I often ignore how great of a band Tool is, simply because I prefer A Perfect Circle, and the neglect is rather unwarranted. Of course, my obsession with all things involving Maynard James Keenan prejudices me, but even if I'm not necessarily enjoying the music, it's not because I simply dislike it or because it's not well written and executed. It's because Tool evokes thoughts and emotions that maybe I don't always want to face. It's not haunting the way APC is, it's too forceful for that. But the feeling, it lingers.
Aenima is probably my favorite album, but lately I can't stop listening to Undertow. I *should* talk about what an amazing song "Prison Sex" is or how "Sober" actually leaves me feeling numb or about how creepy the stop animation videos are that go along with them, but really, all I want to talk about is "Swamp Song", which unsurprisingly, is today's song of the day. I love how Maynard's voice expresses so much more than just anger. The lyrics just show irritation, and anger, at someone not heeding your advice or listening to you. But, his voice belies more than that. Anger at someone you care about, anger tinged with worry, anger at something that you can't control or can't stop from happening.
