Start of the song

[Marshall James Keenan]

What do think the sound at the beginning is? It sounds like an elevator to me, as if Maynard is saying "You are on your way up", or your are going to trancend. Im probably thinkg to much about it, but what do you guys think?

[bassplayerphillip]

I always figured it was a saw or something starting up, judging by the graphic on the CD, but that's a pretty cool theory you've got going. I'll listen again.

[magicbus]

It always sounded like an elevator to me as well. I haven't taken the time to consider what it might mean though :(

[benjamin]

I'm sure it's just, what ever recording device their using. One of maybe a few...?
I mean I'm sure it's proly goin strait into a computer too, but might also be recording onto the whole vinyl "master" ...

Peace.

[DrJones]

Yeah, it sounds like some sort of small electronic device. I always thought it was a sound along the lines of a vinyl starting up. Give an old school feeling then Danny kicks you in the face with BA drummin!

I also thought maybe a movie projector?? Don't know why, just sounds a bit like one!

[ELBAZ]

sonds like an elevator to me


maybe to shift you from one place to another

[Cheesegreater]

Yeah, it sounds like some sort of small electronic device. I always thought it was a sound along the lines of a vinyl starting up. Give an old school feeling then Danny kicks you in the face with BA drummin!

I also thought maybe a movie projector?? Don't know why, just sounds a bit like one!

Yeah, I've thought movie projector too. Like it could be Tool's way of saying sit back and enjoy the show!

[DrJones]

/\ *nods in thought provoked agreement*

[Arkham Asylum]

In my head, it's an elevator.
Accordingly, the album is supposed to be muzak.
For further explanation, check out the "Lateralus for the Cynic?" thread in this forum.

[Liam]

sounds like the hard drive of a portable media player spinning up.

[jevons]

Something set at a fixed point with a large fan accelerating around it. like a turbine.

á thank you

[Roffler]

Sounds like something starting up. What it is I find irrelevent.

That and it helps me tune the volume. Gotta make sure you're ready when they are.

[aussiemart]

It is an elevator sound sample ,,its the same elavater sound sample that is used in movies and some tv comercials,, ive heard it a few times on tv and thought the grudge was about to kick in:-)

[bewildered1]

They use this sound in the da vinci code at some point

[][ncognito]

I've never heard an elevator with such a high pitch before, and fast acceleration. Elevators I've been in have always had a low hum.

The sound always reminded me of an old style movie projector, or something similar starting up.

[FightingMonkey]

"I also thought maybe a movie projector?? Don't know why, just sounds a bit like one!
Yeah, I've thought movie projector too. Like it could be Tool's way of saying sit back and enjoy the show!"

That's exactly what I always thought, too. Well put!

[Opiate Son]

I always thought of it as an Elevator as well, some kind of Industrial one. All the other ideas sound plausible as well.

[justfar1086]

I heard the same sound in an episode of Clone Wars

[Repugnant Creature]

It sounds like an Otari 24 track 2 inch recorder. Feel the analog.