TOOL - Undertow

Not entire sure what possessed me to listen to Undertow today...  I've had the band Tool on my mind for a few days now.  I attended a Spurs playoff game a few days ago and while at the AT&T center I saw a photo of their 2008 (?) performance that I had attended.

I always love the look on peoples faces when they see the inner sleeve art on this album.

I don't really go out of my way to listen to Tool as much as I did when I was in high school or in college, but I've always had a soft spot for them.  I once heard them be described as a "Satanic Rush" band...  and I disagreed with it until I slowly came around to agreeing with that assessment.

While listening to Undertow this morning, it's a little hard to not think about the video Sober.  The video made an incredible impact on me...  despite having burtonesque qualities to it, I found myself wanting to become obsessed with the band.

Another interesting thing about this record is that it was produced by Sylvia Massy...  if you're not familiar with her or her work, I highly recommend that you read up on her.

An incredible amount of credit should be given to Sylvia to helping Tool fully record the bands early sound.

Looking really forward to revisiting some of their other albums this week...

Stand out tracks:

  • Sober
  • Prison Sex

Artists: Tool
Album: Undertow
Producer: Sylvia Massy, Tool
Label: Zoo Entertainment
Recorded: Sound City, Grandmasters Recorders

Jimmy Eat World - Clarity

If I had to use one word to describe Jimmy Eat World's album Clarity, it would likely be "tender".   That by no means is a knock on the band or the record.  In fact it's one of my all time favorite albums to listen to when I have a lengthy car drive some where and it's easily my favorite Jimmy Eat World album in my collection.

jimmyEWClarity.jpg

I haven't listened to this record from beginning to end in a while but I'm having a hard time not recommending any of the first 5 tracks on the album.  The production of this record is ridiculous and thanks to this album being produced at Sound City, the drum tracking is especially sweet to listen to.

I know a lot of people got into the band when Bleed American came out (another great record by the way), but you're really missing out on this band if you don't give this record a spin.