A Perfect Circle - Thirteenth Step
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Free Music Notes for Thirteenth Step
Free Music Review: "angelahalo" said it all
Hit: 5 Stars
Before I start, I'd like to point out the fact that Maynard did not write this record, this record was written by A Perfect Circle, which is composed of many musical geniuses rather than only one. Maynard should be credited for the lyrical and vocal progression. While Billy Howerdel should be credited for the strange guitar progressions, also some of the lyrical and vocal. As well as Jeordie White to be credited for bass and Josh Freese to be credited for drums. I believe James Iha didn't play on the record, but he is part of the band's live act.
A Perfect Circle's "Thirteenth Step" is nothing short of fantastic and amazing. Though comparing "Thirteenth Step" to it's predecessor, "Mer de Noms," would be unfair for the sheer fact that different styles are uniquely incorporated into each record. Clearly, "Mer de Noms" is the harder and more brutal side of A Perfect Circle. The change of style is no surprise considering the change of the lineup of the band. The departure of Paz Lenchantin and Troy Van Leeuwen is recognizable. "Thirteenth Step" is easily perceived as a dreamier and more mellow record than "Mer de Noms", excluding tracks such as "The Outsider" and "Pet." I also believe that the quality of "Thirteenth Step" is obviously much more perfectly layered rather than "Mer de Noms." But enough of comparing, let's get to the record.
The record starts with a dreamy guitar riff by Billy Howerdel in "The Package," clearly this song depicts the sickness of addiction (most likely of drugs). As the song progresses, it gets into more of a "Mer de Noms" feel, while maintaining it's dreamy tone. As far as lyrics, Maynard's nothing short of great on this. Josh sort of brings out a tribal feel on the drums. Troy contributed to this track.
As the record continues, the first single, "Weak and Powerless," starts out. This song has an awesome bass riff and some excellent guitar work along with great vocals. The drums are nothing short of great either. The meaning of the song lies somewhere between the obsession with something, preferably drugs in this case, as the whole album lies within the whole "getting clean" process.
After "Weak and Powerless" comes my favorite song perhaps, "The Noose." Danny Lohner contributed to this track by playing guitar and you can clearly get a sort of Nine Inch Nails feel to it. The drum techniques are excellent and sequential. The bass work is just as good. I believe this song was also released as a single, though I haven't paid much attention to that.
After the shocking finish of "The Noose", comes "Blue," the second single off of the record, though the band never released a video for it. This song is obviously about the "getting high" process that drugs create and is an excellent mix of dreamy techniques on guitar and bass, creating a sort of depreciating mood.
"Vanishing" is by far the most eerie song on the album, musically speaking. But an insane combination of excellent musicianship. Not too many lyrics, but the music makes up for that.
"A Stranger" is a beautiful acoustic track perhaps dealing with the mystery and risk of trust. The lyrics are probably the most effective on this track. Strings can be heard on the track also, resulting in a beautiful track with excellent musicianship.
"The Outsider" is the third single off of the record, however it has a video. The video is pretty interesting in my case, I don't mind it, something easy on the eyes to watch. Though the song is different, with the strongest lyrics on the album. Not to mention the grungy feel of the guitarwork. Perhaps Maynard's best vocal work on the album also.
Can't say much about "Crimes" really, it doesn't appeal to me as much as other tracks on the album, but still a pretty good listen, more of an intermission from what's going on.
"The Nurse Who Loved Me" is a slow and lush track filled with more melody than the song can handle. Though a sort of boring listen to many, it definitely appeals to me. Beautiful lyrics in this as well, not to mention the vocals which are soothing to listen to.
"Pet" is a strong, creative, distorted, violent, and angry track. Creating a dark image of something like war perhaps? I'm not too sure about the meaning of this song. However, I'm not too sure it has to have too much depth to it either, but considering the fact that Maynard wrote the lyrics, it probably does.
"Lullaby" is an instrumental followup to "Pet" that uses the same melody, though much softer, a lot like "The Outsider" and "Crimes." I could only conclude that this song is an intermission as well. But that's my opinion, it might have a meaning to it. It may just be a simply eerie lullaby that follows up to "Pet."
"Gravity" was definitely not one of my favorite tracks, but as time grew, so did my affection for this song. The song is a definitely calming and soothing finish to such a great and powerful album. Indeed the musicianship on this is excellent as well. APC stated that this album was about drugs and being addicted to them, and this is the so called "finish" to it. This is where the person decides to come clean. Not sure if that person's Maynard, but it must have been part of his life. Strong lyrics, and indeed "I choose to live."
Overall, you can't go wrong, this is the best album that was released in 2003, and no surprise on how great it is. However, I still think it should have had 13 tracks considering the name, but either way I'm happy. It makes me look forward to Tool's next album. If you have some money on you, definitely get this album if you're looking for something. ...And if you don't, then borrow it from a friend. You can't go wrong.
Free Music Review: A Perfect Circle=A Perfect CD
Hit: 5 Stars
Before anyone reads further, I would like to say that I am a hardcore fan of Tool, which was partly why I bought this CD. For everyone out there who says that there is a massive Schism (yes, the pun was intended) between Tool fans and A Perfect Circle fans, I suppose I am the rebel to the rule. I have read so many reviews by Tool fan's being let down by this album, it's sickening. So many Intolerant (once again, pun intended) Tool fans bash this because it's not Tool. My response is "Read the artists name! Does it say Tool?" Either way, I enjoy both bands immensely. As I stated before, I purchased Thirteenth Step mainly because I'm a fan of Maynard and Tool, so my expectations were completely defied. And I am so happy that they were.
Time for an in-depth dive to look at the songs:
1. The Package: It's a little slow at the beginning, but it gets better as it continues. There is some sweet guitar in this one and Maynard presents some nice vocals. Nearly the end, it gets rather heavy, too. 8 out of 10, simply because it lags in the beginning.
2. Weak and Powerless: A pretty cool beginning, nice chorus. From the title, you'd expect something depressing, but the music doesn't want to follow that trend. This is a very good song, too. 9 of 10
3. The Noose: It's a relatively slow song, but slowly becomes louder and heavier. It's another nice song with Maynard's touching vocals. There is a prefect fusion between the music and the vocals in this song, so I have to rate it nicely. 10 of 10
4. Blue: I absolutely fell in love with this song, probably because it reminded me a lot of my girlfriend. But that aside, it's an impressive song. It's as close to a love song as I've ever heard Maynard and he does an incredible job at it. It's a predominantly percussive song, which also forces me to give a biased rating. 10 of 10
5. Vanishing: Bass guitar Heaven, which is why I enjoyed this song very much. Not much to say in the area of lyrics, it's mostly devoid of them. There are short spats every once in a while. It's a song that must be appreciated for its music rather than its lyrics, though the few lyrics that arise are quite beautiful. 9 of 10
6. A Stranger: This song is... well... it just never clicked with me. The vocals are, as usual, outstanding, though. 7 of 10
7. The Outsider: As a Tool fan, I obviously loved this song. It is also the first song I heard from this band (or at least the first one I remember). This was what I expected all the other songs to be like. It's heavy, it's dark, and it's wonderful. The message is a very good one, too, so I have to give A Perfect Circle some credit for that. 10 of 10
8. Crimes: This reminded me of Tool's "spacer tracks" on Ænima. Very few vocals, very straightforward music. Not really worth listening to unless you need to teach someone how to count to ten. 5 of 10
9. The Nurse Who Loved Me: This is an odd song. It's funny yet thought-provoking, it's weird yet normal, it's interesting, and it's new yet old at the same time. It's Maynard in song form! I loved the music in the song; the lyrics were just a silly bonus. Very nice violins in it. 8 of 10
10. Pet: This one is similar to Track 7, thus I loved it. It's haunting and dark, but compelling. Maynard uses a myriad of different voices in this one, too. It's a Maynard sampler. It's got a very addictive beat, also. 10 of 10
11. Lullaby: Eh... this is almost like Crimes, except there is some impressive vocal manipulation that turns Maynard's voice into an instrument. It's still more like an extension of Pet than a different song. 6 of 10
12. Gravity: I like this song. It's slow, but catching. Makes you think, too. 9 of 10
13th Step: This stands for the album as a whole; it's not a song, so nobody freak out. The overall grade, excluding the "spacer tracks" comes out to a be 9, which equals 4.5 stars, which rounds up to the five stars you saw at the top of the review.
A Perfect Circle isn't anything like Tool, to my relief. I love Tool, but it's supposed to be a deviant. In this sense, the two bands are similar. A Perfect Circle isn't organic, commercial rock music. It's its own unique genre of music: usually quiet, astoundingly beautiful, relaxing and inspiring. Like Tool, it is for the thinking man, I belief. Most people probably can't draw many parallels, but there are countless ones. The music in A Perfect Circle is a being within itself, separate from the vocals, but both the vocals and music are made up of several layers. Everything flows together perfectly.
For any Tool fans out there: This is not Tool. This is a completely different band with a completely different style. If you want more Tool, wait until Spring 2006 (or so I'm told the new Tool album is coming out). If you want to experience more of Maynard's gorgeous vocals, more engaging musicianship, and more thought-provoking lyrics, I suggest you give this album a try. Don't expect them to be the same. I love both of them in different ways for different reasons. I'm not guaranteeing that you'll like this band, but it's worth a try.
Free Music Review: An excellent work of art
Hit: 5 Stars
I first heard of A Perfect Circle when I listened to the song "Judith" of their 2000 album "Mer De Noms" about 5 years ago, then a year later I heard "Weak and Powerless" which was featured on the MTV2 Headbangers Ball Vol. 2 compilation, and I soon fell in love with A Perfect Circle. Afterwards, I went out and bought the band's second full length release "Thirteenth Step" and it was without question one of the best albums I've ever heard in my life, and it became one of my favorite albums as well. Please keep in mind, this is coming from a guy who listens to Pantera, Slayer, Fear Factory, Sepultura, Megadeth, Testament, Machine Head, Kreator, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkill, Suffocation, Death, Nile, Atheist, Behemoth, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Krisiun, Opeth, Morbid Angel, Meshuggah, and other heavy bands like that, I've always been a sucker for good melodic rock, and these guys definately please my ears big time.
Now as far as this album goes, "Thirteenth Step" is an excellent work of art, and it's also a fantastic, beautiful follow up to "Mer De Noms". From the opening track "The Package", to the breathtaking, ethereal closer "Gravity", these twelve songs on here are full of beautiful, spacious, and ominous atmospheres. I've also learned that the album title was a reference to the Twelve Step program. According to frontman Maynard James Keenan on the commentary for the aMotion DVD, the album is a concept album with all of the songs dealing with the problem of addiction from a different perspective. The musicianship on here is very impressive in every way. Billy Howerdel's guitarwork on here is just excellent. Whether it's soft, majestic, addicting, atmospheric melodies or heavy cruching riffs, this guy definately hits his spots, and when it comes to great melodies, Billy's got the stuff, no doubt about it. Jeordie White (you may know him as Twiggy Ramirez, the ex-bassist of Marilyn Manson) is just fantastic on the bass. His bass lines are just pulsating, hypnotic, and commanding throughout. Josh Freese's drumming can range from nice, soft peaceful beats to steady yet heavy pounding beats, it's all good. And of course, Maynard James Keenan's vocals are just absolutely amazing and beautifully melodic throughout. There is no question that he is one of modern rock's greatest vocalists of all time, and believe me, this album prooves it.
"Thirteenth Step" opens up with "The Package" which starts off with some odd percussion noises, and soft, soothing guitar melodies, with Maynard's eerie yet majestic vocals slowly creeping in. I like when the song builds up momentum at the 4:08 mark with heavy, crunching riffs, and some roaring bass lines. From there, you know the album just grabs your attention, and it only gets better. The second track "Weak and Powerless" is a nice catchy chorus. Track three "The Noose" is very beautiful and majestic which features great melodic vocals from Maynard, and haunting yet relaxing guitar strings, and nice steady atmospheric drums, before gaining some momentum with heavier riffs at the 3:34 mark. Track four "Blue" is another favorite of mine which continues the journey with more hypnotic, addicting musicianship, while the next track and my personal favorite "Vanishing" is another soft, peaceful, and atmospheric song that brings Pink Floyd to my mind. This song features addicting, peaceful guitar melodies, soothing bass, nice steady drums, and eerie yet beautifully relaxing vocals from Maynard. The sixth track "A Stranger" is a nice, peaceful, and quiet ballad that features some marvelous accoustic strings that are quietly calming and peacefully embracing, and Maynard's singing is great as well, while track seven "The Outsider" is a more heavier song that features heavier riffage, and aggressive vocals especially during the chorus. Track nine is a cover of Failure's "The Nurse Who Loved Me" which is a pretty bizarre yet another good ballad, and track ten "Pet" which is another favorite of mine that includes crunchy heavy riffs, some nice melodic interludes, and there's even a nice catchy guitar solo as well. The soft, ethereal, and breathtaking closing track "Gravity" features some more quiet, soothing melodic guitar strings, and great vocals from Maynard as always, as well as a nice relaxing, and spacey sounding guitar solo around the 3:04 mark. A great beautiful song to end this beautiful musical journey.
Jeremy's song ratings:
1. The Package (7:40) - 5/5
2. Weak and Powerless (3:15) - 5/5
3. The Noose (4:53) - 5/5
4. Blue (4:13) - 5/5
5. Vanishing (4:51) - 5/5
6. A Stranger (3:12) - 5/5
7. The Outsider (4:06) - 5/5
8. Crimes (2:34) - 4/5
9. The Nurse Who Loved Me (4:04) - 5/5
10. Pet (4:34) - 5/5
11. Lullaby (2:01) - 4/5
12. Gravity (5:06) - 5/5
Bottom Line: A Perfect Circle's "Thirteenth Step" is a beautiful, spacious, breathtaking, atmospheric journey from beginning to end. I definately recommend this album to any fan of A Perfect Circle, Tool, The Cure, or even Dream Theater and Pink Floyd for that matter, and especially to anyone who has a good open mind for good music. Well enjoy!!
Free Music Review: Thirteenth Step Review
Hit: 5 Stars
I decided to review A Perfect Circle's Thirteenth Step. This album is absolutely amazing. Thirteenth Step follows a similar sound pattern as its predecessor, Mer De Noms, however there are songs on the new album that are much heavier and divergent than those on the first. Still, in both albums there is a sort of self-reflection that I believe the singer is trying to convey as well as, in many songs, a conviction for hypocrisy in various situations. In both albums there is also a sense of disappointment that can be noted in certain songs. For example, "3 Libras" from Mer De Noms and "A Stranger" from Thirteenth Step both contain lyrics that seem to display a feeling of non-existence. In "3 Libras" the ending lyric states, "Oh well, apparently nothing, apparently nothing at all. You don't see me at all." "A Stranger" similarly contains a lyric of nothingness stating, "You're a stranger, so what do I care? You vanish today, not the first time I hear all the lies." There is also political innuendoes found in both albums, but more solidly found in Thirteenth Step. The lyrics in "Pet" display a sense of disdain for war and the brainwashing that can go along with it, hence the name of the track. The lyrics found in the chorus are indicative of this, "Lay your head down child. I won't let the boogeyman come. Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of war drums. Pay no mind to the rabble. Pay no mind to the rabble. Head down, go to sleep to the rhythm of the war drums."
"The Noose" found on the Thirteenth Step album contains a great deal of symbolism that is often signature of A Perfect Circle's work. Following their theme of hypocrisy, the chorus of "The Noose" states, "And not to pull your halo down around your neck and tug you off your cloud, but I'm more than just a little curious how you're planning to go about making your amends to the dead." The track follows an ABABC pattern and begins quietly. Before the beginning lyric, drums enter and then an electric guitar (timbre). When the lead vocalist begins to sing a piano enters the song (timbre as well). At the first chorus the track becomes louder and the music follows the pattern every time for A and every time for B. After the second chorus C enters the track and becomes loud and homophonic (versus the original monophony of the song). And while this particular track heavier than others, it still has a smooth melody.
In a very similar fashion, "A Stranger" carries a smooth melody and begins softly. This track's form is different in that it really doesn't have a chorus. Each part follows a specific pattern until the end, so you can call each section in the beginning A, and the end B. Before the first lyric a guitar plays quietly until the vocalist begins to sing. In between each section in the beginning a violin enters and then fades before the next segment of song. After the third segment the track becomes louder and the lyrics are echoed. In section B all timbres are in action (vocal, guitar, and violin) and the song ends in a monophony. In both tracks discussed they each begin softly only to end loudly. This is very much characteristic of A Perfect Circle and a consistent quality in many of their pieces as well.
The sound and rhythm of a band will draw me to it. I love uniqueness in music and that is what draws me to A Perfect Circle. While they can still be hard core, there is a certain poetry in their lyrics that symbolizes so many different aspects in life. There is depth to what the band tries to convey without them trying hard to convey it. What makes them interesting is that the message is left for the listener to decode. It is not spelled out and they do not strive to make who hears it understand it; it just is. Every album of theirs seems to progress. You can hear it in the instrumentals as well as the lyrics. Ultimately, A Perfect Circle is ingenious in creating music in that they fully encompass hard rock without any stereotypical jargon attached. They are not media stars seeking the limelight. Publicity is not what sells their records, their music does.
One might say that A Perfect Circle has a certain Deftones quality. Each band is passionate about poetic music dealing with hypocrisy and darkness in relationships. Each band also has a very unique sound to it that is its trademark. The Deftones and A Perfect Circle have lead vocalists that carry songs from soft tones to extremely loud and heavy melodies and harmonies. Both bands are heavy while ironically having soft spoken vocalists. Tool, most obviously, sounds and functions quite similarly as A Perfect Circle due to the fact that each band's lead singer is the same. Thirteenth Step is an amazing album that should be heard by those who have an appreciation for words and music. Mer De Noms, the predecessor to Thirteenth Step, is equally wonderful but is not quite as heavy. Each album rocks however!!!
Free Music Review: Living is the "THIRTEENTH STEP".
Hit: 5 Stars
Hey everyone! I just wanted to give you an informed review to A Perfect Circle's new album "THIRTEENTH STEP". I am someone who learned long ago the lyrical complexity that is Maynard James Keenan. With his "other" project TOOL he pushed me to go new places to feel new things. Driven by music that you don't just "hear". You listened to it you felt it. Believe me you'll feel a "THIRTEENTH STEP". The music enraptures you, taking you to a new level. Sending you to a place that is thought provoking, and challenging. It could leave the "common" listener saying, "How dare APC make a album like this". I say to them "What an album that you can't just push play and bob your head to. Dare they make songs that sound different, and actually try to create something not just mimic something"? The songs contained within this album are beautiful captures of reality and the unknown. Starting out lulling you into a new environment, causing your brain to become open and accepting to an experience. Then leading into their first single "Weak and Powerless". Yes, this song is radio material. It's catchy and quick. With a funky beat and rhythm that only hints at what the album really holds for the listener. Again reaction from some "fans" I heard. "This song doesn't fit, or this song was so made for radio". Well that's somewhat true. It is a single. Appears it's easy and more inviting to "Joe shmoe and Sally from the Valley" to reach that bigger radio audience. To perhaps get them do buy something that might help them find out what real music is all about. When APC released their first album "Mer De Noms" they had a good running start, but they still needed that base fan group. So they released "Judith" as a single. The song was probably the heaviest song off the album and connected with the rock crowd. Well that was only a surface look at what "Mer de Noms" was. It turned out that is was a beautiful new sounding music that tugged at your more sensitive emotions. It was an album of passion and moments of love. Simply put when APC came out they wanted to draw in the rock crowd, and have them create the "APC Scene". Ensuring that the band wouldn't be taken over by "teeny boppers". With their second release they took it to the Next Step. They used a single to draw in new fans that was from a different "scene". So they are just maximizing their exposure without being the typical "MTV LOOK AT ME BAND". I say it was genius, and a lot more obvious than how the record companies try to lure you in. Next you're gently laid into a beautiful airy place with the "Noose". This starts off the 4-song continuation of deep encompassing thought and submission to the music. The music goes in all directions. Using everything from simple guitars to digital beats inserted most likely from the great Danny Lohner. Along with Maynard's cleanest sounding, and most vivid vocals to date. On the whole album he shows that he isn't just a voice he is an instrument. Let alone that the lyrics are completely top notch, and as always teaching, questioning and acknowledging what it means to be human. Next you move into some really great get up and move to the rhythm songs. Not by any means mosh like. It's music your body can't deny. You move almost involuntarily as the deep bass and shimmering guitars twist and pull. Not a thing is missed in this album. Its vibe will leave you feeling positive and eager to live. For as the album ends with track "Gravity" an awe inspiring experience with the lines "I choose to live, I chose to live...."ending the album. If you want another "Mer de Noms" you aren't going to get. Understand that album is done. Its here, you'll always have it. Please listen to it often, but you should both want and need artist to push the envelope. To make something new and different from what you already have. I am thankful APC takes risk. Most bands won't put themselves on the line to be the group who changed the sounds of music. Most bands today don't have the talent. So defiantly buy "Thirteenth Step", and go see them live in the fall and winter. It's a great new piece to add to your music collection. If you're like me, don't try and rank this cd. Don't compare it to its predecessor. Realize that there is room in life for many great cd's and records. We should be grateful that out of those thousands of records that are released we have the few select great cds we do. Love and support all great and creative artists. Especially APC for with "THIRTEENTH STEP" they helped us all reach the next level of our own self-understanding.Nednarb's history
Age: 22 Location: Under a dead Ohio sky.
In concert
TOOL: 15 times since 1996
APC: 10 times since their debut tour with NIN's.