Tool - Opiate
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Free Music Notes for Opiate
Free Music Review: What a Way to Begin!
Hit: 5 Stars
The defining characteristic of Tool's debut album "Opiate" is it's raw, down-to-the-music quality. It definitely sets up the stage for the following albums. As typical with Tool (and all of Maynard's other works) the scrutinizing of society, religion, and human behavior is a major aspect of the album. The opening track "Sweat" and the first live track "Cold and Ugly" introduce the psychological journeying that Tool is well known for. The rest of the album deals mostly with the narrow-minded, unquestioning, and dogmatic aspects of society...especially people that hold positions of authority and attempt to suppress those who question their merit--which is represented by the demonic-looking, three-bodied priest on the cover.
The overall theme of "Opiate" is anger and frustration with condescending authority figures. This definitely paves the road for the following album "Undertow." Though "Opiate" differs greatly from Tool's later works by being less puzzling and obscure, it holds its own in creativity and depth. The musical foundations are gruff and sharp. Danny's drumming is jaw-dropping and intense, as usual (however less extensive than in his later works). And Maynard's lyrics and vocals are the hot metal bar that brands this album into the listener's memory. His lyrics are well-thought and demonstrate his remarkable poetic ability and creativity; however they are less mature than that of his later works. Also his vocal melodies are ripened with his intense and versatile voice--sometimes melodic, sometimes whispering, and sometimes screaming. "Opiate" probably won't appeal as much to the casually curious observer, but certainly is a must have for Tool fans (die-hard or just interested). Though controversial, I would recommend "Opiate" to anyone who appreciates creative and thought-provoking music.
Free Music Review: Raw and intricate!
Hit: 5 Stars
1992 was a great year. Rage Against Machine released one of the greatest alternative CDs ever pressed with their S/T disc, Stone Temple Pilot put out "Core" and the grunge scene was in full swing, taking over the country.
Here comes a little band out of LA with a REALLY bad attitude that is very angry about something. Who would have thought a kid with a lisp, standing on a stage kicking out a "bob Marley wanna be mother f***er" from one of his shows would be where he is today. Yeah, that's Maynard James Keenan-- isn't it strange what 13 years can do?
So here we are, in the past, listening to an album that has since become a classic EP and I'm thinking that this, THIS is what I'm missing on my copy of Lateralus.
Raw, aggressive POWER! This is not the simplistic meanderings of a wanna be "mad at the world" numetal band, this EP has everything. It's technical, the riffs are great and Maynard's lyrics are as insightful as any other disc.
At the time this disc came out, I'm not really sure you could have compared it to anything else going on. While the band NOW wears its King Crimson influence on its sleeve, back when Opiate and Undertow ruled the world... I think you hear more of Henry Rollins' angry social awareness (maybe just a little more cynical than Rollins) and Jimmy Plant more than anything else on this disc, but Zeppelin was never this angry at anything in their lives.
A band that has silently influenced an entire generation of music (much like Queens of the Stone Age/Kyuss) began that journey in 1992 playing warehouses and small clubs and appearing to be almost human. Who would have thought that this EP was the same band that produced Lateralus and Aenima?
Free Music Review: An underrated masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
Opiate, though only a 7 song EP, remains one of my favorite CDs of all time as well as a great masterpiece of music that few people know about. This album is able to show all of Tool's raw power through only a few songs. The overall theme of the CD seems to be focused on a religious viewpoint, discussing individuals who use religion as a crutch and blindly follow it with no question, allowing others to interpret the religion for them.The CD begins with "Sweat", which reflects Tool's power in a significant way and is on the level with all of their singles. It then moves into "Hush", a song discussing censorship of music, and the singer's views on the subject. It's a song that manages humor and seriousness all at once. Track 3 "Part Of Me" takes hard rock to a completely new level that only Tool can do, as the song is great and full of energy.
This EP also contains 2 live tracks; "Cold And Ugly" and "Jerk-Off". Both display Tool's awesome live performance skills. The band is so on-key and tuned in both performances that both sound as if they were recorded in a studio. Both are full of power and emotion and keep the album flowing. The album's closing track "Opiate" brings the religious theme of the album into full perspective, from both a sarcastic and serious point of view. Following is the hidden track "The Gaping Lotus Experience", a humorous song about experience with drugs.
To sum it all up, if you're a fan of very hard rock with a meaning behind it, and are open-minded and thoughtful about your music, check this out. This is an album not to be missed. Also be sure to look into Tool's other 2 releases "Undertow" and "AEnima", both equally amazing.
Free Music Review: "Seems like I'm slipping into a dream within a dream..."
Hit: 5 Stars
Well, here it is: Tool's roots. All the blood, sweat, and tears of Maynard, Adam, Paul, and Danny, packed onto this 6-Song, 26-Minute EP for our listening pleasure. Even though it's short, you can really tell they worked hard on it. Of course, this would only be the beginning...Here's a track rundown:
1. Sweat: Great way to open Opiate, and is my favorite song on the album. Catchy, dark, and thought-provoking: this would soon prove to be the Tool standard. I believe it is about drug abuse.
2. Hush: Another winner. This track showcases Maynard's outstanding songwriting skills. It's about censorship and how silly it is. "People tell me what to say, what to think and what to play..." That's another great aspect of Tool: they encourage nonconformity.
3. Part Of Me: Good song, featuring great drumming by Danny Carey. Infectious little number, with a weird, but great vocal effect. Also has a couple of time changes.
4. Cold & Ugly (Live): "Somebody throw this Bob Marley wannabe [edit] out of here!" One of the album's two live tracks. However, the playing is so top-notch, it's pretty hard to tell. Superb vocals and guitar work.
5. J**k-Off (Live): You all know what the title is, I just don't know if you can say it here. Anyway, this one's got the best lyrics of the bunch. Definitely Tool's angriest song (at least lyric-wise).
6. Opiate: A good closer to the EP. Features Maynard's infamous anti-religion lyrics. Also listen up for the hidden song: it's pretty funny.
All in all, this is definitely a great way to feature the roots of the one and only Tool. I recommend it to anyone who just wants to hear something different than Wimp Bizkit.
"I know you better than I know myself..."
Free Music Review: The Beginning of Tool
Hit: 5 Stars
Here are the songs for tool's Opiate:1)Sweat - The best song on the album, Tool are really at there best here, this song is one where you can stand up and rock to it, or just sit down and enjoy. With motivating lyrics, booming drums and catchy guitar riffs "sweat" is an overall well-made song.(5 STARS)
2)Hush - I love this song, Maynard is making a strong point here. I'm pretty sure it is about censorship, judging by the lyrics and the video. And once again this also has a very catchy riff by Adam Jones. Oh yeah, it's great when Maynard goes F*** Yourself! For 10 seconds. Classic.(5 STARS)
3)Part of Me - Amazing drumwork by Danny, in this song he shows what a great drummer he is. But, the song is kind of a reflection of the two first songs. Different lyrics, but still there is a similar flow to the music.(4 STARS)
4)Cold and Ugly(Live) - My second favorite song on the CD. I can't believe this is Live! The drums, bass, and guitar work together perfectly. The music goes great with the singing, and Maynard at the beginning saying, "Throw that Bob Marley wannabe M***** F***** outta here."(5 STARS)
5)Jerk-Off(Live) - Again, I can't believe this is live. Maynard shows the type of vocals that he would later use on future albums. Like always, great job on the musical part as well.(5 STARS)
6)Opiate - Not your everyday tool. Kind of different, but still good. I do respect that every man has the right to an opinion. If you are going to like tool, then you must do the same. Also, the song at the end is hilarious!(4 STARS)
So go out and by this CD, if you are a fan of rock, then you won't be disappointed.