continue, these are always really cool vids, also somehow I forgot to subscribe last video so I am now.
There is a very specific I have seen Tool live 136 times since I was 13 in 1992. 4 MUSICAL GODS💯🔥TOOLARMY 👍
Well done, with diction and attention to detail! Parabol>Parabola should be next for you to dive into. Sidebar, there is a fair amount of attention (whether you ascribe to the theory or not, still interesting) on this entire album tuned down to 432 hZ, and even a 'Holy Gift' re-imagining of the albums track order, done by a member of the Tool Army. Lots of ways to go down this rabbit hole, Alice. Again, great job, cheers!
I'd humbly recommend the song vicarious
Spiral out my friend, I'm OGT and love watching people discover my favorite band. Parabol/Parabola might be cool to check out soon. Peace
First-time visitor-I enjoyed your style of analysis. I’m not used to assigning scores but the one you gave to this was pretty decent and indicative of respect as well as your underlying knowledge. To be fair, I think of this entire album as a tone poem, meant to be listened to in one sitting, in sequence. Once fully assimilated in that manner, the “listenability” of each individual song is significantly enhanced regardless of sequence, but particularly when each complements the flow of its neighboring songs. Subscribed.
One of the best reations of tool. I love the deep insight that you are feeling and understanding of a deep lyrical band. Keep spiraling out.
Amazing reaction, friend. I WAS in tears myself. You just listened to perhaps the best song of all time. That's subjective, of course. Do Pneuma next. It's the followup to this one, IMO.
After finishing the video, I totally respect your grade and your reasoning behind it. I give it a solid 9. I do not count this as a "perfect" song, but 2 of TOOL's songs DO get that rating. Jambi and Pneuma.
Would love to see you do "The Grudge" next but for just a personal experience finding a distraction free place, putting your headphones on and listening to this whole album from start to finish is definitely an experience in itself.
So glad you discovered Tool! You would for sure also enjoy Gojira, they have really deep songs with amazing metaphysical lyrics, like The Art of Dying, Esoteric Surgery, Oroborus, to name just a few.
Great reaction! It’s impossible to deny. They’re phenomenal and all of their music is this great but they never duplicate themselves. 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥
Hard to do!
For me personally, often THE most beautiful and/or rewarding art is not immediately approachable in the way a great pop song is. Tool’s music rewards repeated listening more than any music I have ever found. But, similar to spiritual practice or psychedelics, really experiencing what this music has to offer requires curiosity, intention and focus.
This music challenges the biases and attention span of everyone that falls in love with it. I used to fast forward through certain movements in several songs, to give you some context, but there was an initial recognition of feeling that there was something special going on that I could only partially process. There was an immediate fascination and curiosity there. I think that is common to every Tool fan.
If you don't feel that initial fascination, you will never give their music the time and setting it deserves. You need to listen in a dark room with zero distraction, on more than one occasion, imo, to truly begin to undertand what all the fuss is about. This music is simply too alien for casual listening. It requires growth from the listener.
Someone else may have mentioned this already but PLEASE DO PARABOL/PARABOLA BY TOOL (2 songs, but one is basically part 1 of 2 with a purposeful transition. You’ll absolutely love the lyrics and the instrumental is also top class. It’s off the same album.
Also Pushit - Salival Version is another beautiful Tool track recorded live and very good quality. It has a beautiful spoken intro by the singer Maynard.
I'm a huge music lover, and needless to say Tool is my favorite. They brought me here, but I really enjoyed your thoughts, and looking forward to more reactions on all genres!
Much appreciated!
I’ve been a Tool fan ever since I 1st heard “Sober” on the radio on 98Rock Baltimore in my work truck in the summer of 93 & while I love all of their music this song has always been my favorite….it’s simply stunning it’s so good 🤤
You have to do Schism. It plays with time signatures so much yet still manages to be super appealing. And I think you'll like the vocals in that one more than Lateralus.
yeah you're gonna love parabol/parabola 😁 (don't pause in between them, the transition is an important part of the experience)
I'm a prog guy but my all-time favourite Tool song is still "Reflection" which has no tempo changes and it's all in 4/4. There is no other song in this world that puts me in a trance in a way like it does. The second one would be "Wings for Marie & 10.000 Days" that go together and are about Maynard's mother dying. You simply cannot listen to that song without shedding tears if you read the lyrics. Especially when you know Maynard is an atheist and his mother was a believer. It's just heartbreaking.
You want philosophy, well then welcome to rev. Maynard James Keenan. He will make you think like you've never thought before in such a beautiful and unconventional way. Keep spiraling out on tool for a journey that you won't regret. May I recommend the pot, right in two, pushit, aenima, or really any tool song. Starting from the beginning and riding the spiral til the end is always a fun journey in itself too.
Welcome to the army brother!
💪🏼
Dude. I enjoyed your reaction so much. This song was perfect for you. Great moment! Subscribed!
Much appreciated!
Watching someone hearing and opening their mind to TOOL for the first time is only slightly less amazing than the feeling I had when I heard TOOL for the first time. Welcome to the magic of TOOL 🔧 🤟 It's time now, for 46&2
Great reaction. Really well produced. Even after a thousand listens, this song along with many of their others, brings me to tears.
Greatest band to grace my ears.