I really don't have a problem with all those 'fans' who just heard schism and decided they love Tool....because i think the more the good word of Tool is spread the better. Maybe these part time listeners will eventually move into the full albums, or maybe they'll show their friends and the friends will listen to all of it.
Either way I think its better for Tool to have more fans, and I think the band's message is one that could help a lot of people, so I'm all for more listeners, even if some are only casual. Its annoying that they may label themselves as 'fans'...but hey, no skin off my nose!
Its seems from some comments above that hardcore fans are very protective of our favourite band, and its easy to be so. However, as has also been said, Tool don't adjust themselves for their fans. So therefore, the more listeners the better!

[QUOTE=an_underused_memory]and I think the band's message is one that could help a lot of people, so I'm all for more listeners, even if some are only casual.[/QUOTE]
but those casual fans might not even think of there being a message in any of tool's songs. why? because they're just casual listeners who only listen to it for the music. there is nothing wrong with that, i totally condone it, as well as do that with other bands. but like you said, more listeners are great. word of mouth is very powerful.

[QUOTE=Adam Jones is GOD]
And the APC fan boy comment, its true that seeing a lot of people into a band (whether they are just trend following) will attract attention, but its rare to see people going from APC to Tool, usually its the other way.[/QUOTE]

I got into APC first.My friend told me they had good lyrcs, so I checked them out. Got hooked. Read some interviews with Maynard, and knew I had to check out Tool. I downloaded Sober and Schism. And now here I am.

[QUOTE=Theodagoth]Ok I have a question for all that care to answer. Lately I have seen a lot of Tool fans pop up, now I myself cannot say im an original Tool fan 'cause frankly i was like 4 when they released the Opiate EP, but i have been a fan since '97. Now ever since 2001 the Tool fan base seems to have risen immensley. I see all these Tool fans all over the place, and its absurd these people hear Schism once on the radio and declare themselves dedicated Tool fans. Do you know any of these kinds of people? or if you are this kind of person, I really believe you shouldn't be reading anything in this thread. And another question for those who read this, what is it in your opinion that makes Tool such a great band. So yeah, Tool is cool. Stay in School, otherwise you wont understand the words they use. (Juxtaposed is my favorite usage) yeah i know, dumb saying but hey I don't care what you think, I think for myself.[/QUOTE]

Frankly i get tired of hearing people make this type of comment. Its all about the ego wanting to lay some type of claim. So what if people hear one song and think they are in love with the band. just because they dont research the band members, or come to all the forums or can tell you danny's shoe size doesnt make them any less or you or I any more. You too were at the same threshold once. maybe some will go on, maybe some will not listen to tool that much. Its selfish to think that someone cant claim to be a tool fan without being able to answer tool trivia or what ever kind of questions you'd have to ask in order to find out if someone is "dedicated" or not. or whether or not they delve into a meaning in the song. What difference does it make?
Plus like Maynard said in an interview, he has come to many sites and read our interpretations of his songs, and said that most of the time we are way off. but it doesnt matter. its what the listener takes away for themselves. no matter what it is, or how you or someone else wants it to be.

[QUOTE=deadohiosky9]I agree with all of you. There are different levels of Tool fans. And if someone wants to cal themself a Tool fan when they only know two songs. Let them. We know that they aren't, and would get laughed at or would piss off a real Tool fan. Hey I like some emo![/QUOTE]

Emo? Then i guess youre not a "real" tool fan huh? per clearvisions logic.

I personally dont think anyone is a real tool fan if they say stuff like, "blah blah...or youre not a real tool fan" I mean, if you are "real" you obviously know that the guys frown on such banter.

And furthermore, havent anyone of you ever heard Hooker with a *****, i mean he's talking about you and I. numbskulls.

Who is the most OGT ish of all? or if youre only partial OGT, then youre not "real"

jesus

Wow!!! Jesus, posting in our little thread??! I'm so flattered! ;)
Sorry, couldn't help that one Merkaba.
Extreme450 , I agree that many casual listeners don't understand the meaning of these songs, however as Merkaba said, you must first be a casual listener to become a fully fledged psychotic maniac who knows the danny's shoe size and justin's glove size.
Like me
(although, granted, I don't know the answers to those 2 questions.)
So my theory is that if we get more people listening to tool, however casually, then more people will come to appreciate the music AND the message. Which sounds like fun to me :)

moses

It annoys me when I ask people if they are into Tool and they either say "fvck yeah, Schism is awesome" or "fvck yeah, Stinkfist is awesome."
It has become a trend I think now to be a "Fan" of Tool.

You know you're a fully fledged maniac when you start calling him "The Danny" without realising it....

[QUOTE=Spades]It annoys me when I ask people if they are into Tool and they either say "fvck yeah, Schism is awesome" or "fvck yeah, Stinkfist is awesome."
It has become a trend I think now to be a "Fan" of Tool.[/QUOTE]
I agree...I think people are "fans" of Tool and there are Fans. One of the main reason why I love Tool is just they are all so ****ing talented, I mean, they are just a drummer, a guitarist, a bassist and a lead singer...that's it, and yet, these guys have so much talent running through their bands.

I bring up Tool to people they always mention "Schism", so I go, What do you think about Undertow to test them and if they can name 3 songs off of it, then they are a fan. To me, Tool is the best band out right now...followed closely by Opeth. Maynard's lyrics, Paul/Justin's lead bass work, Danny's amazing amazing drumming and Adams experimental guitar makes this band just a force.

They are the epitome of a great power trio, they follow in the steps of The Who, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, etc. as great hard rock bands

you people need to cool down,if it goes on like this...tool will be bigger,and there will be more tool fans like it a not.

Ok, I think we have discussed the fan situation too much now, with little effect. So to change to tone, I found these links from the drum+percussion forums, which you may have already seen. These just go to show you how talented Danny realy is, and its cool to see his performance spotlighted in each song

[url]http://www.dannycarey.org/page2.html[/url]

Go to Education link, then cyberclinics, the top option. There are 3 videos in total

[QUOTE=Merkaba-1]Emo? Then i guess youre not a "real" tool fan huh? per clearvisions logic.[/QUOTE]

Obviously you misunderstood me. By all the pit threads i notice emo is the hip trend at the moment. As with tool, with APC has come out people are looking at maynard, but maybe not buying albums like I did. Instead they will hear some well known songs and call themselves tool fans while it's cool. However they probably wont be there when tool release further albums. It all depends how far people take music, wether they like albums or just singles etc. My post wasn't trying to knock emo, i like some emo too. I was just stating that it was a trend... Just to clear that up.

I don't know about a book. I mean it would be cool to know what kind of druf states the band were in and stuff to try and make sense of some of the records. But then it would kinda kill the misteriousness of tools music. I find the way they treat the public is very bizarre...

Quick question; I heard a few weeks ago that a new Tool album was on its way out, does anyone have any idea on the release date?

Fallen Angel

early 2005, janurary? feb? march? no one really knows...

[QUOTE=ToolOwnsYou]early 2005, janurary? feb? march? no one really knows...[/QUOTE]


Hopefully in time for them to do some summer festivals at least. unless they meant what they said about never doing a festival again (since they complain that they steal the show)




(well disguised thread bump)

i heard by the end of this year

[QUOTE]Plus like Maynard said in an interview, he has come to many sites and read our interpretations of his songs, and said that most of the time we are way off.[/QUOTE]

I doubt that, as Tool's completly against people even posting interperations of their songs. For me APC and Tool are all about self-realization. Find out for yourself what the songs mean to you, that is the best way to enjoy their music. Find your own meaning.

[QUOTE=IvortheEngineDriver]I agree...I think people are "fans" of Tool and there are Fans. One of the main reason why I love Tool is just they are all so ****ing talented, I mean, they are just a drummer, a guitarist, a bassist and a lead singer...that's it, and yet, these guys have so much talent running through their bands.

I bring up Tool to people they always mention "Schism", so I go, What do you think about Undertow to test them and if they can name 3 songs off of it, then they are a fan. To me, Tool is the best band out right now...followed closely by Opeth. Maynard's lyrics, Paul/Justin's lead bass work, Danny's amazing amazing drumming and Adams experimental guitar makes this band just a force.

They are the epitome of a great power trio, they follow in the steps of The Who, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, etc. as great hard rock bands[/QUOTE]

Man, you really are my clone. :lol:

But, uh...there's 4 of them. How can they be a trio?

How many other guitarists have tool down?

I often get picked on for playing tool much.
I learned part of me first and after about 2 1/2 yrs
I have about 90% down with a couple solos to
figure out. All self taught through mxtabs, powertabs
and my ear.

[QUOTE=lrgjohnson150]How many other guitarists have tool down?

I often get picked on for playing tool much.
I learned part of me first and after about 2 1/2 yrs
I have about 90% down with a couple solos to
figure out. All self taught through mxtabs, powertabs
and my ear.[/QUOTE]

I play a lot of Tool. I think I can play almost every song, minus some solos. SOme songs are too hard for me. No one makes fun of me for it, and if they did I wouldn't care!!!

[QUOTE=Merkaba-1]Emo? Then i guess youre not a "real" tool fan huh? per clearvisions logic.

I personally dont think anyone is a real tool fan if they say stuff like, "blah blah...or youre not a real tool fan" I mean, if you are "real" you obviously know that the guys frown on such banter.

And furthermore, havent anyone of you ever heard Hooker with a *****, i mean he's talking about you and I. numbskulls.

Who is the most OGT ish of all? or if youre only partial OGT, then youre not "real"

jesus[/QUOTE]

I totally agree with you. And take back waht I said. Anyone who enjoys Tool's music is a tool fan. period. But those who listen to them once and only say they like em cuz its "cool", I don't consider them tool fans. Thats all I was trying to say.

[QUOTE=Theodagoth]Ok I have a question for all that care to answer. Lately I have seen a lot of Tool fans pop up, now I myself cannot say im an original Tool fan 'cause frankly i was like 4 when they released the Opiate EP, but i have been a fan since '97. Now ever since 2001 the Tool fan base seems to have risen immensley. I see all these Tool fans all over the place, and its absurd these people hear Schism once on the radio and declare themselves dedicated Tool fans. Do you know any of these kinds of people? or if you are this kind of person, I really believe you shouldn't be reading anything in this thread. And another question for those who read this, what is it in your opinion that makes Tool such a great band. So yeah, Tool is cool. Stay in School, otherwise you wont understand the words they use. (Juxtaposed is my favorite usage) yeah i know, dumb saying but hey I don't care what you think, I think for myself.[/QUOTE]

True Tool fans own the Salival set....j/k haha.

I don't really care who calls themself a Tool fan, the music is out there for everyone to listen to. Its how people interprets the music that matters. The reason I became such a huge Tool fan was they were writing music about topics I was involved in, and to boot they are all amazing musicians......

[QUOTE=Stagefrightken]True Tool fans own the Salival set....j/k haha.

I don't really care who calls themself a Tool fan, the music is out there for everyone to listen to. Its how people interprets the music that matters. The reason I became such a huge Tool fan was they were writing music about topics I was involved in, and to boot they are all amazing musicians......[/QUOTE]

exactly, but I do hate the people who think tool is a new band

[QUOTE=cbiggz05]exactly, but I do hate the people who think tool is a new band[/QUOTE]
Blah, who cares man, its too much effort to put hate into what someone else thinks....

[QUOTE=Otherside]I doubt that, as Tool's completly against people even posting interperations of their songs. For me APC and Tool are all about self-realization. Find out for yourself what the songs mean to you, that is the best way to enjoy their music. Find your own meaning.[/QUOTE]

Dude....you are way, way out with that one!!
Maynard has said in multiple interveiws that people are welcome to post interpretations and whatnot. See maynard in Alternative Press, March 97 "ím not going to spoon feed anybody and rob them of their own personal experiences. I read the interpretations of the lyrics that people send to the Tool web page. They're way off. But that's fine."

I think sometimes we confuse the the notion of interpreting: generally the posters here and elsewhere who analyse Tool aren't saying "this is the only way, " they're doing as you said, and finding their own meaning. At least I can speak for myself and say that when I post an interpretation, its meant to stimulate throught in the people who read it, and if i get any feedback, that serves to help me refine my own meaning.

Rather than have everyone's veiws censored from me (by not posting in the first place) I think everyone's able to read and digest other points of veiw, then make an informed decision whether they agree or not.

Feel free to disagree, cause in a weird catch 22, that proves me right!

:) Anyone got anything else to talk about? this whole fan thing/ "whether or not we have tool's permission to disect their songs" is wearing thin...even though i'm passionate about it, it'd be nice to have a change!

[B]The Noose – [/B]
Even within myself I have mixed interpretations of this, but there are two main possibilities: its either the main character talking about a reformed addict (someone who’s through the 13 steps) or, I think more likely, a reformed dealer.

[I]So glad to see you well
Overcome and completely silent now
With Heaven's help
You cast your demons out[/I]

Whoever this reformed person is, they have completely removed themself from the addictions of others...perhaps they’re overcome because their vision is clear and they can see the delicate state that some are in; they damage they’ve done.
[I]
And not to pull your halo down
Around your neck and tug you off your cloud
But I'm more than just a little curious
How you're planning to go about
Making your amends to the dead[/I]

Despite the antagonist seems to have a kind of sarcastic respect for this person who’s become ‘angelic’ but is reminding them of the dark places they’ve caused/been
[I]
Recall the deeds as if
They're all someone else's
Atrocious stories[/I]

This seems to confirm that the protagonist has caused others harm, others who are in the same situation as our narrator.

[I]With your halo slipping down

Your halo slipping down to choke you now[/I]
Hmmmm can someone else write some more about this song? I’d be interested to hear it! Maybe it [I]is [/I]directly about Chistianity...but i think more generally about those people who like to look down on addicts as second class/subhumans... addiction is more like a disease than a crime, but many people don’t see it that way until they know people directly involved.

[QUOTE] However, please note that Maynard stresses paying more attention to the emotions the music brings out in you then what he has to say. Also, please keep in mind that I will not be accepting individual song interpretations as they go against everything the band wishes for its fans. Listen to the music and find out what it means to YOU.[/QUOTE]

Taken from the official fansite.


Linkage:
[URL=www.aperfectcircle.org/faqu.htm]http://www.aperfectcircle.org/faqu.htm[/URL]

Ok, fair enough...
that could be taken as meaning 'no interpretations at all'
but i take it to mean 'no [I]definative[/I] interpretation'
That is; "all interpretations welcome, but none of them can, by definition, be the one true interpretation."
I justify the process of posting interpretations in my last post, that it helps us to grow and strengthen our communication by building on the ideas of others, taking from others the bits which mean something to us personally.
Intersting how our two sources seem to contradict....but i guess it's all in the interpretation :P

unsure
 

I'm a mad fan as to the taste full drumming and lyrics of tool songs, but some things about the tool image that is represented by the symplistic minds of mtv and the new generation ****, are actually quite frustrating...

tool as a band is fantastic, and the music they create is very much interesting is as it is very much a story behind each song...

but when maynard creates the band a perfect circle, i LOVED the Mer de Noms album, but am quite dissapointed in the new album Thirteenth step... im sorry to say it but from my view it looks as if he has to some what sold out..

the image they now show is that of a money making band, purely driven by image... plus after the first album mer de noms change 3 band members around is quite strange, ie: did they not cooperate? did they not have the image?

dont get me wrong i enjoy some of the tracks from thirteenth step like noose and the nurse who loved me

also to my thoughts on other peoples opinions on the song lyrics of tools tracks are very broad.

i read peoples thoughts on some of there songs, and as i see it drugs are the answer... one of my other favourite bands Pink floyd, have some of the MOST MEANINGFUL lyrics i have ever heard in my life, as do tool in a more angry fashion eg. i hope you choke :D

but pink floyd and tool were both on copious amounts of drugs during there initial boom in popularity and i find that when listening to either band i hear some very meaning ful things... not to say they've ever stop me from killing myself or any of that sort of thinking.. but they have definetly made me think

although i've never researched the meaning or the lyrics i have pondered on to what song mean... all bands have there own meanings to song, the problem i have with some people around the word is that we take these messages too seriously and try to create this wonderful meaning to a SONG...

although im not sure if you guys are right or wrong, and i have no problem with you guys trying to understand the reasons behind the influences or construction to the songs lyrics...

i know maynard is a very *thinking* type of person, and he obviously isnt dumb, for he seems to know what hes talking about, ie: his use of terms from
mathematics - parabola ect. but the dumb population of teenage youth dont listen to this and enjoy the music more that the lyrics, or the tone of the way its said being that tool isnt really getting there message across, which is one of the unofficial reasons why Rage against the machine broke up, zack felt they were more of a cool band and people wern't listening to there message...

but i true fan of tool i am, and i very much enjoy the message they may or maynot be trying to get across, and have heard news about a new album next year (if maynard agrees) and also a DVD of live lateralus preformances WOOHOO :D

and also is the soundtrack from the game DOOM 3 really tool because it sounds just like them and is great to hear new work from the band atleast