Vicarious
I realize there aren't many Tool fans reading my blog if any but my excitement for this new album is just through the roof. The new single "Vicarious" leaked on to the internet about 2 nights ago or so and of course I couldn't resist so I had to hear it. The new singles official release is supposed to be tomorrow the 17th but it's basically impossible for things to not leak anymore in this age of the internet. Well besides that fact, I have listened to the song around twenty times and it is slowly growing on me like all Tool does. Normally I hate it and then the more I listen to it the more the obsessoin grows, they are just that type of band. There are a few complaints I have about the song: the lyrics are rather lame and not as powerful as most Tool songs, I honestly feel that Manynard James Keenan writes some of the best lyrics I have ever read but this song just seems very unconnected and not emotionally moving. As well as the lyrics the mixing of the song doesn't seem quite right. Maynard's vocals are basically on the same volume as the rest of the instruments which makes for some difficulty making them out. The bass seems a little drowned out along with high emphasis on guitar which isn't that great. My final critique is that it just doesn't sound innovative. The reason I live and die to hear their next album is because of the fact that I know I'm going to hear something completely innovative and different from everything that is out on the market, I know I won't be hearing some recycled garbage that I hear on the radio. This doesn't seem to be too innovative, and I do realize that it is the single but previously every Tool single was very innovative. Well it might sound that I hate this song but I am just giving a critique as a die hard fan. I've been waiting about five years for this album to come out and I would hate to be disapointed, but I am pretty postive that Tool would not let me down.
posted by Jeff at 12:50 PM
10 Comments:
Nice to see that you had something to say about the song. :)
I am very glad to hear that Maynard isn't on his left-winged rant that he carries on the APC beat. Being a die-hard Tool fan, I was pretty nervous about that potential.
I like the music... However, it is very Lateralus-esk (the guitar tones and freak time-sigs). I'll give you the "not-innovative" comment on the fact that the main riffs are strong reminders of Schism. But it still out-weighs any potential competition. Basically the drums Carey the song (per usual), which I really enjoy.
I thought the lyric was good too. We can only swallow so much about personal evolution, eh? I kept thinking it was like Stinkfist with a more specific topic.
Stinkfist points out that we seem to always need more to know we're alive.
Vicarious points out a specific vice that we use to know we're alive - particularly we American rubber-neckers.
I like the flow of the lyric, but it is an angle of discussion that wasn't really all that "AHhh HAa!!" for me like other Tool lyrics.
Overall, the song put the album release date on the calendar for me. As I said, Maynard's APC work has had me a little worried. Even though its got some old hat Tool anchors, it still felt good and refreshing to listen to.
Have to admit, I don't know their music well, but he sure has a cool tattoo on the back of his hand.
Do you have any?
Haven't heard the song yet but am definitely looking forward to the album. I've seen Tool twice and A Perfect Circle once. Unlike ret, I've enjoyed APC. Since when is singing about peace a "left-winged rant"? You doth protest too much, methinks.
I personally loved A Perfect Circle, oh and by the way that tattoo is the logo of A Perfect Circle. The song is growing on me more and more and I'm sure the album won't disapoint. And Layla, no I don't have any tattoos, I'm afraid I would get something that I would regret down the line.
I feel the same way about the new OSI CD which I believe is due out later this month. The first one was a real treat and so far what I've heard from the new one-- it's pretty f--kin' awesome!
I'm not really into Tool but I dig their Lateralus album.
I love the first APC album... "Thirteenth Step" was palatable, but disappointing.
There's a difference between singing about peace and crying "FOUL!" Maynard started crying "FOUL!" in "Thirteenth-Step"... For some reason, I just didn't appreciate his approach. I can get political naysaying from plenty of other outlets. I much preferred RATM's approach to that sort of topic.
If you liked Lateralus, you'd like this song too. It is much of the same flavor. :)
I liked the 13th Step a lot, not quite as much as Mer de Noms but I still loved it. I love political music because I feel there is more drive to it and there is more emotion. Emotive was nothing great but I thought it was decent after a few listens. If anything I felt Emotive was more of a cry for peace than yelling "foul." But to each his own, I know many don't like political music and I can see why.
Ret,
I didn't mean to criticize your taste. I agree with you that Emotive (and Thirteenth Step) are nowhere near as good as Mer de Noms.
And on the other point, I also agree that political rants are handled much better in the hands of RATM than APC. I think I was just trying to say that Maynerd had every right to make a political album ... not that he made a great one.
Jeff, how about a John Lennon type tattoo...nothing obvious, but something that symbolizes him. I'll even fly you out here on my private jet so you can to my artist. Oh wait, I don't have a private jet...I think you need one :)
I guess if I were to get anything it would just say Imagine but the likelyhood of me actually getting it is not good, lol.
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