Tool And Drugs

[Torthlert]

(sorry this is a long post...read if you'd like)

I think after one listens to TOOL for long enough, they realize that; "Hey...there's something different about this band. How come I can listen to the same albums DAY in and DAY out without EVER getting bored or tired of the music. What keeps them so novel, with such a small catalogue of material (considering how long they've been around)."

Well first and foremost, in the sense of musical philosophy, I think that once you break it down enough, there is a RIGHT and a WRONG way to write a song. TOOL, works hard to make sure that once they've got the Right idea, they've got the RIGHT song. That's why they are so patient with releasing their material.

Here's how Tool writes their music:
A. They get in to an honest, from the heart, state of mind (not to mention the fact that they all seem to be in top physical shape).
B. They jam from that space within themselves.
C. Record the jams.
D. Each one of them individually listens to the jams and takes notes of what parts make their hairs stand on end (in a good way)!
E. They compare notes to decide which parts to keep.

At this part, you could make an analogy to a Gold Miner. A Gold miner takes a bunch of Rocks (The 'Jamming' process), pans and sifts through them (recording the jam, taking notes), until he eventually finds just what he's been looking for; GOLD (the finished song).

So in the beginning. The Gold Miner has no idea how much Gold will be in the Rock (Tool doesn't know what to expect, only what they hope to achieve), but there is certainly a difference between GOLD and DIRT (Right and Wrong way to write a song) once the panning is finished.

Basically, this is why Tool's music comes off as being PERFECT (well, as perfect as a band could be in this day in age). All of their parts have been well sifted, to find that musical GOLD for our ears (and TOOL's ears) to enjoy.

Now...if you've read this far...let me get to my point.

If you've reached this understanding of Tool's music, then the next question is, "Well...where does this 'dirt' for the jam come from in the first place? What inspires them, and creates such a universal language through their rhythms and melodies? What's the SECRET?"

Their SECRET (and this goes for all other finely polished works of art, technology, science, religion, etc...) is the Psychedelic Mind. Boddhi mind, Buddahhead, Godhead, Hyperspace, 4th dimension...call it what you want; TOOL is one of the most PERFECTLY ARTICULATED PSYCHEDELIC BANDS EVER ('End of Fucking Story!" as Bill Hicks would say).

However, in order to be such a successful band, these guys are NOOOO junkies. They understand the difference between psychedelics, and all other 'DRUGS'. They take them very seriosuly, and take them correctly.

So while I'm sure some of the guys in the band DO, or HAVE, or WILL smoke pot, they def. are not "pot heads". All of us pothead TOOL fans know, that it truly is "difficult to dance 'round this one (life/responsibilities/spirituality/novelty) till you pull it out' (get your pot habit under control).

This song is very political, but that's only HALF of the story. All Governments are lying cocksuckers, and should be condemed for it ("those living for death, will die by their own hands" APC).

However, when He says "Kangaroo be stoned, he's guilty as the government." Here, Maynard is addressing the Hypocritical nature of Potheads (junkies, etc...) to point their finger at the Government (biting the hand that Truly feeds them). 'PotHeads' are just as counter-productive towards the progressive evolution of humanity's collective state as the Government is. Also, the weed that is purchased by most consumers, is trickled down from the ($)Pyramid($) of the Government's total control over the black market (why WOULDN'T a Govt. have their hands all over the top CASH CROP IN THE WORLD? Wake up call! 'Bob marley want-to-be-mother-fuckers'). So in a sense, potheads are SUPPORTING the GOVERNMENT that they so ARROGANTLY POINT THEIR FINGER AT. That is unless of course, you grow your own ;).

So the song is about All Hypocrites in general, and how out of Touch with reality they are.

That's my interpretation.

-T

P.S. And for those of you wanting to get your habit under control, and witness the benifits of not smoking so much, check out this clip from Paris, France on June 28, 2006.

http://www.collectiveunconscious.org/06_0628a.mp3

"Can't do THIS if you smoke...screaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmm!" -Fucking Awesome!

[lemonlateralus]

Fabulous post and great idea...though i am still unsure of the use of lsd in their song writing.I think they mainly follow teachings such as sacred geometry in the song writing process...or at least danny does.

[Torthlert]

I agree...TOOL pulls inspiration from MANY different sources.

It may be worth your while however, to check out the last response Maynard gives to the interviewer in this recent clip from Germany:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbBlzRzO1tM

"I think I just did way too much Acid in highschool..."

Also check this out:

http://www.collectiveunconscious.org/06_0628a.mp3

"Can't do this if you smoke...yeeeeeeaaaaaaahhhh!!!!!!"

-T

[Carny_Handles]

holy shit that was a killer scream... he should have coughed afterwards to be funny.

oh, and i agree with this post. Its pretty well known that some of the members dabble in psychedelics.

[Boof]

Good post.. but do the goverment have total control of the black market?? So if i buy some weed i am supporting the goverment? yea right..

[blood_wh0re]

They understand the difference between psychedelics, and all other 'DRUGS'. They take them very seriosuly, and take them correctly.

please don't idealize a drippy trippy hippy Psychedelic Garden of Eden
a romanticized past that never existed to begin with
a mythical fountain of eternal inspiration that nobody can seem to find

very seriously and very correctly taking psychedelics? how so?

it's hard enough to relate to the world and finding a place for yourself within it, and that is without being a functioning psychedelic user with eyes resembling burnt out light bulbs

psychedelics, as well as all other drugs, are as safe as the ocean

[Torthlert]

please don't idealize a drippy trippy hippy Psychedelic Garden of Eden
a romanticized past that never existed to begin with
a mythical fountain of eternal inspiration that nobody can seem to find

very seriously and very correctly taking psychedelics? how so?

it's hard enough to relate to the world and finding a place for yourself within it, and that is without being a functioning psychedelic user with eyes resembling burnt out light bulbs

psychedelics, as well as all other drugs, are as safe as the ocean

You're reacting to me as if I've said. "Psychedelics are THE WAY."

And while I respect everyone's opinions, I find yours just a bit absurd?

(could be wrong) Sounds like you have a negative association with Pyschedelics? It's ok, most of the world does. That's why they are illegal, and stay illegal.

They are a gamble. Without pure intent in mind, as to where you want to go with psychedelics, you're certainly playing a game of Jungian russian roulette.


Of course TOOL knows this, and I'm sure they've "dabbled all the way down, up to their necks soon to drown."

But they've found their center, and didn't "chew it up and leave." They trust themselves. And with that heart center at full attention, with intentions, psychedelic voyaging is safe, inspirational, and gloriously terrifying.

I tried my best to make a post that was as objective as possible, so as to avoid dualism. Obviously, it didn't work.

Why on earth, do people like you, have to come and bring your bad day around on these message boards? Relax, psychedelics aren't for you. Who cares!

and again...THEY ARE NOT THE ONLY INSPIRATION FOR TOOL. It's just one of their SECRETS.

Now...a bubble in my stomach which presented itself as a lovely fart, has turned in to a nerf-quick-shot of liquid turd. Time to change the undies.

Peace.

[Torthlert]

Good post.. but do the goverment have total control of the black market?? So if i buy some weed i am supporting the goverment? yea right..

As i said in the post above, "...unless of course you grow your own ;)"

and while i'm at it i may add, "...unless of course the source you got it from grew it themselves."

Tough life, eh?

[44&4]

What I want to know is why, even though EVERY SINGLE TOOL SONG that mentions the use of chemicals ends in a negative way, some donkey has to come along and say that they are promoting drug use. Now I'm not talking about the experimental time of most peoples' lives called "college". We've all (who've got past that age) had times of "indescretion", and the guys in the band are admittedly no different, but to say that they are endorsing salvia by calling their release "Salival", or saying "Third Eye" is a positive song about drug use is ridiculous (among others). Someone please cite one (1) positive song from TOOL that contains references to or are chemically themed!

[Torthlert]

What I want to know is why, even though EVERY SINGLE TOOL SONG that mentions the use of chemicals ends in a negative way, some donkey has to come along and say that they are promoting drug use. Now I'm not talking about the experimental time of most peoples' lives called "college". We've all (who've got past that age) had times of "indescretion", and the guys in the band are admittedly no different, but to say that they are endorsing salvia by calling their release "Salival", or saying "Third Eye" is a positive song about drug use is ridiculous (among others). Someone please cite one (1) positive song from TOOL that contains references to or are chemically themed!

First of all, are you serious? (third eye, rosetta stoned)?

Second of all, this goes to everyone. Stop getting so hung up on agreeing or disagreeing. Let's get somewhere with our thoughts.

No one ever said in this entire post that the band was PROMOTING the usage of drugs...only that the psychedelic experience is quite possibly an important inspiration for the band.

Also, the hypocrite issue, which no one seems to be addressing. Everyone is getting hung up on 'drugs'. Educate yourself, or fuck off.

-Beef

[implandnoises]

(sorry this is a long post...read if you'd like)

I think after one listens to TOOL for long enough, they realize that; "Hey...there's something different about this band. How come I can listen to the same albums DAY in and DAY out without EVER getting bored or tired of the music. What keeps them so novel, with such a small catalogue of material (considering how long they've been around)."

Well first and foremost, in the sense of musical philosophy, I think that once you break it down enough, there is a RIGHT and a WRONG way to write a song. TOOL, works hard to make sure that once they've got the Right idea, they've got the RIGHT song. That's why they are so patient with releasing their material.

Here's how Tool writes their music:
A. They get in to an honest, from the heart, state of mind (not to mention the fact that they all seem to be in top physical shape).
B. They jam from that space within themselves.
C. Record the jams.
D. Each one of them individually listens to the jams and takes notes of what parts make their hairs stand on end (in a good way)!
E. They compare notes to decide which parts to keep.

At this part, you could make an analogy to a Gold Miner. A Gold miner takes a bunch of Rocks (The 'Jamming' process), pans and sifts through them (recording the jam, taking notes), until he eventually finds just what he's been looking for; GOLD (the finished song).



I would like to polish up your nice analogy if I may. The gold is the parts of the jam worth using. But the finished song is the gold molded into a beautiful statue.

[Torthlert]

I would like to polish up your nice analogy if I may. The gold is the parts of the jam worth using. But the finished song is the gold molded into a beautiful statue.

Yes.

Said it better than I.

[44&4]

Torthlert, wasn't aiming that AT you. Just expected a whole slew of people going "see, told ya so!"

What's positive about either 3rd Eye or Rosetta Stoned? Of course the 3rd Eye thing could take several threads on its own and no doubt already has, but the short version is that you CAN'T "pry" open the 3rd eye, ie-find enlightenment, higher conciousness, etc... It has to be reached naturally, and worked for , and earned. I think the song clearly demonstrates that. As for RS, is being so tripped out that you MAY have encountered extraterrestrials, COULD have been given the key to understanding the nature of the universe, the meaning of life, the "secrets of our ending", etc.. but DON"T KNOW 'cuz you were too busy chemically prying open your third eye really all that great? Not only that, but shitting the bed? C'mon, even Timothy Leary would say that, well, "stinks"! I'm sure you, like most folks have heard of the Rosetta Stone. Why name the song after it, slightly modified though it is, if there wasn't some hint of "truth" to the story? I did say those songs portrayed drug use, just not in the shiny-happy way alot of folks here would like it.

[Torthlert]

44&4...these are my OPINIONS,

I personally (and i'm sure you, as well) don't think that TOOL acts immaturily at all. They don't support the use of psychedelics publicly, nor do they condemn it. However, they leave their music as a companion/tool for the psychedelic state. And yes, their music is a companion/tool FOR ANY STATE...however, I do believe, that they have left aside special intent in each song (i'm talking studio albums) to cater to the psychedelic mind.

I doubt those guys are still sitting around, taking little hits of paper on their tongue while staring at fractal books, listening to Jerry Garcia/David Grisman, and having orgies.

(and) OF COURSE psychedelics AREN'T THE WAY. They are but rocket fuel, jet-propelling us in a breif 15 secdon-20 hour window of what COULD BE if one was to change their ways. And in that aspect, they are HIGHLY positive. Even the psychedelics themselves will tell you, "you can do this without me."

The hippy-trippy-dippy-slippy connotation with psychedelics really aggrivates me. So if that's how you intrepreted my opinions, sorry for coming off as one of those losers.

-Billy

P.S. This is another opinion I have that many friends of mine disagree on: I think that EVERY tool song is positive. Not like fresh flowers, bunny rabbits, and sugar plumb positive. Purgative Positive: Ever become extremely naseaus, vomited, then felt AMAZING??? That CATHARTIC form of positivity/growth, every TOOL song seems to convey, is what I'm talking about.

Oh...and P.S.S. How come every time you take an un-tangled pair of headphones and drop them in a bag, they come out hours later with about 15 knots in em? The most obnoxious shit EVER!

[44&4]

First, as I said, wasn't aiming at you. Call it a pre-emptive "shushing" if you will. I will agree that Tool's music, on one level, plays to expanded states of conciousness. I might disagree in the terminology you choose, as the term "psychedelic" was coined to explain exclusively the results of the use of that family of drugs.

I also agree that something positive can be taken from all of Tool's music, even if it's how NOT to do something. I should have specified that in that instance, I was referring to the narrative portion of the songs, as in the "story" being told.

As far as the headphone thing, well, I guess if we used psychedelics, we might be able to see the little creatures (called "gneeches" btw) that get into our bags and put all those knots in the cords. Those little fuckers live to be obnoxious!

[ShIzZ]

I think Tool is great enough that you don't have to enhance the experience with drugs, but it doesn't hurt.

[Torthlert]

TOOL's music produces a high just as unique and fulfilling as any drug.

[AlcheMilla]

[QUOTE=44&4;1434457
What's positive about either 3rd Eye or Rosetta Stoned? ....

I so agree, Rosetta Stoned is really a tragicomical portrayal about someone beeing so lost in drugs that EVEN if he might have been dealt the Truth of the entire universe he was so fucked up he can't even remember it, even less process it...

..and for every one who has reached higher spiritual levels on drugs, there is an army of loosers that are facing a too early grave, literally, emotionally and/or intellectually.

[stevejols]

Yeah I don't think tool gets fucked up too often. I could be wrong but I think they just eat acid sometimes and get to places without drugs. Pot feels good but doesn't do that much for you. Acid probably is the way. Eat it once or twice a year, make sure it is good, then let it go.

[YoMamma]

In regards to the song making a connection between the government and weed: "Also, the weed that is purchased by most consumers, is trickled down from the ($)Pyramid($) of the Government's total control over the black market (why WOULDN'T a Govt. have their hands all over the top CASH CROP IN THE WORLD? Wake up call! 'Bob marley want-to-be-mother-fuckers')".

This connection could be made about anything. For example, regarding weed, the purchase of materials to grow it.
1. A potential grower will go into a store, buy the pots, lamps, fertilizers, tubing (hydro), fans, etc. Each of these items will be taxed (there's a government connection).
2. Potential customer drives his/her car to their "supplier" (paying tax for the gas, gov connection #2).
3. Pothead than goes home and plays songs from their favorite Tool album, therefore using electricity (gov taxed - connection #3).

.....basically, I don't agree with the assertion that the government controls the black market. That doesn't mean that I believe they're hands aren't in the pot (so to speak), but they most definitely don't control it. Governments are able to steal far more wealth through "legal" means.

I believe the song could be refering to the fact that many of the anti-pot advocates out there (such as government spokespeople) are often just as high on other drugs. For example, Bush is known to have used coke.

The line "Got lemon juice up in your eye When you pissed all over my black kettle"...as in the pot calling the kettle black, could mean the hypocrite often feels the sting of their own empty words.

'Course, I'm just new hear, so what do I know?

Ultimately, the song fuckin rocks, possibly my favorite from the entire album.

[YoMamma]

Also, looks like I can't spell (at least gramatically)....."Course, I'm just new hear (here), so what do I know? "

It's my first post, give me a break.

[ThirdEyEwidEopEn]

"So in a sense, potheads are SUPPORTING the GOVERNMENT that they so ARROGANTLY POINT THEIR FINGER AT."

ROFLMAO, ok so all these college kids who sell and smoke weed are all getting their weed from the govt ooooooooook. I find this hard to believe they couldnt get their hands on everyones stash, have you ever heard of GROWERS? Yea sure maybe they have dipped into the schwagg game or something, but you really think their gonna get into the heady nuggets fuck no. They dont want you on weed, they want you on their god damn pharmys that they pump on tv everyday of your life. You know youve got a sympton so what will it be? Zoloft? Xanax? Prozac? Cialus? Viagra? The list is infinite. I think Bill Hicks once said, "yea they dont want you on the good drugs, the ones that will make you see everyday that youve been getting FUCKED your whole life no" , here have a riddlin and go about your day being a happy law abiding citizen, baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[ThirdEyEwidEopEn]

"I think Tool is great enough that you don't have to enhance the experience with drugs, but it doesn't hurt."

Yea no shit take 3 hits of lsd and listen to aenima from start to finish and you wont be dissappointed trust me. To this day still my favorite album, maybe its because I had so many experiences whilst listening to it.

[ThirdEyEwidEopEn]

"No, I don't do drugs anymore, either. But I'll tell you something about drugs. I used to do drugs, but I'll tell you something honestly about drugs, honestly, and I know it's not a very popular idea, you don't hear it very often anymore, but it is the truth: I had a great time doing drugs. Sorry. Never murdered anyone, never robbed anyone, never raped anyone, never beat anyone, never lost a job, a car, a house, a wife or kids, laughed my ass off, and went about my day"


I can remember the first time I heard BH, what a great day that fucking was lemme tell ya. What about you>?

[Aunt Acid]

I don't agree that there is a "right" or "wrong" way to write a song, because if we knew the "right" way, everybody would do it like that.

[Aunt Acid]

So while I'm sure some of the guys in the band DO, or HAVE, or WILL smoke pot, they def. are not "pot heads". All of us pothead TOOL fans know, that it truly is "difficult to dance 'round this one (life/responsibilities/spirituality/novelty) till you pull it out' (get your pot habit under control).


What the fuck does that mean? I don't think that is a good interperetation of that line, honestly, and I may be mistaken, but at least one person in Tool smokes pot at least once a day, I guarentee it. I smoke 1 bowl, throughout the day. Few hits in the morning, a bit in the afternoon, and the rest at night. Pot is spiritual and does A LOT for me. It is my sacrament, and I'm sure the dudes in Tool look at it like a sacrament as well. I'm doing fine in life, I'm responsible, I'm spiritual. There's no "novelty" in smoking pot. It's not really a 'habit' and it's not out of control. Not everyone who smokes can't handle themselves. If the line means that to you, that's fine. Just don't diss potheads, and don't be silly: The dudes in Tool fucking TOKE DOWN. I'm sure.

[ToolKlouD]

dont you think that since tool is rich that they have a shit load of money to do whatever drugs they want, whenver they want. these guys are not retarded. music is a representation. and in it they are representing themselves. tool does drugs! they are not junkies. this is becuase unlike most of you, they have control over themselves. its not about tring to be cool, or just get fucked up. its about using the drugs for there correct purpose.

[Ardhanarishvara]

IMO the difference between the way tool use drugs and most other bands is. many bands use drugs because drugs have been glorified by rock culture, they see drugs as the musical instrument. whereas when i listen to tool, i feel like they understand the need for control, purpose and restraint. To me it seems tool use drugs to reach new environments/change their surrounds in which to create music (like climbing to the peak of everest, or camping in the amazon) They never lose sight of the fact that THEY are the ones creating the music and not the drugs.

just my speculation, and i really really want to believe it :P