Publication: Basement Medicine (VT College Newspaper)
Date: January, 2001
Transcribed by
Scott David Monroe (Monroes@mail.jsc.vsc.edu)
Scott David Monroe (Monroes@mail.jsc.vsc.edu)
page: 6 title: TOOL delivers a boxset of goods from their shed author: Scott David Monroe Throughout Toolís brief career, critics have demeaned and ignored their artistic approach to music. Though reviewers often classify Tool with the likes of Marilyn Manson and Pantera, the band continues to distinguish themselves as musicians by placing the value of art above enterprise. Toolís newest record, Salival, is no exception. Released as a box set in mid December, Salival offers a variety of unreleased/live songs, which are packaged with either a DVD or VHS containing the bandís music videos. As displayed in their 1996 release, Aenima, Tool has once again provided a disc that explores the subconscious and draws you into a musical experience like no other. Salival is indeed a compilation that every serious Tool fan should own. The opening track begins with an excerpt from Dr. Timothy Leary on ìHow To Operate Your Brainî, which acts as a transition into a live version of ìThird Eyeî from Aenima. Truly, you can feel the energy and power of Tool within this live selection as lead vocalist Maynard James Keenan spellbinds the audience with his graceful, yet aggressive singing. Also remarkable on this track is the bandís drummer, Danny Carey, who binds the band together with his vigorous beats. Other live tracks include ìPushitî, ìYou liedî, and ìPart of meî. A quite notable track among the live selections is ìMerkabaî, which acts as an instrumental intro to Undertowís 1993 hit single, ìSoberî. Accompanied by the soothing hum of Keenan, the instrumental track displays the talent and uniqueness that lead guitarist, Adam Jones has provided for the bandís previous records. The remaining three tracks on the disc are studio outtakes from the Aenima sessions. In ìMessage to Harry Manback 2î, the furious audio segue of an answering machine message is once again accompanied by the quiet melodies of a piano. Seemingly a display of their humor, Tool manages to turn a hateful message into one of beauty. This has been, and continues to be the goal of the band. Much of their music focuses in on the issues that many of us would much rather not talk about. Toolís mission has been to uncover these fears and explain them in a new light, through an infinite amount of possibilities. The remaining studio tracks are ìLAMCî and ìNo Quarterî. The quiet and mystic tones of Keenan fit in perfectly for the Led Zeppelin cover of ìNo Quarterî. Newcomer Justin Chancellor is quite visible on this song and on other Aenima related tracks as his bass empowers the band with their distinctive sound. The final track, ìLAMCî, which stands for L.A Municipal Court, adds a rhythmic touch to the courtís answering machine service. There is, however, a hidden song moments after ìLAMCî ends. The final song, ìMaynardís dickî, is catchy and worthy in its own twisted way. After the monumental success that Tool provided in Aenima, this box set follows the bandís belief in exploration. Tool is always changing and ever evolving as they delve into the issues and values that our society holds. One could sit down with Salival and flip through its 27-page picture booklet for hours, trying to uncover an unending number of possibilities for symbolism. The individual, however, must uncover the truths. Tool has always believed in the power of the human being and their ability to understand life without help from influential figureheads. Tool is prepared, once again, to take the next step in their musical progression. On April 17, 2001, the band will release their 4th studio album, which is, however, unnamed so far. No one can predict what issues the band will choose to face this time, but fans can be certain Tool will continue to provide quality music, which express their own interpretations and not those of the masses.
Posted to t.d.n: 03/25/01 19:23:51