10,000 Days by Tool (2006-05-10)

First off, this music is INTENSE. Listening to this album for the first time left me exhausted (in a good way). With that being said, it should be obvious that it isn't for everyone. But that's true for any Tool album.Many anthropologists and philosophers (i.e., Douglas Hofstadter, et.al.) have suggested that what separates humans from the other hominids is our ability to recognize very complex patterns. You'll find more reasons to celebrate your humanity on this album than just about any other album I can think of. If you 'get' this album on first listening, your 'pattern recognition software' is much better than the average human.It took me several replays to begin to hear and to appreciate the marvelous intricacies of this amazing album. Of course, I can speak only for myself - you may have your 'Aha!' moment much sooner than I did. But, believe me, this album is worth the time and effort.As I said in another review I've been listening to progressive rock since King Crimson (Red, Lark's Tongue in Aspic, etc.), early Pink Floyd, Armageddon (Keith Relf's group) and many others. It has been quite a while since I've heard anything in this genre that I have enjoyed as much as Tool.If you are a fan(atic) of progressive rock, perhaps even an old 'head' like me, you should definitely give Tool listen. I doubt you'll be disappointed.Edit: BTW, 10,000 days is a little over 27 years. That is approximately the number of years in a Saturn Return (look it up). To those that follow astrology, a Saturn Return denotes a period in a person's life when they are getting rid of a lot of 'baggage', or 'throwing out all of the garbage' that has cluttered up their life, to make way for a 'new start'. Knowing that might help shed some light on some of the lyrics.(Saturn Return is actually the subject of the song 'The Grudge' on "Lateralus". You should check it out.)Why do I seem to forget stuff in my reviews and have to go back and add it later? My only excuse is that I'm over 23,000 days old. We'll just leave it at that. Peace.

Finally after fans wait 5 years Tool releases their 5th full length album. 10,000Days is almost as adventurous as Laturalus but a bit more mystical. I might say that this album has the power to keep you listening! Every single track is over 7 minutes long. They are empowered by a metallic tempest that sweeps you along through each song as it enhances your mood more and more. Filled with powerful lyrics as Maynard James Keenan intended there to be. Listen to it a few times and I guarantee you that it will blow your mind!!! The combined case/booklet and 3D glasses is the sure way to entertain your brain. As you go through listening to the album you can go through the 3D pictures. There is a 3D glasses warning on the case that's a riot!! Don't judge or overlook this Tool album because they really made one hell of a comeback here with this album! Plus it also contains the hit single "The Pot!" Don't miss out!!! Owning this particular Tool album is a must!!!!

For those wondering, this ($11) disc has the cool packaging with the glasses. There is another version of this CD on Amazon that shows the glasses and packaging in the product picture, and is more than double the cost of this one ($27!), but they are the same thing!Onto the music - well, remember how I was talking about the cost? In some ways it is kind of irrelevant because this is one of the best albums of all time, and I am not sure how much this album would have to cost for me to not buy it. Perhaps I would have purchased the more expensive one if I knew the difference went right to Tool. I want to help Maynard pay for his mobile data so he can abuse us on Twitter. Lol.

Tool is one of those bands that in my ear will never cease to amaze me. I enjoy their sonic art as much as their visual aesthetics, although some of the music videos really creep me out.10,000 Days holds something special for me because it helped me get out of a crippling depression that had me contemplating suicide every time I laid down to go to sleep. This music helped me get through the darkest of times and reminded me that I am not alone suffering in this world. Everyone has their own problems, and having a band translate that specific feeling into music is why I love them so much. Thank you Tool for existing and playing music.

Come on how can any so called tool fan not enjoy this?!?!? Or for that matter any hard rock music fan?!?! Tool goes beyond your radio cut one song cookie cutter acts that pollute the modern music scene- that's why so many old rock bands are still relevant today , the so called rock music today is pop crap. Tool came along in the early 90s and I haven't stopped following their music, they stay true to their form and yet grow. Now if I have to explain the depth, complexities, of their time signatures, meanings of lyrics and overall musical talents then you have no business looking at this album or any other by tool. This a great production that must be listened to in its entirety- all tracks are are one and support each other although they can stand alone they are stronger together. I applauded Tool for staying off of iTunes where albums are picked apart for a buck and not appreciated as a complete work of art but then again not too many bands are producing such complete music. GREAT ALBUM PLEASE ENJOY!!!!

This is album is for sure a heavy hitter. No joke: it's on par with Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon for people who really like to get into their music--to hear it; feel it; absorb it and be absorbed by it. A lot of Tool fans panned this album (I heard) but no one who has watched and appreciated their progression will let this one go without a piece of them going with it. Wings 1 & 2 are amazing. Close your eyes and drink it in: a grown man crying out for the lose of his mother to cancer and his entreaty to heaven to accept her. The feels. Jambi, Rosetta Stoned, so good. I could go on but I'm going to go listen to it now and and need to focus.