Kangaroo done hung the jury with the innocent...

I understand the in the world of what I call “prog-metal” there’s a rabid fan base who either loves or hates a particular act over another. And also there’s a “pissing contest” mentality at times (like the oh, I liked them back when so-and-so came out). Anyway, coming from a fresh, objective point, Tool’s 10,000 Days, while not the easiest listen, does give lots to recommend it.

The first thing I noticed about 10,000 Days in comparison to Tool’s previous work is how accessible it is, even without giving up an ounce of vision. In fact, two of the tracks, “Vicarious” and “The Pot” made into the Modern Rock top-5. “Vicarious” is the more guitar-driven of the two, with a lyrics about human (and probably specifically American) obsession with seeing the pain/trials of others. I can see this alluding to either the rise of “reality television” or even the Middle East conflict, where Repuglicants are sending masses of “the other people” to be unneedingly sacrificed. In “The Pot”, the subject is more direct, addressing those who “cast the first stone” as they say (get it, pot, kettle, et al?). While those are the best songs, and the easiest listening, the centerpiece of the album has got to be the two-part ode to Maynard Keenan’s mother, Marie, who suffered a debilitating, and eventually, fatal, stroke. In “Wings For Marie” and “10000 Days (Wings, Pt. 2)”, Tool expand the struggle against paralysis for nearly 17 minutes of swirling drama. “Jambi” is a basic “raw power” track, and fits into a very hardhitting first half of the disc. After two consecutive and meandering interludes (“Lipan Conjuring” and “Lost Keys”), 10000 Days picks up again with rockers “Rosetta Stone”, “Intension” and apt choice for another single “Right In Two”. Denouement “Viginti Tres” closes the disc on a somber note, though it would’ve bene nice for another song to end it. By all means, if you’re a pop-radio fan, Tool may be too much to handle. However, with 10,000 Days it’s worth the ride.

Grade: B-
Best Cuts: “Vicarious”, “The Pot”
Weakest Links: “Lipan Conjuring”, “Lost Keys”

10000 Days hit #1 in the US and #4 in the UK.
"Vicarious" hit #115 pop, #2 rock, and #2 modern rock singles.
"The Pot" hit #1 rock, and #5 modern rock singles.
"Jambi" made #7 rock and #27 modern rock singles.

Buy: You can pick up a copy of 10000 Days at sites like here and here.

Listen: here's some clips from the album. First, the leadoff single "Vicarious"...

Next up, the 2nd single "The Pot" here in an "unofficial" video....



and finally, a creepy clip to go with the 3rd single "Jambi"...