A Bowl of Stupid

The band “Tool” has been a favorite of mine for years (as is “A Perfect Circle,” another band in which the lead singer, Maynard James Keenan, is a member). If you’re not familiar with Tool, think Marilyn Manson meets Rage Against the Machine (who, coincidentally, may be regrouping later this year), with a pinch of Pink Floyd thrown into the mix.

As for their background and influences, here’s what Wikipedia has to say:

Tool is an American progressive rock band, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California. Their overall sound has been described as “grinding, post-Jane’s Addiction heavy metal” as well as “a primal sound as distinct as it is disturbing” — most simplified categorizations of the band’s genre are often dismissed. They are known for addressing philosophical and spiritual issues in their lyrics, such as evolution and Jungian psychology, organized religion and transcendence, as well as for songs that feature “complex rhythm changes, haunting vocals, and an onslaught of changes in dynamics” which often result in a greater-than-average track length.

Yeah, what they said.

This song, The Pot, is the second release off of their latest album, 10,000 Days. The song is an amazing showcase for Keenan’s vocal talents, as well as the bass playing of Justin Chancellor – both of which you’ll hear at the song’s outset.

Although an accompanying video has not yet been released by the studio, according to “The Rock Radio” a video was shot last month over the winter holidays. Notwithstanding, there has been an unauthorized video produced that is itself pretty good and captures the moral and religious overtones contained in the lyrics, as well as the overall “trippiness” existent in Tool’s other videos. Check it out.

Tool – The Pot