Awesome. I like their take on the largely percussion section in the original that I see as a symbolic version of the evolution and industrialization of man (simple and free flowing to aggressive to machine-methodical). Cool to see that bit done with flamenco-esque percussion on the guitar resonating chamber.

Hard to beat the snarl-factor that ramps up in Maynard's original vocals, and I think I prefer those overall, but this style goes better with the acoustic instrumentation.

Great sift!

John Maynard Keynes was half right.

It is very different and poppy compared to previous stuff for sure. I like it in the context of the song, even though overall I prefer Tool's prog/metal melding.

I'm not a Maynard whisperer / expert, but my guess is that there are 2 motivations for the sound of this song/album compared to other stuff.

1) Although Maynard is the vocalist for Tool, APC, and Puscifer (which I haven't listened to much), he kinda wants to keep all those projects distinct. Tool is more dark and heavy, APC is a bit more rock, and Puscifer trending towards some electronic stuff. But that kinda oversells this, because mostly he is putting vocals down onto musical tracks that the members of those bands have already recorded without much or any input from him...

2) From my interpretation of the song itself, he's being (mildly) critical about getting caught up in triviality of celebrity gossip and nightly news instead of paying attention to stuff closer to home. While simultaneously accepting that we all do that, and that sometimes it takes the death of a far-off idol from our adolescence that we'll never meet in person to get us to consider our own mortality.


So the poppy sound with that dark edge right around the corner really fits -- at least to me.

The lyrics are somewhat more ... direct than Maynard's usual stuff.

"Thoughts and prayers ... adorable" is such an awesome burn. In just 1 additional word!

I'm a pretty big fan of Tool, and Maynard (singer for Tool, APC, and Puscifer). Weird / eccentric, but very deep and meaningful. I've been waiting for a new Tool album for a long time, but this one from APC wasn't really on my radar in advance even though I like other albums of theirs also. Then these singles hit, and they grabbed me right away.

The full impact takes longer to absorb, for me at least, with Maynard's songs. Usually I don't pay much attention to lyrics, but he always puts a lot of depth and breadth in. I guess I might think that was pretentious with other bands/artists, but seems like he really enjoys hearing different listeners take away different messages without one/his being "correct".

Glad you enjoyed them also!

I had to look up whether the band had a new vocalist, as I couldn't recognize Maynard here at all. A very different style than I've ever heard from him before, significantly more poppy though clearly still dark.

I get the distinct impression he's not fond of the Republican party...

I knew I liked Maynard.

thanks @blackfox42 ! I had no idea Maynard was on anything outside of tool

Your video, Maynard of TOOL talks about the "Fan Incident", has made it into the Top 15 New Videos listing. Congratulations on your achievement. For your contribution you have been awarded 1 Power Point.

Is it bad that this made me laugh my ass off?
Feels uncomfortable, like laughing at a handicapped person (I know he isn't, but he comes off as full blown cray cray) That said, it's freakin' funny Maynard.

Thpppptttt...

Waaaay better than Cracklemore-That wanna-be gangster schtick is a one-hit-wonder fart in the wind compared this cat's video. Personally love his humping the static television and blowing his gf's clothes off with the pelvic thrust.

Inspired shit Maynard

Nay-we need the holy hand-grenade of Antioch...someone get brother Maynard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOrgLj9lOwk

and so...you have a problem with MY implied or otherwise philosophy of how to live and my archaic science of ideas and you wanna tell WHO and WHAT how to not let WHICH happen WHERE??!!

Have you ever been to Oakland Baltimore or Detroit?? ARE YOU ON EARTH?

I guess what I'm really trying to ask you is, what fucking planet or corner of the closet are you from and how did you ever think you had a clue?

Oh, and I suppose the question begs, what were YOUR parents doing to or for you in the fucking 60's???

Far right of left of your shit Maynard, get a fucking rubber-ribbed and lubed fucking room already??!

Oh wait *edit...MY BAD..Thought you were VooDoovVoov

sorry Maynard, fishy as fuck-all
*ban

Leos' the SHIT, Maynard