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Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2002
From: Avatarati
to unlearn1 i think you need to take another look at the song opiate again and actualkly analyze it before making a passionately misled response like you did. while i may be wrong i would like to offfer another interprtation of the song. for starters the song is being spoken from another point of view, he is sarcastically commenting on the institution of the church, not the ideal. the title "opiate" refers, i believe
to the marxist statement that "religion is the opiate of the masses". karl marx believed that religion was sedating people from realizing the oppression of the proleteriat. here maynard is again preaching, sarcastically, his motto of " think for yourself, question authority". here he is specifically challenging blind faith in religious authorities. towards the end of your quoted text he does present a belief of his that , i believe, isn't sarcastic "Jesus Christ, why don't you come save
my life. Open my eyes and blind me with your light and your lies." this can be seen in two different ways the obvious way would be to interpret this as a direct attack on jesus and his teachings, which oif course has merit, the other would be to see this as a personal struggle with faith; and faith should be a struggle, you should debate constantly your beliefs, the only way you can have a healthy relationship with your god is to open a dialougue with him or her. i think that maynard
is simply opening a forum for debate. before i end this i would like to say that this is only my interpretation of the song and i would encourage any who disagree to post thier opinions.
thanks .
stop worrying about if tool, megadeth or for that matter creed are devil worshippers
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002
From: will
i saw tool play at ozzfest a few years ago, throughout their set maynard parodized the stereotypical televangelist, before they went into into pushit he basis that the bible has alot of good messeges such as love.i don't think they have anything against christianity, they admired bill hicks the comedian who was a christian but mocked what christianity has become. but, isn't what really matters is as artists tool has
free will what god gave us to seperate us from animals and ultimatly it is their choice what they believe in be it crowley or christ. if tool's music bothers you then how strong of a christian can you be. their most important messege is to think for your self. stop worrying about if tool, megadeth or for that matter creed are devil worshippers. tool's lyrics hold a better understanding of what jesus was really about than creed , p.o.d or any body else trying to make money off of god.
by the way he is coming back soon if you don't believe it just watch the news . get right with god on your own terms and stop worrying about everyone else
JUST THE WORD SPEAKS VOLUMES TO ME
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002
From: Tom
Tool. Just the word now speaks volumes to me. Tool have done things that 10 years ago would have seen unrealistic. In our current world that is centred around commericial capitalisation and exploitation Tool have taken something so unprecedented and unparralled and taken it to te top to a state where it so big no longer can it be ignored.
Tool's impact continues well beyond the music and the lyrics. Tool have tapped into a world of thought and insight that has only previously been approached by interprative art. Tool's performance philosophy seems to be working along the lines of forget everything else let's do art. How else can you explain the cerebral exploration that is the film in the background during their live performances of Parabol/Parabola?\
The only previous example of this kind of experience I can recall is Led Zeppelin's live perfromance of 'Dazed and Confused'. Tool tap into a whole new realm with their music something I believe they would have never considered upon their inception. Try going to bed listening to Tool and see what thoughts you wake up with. Tool's music drives people into new places both physically and mentally. Just take the many postings
on this bullentin board as evidence. Tool produce a sonic experience that allows the listener not only to enjoy the general groove created but upon deeper analysis of the songs provokes an exploration of different interpretations of the same words. That's how i found it at least.
So thank you Tool all religious discussions aside the longer Tool remain a band of this calibre I believe the music scene is going to go places that we could never dream of.
JUST THE WORD SPEAKS VOLUMES TO ME
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002
From: Tom
Tool. Just the word now speaks volumes to me. Tool have done things that 10 years ago would have seen unrealistic. In our current world that is centred around commericial capitalisation and exploitation Tool have taken something so unprecedented and unparralled and taken it to te top to a state where it so big no longer can it be ignored.
Tool's impact continues well beyond the music and the lyrics. Tool have tapped into a world of thought and insight that has only previously been approached by interprative art. Tool's performance philosophy seems to be working along the lines of forget everything else let's do art. How else can you explain the cerebral exploration that is the film in the background during their live performances of Parabol/Parabola?\
The only previous example of this kind of experience I can recall is Led Zeppelin's live perfromance of 'Dazed and Confused'. Tool tap into a whole new realm with their music something I believe they would have never considered upon their inception. Try going to bed listening to Tool and see what thoughts you wake up with. Tool's music drives people into new places both physically and mentally. Just take the many postings
on this bullentin board as evidence. Tool produce a sonic experience that allows the listener not only to enjoy the general groove created but upon deeper analysis of the songs provokes an exploration of different interpretations of the same words. That's how i found it at least.
So thank you Tool all religious discussions aside the longer Tool remain a band of this calibre I believe the music scene is going to go places that we could never dream of.
U2
Subject: Pop_Music_NL35
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Michele
Dear David,
You are so right about U2's album! In January of this year one of my best friends died in a car accident. I am no teenager, so I am surprised to be telling you that this album, especially the song "Walk On" has been a real blessing to me during my grief. I have listened to it many times with tears streaming down my face. The line "We're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been. A place that has to be believed to be seen." Reminds me that I WILL see Kim again; she just made the
trip a little sooner. The song "Beautiful Day" reminds me to appreciate each day. Each song has a deeper meaning. I am so grateful for this album and its Christian message!
Michele in Ohio JUST THE WORD SPEAKS VOLUMES TO ME
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002
From: Tom
Tool. Just the word now speaks volumes to me. Tool have done things that 10 years ago would have seen unrealistic. In our current world that is centred around commericial capitalisation and exploitation Tool have taken something so unprecedented and unparralled and taken it to te top to a state where it so big no longer can it be ignored.
Tool's impact continues well beyond the music and the lyrics. Tool have tapped into a world of thought and insight that has only previously been approached by interprative art. Tool's performance philosophy seems to be working along the lines of forget everything else let's do art. How else can you explain the cerebral exploration that is the film in the background during their live performances of Parabol/Parabola?\
The only previous example of this kind of experience I can recall is Led Zeppelin's live perfromance of 'Dazed and Confused'. Tool tap into a whole new realm with their music something I believe they would have never considered upon their inception. Try going to bed listening to Tool and see what thoughts you wake up with. Tool's music drives people into new places both physically and mentally. Just take the many postings
on this bullentin board as evidence. Tool produce a sonic experience that allows the listener not only to enjoy the general groove created but upon deeper analysis of the songs provokes an exploration of different interpretations of the same words. That's how i found it at least.
So thank you Tool all religious discussions aside the longer Tool remain a band of this calibre I believe the music scene is going to go places that we could never dream of.
REVIEW OF LATERALUS
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: unlearn1
michæl writes....
Choices always were a problem for you.
What you need is someone strong to guide you.
Deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow,
what you need is someone strong to use you...
like me,
like me.
If you want to get your soul to heaven,
trust in me.
Don't judge or question.
You are broken now,
but faith can heal you.
Just do everything I tell you to do.
Deaf and blind and dumb and born to follow.
Let me lay my holy hand upon you.
My God's will
becomes me.
When he speaks out,
he speaks through me.
He has needs
like I do.
We both want
to rape you.
Jesus Christ, why don't you come save my life.
Open my eyes and blind me with your light
and your lies.
tool is a weapon...designed to kill the christian god and his dogma...there is only one god...and it is earth...she is our mother..everything we have been and will ever be, come from her...if you dont understand this you should read a couple books...."ishmael" and "the story of b" both by daniel quinn if you still dont understand....may death have mercy on you.......
OH MY...
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: Larry
well, I guess this is just one more place to use as an example of how you can not escape, dare I call them, "misguided" analyses. I just can't bite my tongue on the (I believe it was) "tool is one of the most ardent stalwarts of atheism" comment.. I mean, for tool fans, it needs not to be acknowledged, but I really am left unsettled at the fact that anyone who listens to tool, or anyone who doesn't and is affected negatively
by seeing this statement, could give this comment any merit. please just keep in mind that is one man's opinion. (which also happens to go against the spoken words of each of the band members, I'm willing to wager. I'd bet three ripe bananas on it!) find out for yourselves, don't write in and say "oh, Rob should I as a (enter religious title here) listen to this music? these are not my words, but I speak them with all my heart.. THINK FOR YOURSELF. it is this child's opinion that tool
has a very positive, enlightening, emotional, growth oriented message. and if you as a musical connoisseur can see, hear and feel through the verbal connotations some are so eager to get hung up on, and look into the denotations that some are so eager to overlook, maybe..JUST MAYBE you'll be able to allow this bands music to give you something wonderful.
oh, and uh.. jesus is coming. claire
Interesting review...
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002
From: "Anon Anon"
Well, I enjoyed the fact that the reviewer was a tool fan and respected the talent of the musicians. I personally believe that tool is the most unique and important band working in the industry today. I did, however, get a good laugh from your attempts to decipher the lyrics. I would never be so bold as to say that this song meant this, or that song meant that... How do you know when Maynard is speaking literally or metaphorically?
I'm fairly positive that Maynard is against Christianity, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. I'm just reading the clues from their lyrics, mainly songs like Eulogy and Opiate, and the hidden track on undertow.... But maybe it's not so much anti-Christian as just a "think for yourself" mentalitly. But a think for yourself attitude seems anti-Christian by definition, if it weren't for all you sheep out there Christianity would have faded away by now. I
used to be a big Megadeth fan
Subject: Megadeth
From Jon
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002
From: Jonathan
Hey how is it going. I am pretty good. My buddy just told me about your site and I thought I would check it out. I grew up in a church home my dad is a pastor and I am a Christian all though religeos pepole like my dad dont think so but I wont get to deep into that becaus you would be here for a week reading this. Anyway I was just writing about the Megadeth thing I dont understand a lot of these people saying Dave sounds
like a demon what. I had to deal with that all the time because I was the pastors kid and people should really check stuff out before they say stuff. I used to be a big Megadeth fan but now I like a bit heavier music and mabye some of the stuff they sing about is not what people would consider positive or uplifting but dont listen to it then. I like it because I am a drummer and I like fast extreme stuff. If you want to check some other bands out I would really like to know what you think
because I have not heard one person who does not freak when they here it but I dont think it affects my relationship with God. I have a very different view I guess I believe in the grace of God and it seems to me a lot of Christians dont. Not that we should just do whatever and say well God will forgive me but everyone does dumb stuff and I have friends now that think there is now way God could forgive them because of what they have heard from a lot of church people. Well I guess I should
let you go if you have a chance read the book ragamuffin gospel it is really good and I think this is a very cool site you guys seem like you have open minds and that is cool. By the way some of the bands I listen to are Dimmu Borgir, Emperor,and Old Mans Child check them out if you want.
Bye for now. UNBIAST SPECTATOR
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Tue, 02 Apr 2002
From: jiminy
I am not a christian and I am not an atheist I am simply an unbiast spectator and it is not all that to hard to believe that some of tools message and ideals coincide with the beliefs of the the bible, I mean even marilyn manson admits that alot of the beliefs displayed in the bible are the right ones, and also all you bill hicks fans (Bill is a dead comedian who's comments appear on a Aenima previous albumn) even he spoke
about finding enlightenment/god but though an alternative method .... mushrooms and acid. ONE OF A KIND
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2002 12:34:03 EST
From: Natasha!
I think TOOL are one of a kind. The lyrics are unlike anything I' ve ever heard. I have a friend who is a jesus freak and hates TOOL, thie thing is that if he took the time to understand the words on a deeper level, then he would apprecite TOOL for the amazing band they are. I have all od their albums and they continue to amaze me
Natasha! FEEL SO SORRY FOR JOSH
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002
From: Nine_Inch_Nayls
I feel so sorry for Josh. Why would you toss music that you love because the musicians may not be Christians? Does that mean that you will not listen to Buddhists, Wiccans or Jains? Personally, I consider Jerry Falwell a much worse influence on the masses than bands like Tool and Nine Inch Nails. Stop being a sheep Josh-- its ba-aa-aa-ad for you. Unless your master is wearing boots. I am.
COMMENT
Subject: Tool_Lateralus can't beleive it
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002
From: "GINO
I've listened to Tool for many years and never found them to be offensive. To reply to the child whom threw out his cd GOOD FOR U. Make a stance for yourself and toss out an out sider. But, don't persuade your views on anyone else just because your wacked in the head. Tool has alot of depth and meaning in their songs. Some too deep to swim in. So don't try and analyize Tool, just enjoy the show. Take them for what they
are, A BAND NOT A GOD !!!!!!!
CHRISTIANS?
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
From: "Hamish
Tool? Christians? Thats funny. Tool is one of the most ardent stalwarts of atheism in music today.
Examples:
The Grudge:
"Clutch it like a cornerstone. Otherwise it all comes down.
Justify denials and grip 'em to the lonesome end.
Clutch it like a cornerstone. Otherwise it all comes down.
Terrified of being wrong. Ultimatum prison cell."
This refers directly to belief in christ. ie that your belief impisons you.
I won't go through all of the little references to god in the albums, but here is a good one from the secret track on Undertow (their second album). Go right to the end of the last track and you'll hear:
Farm noises, bleating of sheep
"And the angel of the lord came unto me, snatching me up from my place of slumber. And took me on high, and higher still until we moved to the spaces betwixt the air itself. And he brought me into a vast farmlands of our own midwest. And as we descended, cries of impending doom rose from the soil. One thousand, nay a million voices full of fear. And terror possesed me then. And I begged, "Angel of the Lord, what are these
tortured screams?" And the angel said unto me, "These are the cries of the carrots, the cries of the carrots! You see, Reverend Maynard, tomorrow is harvest day and to them it is the holocaust." And I sprang from my slumber drenched in sweat like the tears of one million terrified brothers and roared, "Hear me now, I have seen the light! They have a consciousness, they have a life, they have a soul! Damn you! Let the rabbits wear glasses! Save our brothers!" Can I get an amen? Can I get
a hallelujah? Thank you Jesus. Life feeds on life feeds on life feed! s on life feeds on........
This is necessary."
In BAM Magazine (11/94), the creation of the song is explained: "In May 1993, Tool performed at Scientology's Celebrity's Centre, apparently not knowing that this was the home of the cult. Once they found out, they were not taking it nicely. Between songs, Keenan, staring first at the lush grounds paid for by devoted L. Ron followers and then into the eyes of his own audience, bayed into the mic like a sheep looking for
his shepherd's gate. 'Baaaaa! Baaaaa!' the singer bleated." (tool FAQ, http://toolshed.down.net/faq/faq.html)
You might argue that scientology is a cult and that christianity as a whole is not the target. You might also be wrong. To make the point though, I refer you too Maynard Keenans side project, A Perfect Circle. Maynard sings and writes the lyrics for this band; there biggest hit to date, Judith: a song explicitley about Jesus and his followers. I quote:
"You're such an inspiration for the ways
That I'll never ever choose to be
Oh so many ways for me to show you
How the savior has abandoned you
f*ck your God
Your Lord and your Christ
He did this
Took all you had and
Left you this way
Still you pray, you never stray
Never taste of the fruit
You never thought to question why"
I won't continue, it's easy enough to find on the internet.
And most people would say that A perfect circle is the more moderate of the two bands.
Happy reviewing,
- Hamish TREATING IT AS ART
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002
From: James
Interesting review. I appreciate your treating Tool as an art form rather than a pop culture force. I feel that the beauty and emotionality of art is lost on many in the modern church, as well as modern culture in general. I'm a Christian, and to me art is a gift from God. We can all learn something if we approach in an open and vulnerable way. Thank God for Tool. TOOL
WHAT?
Subject: Tool_Lateralus
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002
From: Jennifer
I was just wondering if the Reverend Maynard has seen this.
I am a fanatic, and am personally curious how he would feel about your interpretation of their latest.
By the way, have you heard any of their older stuff?
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