There are few bands that can unite people across such a vast expanse of musical interests. But, no matter what you’re into, there’s a good chance that if you appreciate musicianship, precise compositions and the shroud of potential lyrical genius, then you probably love Tool. The band was formed out of a challenge. Instead of simply hating on every band in existence, Maynard James Keenan was challenged to take the stage himself and see if he could produce something on par or better than those he stood around lambasting. And he delivered. Maynard used that energy to create something positive: one of the best bands of all time. In today’s day and age that is certainly something to be applauded. With so many ‘experts’ laying in bed tweeting, blogging, Facebooking their hatred for everything produced and lived, it’s a powerful example of putting your reputation where your mouth is. So with that in mind, we take a moment to show Tool the respect that they deserve.

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“Prison Sex” (from Undertow, 1993)

“Prison Sex” introduced the world to Tool’s insanely demented mind through the video released the same year as the album, 1993. Also, it was tracks like this one that began the whole, “what does he mean?” campaign — The search for hidden messages in Maynard’s writing.

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“Sober” (from Undertow, 1993)

This one is my favorite Tool track of all time. Hell, it’s one of my favorite tracks of all time regardless of band, genre or whatever. It’s just perfect. Creepy, angry and full of pent up aggression and unanswered questions.

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“Eulogy”  (from Ænema, 1996)

Without argument Ænema is Tool’s most successful release. The thing debuted at #2 on the charts. Eulogy is a haunting, eight-minute crescendo playing on the albums theme of flushing the animal instincts from each of us.

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“Forty-Six & 2”  (from Ænema, 1996)

“Forty-Six & 2” was the fourth single released off Ænema. The track has been covered numerous times including by these amazing teenagers. “Forty-Six & 2” is emblematic of Tool’s infectious writing style. Addictive bass lines, complex rhythms and Maynard’s ability to push the tension and pace. It’s probably one of Tool’s top three tracks all time.

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“Ænema” (from Ænema, 1996)

There’s isn’t much that needs to be said about the title track to what is arguably Tool’s breakthrough album. It was a performance of the title track that won them a Grammy in 1998. As an album Ænema was certified triple platinum. So a message to other bands: “Learn to Swim…”

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“The Grudge” (from Lateralus, 2001)

“The Grudge” is the closest to straight-forward metal as Tool has come in their career. Opening Lateralus, “The Grudge” sets the tone right off the bat. The song is aggressive, loud and, as Tool tends to be, technically precise.

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“Schism” (from Lateralus, 2001)

“Schism” featured potentially the catchiest of Tool’s bass lines, and they’ve had a lot of those over their career. In fact, Lateralus, allowed bassist Justin Gunnar Walter Chancellor to show how technically proficient he could be and allowed the bass to take a front seat — almost a lead guitar position — in the recording.

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“Parbol/Parabola” (from Lateralus, 2001)

Sure. These are technically two tracks. But if you’re not one of those people that reordered your album based on the latest internet conspiracy theory, this is really one beautiful, extended track. I mean, is it unlike Tool to write a song that nears ten full minutes?

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“The Pot” (from 10,000 Days, 2006)

Couldn’t finish off this list without giving some love to Tool’s latest effort 10,000 Days. There could have been a bunch of choices off this album but “The Pot” really sticks out as a classic  Tool track. You’ve got triplet rhythms all over the place and an angry Maynard questioning the listener. Can’t really top that.

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So enjoy. Go out there and listen to some Tool until you emotionally climax.

– Manny-O-War