Update: Vicarious and Sober music video added at the end of this post… Enjoy!

Over the last several years, Tool has grown to become that band that other bands tend to look up to. That band that other bands strive to be. And also, the band that sits on the top of my list as best rock band ever.

Tool hasn’t been able to capture the popular vote yet though. Perhaps its because of their kinda creepy and/or haunting music videos or its their political/honest lyrics? Or it could be simply that the music sounds dark? But if you surpass the typical bias and just give an honest listen, its impossible to not get hooked. Once you hear the intricacies and the meaning behind the lyrics, you can’t help but to appreciate the quality. I would have to say they have the composition of an orchestra, the talent of jazz musicians, and the lyrics of pure consciousness.

The band is comprised of some highly educated and uniquely trained musicians:

• Guitarist: Adam Jones, who was formally a sculptor and special effects designer, founded the band in 1990. In 2007 he received the Grammy award for ‘Best Recording Package’ for his work on their latest album 10,000 Days.
• Drummer: Danny Carey, who was formally trained as a jazz drummer in his former years, plays a large 26-piece drum set. Seen live, you’ll find using a set of diesel arms that move faster than the ears can distinguish a change in beat.
• Vocalist: Maynard James Keenan, also lead vocalist for A Perfect Circle, is well known for his vocal range and depth. Maynard was trained at West Point Prep School before enlisting in art school in Michigan. During live performances, you’ll find him out of the spotlight to allow focus to be on the music than any one person.
• Bassist: Justin Chancellor, formally of the band Peach, plays a Wal 4-String guitar that helps him create his famous mid range cut and punch. Fun fact is Justin performs a highly specialized form of tensor yoga.

One of the things that makes Tool really special is that their albums seem to get better and better as the band ages and puts out new albums. You find many times that an artists’ first album was the best or that some albums just didn’t hit the mark. But with Tool albums, its always pristine and every song has some meaning to the whole of the album. They seem to put in extreme focus and expertise into every song they compose. They also put in the time needed as generally its a 5 year wait in between albums.

Two months ago, Dan and I went to see the premiere of Vicarious music video in New York City. It was presented by Alex Grey, world-renowned artist and painter who created much of the latest cover art for Tool. The making process, money, and personal investment that went into the video was astounding. They took over 1 full year to make the video with Alex Grey and Adam Jones being co-directors and creative directors. Not only did it take a whole year, but they worked on each 5 second clip as if it was a 30 minute t.v. show. They dissected every piece to ensure it matched the purpose and theme of what they were trying to present to the viewer. After seeing how pop music videos are made on MTV in 1 month and 2-3 million dollars, you are blown away to see how quality music videos are made with more personal investment, less money, and hiring the best artists for the job.

No matter what Tool seems to do, whether it be their music or their music videos, they do it with personal investment and passion. Two components that are ideal for producing anything quality. They truly set the bar for other bands and truly, other musicians and artists.

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Vicarious - Tool from Dan Cutright on Vimeo.

Sober - Tool from Dan Cutright on Vimeo.