Huge respect to Josh Freese, the drummer - and one of the best drummers to fly around the circuit. Check out the range of bands he's worked with: APC, Nine inch nails; Evanescence; The Offspring; Queens of the stone age; Weezer; Paramore; Bruce Sprinsteen; and more
This album is full of songs that invoke these feelings. It's a master class in less is more and fantastic engineering. It takes you to some dark places but also leaves you with resolution.
back when i was an addict (i have recovered), anytime i had to go to my dealer, i listened to this song which described my situation EXACTLY!!! now i listen to this song to remind me of the terrible position i had put my self in. this is an amazing song
Congrats on recovery! I am about to hit 4 years since my last pill and I give a lot of credit to this album for helping me get through the hardest parts
Josh Freese is a legendary drummer. I love the displaced beat through the big chorus section between the two bridges. The way he throws in crashes on sometimes the real downbeat and sometimes the displaced downbeat really gives you a fluid sense of the rhythm and makes you question where the "one" is. What a great track overall. As others have said, Thirteenth Step is all about addiction. Symbolic of the first step you make after the 12-step program, with the individual steps able to be kind of loosely shoehorned into each track thematically. This track is a little more obvious with its themes on the surface: making small talk with a dealer, the general power of addiction, the isolation it brings, using people to get your fix, so and so on. This was one of my pivotal albums back in high school along with Mer de Noms. It was really a treat to watch this reaction.
Apc is amazing you should do “ The Noose “ powerful song everyone finds their own meaning in it . Fun fact / Personal note ... I got the best introduction to them ever . On the NIN Fragility Tour was a band I’d never heard of opening for them . This dude with super long hair singing sounding so familiar like the guy from tool , music was cool , guitars were amazing , drums excellent , bass tight and menacing , by the third song which was a Cure cover I realized wait that is MJK in a wig oh shit ! Freebie Bonus ! They were great that night and later on tour for this album they took up another 99 notches. BTW Hope you get your rotator cuff taken care of while your gone man . Been there done that and it sucks for sure !
I was at a show on this tour. dosed an eighth of boomers b4 show, then snuck another eighth, on a pb&j sammie, in my undies, into the show. It was fun @_@
Music is such a strong and mysterious form of expression. It somehow manages to sync its listener with their emotions and inner peace/conflict in such a unique way that it makes it futile to explain the phenomenon with words. I am confident that you already know what I am talking about because we all experienced it at some degree in our lives if we took the time to listen those crafted sound-waves with our heart. Music is such a powerful tool that can lift you up when you are down and can sink you even further if you are feeling sad. This is why music can be perceived as a tool that, if used well by the individual, gives the option to shape your OWN soundtrack of life throughout the hardest adversities. I love you all
This is the song that hooked me on a perfect circle. Such a good opening track. When this album came out I became convinced that they were not just Maynard’s side band. Forever a fan!
:) I was not a fan of this album but I went to the concert and when I saw him perform this song, I was hooked. He looked like a guy needing his drugs. It was amazing
The Package is one Helluva Banger opening to one of the Best Damn Records, to put it mildly!! It's in my CD player rather frequently. Thanks Geebz, have a fabulous day!
I totally get what you mean by "theater of the mind"! Whenever I hear my favorite songs it evokes powerful imagery in my mind's eye. Thats why I started making music videos for all these songs, because I need to express visually how they make me feel ❤
I've definitely made mental music videos for songs in the past, and sometimes a real one comes out after what I imagine and I often go "no no no you did it worng!" lol, although sometimes they actually do something close to what I picture, and rarely they do it better lol
3 года назад
@@Fenthule lol yeah making videos takes lots of patience and introspection, but I love making them!
Song ends: Geebz long pause, "The use of music as an art form for expression ... is enldess" Dude. Gotta love you. Be safe and best of luck on your tratment!
Amazing introduction to a beautiful album! Love how the song takes time to unravel, and has this intriguing vibe until the brutal last part. And this bass sound!!!!
Thank you for doing this one! It's probably my favorite APC song. And you be careful with that shoulder! Take it easy! I really hope the last Tool track is Ænima. I don't believe you've done that one yet. 😊
@@L33PL4Y you're very welcome! With the way the world is today, it's always good to spread joy and positive vibes. Glad I was able to spread some joy your way! ✌️
One of my desert island albums- it’s perfect top to bottom. I thought I knew this track like the back of my hand, but you always bring fresh insight. Thank you so much!! Love your channel.
This song was such a perfect choice to be the opening track of the album. It sets the tone and pulls you straight in. Whenever I listen to it these days I am always instantly transported back to the late months of 2003, to those long, dark and cold evenings in a tiny rented flat in the south of Poland where I lived at the time with the love of my life and when the outer world was just an unnecessary addition to her and me. It evokes so many feelings and emotions... It always pulls my soul to this dark and unnamed yet comfortable place where I just feel myself. It warms my heart we share similar feelings of this song evoking theatre of the mind as you beautifully put it. Really can’t wait for the Tool video now and thank you for being you Geebz.
There is not really a bad choice when it comes to A Perfect Circle. I love this Song ....Would love to see your reaction to A Perfect Circle - The Noose or Counting Bodies Like Sheep To The Rhythm Of The War Drum.... Also not giving up on Jason Richardson and Luke Holland - Ho's Down .. ✌😁🤙🎶 I'm still here ....Awwwright !! And very happy to hear bout your newly invigorated passion for music and hope you the best in all that you do. Thank you for helping me listen to music deeper and help me rediscover songs that I've listen to for years .
I just love the changes in The Package, I tend to focus on vocals and think this is one of Maynards most beautiful performances, I love the whole album though, the subtlety of the song is simply gorgeous 🤘🦇🤘
Their first two albums are the best recorded rock albums I've heard, bar none. The drums are perfect to my ears -- giant kick, monstrous snare, musical and full toms -- I just love it. And that bass tone is everything I want in a bass recording. Everything has its own space and it's just ... It's perfect.
I love that you mentioned the controlled anxiety vibe in his voice in this track. To me this is one of Maynard's best vocal performances for all the little inflections he puts in his voice and how well it matches the theme of the song (which I interpret to be about a dude trying to score a fix of some addictive substance). Such a great performance. And I don't want to diminish the rest of the band at all because everything is so fantastic on here. This whole album is very heavy on the addiction references, even the title of it. It comes up a lot on all sorts of Maynard's works of course, but I think it's the whole album in this case. Another great pick from your comments section!
His "anxiety under control" part of the performance couldn't be more on point. Considering the song is about the nature of how someone trying to score perceives themselves and those around them. You would think you would be anxious and under control at the same time while doing said activity. So, no, it wasn't off the mark or anything. You were very astute.
Finally! ❤❤❤ I've been waiting for this moment almost the whole year (suggesting it in the meantime)! I knew it would be great journey and experience for you, because of... many reasons (which you have revealed) and subtleties in this song. Like "intimacy" of the singing here - so close to mic that you can hear almost every breath of MJK... Man, I love you. As for me, you are one of the brightest person on the world, lighting up my days, with so much passion and knowledge knowing and commenting my favorite songs. For me that are great moments. All the best for you and your family. Stay health. Best regards from Poland!
Yeaaah!!! So damn good! Thank you! Now we need you to check out "Pet" and then (in this order... lol) "So Long and Thanks For All the Fish" Still here! Keep the jams spinnin!
The 13th step is when a 12th step alumni becomes a predator ...latches on to a new 1st step member and uses and exploits them in any manner of ways . It is a concept record and addiction plays heavily , but also corruption , denial, wolf in sheep’s clothing , gaslighting , the whole dark side of the human condition under a vail of hope and strength they would be seen from the outsiders perspective.
Actually, that's not what the 13th Step is about.13th Step is the question of "what comes after the 12 step program?" The program pretends like it's the cure-all for addiction and sends you back into the world all perfect and new, but that's anything but true. This album goes through all different perspectives on and experiences with addiction and leaves you wondering what's next for the addict.
@@L33PL4Y So the definition has been co-opted . Can’t say I’m surprised . That makes sense as well thanks . I’ll stand with my personal interpretation in the 2nd sentence onward though as it still fits in the humanity of either .
Geebz, this entire album, Thirteenth Step, is about dealing with addiction. It's the 13th step after a 12 step program. Specifically this song is dealing with sex addiction, as the lyrics deal with him saying and doing whatever he needs to hoodwink a girl. Artistically, the song is a long build (wining and dining the girl) then a powerful release (feeding the monster) then a whisper outro (falling asleep). Keep up the great work.
That's certainly one interpretation, but it could be almost any type of addiction, really. The lyrics are about pretending to genuinely care about somebody, when all you're really occupied with is getting your fix through them. So it could also be somebody supplying you with weed, coke, heroin, whatever, doesn't have to be about sex.
@@Christopher-md7tf have to agree as someone who had quite a few family members and friends go through this. The song can apply to ANY type of addiction.
The album name is also a reference to thirteenth steppers who are 12-step program veterans who take advantage of newbies who have barely had any time in sobriety. They're predators that prey on the most vulnerable members of the program.
As a former member of NA (narcotics anonymous), and also a former manipulative egoist, I tend to agree heavily with the dual interpretations presented here. I initially felt this song was steeped in a very dark possessive/manipulative and sexually aggressive mood. After considering the albums main themes I realized the lyrics here are likely meant to be about "scoring" (a one night stand, or the drug of choice). I think it's purposely designed to draw a comparison between the 2.
This whole album is amazing. Big APC fan here, seen them live in 2006 (NZ) seems a lifetime ago now. Always felt they weren’t as big as they should be. Thanks for this one. Can you please do some more Muse from Absolution or Origin of Symmetry albums ☺️
I want to comment more, but my favorite part is how heavy it gets at the end, so intense it sounds like the whole thing is going to fall apart, then they tighten it up into perfection. As I type this Geebz is saying the same thing but in better words. Keep up the amazing work Geebz.
This entire album is about addiction. It got me through a really dark time in my life when I was suffering from addiction myself. It made me feel like I wasn't alone.
@@guitaristssuck8979 he’s not always subtle sometimes he’s very direct. Judith for instance. Vicarious. Just a couple of examples. And neither of us said it was ONLY about addiction.
My maan Geebz! If you decide to take a journey through this brilliant album you come to hear that each song drifts and follows into one another as one large song pieced into sections. Much love been watching ya since day 1. Sincerely , Jevante
One of my favorite APC songs ever. The drums, the sense of floating for me. Then when it hits hard, right as MJK sounds angrier. So sick! APC is underrated imo. I've seen them live recently and it was absolutely incredible! The second show they played Judith and I felt his anger and emotion. It was... 🤯
Brilliant insight, man. Two feelings this song has always evoked in me, anxiety and being uncomfortable, yet I've never stopped to articulate it in this fashion until I heard you. One of the most obvious lectures of this song is about addiction, and I truly feel it portraits rhythmically the maniac - depressive behavior of someone who wants just another hit. Thanks for such a wonderful analysis, made me appreciate the song even more.
Thank you for this! I was hooked from your first video. Huge Tool and Maynard fan so I'm always excited when you react to anything Maynard. But HUGE props to Billy! He doesn't get enough credit for APC! With him APC would've never existed.
I couldn't help but laugh when you said "Maynard as an instrument, we don't have to talk about that!" 🤣 and then the look u gave..priceless!!🤘 can't wait for the Tool special!! We all know it won't disappoint!!
First time hearing this... Beautiful production. That bass! That bass.. love the heavy sections with the fuzz or overdrive sounded amazing. Then slips to fat and warm. Everything about this tune is awesome.
Love MJK's ability to really put his emotions into his voice so the listener can empathize and connect with the song. He's always so into his performance you can't help but feel it too. I think The Hollow would be a great APC song to react to. The Noose and The Nurse Who Loved Me also great songs.
You have made the perfect sun circle (almost) I love you and I hope you enjoy the rest, I will personally miss you. Thank you for what you're doing for the kids and everyone enjoying this, myself included
Excellent video as always. Here’s two things I think you’ll love on a second listen that really catch my ear about the drum part and help bring so much texture. - In the first and second go round of the chorus where it’s just slightly elevated. Even though the snares are off, when he hits the flam rimshots, you hear a slight pickup of the loose snares reverberating. It’s like a sonic bonus. - Secondly, on the second verse when the drums get quiet again, he adds an additional layer by playing 8th notes on the hihat with his foot. The rest of the drum part is the same as the first verse, but the hihat adds a whole extra dimension and layer to the verse. You also hear this effect at the end of the song. When it gets quiet again, the first four phrases are just the snare and bass drum, then he brings the hihat in. Just little things that really jump out at me whenever I listen to this song. Keep it up!
Everyone loves the bass on this track. 🙂 It's so immersive. I used to audition this track when testing speakers for my hifi. One of the greatest tracks from APC. Glad you like it
I adore this album. This song has so much going on. The quiet but restless beginning as the character pretends to care about what this person is saying to get their fix. As the song builds so does the tension in Maynard's voice. You almost feel the handover while this guy's internal voice is screaming at him, the gasps for air in between Maynard's deliveries. It's all so good. And with the lyrics I love the line "comfort is a mystery, crawling out of my own skin". Like sobriety is so foreign now that it feels wrong to not be under the influence of something This was one of my favourite videos you have done. Can't wait for the Tool track coming up
Thirteen Step got me through a painful and challenging time in my life; this album hits a nerve like no other. Thank you for this one...it's a remarkable song from start to finish....best with headphones....love that final "mine" from Maynard. Hope to see you react to The Noose sometime!!
As someone who came off my motorcycle last weekend I am totally feeling your shoulder. every time you reached for it i did the same subconsciously hahahaha.
I'd be very interested in seeing a decomposition done for "Music for a Nurse" by Oceansize. The band is unfortunately defunct nowadays, but they brought out a handful of spectacular albums which mixed shoegaze, prog rock, math rock, space rock, and post rock beautifully. thanks for the great videos, sir. its fun getting deeper insights into some of my favourite songs.
WE FINALLY DID IT BOYS!! WE GOT HIM TO HEAR THE PACKAGE 🔥🤘🔥🤘
WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY FOR US ALL! WOOOOOOOO
(And girls too)
This is the first time a song I've suggested has been reviewed. Hell. Yes.
@@briancoller7760 e🅱️ic win
This is a classic episode.
Huge respect to Josh Freese, the drummer - and one of the best drummers to fly around the circuit. Check out the range of bands he's worked with: APC, Nine inch nails; Evanescence; The Offspring; Queens of the stone age; Weezer; Paramore; Bruce Sprinsteen; and more
Yeah I think he’s super underrated! Doesn’t he play for Puscifer and Primus as well?
Vandals as well
The guy is a legend 🙌
@@dclarkmusic no, Puscifer has Jeff Friedl, Primus has Herb who played only on The Hollow by APC
yeah Josh Freese probably has one of the most impressive resumes on the planet.
“Gravity” from this same album is going to blow your mind sideways, it’s a phenomenal piece of music.
indeed friend :)
lyrically i am also reminded of Franz Ferdinand's - 40 Feet in some ways...
Best song on the album, imo.
The Package is the standout for me but otherwise this album is so much an ALBUM and not about the singles.
This album is full of songs that invoke these feelings. It's a master class in less is more and fantastic engineering. It takes you to some dark places but also leaves you with resolution.
It's close to perfect...
But to me Eat The Elephant is flawless
@@richtigersoan I could not for the life of me like that album one bit. I tried many times. Just missed me I guess.
@@neilvanmiddendorp8162 agree. i cant really take to APC much - but this album has always been (close to) a masterpiece for me
@@neilvanmiddendorp8162Sam here man I tried elephant several times and just couldn’t do it.
Just want to give a thank you to your grand-daughter for bringing you to us all. Really dig your decomposing and love your channel.
Amen. I get bummed if he has to miss a day. Best thing on youtube
I agree 💯!!!
back when i was an addict (i have recovered), anytime i had to go to my dealer, i listened to this song which described my situation EXACTLY!!! now i listen to this song to remind me of the terrible position i had put my self in. this is an amazing song
Same. Song always gives me the chills.
Congrats on recovery! I am about to hit 4 years since my last pill and I give a lot of credit to this album for helping me get through the hardest parts
True. As soon as you hear the first two lines you know exactly what it's about ... and then becomes more succinct with every line.
same. Gravity was helpful for me as well, actually played that for my group at rehab. Everyone loved it. 7/4 time!
Magdalena by APC is still a must-hear, atmospheric rocknroll god-piece imo.
"Rose" is probably one of my favorites on Mer de Noms, but "Magdalena" is incredible!
Magdalena is an almost perfect song, IMHO.
I've had my alarm clock set up to play Magdalena for a bunch of years. I literally wake up to it every day.
Pet is an experience worth having too.
Agreed
Maynard James Keenan has a knack for always working with amazing drummers.
Josh Freese is a legendary drummer. I love the displaced beat through the big chorus section between the two bridges. The way he throws in crashes on sometimes the real downbeat and sometimes the displaced downbeat really gives you a fluid sense of the rhythm and makes you question where the "one" is. What a great track overall.
As others have said, Thirteenth Step is all about addiction. Symbolic of the first step you make after the 12-step program, with the individual steps able to be kind of loosely shoehorned into each track thematically. This track is a little more obvious with its themes on the surface: making small talk with a dealer, the general power of addiction, the isolation it brings, using people to get your fix, so and so on. This was one of my pivotal albums back in high school along with Mer de Noms. It was really a treat to watch this reaction.
One of my favorite songs recently, sometimes I listen to this for hours in a row. So damn brilliant and captivating.
Apc is amazing you should do “ The Noose “ powerful song everyone finds their own meaning in it .
Fun fact / Personal note ... I got the best introduction to them ever . On the NIN Fragility Tour was a band I’d never heard of opening for them . This dude with super long hair singing sounding so familiar like the guy from tool , music was cool , guitars were amazing , drums excellent , bass tight and menacing , by the third song which was a Cure cover I realized wait that is MJK in a wig oh shit ! Freebie Bonus !
They were great that night and later on tour for this album they took up another 99 notches.
BTW
Hope you get your rotator cuff taken care of while your gone man . Been there done that and it sucks for sure !
I was at a show on this tour. dosed an eighth of boomers b4 show, then snuck another eighth, on a pb&j sammie, in my undies, into the show. It was fun @_@
💯 I've been requesting this song for months now . Please Geebs Check it out!
Noose is great. Blue is too.
The noose is godlike
Music is such a strong and mysterious form of expression.
It somehow manages to sync its listener with their emotions and inner peace/conflict in such a unique way that it makes it futile to explain the phenomenon with words. I am confident that you already know what I am talking about because we all experienced it at some degree in our lives if we took the time to listen those crafted sound-waves with our heart.
Music is such a powerful tool that can lift you up when you are down and can sink you even further if you are feeling sad. This is why music can be perceived as a tool that, if used well by the individual, gives the option to shape your OWN soundtrack of life throughout the hardest adversities.
I love you all
His face when Maynard came in was all I needed today!
This is the song that hooked me on a perfect circle. Such a good opening track. When this album came out I became convinced that they were not just Maynard’s side band. Forever a fan!
:) I was not a fan of this album but I went to the concert and when I saw him perform this song, I was hooked. He looked like a guy needing his drugs. It was amazing
2:50 that smile hearing Maynard join in to the overall 'package' of the song. Haha
You might as well do this entire album, it's a masterpiece start to end
My favorite entire album ever!
The Package is one Helluva Banger opening to one of the Best Damn Records, to put it mildly!! It's in my CD player rather frequently.
Thanks Geebz, have a fabulous day!
I get chills every damn time I hear this song! You could have the crappiest stereo or whatever and the bass will be popping no matter what!
Maynard is a killer vocalist. I loved APC before I heard of TOOL, so it's only natural I listen to TOOL now.
Looking forward to season 2 👍
im the opposite, started with tool now couldn't get enough of apc, more specifically the 13th step album
I’ve heard of APC referred to as Tool-lite, or the feminine side of Tool. I love them both, but differently, like how you might feel about your kids.
Same! Heard APC before Tool, with Thirteenth Step being my first and most loved album.
Me it was puscifer 🤟
I totally get what you mean by "theater of the mind"! Whenever I hear my favorite songs it evokes powerful imagery in my mind's eye. Thats why I started making music videos for all these songs, because I need to express visually how they make me feel ❤
I'M IN #synesthesiacrew
I've definitely made mental music videos for songs in the past, and sometimes a real one comes out after what I imagine and I often go "no no no you did it worng!" lol, although sometimes they actually do something close to what I picture, and rarely they do it better lol
@@Fenthule lol yeah making videos takes lots of patience and introspection, but I love making them!
This is one of the most polished and perfect hard rock albums of all time. I love every single moment.
Song ends: Geebz long pause, "The use of music as an art form for expression ... is enldess" Dude. Gotta love you. Be safe and best of luck on your tratment!
His breathing becomes a part of the song and that what makes the song so good
Your characterization of Maynard’s anxious but controlled delivery on this song absolutely NAILS it. Please do The Noose or Disillusioned!
The drop in this song is better than any dubstep track in existence today. :P
Amazing introduction to a beautiful album! Love how the song takes time to unravel, and has this intriguing vibe until the brutal last part.
And this bass sound!!!!
Thank you for doing this one! It's probably my favorite APC song.
And you be careful with that shoulder! Take it easy!
I really hope the last Tool track is Ænima. I don't believe you've done that one yet. 😊
Music is therapeutic for me. It saved my life.
Witnessing this song performed live is life changing.
"We all have synthesizers." - Geebz, probably
Maynard's voice man, his voice is one of the most beautiful musical wonders in this world...
When I want to relax at the end of a hard day, nothing better than slipping into a low fat milk trip! 😂 Great reaction as usual, Geebz! 🤙
@Big Homie Steve The Metal Head I agree. He should make a t-shirt that says "BASS GOOBER" where the a in bass is the bass clef symbol! I'd buy that. 😁
lmfao your comment made me laugh bigtime, thanks for the joy
@@L33PL4Y you're very welcome! With the way the world is today, it's always good to spread joy and positive vibes. Glad I was able to spread some joy your way! ✌️
One of my desert island albums- it’s perfect top to bottom. I thought I knew this track like the back of my hand, but you always bring fresh insight. Thank you so much!! Love your channel.
Need a reaction to The Noose. The drum groove in that song is one of my all-time favorites and the rest of the song is phenomenal too!
Good song
So stoked to see this in my feed this morning. What a powerful track.
This song was such a perfect choice to be the opening track of the album. It sets the tone and pulls you straight in.
Whenever I listen to it these days I am always instantly transported back to the late months of 2003, to those long, dark and cold evenings in a tiny rented flat in the south of Poland where I lived at the time with the love of my life and when the outer world was just an unnecessary addition to her and me. It evokes so many feelings and emotions...
It always pulls my soul to this dark and unnamed yet comfortable place where I just feel myself.
It warms my heart we share similar feelings of this song evoking theatre of the mind as you beautifully put it.
Really can’t wait for the Tool video now and thank you for being you Geebz.
This entire album is so powerful and perfect
There is not really a bad choice when it comes to A Perfect Circle. I love this Song ....Would love to see your reaction to A Perfect Circle - The Noose or Counting Bodies Like Sheep To The Rhythm Of The War Drum.... Also not giving up on Jason Richardson and Luke Holland - Ho's Down .. ✌😁🤙🎶 I'm still here ....Awwwright !! And very happy to hear bout your newly invigorated passion for music and hope you the best in all that you do. Thank you for helping me listen to music deeper and help me rediscover songs that I've listen to for years .
I second Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drum
PET
PET
Definitely vote for Pet before that one.
Yes noose next
About Time...😁
🎼🎵😎🎵🎼
My fave APC song.
Just Brilliantly done.
Josh Freese (Drummer) performance is just Aaaaaaah-mazing.
Enjoy the day...
Perfect choice for this morning. Thanks, Geebz!! 🖤
I just love the changes in The Package, I tend to focus on vocals and think this is one of Maynards most beautiful performances, I love the whole album though, the subtlety of the song is simply gorgeous 🤘🦇🤘
If you like this, check out their song, “A Stranger.” Absolutely beautiful!!🥰🥰🥰🥰
Such a sad but beautiful song
@@onepunchflan3071 kinda reminds me of night music
Another great choice Geebz. APC!! I haven't heard this in a long time so it's nice to hear your break it down
Their first two albums are the best recorded rock albums I've heard, bar none. The drums are perfect to my ears -- giant kick, monstrous snare, musical and full toms -- I just love it. And that bass tone is everything I want in a bass recording. Everything has its own space and it's just ... It's perfect.
I love that you mentioned the controlled anxiety vibe in his voice in this track. To me this is one of Maynard's best vocal performances for all the little inflections he puts in his voice and how well it matches the theme of the song (which I interpret to be about a dude trying to score a fix of some addictive substance). Such a great performance. And I don't want to diminish the rest of the band at all because everything is so fantastic on here.
This whole album is very heavy on the addiction references, even the title of it. It comes up a lot on all sorts of Maynard's works of course, but I think it's the whole album in this case.
Another great pick from your comments section!
THANK YOU for doing more A Perfect Circle! These guys hold a special place in my heart.
His "anxiety under control" part of the performance couldn't be more on point. Considering the song is about the nature of how someone trying to score perceives themselves and those around them. You would think you would be anxious and under control at the same time while doing said activity.
So, no, it wasn't off the mark or anything. You were very astute.
this is one the most clever comments I've seen about these emotions the song is trying to evoke.
Finally! ❤❤❤ I've been waiting for this moment almost the whole year (suggesting it in the meantime)! I knew it would be great journey and experience for you, because of... many reasons (which you have revealed) and subtleties in this song. Like "intimacy" of the singing here - so close to mic that you can hear almost every breath of MJK...
Man, I love you. As for me, you are one of the brightest person on the world, lighting up my days, with so much passion and knowledge knowing and commenting my favorite songs. For me that are great moments.
All the best for you and your family. Stay health.
Best regards from Poland!
Anxiety ridden is an amazing explanation I've never been able to put words to the feeling it evokes
Yeaaah!!! So damn good! Thank you! Now we need you to check out "Pet" and then (in this order... lol) "So Long and Thanks For All the Fish" Still here! Keep the jams spinnin!
Great recommendations, I second this!
The 13th step is when a 12th step alumni becomes a predator ...latches on to a new 1st step member and uses and exploits them in any manner of ways . It is a concept record and addiction plays heavily , but also corruption , denial, wolf in sheep’s clothing , gaslighting , the whole dark side of the human condition under a vail of hope and strength they would be seen from the outsiders perspective.
Actually, that's not what the 13th Step is about.13th Step is the question of "what comes after the 12 step program?" The program pretends like it's the cure-all for addiction and sends you back into the world all perfect and new, but that's anything but true. This album goes through all different perspectives on and experiences with addiction and leaves you wondering what's next for the addict.
@@L33PL4Y So the definition has been co-opted . Can’t say I’m surprised . That makes sense as well thanks . I’ll stand with my personal interpretation in the 2nd sentence onward though as it still fits in the humanity of either .
@@Death_By_Media Yeah, everything you said from "It's a concept record" (or "recorded" as you typed it ;P ) is accurate.
He is right tho. The 13ts step is the old timer taking advantage of the newcomer in a recovery(AA/NA) community.
@@focusman420 No it's not, that's just your interpretation. The band has stated it's what I said it is.
Geebz, this entire album, Thirteenth Step, is about dealing with addiction. It's the 13th step after a 12 step program. Specifically this song is dealing with sex addiction, as the lyrics deal with him saying and doing whatever he needs to hoodwink a girl. Artistically, the song is a long build (wining and dining the girl) then a powerful release (feeding the monster) then a whisper outro (falling asleep). Keep up the great work.
Wow.... no wonder I was so intrigued by this album as a teenager! Never really realized this, but it definitely makes sense. Thanks for that William.
That's certainly one interpretation, but it could be almost any type of addiction, really. The lyrics are about pretending to genuinely care about somebody, when all you're really occupied with is getting your fix through them. So it could also be somebody supplying you with weed, coke, heroin, whatever, doesn't have to be about sex.
@@Christopher-md7tf have to agree as someone who had quite a few family members and friends go through this. The song can apply to ANY type of addiction.
The album name is also a reference to thirteenth steppers who are 12-step program veterans who take advantage of newbies who have barely had any time in sobriety. They're predators that prey on the most vulnerable members of the program.
As a former member of NA (narcotics anonymous), and also a former manipulative egoist, I tend to agree heavily with the dual interpretations presented here.
I initially felt this song was steeped in a very dark possessive/manipulative and sexually aggressive mood. After considering the albums main themes I realized the lyrics here are likely meant to be about "scoring" (a one night stand, or the drug of choice). I think it's purposely designed to draw a comparison between the 2.
Im always appreciative of your perspective - much love
I stumbled upon your channel last winter and this video is just as authentic as the first videos. Good luck with your procedure and recovery.
Your mind-opening appreciation for music is so inspirationally addictive and refreshing to witness! Overflowing with motivation and much appreciated!
This whole album is amazing. Big APC fan here, seen them live in 2006 (NZ) seems a lifetime ago now. Always felt they weren’t as big as they should be. Thanks for this one. Can you please do some more Muse from Absolution or Origin of Symmetry albums ☺️
I want to comment more, but my favorite part is how heavy it gets at the end, so intense it sounds like the whole thing is going to fall apart, then they tighten it up into perfection. As I type this Geebz is saying the same thing but in better words. Keep up the amazing work Geebz.
This entire album is about addiction. It got me through a really dark time in my life when I was suffering from addiction myself. It made me feel like I wasn't alone.
Nope
@@guitaristssuck8979 ? It’s absolutely about addiction. The whole album is referencing the 12 step program, the album journey being the 13th step
@@frightenedsoul only? Maynard is way more subtle!
@@guitaristssuck8979 he’s not always subtle sometimes he’s very direct. Judith for instance. Vicarious. Just a couple of examples. And neither of us said it was ONLY about addiction.
@@frightenedsoul it depends on the song, obviously, no need to bring up his whole repertoire
Some of the most well produced drums ever recorded.
Am still here! ... Just Saving this for a few days... Such a great song!
Geebz love your work. Your breakdowns and insight are going to inspire and educate a new generation of composers. Keep up the genius work.
You are the king of reactions! Other reactors dont bring much to the table in regards to adding to the music experience! Thank you
My maan Geebz! If you decide to take a journey through this brilliant album you come to hear that each song drifts and follows into one another as one large song pieced into sections.
Much love been watching ya since day 1.
Sincerely ,
Jevante
Well done Geebz! This is my favorite APC track 😁
I love your passion for music!!! Spiral out, keep going!!!
The noose is an amazing song. Full of dark sadness and just unreal talent
One of my favorite APC songs ever. The drums, the sense of floating for me. Then when it hits hard, right as MJK sounds angrier. So sick! APC is underrated imo. I've seen them live recently and it was absolutely incredible! The second show they played Judith and I felt his anger and emotion. It was... 🤯
Brilliant insight, man. Two feelings this song has always evoked in me, anxiety and being uncomfortable, yet I've never stopped to articulate it in this fashion until I heard you. One of the most obvious lectures of this song is about addiction, and I truly feel it portraits rhythmically the maniac - depressive behavior of someone who wants just another hit.
Thanks for such a wonderful analysis, made me appreciate the song even more.
ouch! yup! this song did it! I need their whole dscography now! thanks GeebZ!!! aaawriiight!
Thank you Geebz! This whole record puts me in an awesome time in my past, and The Package is just brilliant. Hope your arm is ok!
Thank you for this! I was hooked from your first video. Huge Tool and Maynard fan so I'm always excited when you react to anything Maynard. But HUGE props to Billy! He doesn't get enough credit for APC! With him APC would've never existed.
I couldn't help but laugh when you said "Maynard as an instrument, we don't have to talk about that!" 🤣 and then the look u gave..priceless!!🤘 can't wait for the Tool special!! We all know it won't disappoint!!
First time hearing this... Beautiful production. That bass! That bass.. love the heavy sections with the fuzz or overdrive sounded amazing. Then slips to fat and warm. Everything about this tune is awesome.
Love MJK's ability to really put his emotions into his voice so the listener can empathize and connect with the song. He's always so into his performance you can't help but feel it too. I think The Hollow would be a great APC song to react to. The Noose and The Nurse Who Loved Me also great songs.
This is one of those that are special for life...
Finally Geebz, that bonecrushing bass is what i wanted you to experience!!! My absolute favorite from them!!!
Bombing the coments has worked! Love it dude, great video 👌🥁🎵🎸
One of my all time favourite songs of any artist. Always here for your content mate.
You have made the perfect sun circle (almost) I love you and I hope you enjoy the rest, I will personally miss you.
Thank you for what you're doing for the kids and everyone enjoying this, myself included
Thank you so much for doing this song Geebs!!!! You are the only person to review this song and give it the justice it deserves....
Love your insights and break downs. Definitely here for it man.
Can't wait decomposition of last song from this album - the gravity. Such a lifting music.
Excellent video as always. Here’s two things I think you’ll love on a second listen that really catch my ear about the drum part and help bring so much texture.
- In the first and second go round of the chorus where it’s just slightly elevated. Even though the snares are off, when he hits the flam rimshots, you hear a slight pickup of the loose snares reverberating. It’s like a sonic bonus.
- Secondly, on the second verse when the drums get quiet again, he adds an additional layer by playing 8th notes on the hihat with his foot. The rest of the drum part is the same as the first verse, but the hihat adds a whole extra dimension and layer to the verse. You also hear this effect at the end of the song. When it gets quiet again, the first four phrases are just the snare and bass drum, then he brings the hihat in.
Just little things that really jump out at me whenever I listen to this song. Keep it up!
whole album is a master piece
Everyone loves the bass on this track. 🙂 It's so immersive. I used to audition this track when testing speakers for my hifi. One of the greatest tracks from APC. Glad you like it
This is one of my go to albums. Loved the reaction.
Take care of that shoulder, bro.
The pop of the snare at the breakdown is so powerful in this song
I hope your shoulder feels better soon Geebz! I can see in this video it was bothering you 😔 sending good vibes your way x
I adore this album. This song has so much going on. The quiet but restless beginning as the character pretends to care about what this person is saying to get their fix. As the song builds so does the tension in Maynard's voice. You almost feel the handover while this guy's internal voice is screaming at him, the gasps for air in between Maynard's deliveries. It's all so good. And with the lyrics I love the line "comfort is a mystery, crawling out of my own skin". Like sobriety is so foreign now that it feels wrong to not be under the influence of something
This was one of my favourite videos you have done. Can't wait for the Tool track coming up
I fu***Inga love you're reaction. Thank you
Perfect, PERFECT album. The production is the most flawless I've ever heard. This is a masterpiece from start to finish.
Thirteen Step got me through a painful and challenging time in my life; this album hits a nerve like no other. Thank you for this one...it's a remarkable song from start to finish....best with headphones....love that final "mine" from Maynard. Hope to see you react to The Noose sometime!!
Beautifully sinister ,is how I'd describe the melodic part . a Masterpiece .
Man I just want to wrap that bass tone around me like a blanket and live in it. Such a powerful, perfectly made song.
As someone who came off my motorcycle last weekend I am totally feeling your shoulder. every time you reached for it i did the same subconsciously hahahaha.
how many times i got to tell you Geebz? get that shoulder looked at. awesome reaction. as always.
Thank you John - Yea, finally last week - MRI - full tear rotator - surgery consultation next week :)
@@KeyOfGeebz good luck with that buddy. speedy recovery. Love your show man.
Best APC lineup with Iha, Maynard, Jeordie, Josh and Bill. Jeordie really gave it another feel to the baselines in this album
I'd be very interested in seeing a decomposition done for "Music for a Nurse" by Oceansize. The band is unfortunately defunct nowadays, but they brought out a handful of spectacular albums which mixed shoegaze, prog rock, math rock, space rock, and post rock beautifully.
thanks for the great videos, sir. its fun getting deeper insights into some of my favourite songs.
Geebz! You've got to do a reaction video to just about anything from Rishloo!
Man you should do Pet if you haven’t already.
This is the song that got me into Maynard’s projects. I knew of Tool by then, but never gave them a chance. Now, you already knowww…
Good call, yeah do this APC track next
Great track. Maynard's vocal treatments sound very similar to how i recall the Aenima vocals sounding.