View Poll Results: How would you rate Tool?
Great band
38
50.67%
They're ok
22
29.33%
They suck!!
12
16.00%
Who??
3
4.00%
Voters: 75. You may not vote on this poll
Rate Tool
04-24-03, 12:15 AM
#51
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I have never heard of them
Course you probably wouldn't know the groups from 1960s on. When I was listening to music that led into the psychodelic pot smoking, everything was groovy like the white knight was talking backwards etc. I know the song but it would be wasted bandwith on you younger guys.
04-24-03, 12:18 AM
#52
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Adam Jones (guitarist) sums it up nicely:
Most bands have been taught that they have to write these
formulaic pop songs to be successful. As soon as you start listening
to those rules, you're in trouble. So we approach music as movements,
not necessarily "songs." What often happens is that someone comes in
with a riff and we jam on it-probably for too long. We go down every
kind of avenue we can, seeing what kind of feeling and emotions turn
up. If you do that enough, you start going on this little journey. I
don't want to get too pretentious about it-it's really just fun. We
don't say,"Let's write an eight minute song."
Most bands have been taught that they have to write these
formulaic pop songs to be successful. As soon as you start listening
to those rules, you're in trouble. So we approach music as movements,
not necessarily "songs." What often happens is that someone comes in
with a riff and we jam on it-probably for too long. We go down every
kind of avenue we can, seeing what kind of feeling and emotions turn
up. If you do that enough, you start going on this little journey. I
don't want to get too pretentious about it-it's really just fun. We
don't say,"Let's write an eight minute song."
04-24-03, 02:48 AM
#53
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
From the mouth of Danny on jamming at rehearsals:
From the mouth of Maynard on opinions of Tool:
Oh, definitely. A lot of songs got started like that. Anyone of
the four of us will come in with a riff or idea and we’re all
open enough, and we just turn on a tape machine and just
jam on it as far as we can. After we get hours and hours of
these weird space jams then we go back and listen to them
and try to find the little jewels that popped up along the
journey then find ways to plot, y’know, arrange them and put
them together and that’s what turns into a Tool song.
the four of us will come in with a riff or idea and we’re all
open enough, and we just turn on a tape machine and just
jam on it as far as we can. After we get hours and hours of
these weird space jams then we go back and listen to them
and try to find the little jewels that popped up along the
journey then find ways to plot, y’know, arrange them and put
them together and that’s what turns into a Tool song.
This is what we do. And we got here based on our
decisions and our communications with each other. And for us
to listen to other people's opinions it would be like a fifth
member or another five million members. We don't need to
do that. I wouldn't even begin to tell Scorsese or Coppola
how to make a film. Or like a different ending or someone
with a different name or a different actor in the film. I, you
know, that's none of my business. It's their film. If I don't
like their films or the way that they make their films, I will
watch other films.
decisions and our communications with each other. And for us
to listen to other people's opinions it would be like a fifth
member or another five million members. We don't need to
do that. I wouldn't even begin to tell Scorsese or Coppola
how to make a film. Or like a different ending or someone
with a different name or a different actor in the film. I, you
know, that's none of my business. It's their film. If I don't
like their films or the way that they make their films, I will
watch other films.
04-24-03, 09:43 AM
#55
DVD Talk Godfather
Originally posted by F For Fake
Death to prog rock!
Death to prog rock!
Prog is my favorite genre and this is how I see Tool. 7. They are okay. They just seem to be a radio friendly version of much better prog bands out there. They took the prog concept of many bands out there and made it accessable to the masses. And I would have given a higher rating but 90% of their songs end the exact same way. Formulatic. They are like the Bon Jovi of 80's hair metal.
So now they have a huge following that know nothing about prog or other bands in the genre and get defensive when you critique them. YES, they are the most creative band on the radio waves, but in the genre as a whole they are mediocre.
And like I predict, start the flames.
04-24-03, 03:41 PM
#56
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Originally posted by db27
First of all, Tool is not for everyone, bottom line. It's really deep, and very focused, and extremely tight. And at the same time, very unsettled, vague and sometimes even loose to interpretation. Some people just aren't ready for them in my opinion, or don't grasp what is being said/played.
First of all, Tool is not for everyone, bottom line. It's really deep, and very focused, and extremely tight. And at the same time, very unsettled, vague and sometimes even loose to interpretation. Some people just aren't ready for them in my opinion, or don't grasp what is being said/played.
I think that each member of Tool is pure genious, and has really taken their instrument to amazing levels including Maynard with his voice.
Tool is not a singles band, they don't write for MTV or radio, if MTV and radio except what they have created then fine, if not, too bad that is the way it is.
MJK hit it right on the head with his statement about Tool making albums not songs. The first time I heard Lateralus it was clear to me that it was really one piece of music, divided only by "tracks" on the disc. Aenima is similar in nature, and could be seen as on piece of music as well.
Song length is a moot point, who cares. I love long epic songs that take me to many places, the rise and fall like waves of ocean water. To me, that is music, something that hits you hard then brings you way down and then hits you again, never suspect to it.
If you don't like long songs, then don't listen to Tool.
If you don't like long songs, then don't listen to Tool.
If you don't like complex and deep songs then don't listen to Tool. if you don't like to try and find meaning or reason behind songs, then yup you guessed it, don't listen to Tool.
04-24-03, 03:53 PM
#57
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Uhhhh, mordecai, I think db27 was just offering his own opinion of the band - not trying to debate you. No need to take things personal here. Just put the keyboard down and slowly step away from your computer.
04-24-03, 04:03 PM
#58
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I tend towards the belief that, in the heat of the moment, someone very soon will be saying something that gets themselves suspended - or worse - for a breach of board rules.
However, the thread will be left open and we can observe evolution in action.
Benedict
Moderator, Music Talk
However, the thread will be left open and we can observe evolution in action.
Benedict
Moderator, Music Talk
04-24-03, 04:14 PM
#59
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It's obvious where my bias lies, but I'm with mordecai on this one. In particular, the last chunk that he quoted ("If you don't like...") might be interpreted as an example of the "If you don't love Tool as much as I do, I'm gonna assume some intelligence-insulting things about you" ideology.
"Complex and deep songs"? Not always! "Schism" is IIRC at least 6:30 and it's one of the most repetitive, lazily-penned tunes that Reverend Maynard has ever come up with. And I promised myself I wouldn't engage in name-dropping, but one of the most beautiful epics I've ever heard clocks in at a muscular 14.5 minutes - yet is not even a second overlong.
In short:
Establishing a Maximum Duration (which I don't think anybody in this thread has even come close to doing) beyond which a song is deemed "excessively lengthy" = dumb idea.
Noting that certain Tool songs are "excessively lengthy" because of mass repetition and / or streeeeeeeeetched out "gentle" passages = a perfectly valid argument.
Oh, and finally, "If you don't like Tool, don't listen to them" can be modified to "If you don't like well-informed opinions of Tool that fail to jive with your own, don't enter this thread [and just head over to TDN where you're more likely to read what you wanna hear]."
[Edited slightly for the benefit of benedict.
]
"Complex and deep songs"? Not always! "Schism" is IIRC at least 6:30 and it's one of the most repetitive, lazily-penned tunes that Reverend Maynard has ever come up with. And I promised myself I wouldn't engage in name-dropping, but one of the most beautiful epics I've ever heard clocks in at a muscular 14.5 minutes - yet is not even a second overlong.
In short:
Establishing a Maximum Duration (which I don't think anybody in this thread has even come close to doing) beyond which a song is deemed "excessively lengthy" = dumb idea.
Noting that certain Tool songs are "excessively lengthy" because of mass repetition and / or streeeeeeeeetched out "gentle" passages = a perfectly valid argument.
Oh, and finally, "If you don't like Tool, don't listen to them" can be modified to "If you don't like well-informed opinions of Tool that fail to jive with your own, don't enter this thread [and just head over to TDN where you're more likely to read what you wanna hear]."
[Edited slightly for the benefit of benedict.
]
Last edited by inVectiVe; 04-24-03 at 04:18 PM.
04-24-03, 04:50 PM
#60
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Originally posted by mordecai
I'd be interested to know where I said either of these things. Anywhere. Or even applied it, remotely. If you can't find one, be sure to point out how you can't handle differing opinions and have to fabricate outrageous reasons behind them to comprehend it.
I'd be interested to know where I said either of these things. Anywhere. Or even applied it, remotely. If you can't find one, be sure to point out how you can't handle differing opinions and have to fabricate outrageous reasons behind them to comprehend it.
just simply stating where i stand.
04-24-03, 04:54 PM
#62
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Originally posted by inVectiVe
Oh, and finally, "If you don't like Tool, don't listen to them" can be modified to "If you don't like well-informed opinions of Tool that fail to jive with your own, don't enter this thread [and just head over to TDN where you're more likely to read what you wanna hear]."
[Edited slightly for the benefit of benedict.]
Oh, and finally, "If you don't like Tool, don't listen to them" can be modified to "If you don't like well-informed opinions of Tool that fail to jive with your own, don't enter this thread [and just head over to TDN where you're more likely to read what you wanna hear]."
[Edited slightly for the benefit of benedict.
]
i meant very clearly, if you don't like them than don't listen. nothing more, nothing less. DO NOT put words in my mouth, it is not appreciated, nor is it necessary.
04-24-03, 05:00 PM
#63
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Originally posted by inVectiVe
In particular, the last chunk that he quoted ("If you don't like...") might be interpreted as an example of the "If you don't love Tool as much as I do, I'm gonna assume some intelligence-insulting things about you" ideology.
[Edited slightly for the benefit of benedict.]
In particular, the last chunk that he quoted ("If you don't like...") might be interpreted as an example of the "If you don't love Tool as much as I do, I'm gonna assume some intelligence-insulting things about you" ideology.
[Edited slightly for the benefit of benedict.
]
edit :db
Last edited by db27; 04-24-03 at 06:50 PM.
04-24-03, 05:17 PM
#64
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Originally posted by db27
again, i never said that, my statement was clear. no interpretation needed. geez.
i don't give a crap if you like them or not, i was just responding to what i saw here. and wanted to give my opinions on them.
again, i never said that, my statement was clear. no interpretation needed. geez.
i don't give a crap if you like them or not, i was just responding to what i saw here. and wanted to give my opinions on them.
04-24-03, 05:25 PM
#65
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Then why even say things like "If you don't like long songs, then don't listen to Tool. If you don't like complex and deep songs then don't listen to Tool, if you don't like to try and find meaning or reason behind songs, then yup you guessed it, don't listen to Tool. Why? Cuz that is what they do." When you say "you," obviously you're referring to people besides yourself. If you just wanted to express your opinoin, just say, "I like long songs, I like complex and deep songs, I like to try and find meaning in songs. Thus I like Tool." That would get rid of anyone who takes your generic "you" and applies it to themselves.
04-24-03, 05:36 PM
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Originally posted by zig
Then why even say things like "If you don't like long songs, then don't listen to Tool. If you don't like complex and deep songs then don't listen to Tool, if you don't like to try and find meaning or reason behind songs, then yup you guessed it, don't listen to Tool. Why? Cuz that is what they do." When you say "you," obviously you're referring to people besides yourself. If you just wanted to express your opinoin, just say, "I like long songs, I like complex and deep songs, I like to try and find meaning in songs. Thus I like Tool." That would get rid of anyone who takes your generic "you" and applies it to themselves.
Then why even say things like "If you don't like long songs, then don't listen to Tool. If you don't like complex and deep songs then don't listen to Tool, if you don't like to try and find meaning or reason behind songs, then yup you guessed it, don't listen to Tool. Why? Cuz that is what they do." When you say "you," obviously you're referring to people besides yourself. If you just wanted to express your opinoin, just say, "I like long songs, I like complex and deep songs, I like to try and find meaning in songs. Thus I like Tool." That would get rid of anyone who takes your generic "you" and applies it to themselves.
04-24-03, 06:18 PM
#67
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Let's not act like a bunch of tools here. Can we please get back to praising or bashing the band now?
FWIW, I'm now beginning to dislike Tool somewhat due to the convincing arguments in this thread.
FWIW, I'm now beginning to dislike Tool somewhat due to the convincing arguments in this thread.
04-24-03, 06:27 PM
#69
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Mayhap the boys from Tool are intelligent enough to realize that not everyone will appreciate the little segues/intros, and they lay out the tracks on their albums in such a way to allow the skipping of such "songs."
04-24-03, 06:50 PM
#70
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Originally posted by mordecai
I'm still interested in a Tool fan providing answers to some of the questions I asked, namely the track cutting one.
I'm still interested in a Tool fan providing answers to some of the questions I asked, namely the track cutting one.
i'm honestly not sure why. perhaps they aren't meant to be one song, but to me they flow as one.
Last edited by db27; 04-24-03 at 06:53 PM.
04-24-03, 06:54 PM
#71
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I'm sorry if I sound sarcastic. i'm not trying to attack anyone, fact is i dig tool, and wanted to give my feelings on em.
it doesn't hurt when someone doesn't like tool, fyi.
my bad, i think.
it doesn't hurt when someone doesn't like tool, fyi.
my bad, i think.
04-24-03, 07:02 PM
#72
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Originally posted by benedict
I tend towards the belief that, in the heat of the moment, someone very soon will be saying something that gets themselves suspended - or worse - for a breach of board rules.
However, the thread will be left open and we can observe evolution in action.
Benedict
Moderator, Music Talk
I tend towards the belief that, in the heat of the moment, someone very soon will be saying something that gets themselves suspended - or worse - for a breach of board rules.
However, the thread will be left open and we can observe evolution in action.
Benedict
Moderator, Music Talk
04-24-03, 07:40 PM
#73
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Capo2002 conveniently forgot large portions of what I've written:
lol! you guys are never going to convince invective and mordecai that Tool is a good band, so just give up.
lol! you guys are never going to convince invective and mordecai that Tool is a good band, so just give up.
I'm not angry here, just...........puzzled. I thought I devoted a paragraph a couple posts ago to calmly explaining the distinction between saying "Tool is overrated in some circles" and "Tool is 'not good.'"
One more time: I own the 3 LPs and find *some* things to enjoy on all of them. "Good" band? Yep. Far superior to lots of the stuff I hear on the radio as well. "Flawed" band? Absolutely. But, again, "flawed" != "fatally flawed."
And a big
to zig's last post as well.Last thing - when gilbertr76 says, "FWIW, I'm now beginning to dislike Tool somewhat due to the convincing arguments in this thread.
" OK, Mr. Winky is noted, but this comes across as a 1-sentence dismissal of pretty much everything in the thread that's been said so far that you don't agree with. Well, maybe benedict's warnings were directed at least in part at me, but I feel I've been holding back thus far. If my "arguments" have been insufficiently "convincing," maybe I'll force myself to listen to all 80 minutes of Lateralus tonight - I got spare time - and give my most detailed yet explanation of why I called it "bloated and self-important."
04-24-03, 07:56 PM
#74
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Originally posted by inVectiVe
I can't speak for mordecai, but haven't I said on more than one occasion that I think they're "good" and "worth a listen" - just nothing to have an orgasmically religious experience over?
I can't speak for mordecai, but haven't I said on more than one occasion that I think they're "good" and "worth a listen" - just nothing to have an orgasmically religious experience over?
simple huh?
Now if you will excuse me, Im listening to Tool right now and feel a need to get some lotion....
04-24-03, 08:46 PM
#75
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Originally posted by gilbertr76
Mayhap the boys from Tool are intelligent enough to realize that not everyone will appreciate the little segues/intros, and they lay out the tracks on their albums in such a way to allow the skipping of such "songs."
Mayhap the boys from Tool are intelligent enough to realize that not everyone will appreciate the little segues/intros, and they lay out the tracks on their albums in such a way to allow the skipping of such "songs."