I saw Superunknown up briefly this week and def think that one should be revisited. They are the least explored for me among the Big Four in grunge.
@andrewmackens Still planning for that one next week. I just launched a new feature for hosts to write introductions to the albums. Couldn't help but reminisce about Tool. (Just saw them live a few weeks ago so they were feeling fresh.)
My buddy was recommending Chevelle to me recently and now I can't unhear the vocal similarities between their lead singer and Maynard.
Sometimes it’s hard to remove nostalgia from art and entertainment. I still find this to be a journey of an album that feels as novel as it did when it first came out. However, my more critical ears found cracks along the way that weren’t there when I was a kid. There’s clearly an atmosphere and vibe to the whole album. Sometimes the interludes breathe deeper meaning to it. Other times they distract. Sometimes the songs poke and prod at the atmosphere while the delivering on their own. Other times they’re a bit too concerned with it and they lose the thread. Overall, this album is a unique expression of metal that strayed from the norms of the time. The highs are still high decades later. It rewards a discerning ear that has patience and an open mind. It will absolutely remain a key part of my own xennial experience.
I think this is a good sentiment. I mean, I was 20 when this came out and it changed me. Not just venturing into more progressive forms of metal than I had listened to up to that point, but it's such a soundtrack to my life. Third Eye sends me every single time I hear the first Bill Hicks interlude. Tool is a foundational band for my musical taste as well as learning to be more open minded. Have y'all done Lateralus?