One can easily imagine piss-taking Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan smirking while fanboys squirm in anticipation of the prog-metal outfit’s first album since 2006’s 10,000 Days. The once reclusive, mysterious vocalist has exhibited impressive public versatility in recent years, launching Arizona winery Caduceus Cellars, penning his autobiography and staying musically active in longtime avant-rock project Puscifer (third full-length Money Shot was appropriately released just before Halloween). We sent the always entertainingly opinionated Keenan 10 tracks from openers, contemporaries and idols. He did not disappoint.
Failure, “Petting The Carpet” from: The Heart Is A Monster
Greg Edwards is one of a few artists I imagine listening to any new material I’m working on. I imagine him tearing it apart with single words. He keeps me on my toes. Greg, P.J. Harvey, Joni Mitchell and Tom Waits are just of the bar-raisers toward which I reach.
The Dresden Dolls, “Sing” from: Yes, Virginia…
Songs like this, that are rooted in so much joyful sadness, drive me. Super happy songs make me want to punch stu ff. I’m not familiar with the entire Dresden Dolls catalog, but if it’s anything like this, they will make an appearance on the Caduceus Cellars Harvest playlist next vintage.
The Mars Volta, “The Widow” from: Frances The Mute
We need more bands like these crazy fucks. Raising the bar ain’t easy, and they still managed to do it while stoned.
The Nightwatchman, “Shake My Shit” from: The Fabled City
When I hear any of Tom Morello’s material, I’m transported back to the early ’90s. Tom would organize bowling night with the L.A. transplanted Libertyville crew. A grounding experience I often miss. Our Midwestern roots go deep, and it’s those simple gatherings that keep your compass true.
Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody” from: A Night At The Opera
No one has pipes like Freddie Mercury. I’m humbled every time I hear this track. I remember the first time I heard it. I was living just outside of Akron, and it changed the way I thought about music.
The Police, “Synchronicity II” from: Synchronicity
This Police album has some overlooked musical gems on it. Never mind the popular tracks and singles. If you can look beyond the silly MTV designer homeless bag lady wardrobe, there is much to discover.
Alice In Chains, “Man In The Box” from: Facelift
Few people know just how insanely funny Sean Kinney is. The perfectly in-thepocket timing of his chops extend to his mouth. One night with him will leave your funny bone bruised but good. He also has a friend named Steve who shows up on occasion. Not as funny.
The Stooges, “I Wanna Be Your Dog” from: The Stooges
Perfect example of a time and a place. So many attempts to cover this song by a bazillion lo-fi bands. And they never quite get that it’s a moment, not a song. The notes are secondary.
Nirvana, “Jesus Don’t Want Me For A Sunbeam” from: MTV Unplugged In New York
Not my favorite Nirvana moment. But it does remind me of hearing (comedian) Greg Berendt saying, “Apparently, ‘Unplugged’ means ‘to sit down.’” I think it was Greg. I forget. Anyway. Bleach redirected the ’90s rock-band GPS. Mostly in good ways.
Melvins,“Night Goat” from: Houdini
My favorite Brown Note track besides any Swans Holy Money/Greed track. I almost sharted just thinking about it. Powerful PoohJo. It reminds me of my favorite Melvins T-shirt. Big skull on the front with “the Melvins” just above it. And on the back it says, “Why did the metalhead cross the road?” “Because he’s a gullible moron who’ll buy anything with a skull on it.”
