Formed in 1990, in Los Angeles, California (where dreams can come true!), the band consists of drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, vocalist Maynard James Keenan and current bassist is Justin Chancellor. Their sound has been described as heavy metal, thrash metal, alternative metal, progressive rock and finally; art rock. In my opinion, they are just old-fashioned head-banging rock. (And just what the hell is "art" rock?) Albums include: Undertow (1993), Ænima (1996), Lateralus (2001) and 10,000 Days (2006).

While some of their lyrics are slightly esoteric….(I fully admit that I don’t understand most of their meanings) I find myself in full air-guitar mode (à la Tom Cruise in Risky Business) and engaged in hardcore drumming on my steering wheel (despite perturbed looks from passing drivers……..Whatever….live a little…jeez) while listening to "Tool". For me, Tool is life-altering music. It makes my blood pound and my heart race. I cannot stop myself from singing aloud (at ear-splitting levels) when listening to Lateralus. Tool’s talent and artistry makes me long to feel a bass guitar hanging from my neck, or to be able to twirl those drum sticks like Danny Carey. (I listen to Lateralus as I write this, and my heart aches to be a rock goddess….*sigh*)

Let’s change the subject a bit…..and discuss the videos. I would give anything to see inside Adam Jone’s head for five minutes. (Adam Jones: the band manager and also video director.) What an absolute weirdo. How does he come up with that stuff? (Faceless, androgynous….beings?? Puking onto a table…in the shape of a circle? Oh my….somebody get that man a psychiatrist….and some meds…or perhaps less meds…I dunno…just do something for that poor guy) The "people" in the videos remind me of how a rotten apple looks…….I wonder if that’s where they got the idea for color-schemes and whatnot. In any case…………..I do find the videos comical in a disturbing way. One of their most startling videos is Prison Sex.

Until next time…..I recommend rocking out…with your…..well………..you know. ;)