I agree 100%! I feel like you could drive, cry, work out or fall asleep to this thing... so many sounds and experimentation, but somehow the variety is melded together so cohesively and the tracks flow amazingly.
The Nurse Who Loved Me is a cover of a song by the band Failure off their album Fantastic Planet, which is one of the best rock albums of the 90s and one of my favorite albums in general. So that's definitely worth checking out if you're not familiar with it. Their version of the song is very different but I think its (even) better
Yeah, this album FLEW by when I listened to it for the first time. It really surprised me that it's 50 minutes (a relatively standard album length) because it seemed way shorter than that.
"the Noose" is about Alcoholic Anonymous... If you didn't notice the name of the album is "Thirteenth Step" There are 12 steps in AA. maynard is talking about how sometimes in AA people are on a "pink cloud" the pink cloud represents how people are overly confident in early recovery and get cocky. They think they are angelic and a totally different person that when they were using, hence the halo... One of the steps in AA is to make amends to people you have harmed in your addiction. Maynard is saying that the feeling one gets of perfection in their recovery can be their biggest downfall. Their halo will be their end. How do you make amends to someone you've killed in your addiction? You can't so you're not as perfect as you think.
Thank you for the explanation. Fits the tone of the track beautifully, how that angelic and peaceful start slowly turns into something heavy and sludgier sounding.
I always thought there was a religious aspect to this. The reference to being reborn is a reference to Christian forgiveness. Thy lyric about being tugged down is the guilty conscience coming back. Even if God forgives, you can’t escape the gravity of what you’ve done “back down on earth”, where there is no reset button and some consequences are permanent. So the song is about guilt you cannot escape.
Hi I’m new to your channel. I know a lot of other people have said it but Failure’s Fantastic Planet is definitely a great album to listen to. You said that the lyricism really stood out for The Nurse Who Loved Me, a lot of Failure’s lyrics stand out. I think it’s hard to balance the story aspect, vulnerability, and catchiness with lyrics but somehow Failure is able to capture all 3. I’d love to see your reaction to Fantastic Planet because it’s definitely one of my favorite albums.
It fascinates me how certain albums take me to a certain place in time; like almost mental astral projection to a time in the past or something. I didn't get around to getting a copy of this until the summer of 2005. My at the time fiancee and I had just broken up and she moved out, my best friend got divorced and I let him move in , and a third friend came over often and he was going through a breakup, so there was this summer of sorrowful bonding. And drinking. A LOT of drinking and smoking. At the time, it didn't feel happy, but I think back and in a way, there's something about those times I miss. Maybe that sounds crazy. So many great tracks on this, but "The Noose" holds special sentimental value for me.
No you're not crazy at all, so many memories can be attached to music. Certain songs have that same effect on me as well, memories I had long forgotten can flood my mind if I hear a certain tune. I'm glad this album holds a special place for you, it is such an amazing record.
This album is still perfect start to finish even 20 years later. THE BASS on this album is out of this world. I love how forward and rhythmic it is. Also, some one Maynard's best vocals IMO. So emotional and poignant.
I'm not sure how much about this album you knew before hand but if you didn't know, this album is a concept album based on addiction (not necessarily drugs) from a different perspective with title being a reference to the 12 step program and the phrase 13th step meaning someone who is far into the process of recovery hitting on someone new to the process.
It really colors a lot of the lyrical and musical themes they wove throughout the record. Really worth keeping that framework in mind when re-listening to the album in the future, glad you enjoyed it so much!
There is a version of A Perfect Circle's the Outsider off the Resident Evil Afterlife (OST) that has become one of my favorite songs ever. You should give it a listen. It's also off their aMotion album called the Outsider (Apocalypse Mix); just an amazing song. As expected, another great review, can't wait until your next one. :)
This is the first album to make me and all my friends cry upon it's first listen. We bought the album on it's release date, we all piled into the car, played the album at full volume from beginning to end. We all cried during the first listen of The Noose. This album did not leave the CD player for months.
Probably the best reaction to The Noose I've heard. Actually called the angelic sound. I think the links to AA being 12 steps helps to interpret the meaning of the album, as you really made an effort to hear the lyrics used. I still listen to The Noose these days. It's a GOAT song. Many songs are still on my playlist from this album. Arguably better than Mer De Noms, but I don't go quite that far.
One of the albums I've listened to most in my life. It has a catchiness, some heavy tracks, some light/beautiful tracks, and an emotional weight that ties the whole thing together. I'll always put this on when I'm in a dark place and need some comfort.
Vanishing, weak powerless, blue, and gravity always hits me like a ton of brick s. Just solid songs that cover, guilt, shame, regret, anger, sadness and acceptance beautifully. Maynerd , billy and the team really hit the nail on such feeling’s that are personal and common. But those tracks are very personal for me. A solid album.
"The Nurse Who Loved Me" is actually a cover of a song from the band Failure. This was like a reimagining of the original song. Both great in their own right.
@@mollyesanborn you should listen to Failure in general, I think you would love how bizarre their chord choices and melodies are, very dissonant. Maybe check out the Magnified album or Fantastic Planet. Criminally underrated band. The lead singer and guitarist would trade off playing guitar and bass on different songs, and Ken Andrews, the singer, is quite the composer and sound engineer. He's made a slew of albums for some pretty big name artists. Check him out! "Frogs" and "I Can See Houses" are personal favorites of mine.
:)goosebumps means you know it’s good! Fun album to listen and sing along to, lots of harmony and you’re right, the production on this is incredible. Love your take on this, thank you!
Great reaction Molly! I have tbh here I prefer Mer de Noms before this one, but I agree it's a amazing record nonetheless Awaiting your next Korn reactions, those albums will surprise you!
Mer de Noms is incredible as well, I think both are extremely well executed and produced records. And I'm sure excited to hear more from Korn too, their albums are always a fun surprise.
Beautiful album! Delivers lots of great tunes. Remember listening to this one for the first time. I was completely spellbound and I couldn’t stop going back to it for quite a long while. I was literally hooked on this record.
I was spellbound too, that's a great word to describe it! There is something very trance inducing about its sound. Despite how varied and experimental it is, there's a cohesion that makes it flow so well.
Oh im so glad you enjoyed this album and how quick you were to pick up little nuances in the lyrics and stuff. Nuances that took me YEARS to get/realize cuz I was only 14 when it came out. Wasn't til about 2010 that I was struggling with alcoholism bad and this was just the perfect album to help me thru that cuz then I had the mindset to understand what he was talking about instead of it just "sounding cool". A perfect circle? More like a perfect album, am I right lol
I love how tender and vulnerable this album is. Apc brings out so much potent emotion from MJK whereas tool always was is a little more heady and philosophical. I appreciate how versatile he is as an artist.
That’s a good way to describe Maynard’s approach to Thirteenth step, Tool early years have more confident, kinda angry statements to the world, and later Tool is very philosophical. This album doesn’t sound like any of Tool’s vocals have in the past, like the actual people surrounding addiction, a lot of emotion and feeling from the abusers to collateral damage
The Outsider was written because Layne Staley's stepbrother just couldn't/wouldn't understand the nature of Layne's addiction. His lack of compassion towards Layne's struggle was the inspiration for this track, and the stepbrother is the outsider trying to look in to this struggle but just not understanding. He thought it could just be something Layne would be able to just shake off, like a sprained ankle. Layne Staley's passing was one of the main inspirations for this entire album
IMO, one of the best mixed albums. The drums sound particularly incredible. You should check out them performing "the outsider" from this album on Jay Leno show. I's one of the best late night live performances by anyone imo along with; bjork on jools holland performing batchellorette and sleater kinney on letterman performing jumpers.
Hi Molly, thank you for introducing new artists and bands to me and my best friend. We have been listening to some of the albums that you reviewed and have enjoyed them. Do you take requests to react to different albums?
Great content as usual. I'd love for you to make your way back to Incubus the next time you're lookin for an album to check out. S.C.I.E.N.C.E. is fun and funky but keep moving forward with Make Yourself and their best album, Morning View and you'll have a great ride! Until then, digging any tunes you decide to check out! Keep up the good work!
Saw them at the PNC bank center in NJ when this album came out. To this day it has to be the best concert I’ve ever seen. Not only was the band on point, the lighting was amazing, it was outdoors and the temperature was perfect, and the crowd was mesmerized by the whole concern
Nice one, importantly, when is your reaction/thoughts on Zoo Tycoon 2 going up? 😉 I had to play this vid on my TV to clearly see what was on your shelves 😂
Haha! I haven't played Zoo Tycoon in years... I used to make huge enclosures and put tigers in with antelope and stuff just for the hell of it. Those were some fun times 😂
The way the guitar is used like a percussive instrument gives a lot of the songs a post-punk / goth vibe, but there’s a lot of odd-metered polyrhythmic stuff going on that gives off a building sense of urgency even in the quiet parts. The darkness of the music fits with the lyrical themes so perfectly too.
This is one of my favorite albums. It sounds fantastic on vinyl as well. You should check out their latest album "Eat The Elephant". "Thirteenth Step" is the superior album. But it's still a very good album. Some stand out songs are "The Doomed", "Disillusioned", "So long, and thanks for all the fish", and "By and down the river".
Great comments on an awesome album! Because I associate them with A Perfect Circle, you'll want to check out Audioslave's debut album; both bands released their first few albums around the same time (early 2000s) and were formed with members of my favorite bands.
This album also features Jarboe from Swans on a couple tracks. I'm pretty sure she is on Lullaby and The Noose but she might be on a couple more that I haven't noticed. There's also the bassist from Marilyn Manson that plays on the whole album as well.
This album came out when I was 16. Loved it for the music. But as I grew older, had so many friends fall into addiction, some of them die, and this album ended up being so much more powerful and meaningful to me.
I think this is my favorite APC album, although I love them all for different reasons... this one is about addiction (12 step program) about being addicted, dealing with being in a relationship with an addict, making amends, becoming holier than thou and relapsing
The Nurse Who Loved Me is a cover. The original is by Failure, A band I highly recommend you check out. Fantastic Planet is one of the best albums I've ever heard.
While I love Tool, it can feel like a bit of a chore sometimes to listen to an album straight through. This album has such a great flow, you can put it on and just let it play.
Molly since I love your videos and reviews you should check it out Stone Temple Pilots... I don't know if you already listen to or made a video about them, but if you didn't, I think you'll going to love their first three albums. Keep up the good work!
I really enjoyed that Album! It has become an all time classic for me. Tracks like Vanishing, Blue, Week and Powerless are great! Though The Outsider is the track I enjoyed the most. Either way, an enjoyable album from Start to Finish!
I saw them live a little after they released this record. Still one of the best shows I've ever been to. That was back when they also picked up Twiggy from Marilyn Manson as the bassist. Even though I loved Paz Lenchantin on the first album. Even though she did help compose 'Gravity' on this album and is credited as playing "strings" on it...I know she played violin before. I can't remember, but I think they opened with 'Vanishing'.
Never listened to this one, i'll have to give it a try, sounds great. And I know that the album recommendations fill up just about every comments section, but if you haven't had a listen through Definitely Maybe by Oasis, you should absolutely check it out. There's a reason they gathered the largest live perfomance in UK history, and it's not because of Wonderwall.
Hope you check out the full album, Thirteenth Step is a fantastic listen! And I'll definitely have to dive more into Oasis sometime, I know I've heard a few tracks from them but never a full album or anything.
One of my favorite albums growing up. Came out junior year of high school. CD didn't leave my CD player for months lol Edit: I take that back. This and Mushroomhead's "XIII" were the two albums in rotation
Yep, this album is so awesome! I can see why it was in your cd player for so long. So much diversity on this thing. And I'll have to give that other album by Mushroomhead a listen sometime too.
This album is so beautiful and relaxing, and like you said trance-inducing. Even during its heavy parts which is odd but in the best way. I love listening it while floating on a mattress in my pool looking up at the sky, especially during the songs Weak And Powerless, The Noose, Vanishing (that bass guitar is otherworldly) and A Stranger. It’s an experience like no other
I remember when I first listened to this album, I couldn’t stop listening to The Package over and over again… I was at the beach the first time I heard it so it always reminds me those moments…
Hey Molly, this is a great album, I love your reaction to it, glad you enjoyed it. "Weak and Powerless" was the first song I heard off the album and it was the only song I liked when I first listened to it and it took me a few listens to get into the whole album and I love it. If you've not heard of them, check out a band called Dream Theater, especially their album "Falling into Infinity"
@@mollyesanbornThat's awesome. I'll look forward to your Dream Theater reactions especially on the album I mentioned. I've just followed you on Instagram and sent you a video link to a lyrics song by Cradle of Filth, in case you're interested in listening to it.
20th Anniversary of this masterpiece this September. I've been listening to this one every week so far this year and I probably will for the rest of the year.
Thirteenth Step is a fantastic record, honestly it's hard to believe that it's twenty years old. It sounds so modern and fresh with amazing production, like it could have been released yesterday.
@@mollyesanborn I remember going to my record shop to buy it (who are still in business! lol) and putting it in my cd player on release day. I probably had it on repeat 10 times on release day and that was one of the first things that I noticed, the production was amazing! Everything was clear and crisp sounding but it didn't sound overproduced like so many albums do today. Two main reasons for the amazing sound are that Danny Lohner who worked with Nine Inch Nails in their prime did some of the production and also played guitar on a few tracks. Andy Wallace did the mixing and he's a major heavyweight when it comes to album production and mixing.
I love so many songs on this album. It has a coherent theme about addiction and recovery without (at least to me) hammering it with every opportunity. I love the whimsy of "The Nurse Who Loved Me." I kinda identify with it, having spent over 2 years, on and off, in hospitals, much of it in my early to mid teens. I got to know all the nurses on my ward really well. And while I prefer it to the original, the Failure version is worth checking out. I've heard that the vocals on "Lullaby" are MJK's kid. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the next album, Emotive. And a recommendation: based on the bands that you follow on this channel, I recommend that you check out Underworld (Music from the Motion Picture) from the 2003 film.
I'd recommend doing a reaction video for each separate song and breaking it down. Also, the people listening usually want to hear the whole song with you and your pure reaction without edits.
Oh, I missed this reaction to this incredible album. One of the greatest and last albums ever made before the decline. There are no words to describe what the band did in this album, it's unique, atmospheric, intimate, desperate. It lacks the punch of the debut album but it expand on the introspectiveness and atmospherics. Another masterpiece. Eat the Elephant is also a very good album but it might catch you by surprise! Vanishing is just out of this world!!! 😢
Failure "Fantasic Planet" was my favorite album for a time growing up, and yet I only recently heard this album with its cover. Failure and Tool were friends, toured together back in ther day
“The nurse who loved me” track is actually a cover by the band Failure (one of Maynard’s favorite bands) the band is exceptionally good, you should definitely check them out!
One of those albums that works in nearly any setting. The replay value is immense.
I agree 100%! I feel like you could drive, cry, work out or fall asleep to this thing... so many sounds and experimentation, but somehow the variety is melded together so cohesively and the tracks flow amazingly.
A club?
This album blew my mind. It never left my cd player for several months. It's about addiction and rehab from different perspectives.
It's a fantastic album, I agree. So much palpable emotion poured into it.
Me either dude! This and Lateralus never left mine either.
The Nurse Who Loved Me is a cover of a song by the band Failure off their album Fantastic Planet, which is one of the best rock albums of the 90s and one of my favorite albums in general. So that's definitely worth checking out if you're not familiar with it. Their version of the song is very different but I think its (even) better
so underrated
We need a Fantastic Planet reaction for sure, was about to comment the same thing. Thanks for bringing it up!
Maynard’s vocals are some of the most expressive and intentional I’ve ever heard. This album is on my mental “Perfect Album” list.
Yes, his vocals are incredible across this entire record. The emotion is very palpable.
@@mollyesanborn See them live! Absolutely phenomenal.
Definitely would love to hear you finish out the rest of APC discography for sure :)
I love this album. My only criticism is that it's too short. So many good sounds on this album.
Yeah, this album FLEW by when I listened to it for the first time. It really surprised me that it's 50 minutes (a relatively standard album length) because it seemed way shorter than that.
Never realised how many bangers this album has until I saw your video of the whole thing, gonna buy a cd now
"the Noose" is about Alcoholic Anonymous... If you didn't notice the name of the album is "Thirteenth Step" There are 12 steps in AA. maynard is talking about how sometimes in AA people are on a "pink cloud" the pink cloud represents how people are overly confident in early recovery and get cocky. They think they are angelic and a totally different person that when they were using, hence the halo... One of the steps in AA is to make amends to people you have harmed in your addiction. Maynard is saying that the feeling one gets of perfection in their recovery can be their biggest downfall. Their halo will be their end. How do you make amends to someone you've killed in your addiction? You can't so you're not as perfect as you think.
Thank you for the explanation. Fits the tone of the track beautifully, how that angelic and peaceful start slowly turns into something heavy and sludgier sounding.
The Thirteenth step is the Relapse.
@@mollyesanborn even the devil was once an angel
I always thought there was a religious aspect to this. The reference to being reborn is a reference to Christian forgiveness. Thy lyric about being tugged down is the guilty conscience coming back. Even if God forgives, you can’t escape the gravity of what you’ve done “back down on earth”, where there is no reset button and some consequences are permanent. So the song is about guilt you cannot escape.
This entire concept album is about addiction & recovery. Brilliance personified! 🔥🔥🔥
got this CD and have been bumping it for months now, absolutely brilliant
Hi I’m new to your channel. I know a lot of other people have said it but Failure’s Fantastic Planet is definitely a great album to listen to.
You said that the lyricism really stood out for The Nurse Who Loved Me, a lot of Failure’s lyrics stand out. I think it’s hard to balance the story aspect, vulnerability, and catchiness with lyrics but somehow Failure is able to capture all 3.
I’d love to see your reaction to Fantastic Planet because it’s definitely one of my favorite albums.
Fantastic Planet is a perfect album. I think the segue (crimes) was inspired by Failure too.
Love this album, this band, Maynard and of course, Tool. I love how you get to experience 3 different sides to Maynard through his 3 bands.
It fascinates me how certain albums take me to a certain place in time; like almost mental astral projection to a time in the past or something. I didn't get around to getting a copy of this until the summer of 2005. My at the time fiancee and I had just broken up and she moved out, my best friend got divorced and I let him move in , and a third friend came over often and he was going through a breakup, so there was this summer of sorrowful bonding. And drinking. A LOT of drinking and smoking. At the time, it didn't feel happy, but I think back and in a way, there's something about those times I miss. Maybe that sounds crazy. So many great tracks on this, but "The Noose" holds special sentimental value for me.
No you're not crazy at all, so many memories can be attached to music. Certain songs have that same effect on me as well, memories I had long forgotten can flood my mind if I hear a certain tune. I'm glad this album holds a special place for you, it is such an amazing record.
I no joke feel the exact same, what did they put in this music
lots of brain studies on this very thing. how connected we are with music is truly amazing.
This album is still perfect start to finish even 20 years later. THE BASS on this album is out of this world. I love how forward and rhythmic it is. Also, some one Maynard's best vocals IMO. So emotional and poignant.
Phenomenonal album, fantastic review as always.
Yeah this one was such a fantastic listen! Glad you enjoyed the reaction :)
I'm not sure how much about this album you knew before hand but if you didn't know, this album is a concept album based on addiction (not necessarily drugs) from a different perspective with title being a reference to the 12 step program and the phrase 13th step meaning someone who is far into the process of recovery hitting on someone new to the process.
No I wasn't aware of that concept behind it when I sat down to film, that makes a lot of sense. Thank you for explaining.
It really colors a lot of the lyrical and musical themes they wove throughout the record. Really worth keeping that framework in mind when re-listening to the album in the future, glad you enjoyed it so much!
Weak And Powerless is such a great song! And Maynard’s vocals and that bass guitar are beautiful
There is a version of A Perfect Circle's the Outsider off the Resident Evil Afterlife (OST) that has become one of my favorite songs ever. You should give it a listen. It's also off their aMotion album called the Outsider (Apocalypse Mix); just an amazing song. As expected, another great review, can't wait until your next one. :)
Top 5 album for me. Classic
This is the first album to make me and all my friends cry upon it's first listen. We bought the album on it's release date, we all piled into the car, played the album at full volume from beginning to end. We all cried during the first listen of The Noose. This album did not leave the CD player for months.
A timeless album. You should definitely do a reaction to their latest album Eat the Elephant which over time has become my favourite album of theirs.
Probably the best reaction to The Noose I've heard. Actually called the angelic sound. I think the links to AA being 12 steps helps to interpret the meaning of the album, as you really made an effort to hear the lyrics used.
I still listen to The Noose these days. It's a GOAT song. Many songs are still on my playlist from this album. Arguably better than Mer De Noms, but I don't go quite that far.
By your face reaction during entire album we can realize this album moves you inside
My personal favorite album of all time.
One of the albums I've listened to most in my life. It has a catchiness, some heavy tracks, some light/beautiful tracks, and an emotional weight that ties the whole thing together. I'll always put this on when I'm in a dark place and need some comfort.
This album is such a journey. I cannot wait- lets go!
OH MY GODHOW DID I NOT SEE THIS COME OUT ONE OF MY FAVS LETS GOO
Vanishing, weak powerless, blue, and gravity always hits me like a ton of brick s. Just solid songs that cover, guilt, shame, regret, anger, sadness and acceptance beautifully. Maynerd , billy and the team really hit the nail on such feeling’s that are personal and common. But those tracks are very personal for me. A solid album.
"The Nurse Who Loved Me" is actually a cover of a song from the band Failure. This was like a reimagining of the original song. Both great in their own right.
A few others have informed me of this as well, I had no clue! I definitely want to check out the original version by Failure now.
@Molly Sanborn, please do!
@@mollyesanborn I'd say it's better and thankfully introduced me to them
@@mollyesanborn you should listen to Failure in general, I think you would love how bizarre their chord choices and melodies are, very dissonant. Maybe check out the Magnified album or Fantastic Planet. Criminally underrated band. The lead singer and guitarist would trade off playing guitar and bass on different songs, and Ken Andrews, the singer, is quite the composer and sound engineer. He's made a slew of albums for some pretty big name artists. Check him out!
"Frogs" and "I Can See Houses" are personal favorites of mine.
yes you need to check out Failure!
The most emotional vocal range, right here. Angry Understanding. Intense. Reserved. It’s 4D.
Well said. Maynard James Keenan is truly a master at his craft.
Ah man, this album, i adore this one.
It is pretty great, I agree!
:)goosebumps means you know it’s good! Fun album to listen and sing along to, lots of harmony and you’re right, the production on this is incredible. Love your take on this, thank you!
Goosebumps never lie, haha! Glad you enjoyed the reaction :)
Awesome review. You have listened to some damn masterpieces on this channel
Really enjoyed your reaction and analysis.. Great band.. Looking forward to the next Helmet album on here
Great reaction Molly! I have tbh here I prefer Mer de Noms before this one, but I agree it's a amazing record nonetheless
Awaiting your next Korn reactions, those albums will surprise you!
I'm the same, too. I love Mer de Noms just a bit more, but this album still pulls me in the same.
Mer de Noms is incredible as well, I think both are extremely well executed and produced records. And I'm sure excited to hear more from Korn too, their albums are always a fun surprise.
This album is heart-wrenching genius. ‘Pet’ is a top-10 track of any genre for me.
I love that no matter who it is people always get the stank face when they really like a song👌👌👌
My last night at work before my weekend. Perfect mood now ☺️ Thank you Molly!
Aw thanks, hope you enjoy the video! Enjoy your weekend 😊
Yes! This album is perfect
Beautiful album! Delivers lots of great tunes. Remember listening to this one for the first time. I was completely spellbound and I couldn’t stop going back to it for quite a long while. I was literally hooked on this record.
I was spellbound too, that's a great word to describe it! There is something very trance inducing about its sound. Despite how varied and experimental it is, there's a cohesion that makes it flow so well.
Oh im so glad you enjoyed this album and how quick you were to pick up little nuances in the lyrics and stuff. Nuances that took me YEARS to get/realize cuz I was only 14 when it came out. Wasn't til about 2010 that I was struggling with alcoholism bad and this was just the perfect album to help me thru that cuz then I had the mindset to understand what he was talking about instead of it just "sounding cool". A perfect circle? More like a perfect album, am I right lol
Best APC album… their debut was amazing, but this one just pushed it up a notch
Hard disagree. Mer De Noms is better in every way.
I prefer Mer De Noms, but this one is almost just as good.
One of my favourite Maynard-containing albums! I'm going to spin it on vinyl right now in celebration of you discovering it!
Might be the best album I've ever heard from Maynard. Josh Freese is immaculate and I dont make this statement lightly. 13th step is a sleeper album
Hi Molly, that was so much fun to watch along with you while discovering the music! Love this album so much ❤❤
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the reaction! :)
I love how tender and vulnerable this album is. Apc brings out so much potent emotion from MJK whereas tool always was is a little more heady and philosophical. I appreciate how versatile he is as an artist.
That’s a good way to describe Maynard’s approach to Thirteenth step, Tool early years have more confident, kinda angry statements to the world, and later Tool is very philosophical. This album doesn’t sound like any of Tool’s vocals have in the past, like the actual people surrounding addiction, a lot of emotion and feeling from the abusers to collateral damage
The Outsider was written because Layne Staley's stepbrother just couldn't/wouldn't understand the nature of Layne's addiction. His lack of compassion towards Layne's struggle was the inspiration for this track, and the stepbrother is the outsider trying to look in to this struggle but just not understanding. He thought it could just be something Layne would be able to just shake off, like a sprained ankle. Layne Staley's passing was one of the main inspirations for this entire album
Glad you got to check this one out. Great album.
Yeah, this was a fantastic listen!
One of the most perfect albums every produced. I have not been able to stop playing it on the regular for about 20 yrs now.
Forever kicking myself in the butt that I didn't go see them live back then!
IMO, one of the best mixed albums. The drums sound particularly incredible. You should check out them performing "the outsider" from this album on Jay Leno show. I's one of the best late night live performances by anyone imo along with; bjork on jools holland performing batchellorette and sleater kinney on letterman performing jumpers.
Love the reaction Molly 🙌🏻was looking forward to this, it’s awesome to see you grow musically since your Deftones days😎🤘🏻
What a treat! you reviewing one of my favorite albums of all time , 19:20 wow nailed it!
Hi Molly, thank you for introducing new artists and bands to me and my best friend. We have been listening to some of the albums that you reviewed and have enjoyed them. Do you take requests to react to different albums?
The Noose is one of the most beautiful songs I know
Great content as usual. I'd love for you to make your way back to Incubus the next time you're lookin for an album to check out. S.C.I.E.N.C.E. is fun and funky but keep moving forward with Make Yourself and their best album, Morning View and you'll have a great ride! Until then, digging any tunes you decide to check out! Keep up the good work!
Saw them at the PNC bank center in NJ when this album came out. To this day it has to be the best concert I’ve ever seen. Not only was the band on point, the lighting was amazing, it was outdoors and the temperature was perfect, and the crowd was mesmerized by the whole concern
Concert *
You can edit your original comment, btw.
Lucky you got to see them!! I had to be choosy about who to see back then. I wish I had chosen them!
Nice one, importantly, when is your reaction/thoughts on Zoo Tycoon 2 going up? 😉 I had to play this vid on my TV to clearly see what was on your shelves 😂
Haha! I haven't played Zoo Tycoon in years... I used to make huge enclosures and put tigers in with antelope and stuff just for the hell of it. Those were some fun times 😂
The Noose will forever be my favorite A Perfect Circle song ever
I not only enjoy you reacting to my fav albums, but like this video- it's also a good get to know you for albums I haven't heard before
The way the guitar is used like a percussive instrument gives a lot of the songs a post-punk / goth vibe, but there’s a lot of odd-metered polyrhythmic stuff going on that gives off a building sense of urgency even in the quiet parts. The darkness of the music fits with the lyrical themes so perfectly too.
This is one of my favorite albums. It sounds fantastic on vinyl as well. You should check out their latest album "Eat The Elephant". "Thirteenth Step" is the superior album. But it's still a very good album. Some stand out songs are "The Doomed", "Disillusioned", "So long, and thanks for all the fish", and "By and down the river".
Great comments on an awesome album!
Because I associate them with A Perfect Circle, you'll want to check out Audioslave's debut album; both bands released their first few albums around the same time (early 2000s) and were formed with members of my favorite bands.
This album also features Jarboe from Swans on a couple tracks. I'm pretty sure she is on Lullaby and The Noose but she might be on a couple more that I haven't noticed. There's also the bassist from Marilyn Manson that plays on the whole album as well.
Oh cool, I was not aware of that. I know a lot of people have suggested both Swans and Marilyn Manson as bands to check out.
Hi Molly, I enjoyed your reaction. Me and my best friend watched together and enjoyed your reaction
That's awesome, glad you enjoyed it! :)
This album came out when I was 16. Loved it for the music. But as I grew older, had so many friends fall into addiction, some of them die, and this album ended up being so much more powerful and meaningful to me.
I think this is my favorite APC album, although I love them all for different reasons... this one is about addiction (12 step program) about being addicted, dealing with being in a relationship with an addict, making amends, becoming holier than thou and relapsing
Great album ☺️ You haven't done any Puscifer yet! I'd love to hear your thoughts on their albums, as they're very different from Tool and APC...
I played this one so much in high school. Very nostalgic hearing it again and seeing a new reaction to it!
It is a fantastic album, glad the video brought some good memories back for ya! :)
The Nurse Who Loved Me is a cover. The original is by Failure, A band I highly recommend you check out. Fantastic Planet is one of the best albums I've ever heard.
While I love Tool, it can feel like a bit of a chore sometimes to listen to an album straight through. This album has such a great flow, you can put it on and just let it play.
Molly since I love your videos and reviews you should check it out Stone Temple Pilots... I don't know if you already listen to or made a video about them, but if you didn't, I think you'll going to love their first three albums. Keep up the good work!
I really enjoyed that Album! It has become an all time classic for me. Tracks like Vanishing, Blue, Week and Powerless are great! Though The Outsider is the track I enjoyed the most. Either way, an enjoyable album from Start to Finish!
I agree, this thing is loaded with some amazing songs. So difficult for me to pick a favorite.
One of my absolute favorite albums. Got me through the most challenging part of my life. Will always have a special place for this one.
Beautiful 🖤
I listened to this last year before Mer De Noms, I still can't decide which one I like the most lol. Dope reaction
I saw them live a little after they released this record. Still one of the best shows I've ever been to. That was back when they also picked up Twiggy from Marilyn Manson as the bassist. Even though I loved Paz Lenchantin on the first album. Even though she did help compose 'Gravity' on this album and is credited as playing "strings" on it...I know she played violin before. I can't remember, but I think they opened with 'Vanishing'.
Never listened to this one, i'll have to give it a try, sounds great.
And I know that the album recommendations fill up just about every comments section, but if you haven't had a listen through Definitely Maybe by Oasis, you should absolutely check it out. There's a reason they gathered the largest live perfomance in UK history, and it's not because of Wonderwall.
Hope you check out the full album, Thirteenth Step is a fantastic listen! And I'll definitely have to dive more into Oasis sometime, I know I've heard a few tracks from them but never a full album or anything.
One of my favorites, for life!
As always really enjoyed your review. Felt really drawn to track #1 The Package.
One of my favorite albums growing up. Came out junior year of high school. CD didn't leave my CD player for months lol
Edit: I take that back. This and Mushroomhead's "XIII" were the two albums in rotation
Yep, this album is so awesome! I can see why it was in your cd player for so long. So much diversity on this thing. And I'll have to give that other album by Mushroomhead a listen sometime too.
I had forgotten how much I love this album. Thanks.
Josh Freese’s drumming makes this album a masterpiece
Back in the day I would use the song "the package" to show off my sound system
This album is so beautiful and relaxing, and like you said trance-inducing. Even during its heavy parts which is odd but in the best way. I love listening it while floating on a mattress in my pool looking up at the sky, especially during the songs Weak And Powerless, The Noose, Vanishing (that bass guitar is otherworldly) and A Stranger. It’s an experience like no other
How good is the bass across this entire record!
I remember when I first listened to this album, I couldn’t stop listening to The Package over and over again… I was at the beach the first time I heard it so it always reminds me those moments…
I would really recommend a listen through of the debut album Kezia - Protest the Hero. I think you will give great insights into an overlooked band
Have you got Downward is Heavenward by HUM on your reaction radar at all? Would love to hear your commentary on it
The nurse who's loves me is one of my all-time favorite covers
A cover of one of my favorite bands, Failure!
Oh that's a cover?! Haha, I wasn't aware. No wonder I said it sounded a bit different from the rest of the album in my reaction.
@@mollyesanborn yeah heh, it sounds very different from the original itself!
I can't wait till you listen to failure
Failure is a God Tier band man, check out the Brand new band ken mixed called Team Tremolo. I just reviewed it
@@DanzGmod565 I know, I've got them on my list! :)
@@mollyesanborn ah very nice to hear!
Hey Molly, this is a great album, I love your reaction to it, glad you enjoyed it. "Weak and Powerless" was the first song I heard off the album and it was the only song I liked when I first listened to it and it took me a few listens to get into the whole album and I love it. If you've not heard of them, check out a band called Dream Theater, especially their album "Falling into Infinity"
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the reaction! I'll be sure that Dream Theater is on my list :)
@@mollyesanbornThat's awesome. I'll look forward to your Dream Theater reactions especially on the album I mentioned. I've just followed you on Instagram and sent you a video link to a lyrics song by Cradle of Filth, in case you're interested in listening to it.
20th Anniversary of this masterpiece this September. I've been listening to this one every week so far this year and I probably will for the rest of the year.
Thirteenth Step is a fantastic record, honestly it's hard to believe that it's twenty years old. It sounds so modern and fresh with amazing production, like it could have been released yesterday.
@@mollyesanborn I remember going to my record shop to buy it (who are still in business! lol) and putting it in my cd player on release day. I probably had it on repeat 10 times on release day and that was one of the first things that I noticed, the production was amazing! Everything was clear and crisp sounding but it didn't sound overproduced like so many albums do today. Two main reasons for the amazing sound are that Danny Lohner who worked with Nine Inch Nails in their prime did some of the production and also played guitar on a few tracks. Andy Wallace did the mixing and he's a major heavyweight when it comes to album production and mixing.
One of my favorite albums ❤
It's pretty fantastic, I agree!
I love so many songs on this album. It has a coherent theme about addiction and recovery without (at least to me) hammering it with every opportunity.
I love the whimsy of "The Nurse Who Loved Me." I kinda identify with it, having spent over 2 years, on and off, in hospitals, much of it in my early to mid teens. I got to know all the nurses on my ward really well.
And while I prefer it to the original, the Failure version is worth checking out.
I've heard that the vocals on "Lullaby" are MJK's kid.
I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the next album, Emotive.
And a recommendation: based on the bands that you follow on this channel, I recommend that you check out Underworld (Music from the Motion Picture) from the 2003 film.
The addiction album. Very special. Love the Himalayan salt lamp!
This was the first concert i took my girl to. They sounded amazing live.
I'd recommend doing a reaction video for each separate song and breaking it down. Also, the people listening usually want to hear the whole song with you and your pure reaction without edits.
Oh, I missed this reaction to this incredible album. One of the greatest and last albums ever made before the decline.
There are no words to describe what the band did in this album, it's unique, atmospheric, intimate, desperate.
It lacks the punch of the debut album but it expand on the introspectiveness and atmospherics.
Another masterpiece.
Eat the Elephant is also a very good album but it might catch you by surprise!
Vanishing is just out of this world!!! 😢
The Nurse that Loved me is 1 of my All-Time favorite APC songs. I think that and Gravity are what I am hooked on right now.
Failure "Fantasic Planet" was my favorite album for a time growing up, and yet I only recently heard this album with its cover. Failure and Tool were friends, toured together back in ther day
This album has a special place in my heart 🌀🌀🌀🙏🙏🙏🧘🧘🧘
“The nurse who loved me” track is actually a cover by the band Failure (one of Maynard’s favorite bands) the band is exceptionally good, you should definitely check them out!