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With the band having explored with sonic textures in the past, the group explores their stories with skits (like in "Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman)") and with the indigenous-American sounding Lipan Conjuring (which is probably better explained by the fact that vocalist Maynard James Keenan takes residence in northern Arizona). Sure the album isn't nearly as angry or perhaps violent as their earlier releases but it still packs a punch and is definitely worth listening too.Unlike their other full-length studio albums, this album listens less like a collective story (or concept album, if you will) and instead listens like a collection of short stories assembled in an anthology that is 10,000 Days. From start to finish the album doesn't disappoint and has remained constant in my rotation despite my immense love for Lateralus. Gone are the days where four young men are broke and trying to get to get their message out in a diluted talent pool such as the one found in L.A. I'd recommend it to Tool fans but they probably own this album already. Many of the songs still retain the dynamics that Tool is known for (especially the Wings for Marie/10,000 Days tracks) and combines them with elements of influence from their touring partners of recent past (This is most evident on the Meshuggah-influenced "Vicarious" and "Jambi" as well as the Fantomas influenced "Rosetta Stoned").
I recommend it for fans of progressive rock/metal and fans of avant-garde music. Well, after 16 years of existence you have to expect things to change in a band's life. Those circumstances were replaced with a group that, despite legal obstacles and the eventually dumbing-down of the art culture around them (MTV played music when these guys came out; they don't do that much anymore), still remained culturally relevant and platinum-selling artists. The elements that have drawn people to Tool in the past are still here; which has allowed them to retain their fanbase while continually developing new fans thanks to their work.I hate to take pot-shots at the album, but I guess the reason why I don't hold it in a higher regard like their other releases is that there's times where it starts to feel like it's either trying to appeal to the casual listener ("The Pot", from a lyrical standpoint, isn't necessarily their deepest song) or that the songs feel less like a Tool song and more like something Keenan's trying to do on his own (this especially holds true with "Right In Two." Even though I couldn't agree more with the lyrics, it still sounds like a leftover track from eMOTIVe that was converted into a Tool song).Be that as it may, the Wings For Marie/10,000 Days tracks are particularly moving and are a very fitting homage to Keenan's late mother.
This as opposed to previous albums, Lateralus in particular, where the brief instrumental tracks gave us time to reflect on the previous song, to put us in the right mental "place" to appreciate the next song, or just to manipulate the pacing. This is easily Tool's worst album since Opiate, and that's coming from a die-hard Tool fan. The lyrics that could bring tears to any eyes have vanished without a trace. The immense, spine-chilling power of Lateralus (and some of the better parts of Aenima) are completely absent. After bathing in the single greatest work of art in the history of man, Lateralus, it seemed there was nowhere else for Tool to go but down, or maybe sideways. I had high hopes for this album. Unfortunately it was the former. The incredible musical depth that boggles our minds and inspired professional orchestral arrangements is totally gone.What we're left with is:- Instrumentation that is talented, but not inspired.- Lyrics that are vague, forced, hard to identify with, and some just downright silly (and not in a good, Weird Al way).- Filler that seemingly serves no purpose.
I am surprised some think this is (1) less heavy that previous - they clearly haven't had the volume up nearly high enough - and Justin's bass sounds better than ever; (2) less sophisticated or expansive than Lateralis - have they not heard Wings for Jambie, Marie, Rosetta Stoned, Intensions and Right in Two. While Danny's drums don't sound as good on 10,000 days as on Lateralis (this is no comment on his imagination or technique, which remains wonderful), on balance 10,000 days takes the lead for me.Buy and enjoy I don't know why I am bothering to add to over 1000 reviews, but what the hey.For me, this is THE album of the decade along with Neurosis's The Eye of Every Storm, ISIS's Panopticon, Sunn O)))'s Monoliths & Dimensions and Red Sparrows Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun.This is less obviously prog and more metal. (Vicarious and The Pot are just great Tool rock and roll).If it wasn't for Parabola (which I think is below average for Tool - too obvious), Ticks and Leechs (great moments but again too obvious after Aenima), the nonsense at the end and Justin's weedy sounding bass guitar, Lateralis would be my fav album of the year.
The Majority of TOOL fans are known for being some of the biggest scumbags on the planet, which I wholeheartedly believe after LATERALUS was stolen and AENIMA was stolen twice. I had to buy this album again because someone had stolen it from me about a year ago. I now keep my tool albums (especially salival) hidden from plain sight in my apartment and I keep a closer eye on people that my friends bring over.Nevertheless, great album, only one track on here is skipworthy.
AWESOME work, brothers. I could cry over this. Jones won a GRAMMY (Best Recording Package), no less. They are so very good at what they do. Of course I sampled the stereoscopic images when I first bought it, for which Mr. This is a monster of the highest order.
Personal favorites: Vicarious, Jambi, The Pot, Rosetta Stoned, Right in Two. I finally took the time (at this late date). What a horrendous crime. I'm already way into stereoscopes and Viewmasters, so that was just sweet icing on a good-looking cake. to actually listen to this particular CD. It's hard to overrate Tool.
I've been sidetracked, to say the least, but just recently I started listening to Undertow and Aenima in patches, then got totally hooked on them again, and realized hey, I haven't listened to 10, 000 Days--AT ALL. But holy droogs, what a cake.
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