A Perfect Circle Blows Away "The Outsiders" With Thirteenth Step
Written: Jul 07 '04 (Updated Jul 07 '04)
Product Rating:
Pros: Keenan's beautiful voice, Howerdel's music, the lyrical genius that is A Perfect Circle.
Cons: Excuse me? I think not.
The Bottom Line: I absolutely recommend this album. Anyone can appreciate this music and it is far above the caliber of the popular garbage that is so popular.
afallenphoenix's Full Review: Thirteenth Step by A Perfect Circle
Summary
Ye Gods! I was turned on to A Perfect Circle by one of my good friends, and the instant I heard the CD, I was infatuated. After attending their concerts, I have nothing to say but that this is indisputably one of the greatest universally amazing bands ever. Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer, created A Perfect Circle as a sideproject from his other band, the legendary and equally amazing Tool. A Perfect Circle released their first album, Mer de Noms, and created a very strong and loyal following of Tool fans, sonic fans, and simply people with good taste.
After a few complications, including the departure of the former female bassist, Paz, A Perfect Circle rose again to release Thirteenth Step.
A Perfect Circle is(currently):
Maynard James Keenan: Vocalist (known for androgynous behavior and mysterious lack of appearance during concerts)
Billy Howerdel: Guitarist (also from Tool)
Josh Freese: Drums (from the Vandals)
Jeordie White: bass guitar
James Iha: guitar (legendary Smashing Pumpkins guitarist)
Thirteenth Step is a mellowed out version of Tool, with a certain air of Sonic Youth and other revelation bands.
Track One: The Package (A)
The Package has a rather militant sort of air to it, at least in the beginning, and it's the latest hit from APC. It features Keenans's usual hypnotic, stunning vocal performance, and Howerdel's mind-numbing music. It's almost meditative in its mellow yet strong power. Definitely a good track.
Clever got me this far
Then tricky got me in
Eye on what i'm after
I don't need another friend
Smile and drop the cliche
'Till you think I'm listening
I take just what I came for
Then I'm out the door again
Track Two: Weak And Powerless (A )
The first and most successful hit so far from this album, Weak and Powerless is absolutely flawless. The lyrics wrap themselves around your mind and sink in, while the music just flows so perfectly. Maynard and Howerdel show off their perfect chemistry in this song, and this single flew up the rock countdown in a matter of weeks.
Tilling my own grave to keep me level
Jam another dragon down the hole
Digging to the rhythm and the echo of a solitary siren
One that pushes me along and leaves me so...
Track Three: The Noose (A++)
Rarely do I dish out the A++ grade, considering it looks ridiculous, but this song is definitely deserving. The haunting lyrics, music, and Keenan's stirring voice make this song the epitome of perfect darkness. This song absolutely displays what makes this album so good.
So glad to see you well
Overcome and completely silent now
With heaven's help
You cast your demons out
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
To the dead
Track Four: Blue (A)
Amazing song, great lyrics, great music, this entire album is consistent, including this track. This is one of my favorites, it's a little less hard core, but still very good.
I close my eyes,
Ignore the smoke,
Ignore the smoke
Call it aftermath, she's turning blue
Such a lovely color for you
Call it aftermath, she's turning blue
While I just sit and stare at you
Track Five: Vanishing (A)
A very cool song, simple, but still amazing. It features echoing lyrics with a beautiful ethereal background. A nice transitional piece.
Disappear
Disappear
Higher
Higher
Into the air
Slowly disappear
No, no longer here
Track Six: A Stranger (A )
Here, APC comes back down to earth a little bit, but not by much. This is a bit more classic, but still maintains the hollow, echoing sound that is A Perfect Circle. The lyrics are particularly well written on this track.
Cast the calming apple
Up and over satellites
To draw out the timid wild one
To convince you it's alright
And I listen for the whisper
Of your sweet insanity while I formulate
Denials of your affect on me
Track Seven: The Outsider (B )
If A Perfect Circle ever wrote a bad song, this would be it. But it's still not bad at all, it's better than most of the crap we run across these days. It's more metal and fast-paced, which makes it pretty good, but it could use a little something that I can't quite put my finger on.
You're lying to yourself again
Suicidal imbecile
Think about it, put it on the faultline
What'll it take to get it through to you precious
Over this. Why do you wanna throw it away like this
Such a mess. I don't want to watch you.
Track Eight: Crimes (A)
Just a transition song, about 2 minutes long, short stuff by Tool or APC standard. Maynard's just counting and Howerdel and the band are working it out.
Track Nine: The Nurse Who Loved Me (A)
Strange song, although it's very good. Maynard's strange and very unique personality is displayed through the lyrics in this song, especially.
I'm taking her home with me all dressed in white
She's got everything I need pharmacy keys
She's falling hard for me I can see it in her eyes
She acts just like a nurse with all the other guys
Track Ten: Pet (A )
At this point, APC becomes a bit darker, and more wicked, joining this song and the following together as Pet and Lullaby, a mindwarping chant-like mantra. Here you see a bit more of their musical capabilities, and the strength that the band really has. The lyrics are very interesting...
Don't fret precious I'm here, step away from the window
Go back to sleep
Lay your head down child
I won't let the boogeyman come
Counting bodies like sheep
To the rhythm of the war drums
Track Eleven: Lullaby (B )
The continuation of the previous track, Lullaby is a rather spooky drum filler with an interesting disembodied voice.
Track Twelve: Gravity (A-)
Here, as the final track, APC returns to its usual feel of spacey, sonic, thoughtful darkness. Maynard soothingly sings the floaty lyrics that accompany the song, and this song seems to sweep you off your feet to another dimension.
Lost again
Broken and weary
Unable to find my way
Tail in hand
Dizzy and clearly unable to
Just let this go
I am surrendering to the gravity and the unknown
Catch me heal me lift me back up to the sun
I choose to live
Overview
This album is FLAWLESS. A top notch job by A Perfect Circle, they have managed to create a transporting device for the brain. There is not a single flaw that I can point out, Thirteenth Step is one of the greatest albums I have had the chance to sample.
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