What Makes This Song Great? "Weak and Powerless" A Perfect Circle

[@goosezen]

This is a case where someone reveals all the magician's tricks, and the magic becomes even more astounding.

[@mczensun8610]

Nice!

[@toddself5838]

That was a perfect description.... pun intended

[@Clutch50K]

Yes! I've seen this trick (heard this song) so many times before. I've listened to the album on repeat, but ... I never heard some of the guitar stuff going on until now. Now I can't unhear it. It's like Rick just introduced me to a brand new song.

[@camislotkin]

This. It’s amazing how gorgeous all the parts are even in isolation.

[@andreasrestad7869]

Right?!

[@willitneverend]

It's a tribute to Rick's reputation that artists like Billy Howerdel would give him access to the tracks like this. Amazing!

[@OnlineWerds]

Thirteenth Step is painfully perfect as a total and complete piece of art.

[@kidboston]

100%

[@Josh-oi6lh]

correct

[@callumbrady88]

Number 1 road trip album. I've found anyone will appreciate it

[@9897431]

i did a emotive, mer de noms & thirteenth step binge today and ughhhh so great

[@bstring7773]

Its got its own vibe that didnt quite rock out enough for me compared to Mer de Noms, but daaaamn if it doesnt stay with you and make you see its comparable genius after some time, and ongoing.

[@robindreier9796]

Just thought to throw this out there: APC actually shared this on their twitter!

[@okpc.]

And on Facebook too

[@FyX77]

Why would they not?! This is the best hommage anyone could do to this song, which is wonderfully crafted. Kuddos to them and great work Rick. Makes me appreciate this song even more.

[@robindreier9796]

@@FyX77 im not saying they shouldn’t have in fact I was kinda pointing out how many bands don’t even acknowledge these

[@maxulyses]

At the start of the video Rick actually said that Billy sent him the tracks

[@fast_mattw8059]

Well duh, Howerdell sent him the session tracks to make this video with 🤘🤘🤘 how awesome!

[@drummer265]

Rick is a national treasure who must be protected at all costs.

[@EdwardRLyons]

Don't be so insular! Rick Beato is a *global* treasure! He speaks to the world! 8-)

[@drummer265]

@@EdwardRLyons hahah I stand corrected!

[@kingbumi3418]

@@EdwardRLyons I'll do you one better. He's a universal treasure.

[@F3Ibane]

I swear to christ, soloing Maynard's vocals should come with a warning label. One of the best rock vocalists of our time.

[@janocronismo]

Of ALL time, I'd say...

[@TalesOfModernity]

It's just so damn smooth

[@jonny555ive]

Maynard and Mike Patton I dare you to disagree with me.

[@eclipsewrecker]

@@jonny555ive i disagree. The best is James Patton

[@chevelle68100]

Great voice. True Tone

[@Skypie61]

This is what I love about Rick Beato. I have never heard of this band or song, and creating a WMTSG video not only educates musicians and music lovers about the process, but he introduces people to Artist that opens new audiences to their music. KZbin & the Labels should be paying RB handsomely for creating these videos, rather than demonitizing them...Shame on them👍😀🎼🎶🎵

[@adamkohtakangas5049]

Aw man you got some music to listen to if you like this. Their first two albums are fantastic!

[@Unherist]

And if you don't know A Perfect Circle I guess you don't know Tool? Give them a listen too my friend, you probably won't regret it.

[@sdsamara]

I’m jealous of anyone listening to APC/Tool for the first time 🙃

[@martinrobinson936]

I also had never heard on APC, do not remember any airplay in Australia, a deep dive is coming up. But I will take the advice and revisit Tool as well, remember Sober but never bought an album. Thanks.

[@verigone2677]

@@martinrobinson936 strap in, its going to be intense

[@HiddenHandMedia]

I've listened to this song a million times but this is the first time i've actually "heard" it. Thanks Rick

[@wmspins]

This. There is so much more going on then you can imagine. Love these breakdowns of songs.

[@dennisgraham9444]

Yes, ty!!

[@andreasrestad7869]

Same for me. Holy hell!

[@ericappell801]

add me too

[@575motocross4]

My exact thought

[@bootlebeats6331]

I got my degree in music(guitar) degree in the late 60's early 70's because of the Beatle's compositional sophistication. The theory and ear training was everything in understanding what goes into great compositions, be it classical , jazz, rock, etc. What Rick is showing is that every part is a composition on its own. Orchestration. Anybody who has had this training knows exactly what I'm talking about. Stick with Rick and you'll be so far ahead in the game should you decide to go to school or into the music biz. This video made me so happy to see that the old compositional techniques are alive and well! Thankyou Rick.

[@CarnivoreIntelligence]

Yes we learn from Fick and get better. 👍😊

[@patrickwayne9074]

What you’re saying here^ is the reason why I often wish I could play bass and drums simultaneously. So many decent bands have at least one “musician” who doesn’t push it far enough, or in some cases pull back. Bands like the Beatles and APC can hear it when they are writing.

[@bootlebeats6331]

@@patrickwayne9074 Yeah, you're right. One of the down sides to getting some education, it tends to irritate bandmates, (who didn't have the same education in music), when you offer a musical solution to problem in a song. Where I'm from most players were content with whatever results they came up with just as long it was easy and quick. There were some astounding players and singers but they didn't seem interested in the compositional big picture. Of course, as you've pointed out, there are bands that just met the right combination of bandmates who intuitively knew what to do and didn't have any education. Back in the day, musicians played six nights a week and that had some bearing on that approach.

[@StefanMedici]

I know Rick speaks English, but have no idea what he's saying most of the time. Still love his breakdowns,

[@GitShiddy]

Honestly the entirety of Thirteenth Step could be episodes, that is a killer album.

[@logiarhythm6285]

Absolutely! I really hoped for Eat The Elephant to be more like this... it's timeless!

[@Daggeira]

I feel quite the same way about Mer De Noms as well.

[@S2mppa]

One of my fav albums!

[@tendraftsdeep]

@@Daggeira Mer de Noms is a masterpiece. I was actually disappointed with 13th Step, but it's still good

[@lucasjankowski7117]

Totally agree. Their best LP in my opinion. More mature, atmospheric and sophisticated than Mer de Noms. Though it took me longer time to appreciate it more than their debut.

[@brandonmiles8174]

Of course everyone knows how great Maynard is, but man is Billy a musician's musician. He has some serious musical genius in him that is perfectly matched with Maynard's style, this whole band, every instrument is just tops.

[@AtheistLuvXmas]

Creative, unique riffs.

[@constructionbootgazer]

Everyone needs to check out Intronaut. They toured with Tool a few years back and it’s easy to see why. They also have unique drumming, creative riffs and the grooviest of bassists.

[@Stoffchin]

this makes me wonder why is that dude not part of tool?!

[@F3Ibane]

100% accuracy in this comment ☝️

[@deadohiosky1701]

@@Stoffchin ummm, because adam?

[@PennyStocks1269]

If you are a Band/Musical Artist, and aren't sending Rick your tracks to break down, you are missing out on an opportunity to increase interest in your music. As a fan of most of the bands Rick has done this for, I have immediately gone back through their catalog to listen with a new ear and an increased interest in their work. Thank you Rick for this great series!

[@ryanith2]

Insightful and very acute take

[@papapetad]

Some are better off running from the opportunity, as gentle as Rick has shown he can be when faced with more... "challenging" content 😃

[@docbob1182]

@@papapetad that's Nicki Minaj's take on it, anyway 😆

[@mayorofthenonsense]

Amen. Me too.

[@irti_pk]

The first 2 APC albums are literal masterpieces.

[@marshallsweatherhiking1820]

13the step is definitely the magnum opus. Almost every song is top tier and they all fit together.

[@JorenMathews]

I love Eat The Elephant too. Every song.

[@DexDevey]

Rick, your joy is animated. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@anne-mariev.3295]

His smile makes me smile 😊

[@bondalero0074]

Rick is a true Genius of Music Theory! Great work, “You” have taken me to new heights of my LOVE for music that has ALWAYS been there since elementary school hearing my 1st Kiss album that opened a whole new LOVE for Rock n’ Roll music. Always and forever my guitar Gods were Jimi Hendrix(R.I.P.),EVH(R.I.P.),Eric Clapton, Ace Frehley, Angus Young, SRV(R.I.P.) ,& David Gilmour!#🎸🤘🏻❤️🔥✨@RickBeato

[@ToolforOffice]

Hearing Maynard sing without music is eerily beautiful and now I want to hear the whole song like that

[@scrapefrenzy]

I would literally throw him money for it.

[@jessehutchings]

The crazy thing about his song writing for APC is that all his vocals could stand on their own acapella bc they're just that beautiful

[@rumblefish9]

@@jessehutchings APC's recordings are very vocal forward which is the opposite of TOOL's where it's like his voice is fighting through to be heard. It's somewhat and barely audible at the same time.

[@etho86]

"Billy gave me the master track the other week." Spoken like he was loaning his mower for the weekend.

[@withmygoodeyeclosed]

Lol yeah, Rick knows a lot of people in the industry, it's so cool that he shares this with all of us.

[@cikame]

I hope he doesn't have to give it back :P.

[@petemichalski487]

I love youtubes comment section...every now and then I have a massive laughing fit over a comment. This was one... Cheers

[@patrickwayne9074]

This guy is appreciated by all the “somebody’s” in the biz and we are slowly finding out who he is years later. I love these stories that go with every WMTSG

[@re20bt]

LOL so true

[@fret2fret221]

billy howerdell is one of, if not the most, underrated musicians/songwriters/guitarists/composers of all time.

[@lildipster3531]

Could not agree more ♥️

[@antdujar]

Hands down agreed!

[@heroblok6]

The knowledge he must have gained from being guitar tech for so many greats is priceless, nin, bowie, pumpkins TOOL lol he has a few videos on KZbin where he himself breaks down apc songs like this and how he came up with them. Its amazing stuff

[@noparadise2308]

Ashes divide is a perfect example of that

[@hierbich]

billy howerdell is one of the most technically accomplished guitarists. The problem is that many people think playing as fast as fack is the only thing that matters. This guy knows every single detail in music theory, composition, voicings, arrangement, and guitar possibilities.

[@ethanparr]

Billy really is a special songwriter. I hope to hear some new music from him soon.

[@ellyisonyoutube4017]

Billy, shut up and take my money *insert meme

[@johnathoncolman6083]

What i find so fascinating about music and songs like this is most people don't know all these little details about the song. But the brain kind of subconsciously picks all these things up and we interpret it as "damn thats a good song"

[@deadraider420]

It’s a dam good song

[@userNo31909580]

What's even more fascinating is that people implicitly understand the grammar of music. Most people can for example identify the root or tonic of most songs within seconds. If you ask someone who has never hold an instrument in their lives to hum a melody, that melody will follow at least some of the rules of music theory. It's gonna have a key signature. It's going to resolve to the root etc. That's insanely cool to me. Especially if you subscribe to the idea that music theory is learned and not written into our dna or something. That means that just to listen to music and derive pleasure from it is basically you participating in the learned and inherited cultural knowledge that took tens of thousands of years to develop. It's like an actual language, only exists as long as people participate in it. Is there anything more human than that?

[@barefootwayfarer6294]

I'm a classically trained percussionist, and didn't even pick up on Freese's triplet over eighth note poly. It's all done so seamlessly, it's so easy to glaze over and just love the music.

[@beanw5639]

So true man

[@tanner6538]

@@userNo31909580 I’m looking for an option to “flag” your comment as profoundly important, but KZbin doesn’t have that function.

[@houstonmolinar7254]

Josh Freese's heartbeat bass drum CANNOT be understated here. He isn't using a double bass pedal to play that. That's all right foot! That takes some stamina! Incredible drummer.

[@Imdatboi669]

Houston Molinar straight animal

[@Lebowski333]

I don’t think there’s kicks on the snares so his foot does get a rest

[@MrKarmapolice97]

Josh Freese is in my dream line up of a band!

[@NwoDispatcher]

I'd say that the Queens of the stone age does the same kind of metronome drumming

[@joesutherland2017]

@@MrKarmapolice97 Hell yeah. Guy's got a pedigree a mile long. He can play anything, and play it damn well.

[@danrivas4645]

i think rick smiles throughout this entire video. you knows how amazing of a masterpiece of a song this is. hes so happy explaining it to us. maynard and chris cornell and howard jones are my 3 favorite unique vocalists

[@kathynagle3359]

Did not see Howard Jones coming but all right! 🖤💙

[@cblackburn81]

I dig how your like "yeah, Billy and I were talking a couple of weeks ago..." like it's no big deal, lol. Amazing insight as always.

[@eonblue4309]

Lol right? Rick, f you are buds with Billy, I'd love to see more breakdowns of APC and Ashes Divides stuff. I'd pay money for that.

[@spasticlabrat]

Hell, if I were a musician, I'd love to hear Rick dissect one of my tunes! Of course, if he turned me down it would be a total bummer . . . .

[@adamharris6557]

@@eonblue4309 Same here!

[@doknox]

It shouldnt be a big deal. Hes a human like you are. I've met famous people and it's not that serious at all.

[@mindquad772]

@@doknox bro what? Could you call those people up and have them send you tracks? You missed the whole point of the comment

[@C4Ske]

Rick, I binge everything you watch, even if I don’t understand some of the technical things, it’s all just so fascinating man, thank you so much for existing on KZbin.

[@silentfuryjazzrock]

Seriously I have Rick Beato hour in my schedule every day"- jAZZrOCK

[@C4Ske]

@@silentfuryjazzrock daily dose of Beato

[@stevenwilliams1805]

I had someone shut me down, when I tried to tell them about Rick's videos because, they didn't what me to ruin music for them? I guess they had an ignorance is bliss attitude about life.

[@C4Ske]

@@stevenwilliams1805 if you learn the technical parts of music, you can create awesome music yourself! Your friend is missing out

[@stevenwilliams1805]

@@C4Ske yeah, I got a busted up acoustic, I've been meaning to try and fix it and play around with it.

[@chevelle6268]

Probably my favorite song of Perfect Circle. This and Blue are amazing songs. So much going on in this song, it’s just so unique.

[@markeugenelee2083]

It's one of those rare gems Amongstillions Nothing like this will ever be produced again

[@lizardking9529]

Thirteenth step and Mer de Noms are two of the greatest albums ever made. Heard this song millions of times and hearing you dissect it so eloquently was incredible. Thanks Rick!

[@JordanStar7]

Agreed

[@handsomedevil4860]

Maynard surrounds himself with genius musicians. Tool and APC are my all time favorite bands because of their style and complex instrumentals.

[@JayCord00]

Well he himself his an incredible singer .

[@AbhishekGupta-lw7cx]

OMG. Never realized how complex this song was. Radio friendly catchy tune - but wow the musicianship to be so playing so tight with all the polyrhythms and crazy riffs. Production is just insane.

[@sdsamara]

“I’m gonna solo the vocals” ...so your body can melt into the chair.

[@katkat4986]

Or become pregnant

[@andrewbergamann7982]

Or become pregnant while levitating over a melted chair.

[@haagatha]

Can you imagine all his work with his voice isolated?😍

[@jrod8644]

It starts at 7:53 if you want to listen to it over and over for maximum pregnant levitating over a melted chair

[@benjim_]

@@andrewbergamann7982 im dying lol

[@fivewattworld]

I vividly remember you turning me in to this record when it came out. Telling me to pay attention to the production. Still incredible.

[@Stillwaters-t6b]

it's a great record!

[@robopotato4391]

Me too. I was expecting something like their first album. I had also just got an awesome speaker/hifi setup and this was the first album I actually got to crank it up properly.

[@jackmckee8196]

Five watt rules

[@KikiRevenge]

Vanishing is one of my all time favorite songs. I still play it all the time.

[@frankbarnwell____]

off topic guys, but did either of you hear the Jon Anderson song/video of "Go Screw Yourself"? Yes, that mild old rocker. I'm still floored.

[@mayorofthenonsense]

Wow. I mean, I always liked this song and always appreciated the innovative and unorthodox writing of the band (odd tunings and meters always pull me in), but having Rick break it down into its component parts and explain the deeper levels of creativity and complexity in these songs makes me love them more! I can't help but to go back and listen to these songs with a fresh ear and a renewed level of enthusiasm.

[@Theredbaron09]

I'm so glad that APC and Tool embrace the idea of people using their music as a teaching tool and to break it down and show off the brilliance of the music. Thank you Rick! P.S. could you do a WMTSG with Royal Blood? That would be awesome.

[@TubbysWorld4413]

Royal blood!😍

[@kingloser4198]

Making us all less Weak and Powerless in the process :)

[@FairFuse]

I don't think Tool actually shared their separate tracks, the only ones Beato used were from the only Guitar Hero that had Tool songs (Schism, Vicarious & Parabola)

[@Meccarox]

Yes a Royal Blood video would be super cool!

[@irti_pk]

@@FairFuse True but they were supportive of Rick when he did upload his WMTSG.

[@cameronjm79]

I have loved this song since I heard it the first time in 2003. But I never really truly understood the lyrics. Then I got addicted to opiates. And many years and a lot of pain later, all the little double meanings started jumping out at me. My favorite is when he says. "Someone feed the monkey, while I dig in search of china, white as dracula, as I approach the bottom. It's one of the most genius double meaning lyrics I have ever heard. The china white reference is really cleverly hidden because of the way he phases it. MJK is truly a genius. To all those that are still living the painful life described in this song, you CAN make it out! It doesn't have to be forever.

[@AVEDEPASO__]

I feel identified with your comment. Thanks for posting it 🤜🤛

[@jbh613b]

As a person who has played music his entire life, but clearly does not possess the same level of musical theory as you, it's always a pleasure to hear the "science" behind songs like this. I find it particularly fascinating when various passages and sections resonate with you the same way they do as me which just reinforces my belief that music speaks to us on a more intrinsic level and even if you aren't equipped with the "language" you can still speak it fluently with others who share the same love for it.

[@demondust717]

Well said.

[@niohmovie]

couldn`t have said it better...it`s the resonance...as it is commented later here...your smile, your "oh...beautiful"...wonderful seeing someone resonating with this song the same way

[@chadcarrdrums]

Josh Freese is a machine, and can play any style effortlessly.

[@TT-lu5gt]

When I see his name, I always think of him playing Wish live with NIN. So good.

[@rafazaremba416]

Love that drummer, can play all genres. Great session drummer!

[@prisonpov]

Yep he's the man

[@3du76]

The first time I heard him was in "The Art of Rebellion", an overlooked masterpiece

[@brucanthwood]

Him and brad wilk are my favorite underrated drummers to come out of the 90s. Matt Cameron is insane too but idk if he's overlooked enough?

[@pioushotdo]

I won a radio contest back in 2008 or so and got front row seats to see them. It was the last show on the tour and Maynard was hammered on his own wine. He was even talking to the audience. At the end of the show Billy walked up and handed me his guitar slide. I still have it, and it's one of the best shows I've ever seen

[@balloo8954]

I love how the first two choruses are combined at the end and made more epic. APC is a masterful band at creating tension, knowing when to cut it and relax it.

[@Hipnoticafilms]

Wow, heard the song million of times but when you deconstruct it that much is like a new song to me. It's even more beautiful and complex! Thanks man for sharing this.

[@jamstagerable]

I was thinking literally the same thing while watching and listening. It brings the appreciation of the song to an entirely different level. It brings an almost unexplainable feeling....

[@PhilipRikoZen]

Just having the chance to listen to the "desperate weak and powerless" soloed vocals made my day week and month, thank you so much for this opportunity

[@benkyle76]

Just said the same thing to myself about this making my whole day

[@littledittymusic]

Ikr, that alone is a thing of beauty! ❤️

[@MrAlexDroog]

I've been listening to this album for 17 years and i am still hearing new things I've not heard before pop out every now and then . One of my favourite albums of all time.

[@CarnivoreIntelligence]

Yes it is a great song!

[@boove]

You could do a series for this entire album; it’s perfection. It’s one of my favourite albums to use for referencing new monitors/speakers. Such wonderful production.

[@KorbinX]

Agreed. The whole album is fantastic

[@retrieversqbd]

Back when I was more active in my other hobby of DIY audio, I would wear out this album when I was working on final voicing. Good thing the whole thing is so great listen to.

[@sacriste]

I really enjoy watching Rick behaving like a kid with the music.

[@bano363]

I never realised how similar this riff at 2:32 is to 'A Stranger' from the same album. Really helps tie it together and create a continuity through the songs

[@micahdouglas2982]

First thing I noticed when watching this video

[@GreenThumbFreedom]

You're a stranger soooooo.... what do I care? ... Yeah it's same key and all, just mellowed out and phrased differently. I never caught it before watching this video

[@TheBobafett13]

Just casually throwing out the fact that billy himself gave him all this info.....so cool. Awesome video, definitely more to the song then I thought their was!

[@prisonpov]

Ikr all casual oh Billy gave them to me 🤘

[@christopherbaione5963]

Always with this band.

[@christopherbaione5963]

One of the greatest albums EVER. One of the most underrated bands ever. Maynards best work...

[@jg5624]

Agreed, front to back this album is consistently amazing.

[@automachinehead]

maynard's best group too

[@warriordrum]

I am suddenly a superfan of A Perfect Circle, whom I had never heard before. I LOVE this song. Truly beautiful, and made more precious and sweet by Ricks understanding and generosity.

[@cezarsantana]

Same here! Never heard it, always loved it, lol

[@thenear1send]

I was just hiking through the forest the other evening and decided at random to play some old perfect circle albums that I hadn't listened to in years. The whole time I could hardly describe how awestruck I was and how nostalgic I felt. Truly magical times back then. The production on this album is 10/10, and especially the drum grooves and fills, oh my.

[@biirdman_]

“Every time I listen to it I hear something new” I feel like this is the strongest point to anything Maynard touches. Tool, APC, Puscifer. Nearly every single song my infatuation grows with each listen. I don’t know how or why, it just does. Love MJK

[@antdujar]

Agreed.

[@princeDinger]

While I agree, APC is really Billy Howerdel's baby. Man deserves the credit for the overall musical direction on their first two albums.

[@joesolove97]

I just got to hear Keenan’s projects for the first time and I’m at awe, he is a complete genius. How he can have 3 projects so different and still have his essence

[@MrGunwitch]

MJK just does the lyrics and vocals in Tool, the music is entirely composed without him.

[@xenophagia]

This album helped me through my recovery. This is one of my favorite tracks on the record. So beautiful.

[@nicholasp9004]

Same here, and relapse, and break ups, dads suicide, heavy duty-nearing hopeless h use for more years than I thought I could get through, more recovery, more relapse. It’s top 5 : no matter where I’m at/how I’m doing in life - albums. Apc is music tied to my very soul but this record is particularly emotional and connected with my entire being.

[@krisgilstrap2214]

the music in billy's head is so beautiful, and there are parts of this song that i might not ever have heard if not for rick picking it apart so eloquently. please don't ever stop doing this.

[@keithraaum9559]

I still say that the WMTSG series is just great. Not only do we get to see how great songs are built but seeing how you just go off into musical nerdy nirvana talking about this stuff (in a good way) shows how much you really love this stuff.

[@inseki_j]

what makes what makes this song great great

[@GarethDaviesNZ]

What makes this series great 😁

[@Pipo786]

"let me actually play along with the track" the size of Rick's smile

[@joseluislopez7511]

The love

[@janocronismo]

That was just amazing, he's so happy and so am I.

[@Touchdowntommy12]

How could anyone give Rick a “thumbs down”? I could watch Rick do his thing day in and day out. His enthusiasm is contagious and has opened my eyes to so many things musically I doubt I would have ever learned but for Rick.

[@forwardfaith]

So true.

[@erikarnald419]

I would love to see a WMTSG on a Gojira song! Flying Whales, The Gift of Guilt or The Art of Dying are some of their best songs in my opinion.

[@theouzi]

All these 3 Songs are fantastic, but art of dying is incredible!

[@erikarnald419]

theouzi, absolutely man! I really believe The Art of Dying is up there with Master of Puppets, Holy Wars, Painkiller etc. A true metal masterpiece.

[@TheeWandell]

My vote would be for Born in Winter. Subtle excellence of execution.

[@erikarnald419]

peter wandell, for sure. One of the coolest and darkest clean riffs I have ever heard.

[@TheeWandell]

@@erikarnald419 they put on one heck of a live show too! Looking forward to being able to see a live concert again

[@kathynagle3359]

This song is a gift. I feel like I’m on a roller coaster when I listen to it. I love that you broke down some of the ways it almost mimics being high

[@Leehayden]

That whole album is a masterpiece. Thanks for breaking this down. I've always loved this song but now appreciate it on a whole different level.

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

The tones on this album -- guitar, bass, drums -- are gorgeous and about as perfect as I've ever, ever heard.

[@aalbert78]

What makes this song great: Rick's analysis

[@captainchunk4078]

Very true. It’s a fantastic song made better by Rick’s dissection and explanation.

[@illitero]

It's so easy to get caught up in the incessant drive of the song that I don't think I've ever conscientiously noticed how busy the track actually is.

[@F3Ibane]

It really sweeps you in and carries you along for the ride.

[@timm1356]

Who else loves when Rick says "I'm going to attempt to play along" and then plays it perfectly😆

[@booli8542]

On the 47th take

[@namesurname7172]

@@booli8542 Oh, the saltiness is palpable!

[@mightyV444]

@Timm 13 - Yes! And I also like when he says, "If I had the chops, I could play that" ;-))

[@rabinesque]

Billy and Maynard's harmonies on this song are so gorgeous.

[@mathewpryor82]

It’s always been one of my fav APC tracks. The second guitar riff in the chorus is pure genius and makes the entire song just that step above the rest. My only criticism of the song is that it’s so short that the beauty is over with too quickly meaning the repeat button is smashed regularly. Excellent breakdown by Rick here, totally see the passion for the music and excellence in the overlapping production.

[@forrestgreen6765]

After Lateralus I needed something and Thirteenth Step was the solution. Well mixed and produced album.

[@poeglives]

What Makes This Song Great is what the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame should have been all along. Rick's chanel is a place to reintroduce great songs to each new crop of kids and a chance to revisit great songs that we might have blown off when we were kids. I was 12 in 1975 and while introduced to Rush in 1972-73 by 16 year old cousins (yup, grade 3) there wasn't the bandwidth in my head for a lot of 70's bands with everything else flooding the airwaves. Now I'm finding fresh sounds from the 70's because of KZbinrs like Rick. Kudos Rick! What Makes This Song Great is what the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame should have been all along.

[@IndigoWraithe]

Man, what a wonderful breakdown of one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. I love that Billy Howerdel actually gave you the master for this. It's such a wonderful thing how supportive Tool & APC have been of your channel. This is a beautiful celebration of their work. Thank you so much for sharing. I got to hear a song I've loved in a way I never have before.

[@musicbro8225]

I love how the smiles which Rick gives are not about his cleverness but about his appreciation of the music's brilliance.

[@TFrancis002]

A Perfect Circle is my Fall Season jam band here in the Northeast. Phenomenal live band. Another awesome episode of what makes this song great! Thank you.

[@CarnivoreIntelligence]

Yes, he is awesome:)

[@bradleytigar3069]

My favorite part of watching Rick's videos is his air-drumming.

[@Ian_Andre]

For me this was THE album of 03-04. Really struck the right cords while going through all those emotions and teenage angst.

[@KorbinX]

This and waking the fallen. Both are epic imo

[@Jam3s1988]

this and the mars volta

[@benharley88]

This has left me breathless. I would pay good money to hear each solo element played out in full. I've always loved this song but you've given it a completely new life for me.

[@Weebajeek]

I've listened to A Perfect Circle ever since Eat The Elaphant was released, back in 2016. That was the album that changed my entire viewpoint on music, from entertainment to an art form. I've listened to each album front to back several times each, and yet this single video has caused me to learn so much more that I never noticed before. There's so much detail that you wouldn't notice if you just listened to the song at face value, but when you pay attention, there's so many little things that add to the song's beauty. And this is only ONE OF THEM!

[@crazeh8]

Thirteenth Step is a landmark record. Absolutely stunning album.

[@Skastrik]

Don't know why the algorithm put this in my feed today, but I'm staying, this is amazing!

[@Olga-vl5tm]

Same here lol

[@omnise]

Me too

[@jhamilton1007]

Same here man

[@stevestanley1114]

Welcome home.

[@raidrfrk]

Enjoy

[@Led198957]

MJK has the ability the give drama and mood to whatever songs he's singing. His melancholic timbre and atmospheric vocals always sends chills down to my spine, he has something that give to any songs from Tool, APC or any others (like "Passenger", the "Know your enemy" scream, backing vocals in "Fallen, the duet with Tori Amos, ecc.) the perfect touch to help set the mood, the ability to change my houmor through the day. Maybe he doesn't have a powerful 5 octaves vocal range, or that mainstream presence and attitude, but to me is one of the greatest singer of the last 30 years. Point.

[@lucasjankowski7117]

The most astonishing thing is the fact that his screaming-aggressive type of singing is equally awesome as his melancholy-lyrical type of singing. It's a rare phenomenon among singers to be equally superb on both of this levels.

[@Led198957]

@@lucasjankowski7117 Exactly! He has that kind of voice that makes you turn your head and listen carefully to it. The fact that Tool sometimes are labeled as "weird", "too complicated", "overrated", "not really metal" and bla bla bla don't help people to understand what he's capable of, but surely he does drop your jaw after 3 seconds!!

[@missunreason2492]

"Weak and Powerless" feels like one of those songs that aren't even man-made, but somehow ethereal and out of this world. After the video, I think I understood a bit of that magic. Thanks, Rick!!

[@Samcanplaymusic]

Your music knowledge is insane. From the theory, to the production, to the recording engineering. Love it.

[@marvinrockon]

A Perfekt Circle is so good. I listened to that album quiet a lot back then. The music supports the vocals sometimes in a huge way or really mellow and yet differentiate themselves to carry you through, but still glue together so well. I really love it. Everything by itself sound great, together it becomes this journey and the lyrics make some contrast or go with the flow, but all in a musical way. I'm not one of those talking about Tool and A Perfect Circle nonstop, but they are really great musicians and just as great songwriters. Many people amaze you with their technical skills, not so many do with songwriting. But A Perfect Circle gets me every time.

[@vyrve]

It's nice to see someone talking about how great this song is. One of my all time favorites.

[@locksmithdb5987]

I love the way Rick breaks it down. He has an expert ear and talent for music in general.

[@diegoanglada8378]

I can’t express how grateful I am that you chose this song specifically for this video series. Love the APC and billy Howerdel’s/MJK compositions analysis. Keep it up man!

[@madsquishy3410]

God, Maynard's voice is just hauntingly beautiful. I think that gets lost sometimes in all the atmospheric music. Just a gorgeous voice

[@Advosary]

Thanks for breaking down one of my most favourite groups. Very cool to have the multi-tracks to show off the intricate beauty this band weaves in their songs.

[@felipepontilho3921]

Mr. Beato, you’re a legend! The quality of the content is undisputed but sometimes it is your enthusiasm that keeps me watching beginning to end. 🙂👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@spagooter_intruder]

Hey Rick. Are you gonna do another tool song? Lateralus deserves a WMTSG

[@thomasmeyer8798]

So does Pneuma.

[@The.Adam.D]

@@thomasmeyer8798 hands down Pneuma has become my favorite Tool song.. gives me chills everytime

[@nickelasso]

@@thomasmeyer8798 Or 7empest...the video would be 2 hours long.

[@danielsmithson6404]

I agree...we need more TOOL!!

[@erikarnald419]

Pneuma or 7empest would be amazing.

[@horohorosrin]

I honestly love that these videos give me an even deeper understanding and appreciation of the music I've been listening to for years. So fucking good. Everything Maynard touches is gold, I swear.

[@DrJeebles]

I never get tired of this series. You're amazing, Rick.

[@wknight8111]

Weak and Powerless is one of my favorite songs in the whole world and I'm so thrilled that you picked it to highlight. I know Judith usually gets more attention from people, but this is one of the best songs Perfect Circle ever did. The only song they had which I think was probably better was Passive, and that one was on an unpopular album and gets even less attention for it.

[@dalekay9ine]

I always thought Blue should have got more attention, amazing songs.

[@dokanc]

@@dalekay9ine They seem like the underdogs but Weak and Powerless and Blue are just so perfect. Every attention to detail and the harmonics coming together so mesmerising. Kudos for mentioning Blue.

[@jurajsadovsky7094]

I was born in 2004 in Europe, and I love Thirteenth Step, and I want to ask you how popular was the record? Was it on the mainstream radio? Was it discussed? What was the most popular song of that time? @Dale Kay @Dogukan Cetin

[@buckfiden2594]

I'm probably going too mainstream here but 3 Libras was always one of my absolute favorites.

[@darkmatter4752]

Passive originally had a different title and was penned by Maynard Trent reznor and Danny lohner for their tapeworm project which fizzled out. I can't remember the original title though

[@johncollins6415]

It would be so so easy to not keep someone INTERESTED in breaking down and explaining a song EVEN if they loved the song and the band, Yet your expertise and enthusiasm in explaining what’s going on is profound, and you have completely sold me. Keep up the great work. Thank you

[@JDWindtPlaysGuitar]

this is what new Music should be like. While others artists and record labels block and copyright-claim other videos of their songs, Billy Howerdel himself sends Rick the tracks so he can make this wonderful video. This is my favorite APC album and it is a masterpiece alright. Thanks Rick for reminding me of Billy and Maynard's genius after all these years. Please do The Noose or Vanishing next!

[@1oopus]

Truly one of the greatest rock song ever. Literally everything about it is outstanding

[@jubankta1627]

Rick you do such an absolutely incredible job breaking down songs,I love how complimentary you are to the musicianship showing how much of a fan you are as well!!!!

[@851852093114208513]

Yes! Whenever people talk about A Perfect Circle they never mention 13th Step but it's one of my favorites! And the album art is so great, I saw it once when I was really little and never forgot it, I just came across it one day much later and instantly recognized the cover.

[@Syrilian]

The album is a masterpiece.

[@arturakhmerov1359]

I wish I could go back to 2003 and rediscover this song again, so mindblowing and beautiful

[@LudvikM]

Agree, about the whole freaking album. I remember exactly when and where I listened to it for the first time. It blew my mind.

[@antimunki]

I love your break downs because I'll listen to a song a million times and you'll point out these beautiful things that happen in it that I never noticed and I'll hear it from then on and appreciate the song that much more. It's really amazing.

[@Blackcreekstudios]

Billy played us isolated tracks for Judith and it was amazing to hear Maynard’s vocals on their own.

[@sonoluminescent]

I would love to hear that someday. The live performance of that on TV is one of the best vocal performances I have ever heard. Idk how much if any processing was done but even so, it was note fucking perfect.

[@Blackcreekstudios]

sonoluminescent it was apparent how much control he has.

[@os8856]

I see rick beato + a perfect circle and I instantly like. My favourite band with my favourite KZbin music expert!

[@jamesmonaghan5199]

13th step is one of the best albums of all time. As some one who is music illiterate I appreciate you breaking down all of this.

[@mugflub]

The ending of "Ashes to Ashes" by David Bowie has always entranced me. It has such a dark, sinister tone to it that differs significantly from the rest of the song. I've always wanted to understand why I love it so much.

[@oppothumbs1]

Yes how about the end of The Bewley Brothers or just most of the song. Very dark.

[@MajicFreeman]

a perfect circle do a badass cover of ashes to ashes

[@mrnelsonius5631]

Majic Freeman heard APC do Ashes to Ashes live... gosh probably 20 years ago, and I had goosebumps the whole time. Incredible. That may be my favorite Bowie song if I had to pick one (which I really wouldn’t ;)

[@MajicFreeman]

@@mrnelsonius5631 Yah i'd be lying if I didn't say that 20 years ago or so that cover of ashes to ashes got me to take a much closer look at bowie than i ever did and thank god for that. But, really, I don't think enough people, apc fans i mean mainly, have heard it.

[@dpaxeco]

@@MajicFreeman Bowie is a delight, the amount of styles the dude traveled is amazing. Truly a chameleon

[@Celerian]

APC is such a wonderful band. I remember getting my hands on a acoustic promo copy of "The Hollow" before I ever had the actual album, and I probably listened to that song a million times over a weekend where I was at a camping event with a friend. It was with a group he attempted to get me to join and I was very out of place, so feeling a lot of isolation and I just devoured everything in that acoustic performance. The layering and melodics of this song hits in the same way, where its nearly impossible not to feel an overwhelming flood of emotion from the arrangement of every part playing off of the others.

[@brianwaters7489]

It’s astounding how good musically this song is while pleasing to the ear. Every time I watch one of these episodes - as much as I already love the song - Rick, you always come up with a way to leave me speechless with the breakdown with your amazing knowledge and analysis leaving me with an even greater appreciation of the tune. Incredible!

[@stevelongo2334]

I always knew Billy was going to do great things. I never met him, but I worked with his mother Rosemary in NJ, who used to keep me posted of his writing progress even before he formed APC and when he was a guitar tech for Tool. She knew I was a guitarist and a fan.