Classical Composer REACTION & ANALYSIS to Sober (Tool) | The Daily Doug (Episode 438)

[@roberttee9790]

Huge air-drumming, leads into intense head-banging, then looks at camera and says "Phrygian Mode". LOL... No one like Doug. You are the best! 💪

[@robertakerman3570]

My brain pan / neck bones say NO "f-n" way. I thought these guys(bangers) could get a job hanging from Dracula's door.

[@digibirder]

Maynard is my favourite style of vocalist. He doesn't perform. He IS the song. He puts out his whole being. It's so moving. He puts the feeling in you to share the experience. The most direct communication.

[@eyden1562]

Honestly, his posture and sketchiness during this performance was very much a personification of the meaning of the song. It was a pure aesthetic version, of being that person that is completely stuck in their addiction with no will to escape. He portrays it as he performs, and then having the singing power while doing it... It's absolutely incredible. There's a reason these guys have been on top for so long, and yet so underappreciated by the mainstream. He's weird, but he's on freaking POINT with whatever he does musically.

[@daicullinane7746]

I was there. They were the opening band at 2.00 pm. The rest of the line up included Stone Temple Pilots, Bad Brains, Babes in Toyland, Butthole Surfers, Rage Against the Machine and headliners Porno for Pyros. Maynard repeats the "Mother Mary" line and doesn't sing the "Jesus" line on this version. This was filmed for broadcast on the UK channel ITV.

[@anneross1021]

I was also there...tool's performance was mesmerising

[@seandobson6221]

Maynard James Keenan is a musical genius. Their darkness and ability to make a song change time multiple times in a song makes them ahead of their time when they came out in my high school years. This song shows how Maynard can sing in a position that most vocal artists wouldn’t be able to sound good.

[@snarkyguy2657]

As amazing as Maynard's voice is in this video, I can't help but notice how small Danny's kit is at this stage in their career.

[@warspyder7406]

The legend DC just started an IG account. There's a clip of him playing a very short part of Rosetta Stoned.

[@gabenvlogs1377]

@@warspyder7406 bro no way

[@sants.guitar]

It’s like when you see the early Rush videos and Pearts kit is small.

[@Kerosian1]

kits gradually get bigger when you have competent drum techs and arent lugging it around yourself.

[@davidpreston3562]

Beginning of the 90’s brother!! They were around for maybe two years I think

[@user-bp1jn3xz9e]

Maynard is only one of few singers that can make you feel what he said

[@shannontreiber1070]

and Eddie Vedder

[@oskar7694]

​@@shannontreiber1070Chino is also amazing

[@allhopeabandon7831]

Great comment!

[@JimmyChitwood15]

Well put.

[@imnotallergic]

Chester

[@flapjackson6077]

Great reaction. Only critique: It’s: “Why can’t we not be sober. I just want to start this over. Why can’t we sleep forever. I just wanna start this over.” The “Why can’t we sleep forever?” phrase is the feeling addicts and suicidal people feel. It isn’t that they want to die, just let the pain go away. Sleep is a great relief from pain.

[@mikeynma]

Maynard embodied the fight with addiction in this performance...the micro tones of the guitar set you on edge, the drums beat like your head is going to explode...

[@scottmatznick3140]

So much more so than the recorded version, too. It's a whole-ass performance. The way he is standing is how I felt when I was getting clean from heroin. The whole song is very viscerally indicative of that pain.

[@zacharyadams3772]

The thing that makes Maynard special among metal vocalists is his musicianship. He uses dynamics, articulation, and timbre to shape his phrases and he changes the way he shapes phrases on all repeats. That’s pretty rare in pretty much all heavy music. Also the way his eyes pop out of his head when he sings like a desperate drug addict is pretty rad.

[@donepearce]

Maynard is playing a part, not just singing. He's portraying the agony of his friend's addiction. His friend only has his muse when high. He would love to be sober, but he can't so he's just asking to be high forever.

[@dianajemison105]

That video is so powerful. I cried the first time I watched it. Maynard is pretty amazing.

[@Arrow2theACL]

What I always liked about this video is when the camera pans to the audience. For a Tool concert, they are just zoned in the entire time.

[@dankoftinoff8119]

The only time I got too see Tool was in 1994 in Vancouver in a small 5000 seat open venue, which is very close to the videos time period. The intensity of Maynard was captivating and the band rocked having just come off their Lollapalooza tour, which is what i believe the video was from but might be wrong on that. Maynard would time his leg stomps with the band and it looked liked he was bringing down thunder, also he would take that in your face dead stare stance that demanded your attention. I turned too my friend and said this band was going to be huge and was a fan ever since! Great times!

[@haydenarlington8256]

Something interesting you might like to know Doug is that one of Paul D’Amour’s preferred basses he liked to use a lot was a Chris Squire Signature Rickenbacker, and that just so happened to be the bass he is using on this live performance.

[@ukecycle298]

I just made basically the same comment before I saw yours!

[@tattoodude8946]

For me, it's those little wavers in his voice when he gets really intense. You can see him shaking during some of those belts - I love it!

[@jakobhund4830]

I absolutely love the setup with the piano and second cam!

[@Lateralus138]

Paul doesn't always get the respect he deserves, but I've always been a fan of Tool bass no matter what album and I've been listening since the beginning and that started with Paul for me. I do love Justin's style though. Appreciate the reaction. I understand this song and subject matter all too well, though I've been doing well (ever since right before my kids were born) a long while now. Addiction is a life-long struggle.

[@ephesians.6]

This song means a great deal to me. It's a very important message about a very important time in my life where I made a very important decision.

[@warspyder7406]

I love how they've had that effect on most of us in some capacity.

[@kathyratino962]

So intense. When I saw them, I felt high although I wasn't. The most mesmerizing concert I've ever experienced. The visuals projected behind them just drive that deeper.

[@derochehope]

Tool is one of my favorite bands. I have seen them four times in concert.

[@claymiller2409]

We need Tool a lot more often lol so much to get through! Glad it's back, it's been WAY too long. Love it!

[@flyingardilla143]

Came here for Doug's comment on Maynard's outfit - left satisfied.

[@sianpodmore4988]

His stance, his movements and the sound perfectly embody the sense of a human being ripped apart inside by the tortured psychological state of the addict. Powerful, primal expression as you say, something everyday speech just isn't adequate for. Thanks Doug

[@richardkautz2947]

My Lord ! He's an absolute Animal when he releases his voice ! There's not many metal songs that "Hook" your soul and rip you off of your feet and throws your mentality through the sound barrier ! ... So many of us are going through this and this song is the razors edge of what it's like.! Such an awesome song.

[@LuisGarcia-ee2tr]

A big band with all the letters. Great tunes. Great singer. Great guitar player. Tremendous drummer. Huge bass player. Complex and simple at the same time. A true marvel, with several masterpieces in its catalog.

[@Anelor45]

Maynard is not only representing the lyrics with his movements. The struggle, the pink onesie, all convey the image of an addict in a very low place in life. Little known fact, the fixed staring at the crowd is a method he developed to overcome his stage fright. That's one of the reasons he stays way in the back now during concerts.

[@larbremord]

Ask your brother what he thinks of Ne Obliviscaris! It's a australian amazing band! try And plague flowers the kaleidoscope! Thanks to share your knowledge! =D

[@michaelmenzel5053]

He has to hear this, I agree

[@thomaskrieger9343]

Oh yes! Please do that. It's so well written, so well composed... you will find it very worthwhile.

[@blasramones4515]

He already Did Heard That

[@thomaskrieger9343]

@@blasramones4515 He didn't do it on this channel though, did he? I can not find it. Has he said he knows it?

[@josephknurek7795]

About time you got to this one, one of the most incredible live performances ever.

[@MattKrogmeier]

I was lucky enough to see Tool this year too...and the setlist did include Sober! I think they were swapping out Sober and Opiate between shows.

[@laynicarter]

So a little late with watching this but I was surprised hear him say this was from the first release because I thought what about Opiate? I guess Undertow was the first full album but Opiate has a special place in my heart. I was glad someone mentioned it. Saw them in 98 & it was brilliant.

[@ReflectionTool637]

Maynard in a onesie - f' yeah. Am a HUGE Tool fan & I lean HEAVILY to the instruments, but Maynard knows his shit. Thanks.

[@bwaredapenguin]

I'm honestly floored that you haven't reviewed this performance yet. I could have sworn that's what made me find you back when you had like 4k followers!

[@DaedalusRaistlin]

Great reaction and analysis. It's cool hearing other people hearing the same stuff I love about these metal songs.

[@eeblatter]

You really need to see the original stop motion video for this song. Adam worked in special film animation and his video is pure art. Blew my mind in '93 and still does today.

[@swizzasnake]

Seeing Tool was an Experience. They were incredible. I am so glad you got to see them. (Try Schism, Aenema, Vicarious or Stinkfist if you want more) Tool are one of those bands that change you. And maybe leads you to A Perfect Circle? One of the best covers EVER.

[@Jimetal7212]

Watch the video they released for this song. It'll give insight to the mannerisms Maynard is using on stage.

[@gabestock1495]

This video was something else when it came out, definitely different

[@MinimumGnome]

I'm a simple person - I see Tool, I click.

[@shep4life]

This was the first Tool song I heard. Immediately my favorite

[@ammortal]

I think they teach good technique so people of lesser talent can project and be heard. The people with 'true' talent such as Maynard can perform however they want and just blast you in the face with the emotion and meaning of their music, technique be damned.

[@clarisaexplainsitall79]

I saw A Perfect Circle, one of Maynard's side projects, a few years ago. James Iha from Smashing Pumpkins was playing with them. Truly incredible.

[@highpriestofseti]

a vocal coach would also say, you have to be grounded. so fantastic how he can still hit those notes.

[@k333rl]

would be interesting to see the review of maynard still singing while holding a guy in a choke hold.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

DOUG your channel needs WAY MORE MAYNARD!

[@kevinz8930]

Thanks. superb analogy as always. 🎶 🎸

[@williamfstackjr]

I like how you incorporated the piano

[@heinzbucksandcastle2053]

Maynard is the best front man in the world today. He is just unbelievable to see.

[@skildude]

Thanks for playing one of my sobriety songs. Another one is Dream Theater's Learning to Live. Maynard is playing the Drunk skin crawling shattered and ashamed. Building people up to tear them down.

[@charlesstafford6177]

this song brings me to tears every time. i wont get into why, but it destroys me, but gives me hope.

[@k333rl]

would love to hear a piano cover of any of the tool songs.

[@fenham]

Thanks Doug. I haven’t caught up with many of your recent reviews but the use of the piano improves the enjoyment I feel and helps to explain a song melody with much greater clarity. Tool became a favourite band of mine in the early 90s. They’ve never really disappointed in any of their album releases. And I think each new album has been a progression from the previous. Fear inoculum is an astoundingly good album. I didn’t think the band could better my favourite Tool album 10,000 Days, particularly after such a long break between releases, but they did, by the proverbial mile. 👏👏👏👏👏 An amazing band. Thanks once again 👍❤️👌👏👏

[@Easyasinstallations]

Damn you are good Doug! I love watching your vids. You must have perfect pitch? You are so in tune (literally and metaphorically) with what’s going on.

[@stepitupandgo67]

Crazy that it;s almost 30 yrs ago

[@mikehill6967]

this show was amazing. in fact, probably the best Reading lineup of all time.

[@TsmithJustin]

Thank your brother Dan for us! Been wondering about tool. Much love.

[@loganirvine3700]

I'm new to the channel, really enjoy the content...especially you working out the chord progression and melodies on the piano in real time. Absolutely fantastic.

[@japalacio]

I love your videos.... I was lucky and heard Sober live in their recent tour in Hamburg, Germany... that was amazing, my brain almost exploded

[@davidpryce5079]

My old band used to cover this live. Loving the analysis Doug, very insghtful

[@benf1111]

I've said it elsewhere but I think you could also say he's channelling the point of view of the drug itself. It's saying what it will do to you.

[@stevecn70]

His desire to speak to you is why cell phones aren't allowed to be taken out during the concert. He has something important to say and he wants you to pay attention.

[@teknotony]

Mohawk / mullet in his pyjamas = legendary

[@shep4life]

Paul's bass was incredible

[@Aarononautos]

Maynard's movements on stage in this performance are mimicking the music video for this song.

[@scooterreacts1822]

First saw them in 1993.... Amazing!... Maynard is a friggin genius!

[@NSalonen]

"What it looks like when you really need to go backstage for a pee but the band still wants to play one more song"

[@stankfaust814]

One of my favorites

[@alexkenley1]

yep loving the piano cam

[@Dimchek970]

I don't listen to it as often as some other ones from Tool, mostly because of it's repetitiveness, however it perfectly fits the theme of not being able to get out of the destructive cycle.

[@RadicalEdwardStudios]

I'd be very curious to hear your analysis of Fresh Feeling, by Eels. It's not /that/ complex, but I love the way the elements layer, and where they all fit in the timing of it.

[@kevinz8930]

Excellent. Powerful song

[@clarkkent9634]

I can't stand most of these types of vids, but I like yours.

[@michaellord569]

Yep, love Mondays

[@WilliamSmith-rn3bv]

Love your passion.

[@dantreadwell7421]

Yea, totally unsurprising that they dont play this live much. Given how much of Maynard is in that song, and where he was and would have to put himself back into mentally, you can easily see why he would want to avoid that. Damn, this version still gives me chills.

[@sethkaicer319]

Doug convinced tool that they were actually quite handy.

[@metalmark1214]

Doug said always use the right Tool for the right job.

[@sethkaicer319]

@@metalmark1214 Doug is a classical composer I don't think he knows a whole lot about tools LOL

[@beamer.electronics]

I enjoy listening to Tool, and this is a very curious yet disturbing piece - you can really feel the anxiety and pain! Which is of course the objective. To think - as a youngster I enjoyed listening to the Carpenters, naturally, both can co-exist :)

[@scintillasparkles]

I really enjoy Tool *and* The Carpenters. (Ok. I give vastly more time, attention and fervour to the former, but I swear the two *do* have something in common: sound quality. In the case of Tool it's all the instruments including Maynard's vocal instrument. In The Carpenter's, it's Karen's extraordinary voice.

[@beamer.electronics]

@@scintillasparkles Well observed, thank you. Tool's sound staging is the best I've ever heard.

[@perhapsavailable]

DJ Dan sure knows his stuff.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

MAYNARD ROCKING a PINK ONESIE.

[@Atodaso]

Maynard has performed from behind a shroud 2 of the 4 times I have seen Tool - Unsure of the reason either way. Adds to the mystery/mystique of Tool's music :)

[@aliciasavage6801]

He is standing like that because he is invoking the character of the song

[@markmaioli4]

The Quay Brothers video is one of my favorites!

[@bassmonsteradsit7160]

As many have probably said by now, Sober is not on their debut album Undertow. Their debut album was Opiate when they signed with Zoo Entertainment in 1992, though their first full length was indeed Untertow in 93

[@chadcornelison7372]

I agree, although it's complicated since some people make a distinction that Opiate was just an EP of a few collected songs, while Undertow is their first full length studio album. I'm guessing he read something about the latter.

[@dustinpribble1546]

The lyrics can b seen through the lens of an addict but if u think about it the same lyrics can actually personify the characteristics of the drugs

[@ronjarverdatter8188]

Fascinating Band Tool! Maynard James Keenan crawls under your skin, Daniel Edwin Carey and Justin Gunnar Walter Chancellor settle in your heart while Adam Thomas Jones slowly but surely occupies your mind.

[@chadsekeras9747]

Tool is one of my top 3 bands of all time but I loved their videos that go with the songs just like The Gorillaz which is another great band.

[@metalmark1214]

I consider Tool industrial metal or rock. The song is not about addiction, at least not in the way some people think. The song is about a friend of the band who, simply put, was a substance addict. Or more specifically he could only operate “at his artistic best” when he was highly intoxicated.

[@jamesblackburn9267]

Have you ever heard "seventy-five" by Touch? ...just one track of an amazing album! I am a retired professor of mathematics who played in rock bands to help put myself through my undergraduate work. I once presented a "mathematical look at music theory" in grad school. I've played ELP on keyboards and Yes on guitar.

[@ukecycle298]

It’s interesting that you picked up on the Chris Squire-like bass sound, since this bassist used a Rickenbacker Chris Squire signature model.

[@fredoniabulsara9414]

Hey Doug! Thanks for your videos, always nice to hear your thoughts about these songs! My one suggestion would be 'Concerto for Group and Orchestra' by Deep Purple. Classic Rock and Classic Music meeting at their best!

[@ccgray]

I would love to watch you listen to their song, Eulogy.

[@MeisterMagoo-n1d]

Well, I saw Tool in the early 90s.

[@Maireadmoss]

Love your work Doug. Would you consider "Golden Brown" by The Stranglers? It has a harpsichord. Harpsichord Hump Day?

[@steveyoung5811]

Doug Here's a suggestion for you to analysis Selling England By The Pound by Genesis

[@ende666]

yesyesyesyes!! genius song and album

[@JellyRoger_XIII]

Especially if he cover "The Battle of Epping Forest", but yes...all the album is pure perfection. ('Wardrobe' excluded maybe😂🤣😂)

[@ende666]

@@JellyRoger_XIII wait a minute, i actually love wardrobe haha, I do understand its kind off an odd one, but it just fits for some bizarrre reason.

[@JellyRoger_XIII]

@@ende666 It's perfectly ok. I loved it when i was 8 to 18 probably. I was that young and already listening SEBTP cuz of my dad's car cassette player during summer's holyday, and the song was cool to my young ears, back in the day😂! Jokes apart, i'm not criticizing my fave Prog Band of all time, or you cuz you like it....is just the LP is SO DAMN PERFECT that i see it like a 'filler track'. It's not a bad song...it is just too 'normal' compared to the perfection of all other tracks....but it's ok, i never skip it. While i skip some songs of other bands that i love. So, at least...... 🤣👍

[@naut6606]

love how does compares this bass sound to yes. paul and chris both play a rick!

[@ukecycle298]

Peter Gabriel sometimes stood in that same hunched position in the early days of Genesis.

[@theprogmaster3307]

I have a power drill that makes the same kind of racket especially with the hammer mode on, the end was good though

[@CalvinT-l3b]

Opiate is the first album

[@chuckhamilton7814]

Suggestion for a Friday: Gentle Giant! You won't be disappointed.

[@Arrow2theACL]

Daily Doug Episode 171. He also has done score analysis of Knots on his Patreon. Check the Daily Doug Directory in this video's description for a list of Doug's reactions.

[@johnkauffman9670]

Check out some Savatage the early TSO When the crowds are gone. This band will leave you speechless.

[@scottsullivan983]

I've always assumed this song was about religion, not necessarily addiction. I figured Maynard was going off the statement, "Religion is the opiate of the masses." He definitely refers to that saying in the song Opiate.

[@Mikhail_Ganchenko]

Awesome! You should definitely try Lamb of God - Omerta.