November 02, 2004 -

A Perfect Biscuit

Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums...

I had intended for this update to be geared toward a wide variety of new release gaming titles that I've recently had the opportunity to try out, however, that can be delayed for the following days this week. Today, A Perfect Circle released their new CD eMOTIVe, which is quite possibly the most politically driven, absolutely blissful harmony of anti-war, anti-hate music ever composed. James Maynard Keenan, frontman for Tool, joins his second band A Perfect Circle for their third CD release, which is primarily a cover CD, including remakes of Depeche Mode's "People are People" and John Lennon's "Imagine."

Okay, first thing's first. This is not a CD you can randomly sample from your greedy downloading programs. This is a listing of tracks that you must first understand and accept are geared toward politics and anti-war. In fact, the sticker on the front of the CD packaging clearly states: A collection of songs about WAR, PEACE, LOVE, and GREED." Once you comprehend the passion and the meaning behind the CD, just listen to it. Randomly downloading a song in the middle will not immerse you in the power of the track compositions. Even those tracks which do not immediately appeal to your aural sense will gain respect and appreciation in their message. Listening to the mock stab at political jargon with awkward vocals and booming music does not at first sound appealing in the slightest, but you can easily grasp the deeper meaning and come to find a small smile on your face.

Another problem most often associated with covers is in the fans' acceptance of the concept of 'cover.' John Lennon wrote a song called "Imagine." This song was very emotionally potent and powerful in its message and in its music. A Perfect Circle covered this song. Most people will expect this song not only to be as good, but deviate in no way from the style, lyrics, and overall, they will expect the goddamn song to be identical to the original, only somehow ascending to a higher level without being altered in the slightest way. If this is how you view cover songs, go fucking download the originals. While I personally think that APC's cover of "Imagine" is absolutely beautiful, especially in the mood of their CD, it is certainly not John Lennon. The tone is very similar, and the tempo seems altogether untouched. However, there are musical differences, and moments of varied pitches.

In a weak moment of hipocracy, I will say that "People are People" sounded much better from Depeche Mode. APC's cover altogether changes the tune, timing, tempo, and basically everything else except the lyrics from the original. This is one of those songs that I entered with an expectation. However, the song fits in conjunction with the remaining tracks, somehow blending with the mood established by the tempo and melody of the others.

Highlights of the CD include, of course, "Imagine," "Peace Love and Understanding," "What's Going On," a beautiful, almost Celtic harmonization of "Fiddle and the Drum," and an original APC song titled "Passive."

As a final note, there are random points where Maynard is certainly drawing his more hard-rock fans. It seems at higher moments of tension and anger, he releases the fiery hatred that is more relevant to his band Tool than A Perfect Circle. However, the ever-present backup vocals tend to stablize Maynard's mood to maintain the harmony of the music. I'd give this CD a 9/10. Bonus points for taking a stand.

Later this week, first impressions of Ace Combat 5, Tony Hawk Underground 2, X-Men Legends, and Paper Mario. But today, get the hell out and vote.

- Don