OK, I am about to break down and spend some real money on some over the head headphones for work. Probably wired. And I only want Tool fans opinions on what the best brand is. Anyone?

Never listened to them, what songs/ albums should I start with?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDuAtMQyIJw/

I’m not sure of the guidelines regarding linking YouTube videos here so I’ll try to describe the best I can.

Came across a live performance from 1996 from the Electric Factory and other than being one of the greatest live videos I’ve seen… the bit at 38:48 during Prison Sex. I’ve never heard this part, and it absolutely floored me. Been a Tool fan for 30 years and that may be the most gutting 30 sec of a song in my opinion. “Thought I could break the circle if I could just slip right into your skin”. Goosebumps galore.

Anyway, that is all.

https://preview.redd.it/be15jhttem7e1.jpg?width=888&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f679ba3c2c04b45c348633bc2caf9d74c51018a

Something about the rain pattern on Windy in the eastern pacific right now has the Tool vibe...

If Maynard did a The Grudge style scream in Culling Voices after the "don't you dare point that at—" section of Culling Voices it would've made the whole song. That climax riff feels so empty without it

For me personally I’d have to say either Pneuma when Maynard’s vocals come back in at around 9:58 or The Grudge when Maynard does the scream 👅👅👅

I’m tired of seeing posts from this sub asking stuff like “What’s your least favorite song?” And everyone is either “they don’t have one” or they name an interlude.

You guys do realize a lot of songs have some MAJOR flaws right?? For example; Rosetta stoned drags for WAY TOO LONG constantly adding more and more to a song that should’ve been 4-5 minutes shorter, and the writing on fear inoculum for every song(except for maybe pnuema) is very lackluster and uninspired compared to earlier work (notably songs like third eye, lateralus, the patient, wings for Marie and 10,000 days) Not everything this band touches turns to gold (THIS GOES FOR APC AND PUSCIFER TOO)

I’m not saying every fan is like this, some are actually tolerable people but I’m just curious as to how far Maynard’s dick is up some of your asses

https://preview.redd.it/d0ga4aoy2i7e1.png?width=1225&format=png&auto=webp&s=4b09113f0144309fa989c06cfacd845ea05981f3

The diss track before there were diss tracks.

Most of the theories I’ve read about who this song is about are all the same. “It’s about us” or “it was a random fan” and while those are obviously possible (and likely), I had a thought the other week when I re-listened to this song.

What if it’s about Paul?

Allow me to present my case:

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1. Maynard Writes About Band Members (watch at 1:01:46)

We know Maynard isn’t shy about addressing interpersonal conflicts in his lyrics. For instance, David Bottrill (producer) revealed that “Schism” was written about Adam and caused a near-breakup during the recording of Lateralus. If he wrote about that, why not write about an actual band member leaving?

https://youtu.be/XzKHh58MUoM?si=0KEGUj22VFspn0XL&t=3706

2. Paul’s Departure and the Timeline

Paul D’Amour left Tool in 1995, during the early stages of Ænima. It’s reported that by the time he left, the band had already written 5-6 songs for the album. While there’s no record of him working on “Hooker with a Penis,” the timing fits—it could have been a response to lingering tensions or disagreements with Paul.

3. The Lyrical Evidence

The lyrics suggest the person in the song had an intimate connection to the band:

• “Back in ’92, on our first EP” hints that this person was involved in Tool’s early days. Paul was there from the beginning, playing bass on Opiate.
• “He told me that he thought we were selling out” feels personal. Sure, a fan might say that, but it hits harder if it’s coming from someone inside the band. Given that Paul left partly because of creative differences, it’s plausible he voiced this sentiment before leaving.

4. The Aggressive Tone

Let’s be honest—the tone of this song is angry. It’s pure venom. While it’s possible for Maynard to feel this strongly about a fan’s comment, doesn’t it make more sense if the song was directed at someone closer? A fan accusing you of selling out might sting, but a former friend and bandmate saying it? That’s fuel for rage.

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tldr; given the aggressive tone, the timing, and Maynard's knack for writing about arguments with band members, I think it's possible that HWAP is about the break-up with Paul.

IMO, it makes this song that much better. It being about random fan is fine but it almost makes you question why Maynard is so upset about it. I've watched a few reaction videos and they say the same thing after listening to the song for the first time.

If Paul is the person saying "you're selling out", then the song takes on almost more logical levels of anger.

So as weird as it may be, I do still like listening to the radio in the car. And the local rock station has been playing Seether's new on Judas Mind quite a bit. And everytime it comes on the beginning sounds way too similar to Lost Keys to me. So much so I've went and put Lost Keys on just to get it out of my head.

Am I crazy or do they sound similar to each other?

…when floor tickets to Tool were only $50 😭

For clean vocals, I personally think 10,000 Days has his best. For screams, Ænema.