I was having this discussion in another thread but it was kinda off topic there, so i figured it start it here. Ive had discussions with friends about the lead singer that fronts two of my favorite bands, Tool and A Perfect Circle...the one and only Maynard James Keenan.

He seems to have made it a point to keep his personna for each band separate (right down to the haircut at times). Toolmaynard (as i call him) has always been dark, cryptic and has avoided revealing the true meaning of his lyrics. APCmaynard is a gentler fella. His lyrics are more personal, and he feels free to talk about their meanings. Lots of people have drawn the conclusion that the difference is male/female. Tool is the male and APC is the female side of his psyche. In fact the original intent of A Perfect Circle was to have a female lead. The songs on the original album were written with this intent.

I find it impressive that he can front two amazing bands, with two very different styles and not come off looking like a ripoff of himself. This is my tribute to Maynard. And if you dont like him screw you!!!...hes my little bald hero


Toolmaynard


APCmaynard (how pretty)

maynard reminds me of mustard


and he is one of my favorite artists

One of the most remarkable frontmen of all time.

for sure

Definitely one of my favourite singer and lyricist of all time.

He's definetly one of my favorite singers of all time, but can you really say his lyrics even come close to the likes of Billy Corgan, Trent Reznor, Eddie Vedder, etc.?

i would, and would probably also say that those exact four are the best lyricists to come out of the 90s alternative rock movement

He's alright, but he's so pretentious that it clouds my small liking for Tool and APC.

I have a feeling that my appreciation of Tool is going to come about 12 years after the fact..... that happens sometimes, when a band or artist or group are really "before their time" and one has to mature to a certain level before engaging in that artists work, long after the "scene" has occured.....

.... as it is with all that is classic and timeless, I suppose.

c-

billy corgan - blows him out of the water (and i like SP)
trent reznor - close....but maynard wins
eddie - lets call it a tie...the subject matter is too different to accurately compare

but how do you compete with a line like this???

"come down, get off your fucking cross, we need the fucking space, to nail the next fool martyr"

Well, I guess we'll agree to disagree, as I consider Corgan to be the best lyricist of all time.

i do enjoy most of corgans lyrics thoroughly...but at times i find them a bit childish, which is also why i like them too i guess. i just have to be in teh right mood

I'm very disenchanted with Tool and APC at the moment. I sometimes wonder if all the bullshit is just an elaborate scam to make money.. but whatever.

he looks so weird

I'll have to go with Hank Williams Sr. on that one.

what bullshit?

They're whole act really.

Yeah, the whole "being smart" thing.

I don't think either Billy Corgan or Trent Reznor are that great as lyricists...but that could be because I don't connect to the songs like I do with Pearl Jam and Tool/APC.

what act is that exactly? going out and writing damn good music and putting on great shows for fans? cause if thats the case shame on you guys!...but seriously you gotta back up a claim like that with those annoying little things we call "facts". lawyers use them in court to back up their cases.

apparently lyrics with intelligence and taking your art even semi seriously equals pretention around here