good stuff

I really dig Maynard from Tool and A Perfect Circle.

From an interview with the A.V. Club (Maynard's the fella in the high waters and bow tie):

AVC: You don't print lyrics, but you make them available online. Why not simply make them part of the package, like your artwork?

MJK: Reading is more of a left-brain process, and listening to music is a right-brain function. And the right-brain function is far more emotional and has softer edges, so when you first hear the album, you should hear it and feel it. When you start "reading" it, then you're thinking it, and you rob yourself of that initial impression of how the sounds affect you. [Laughs.] I'm going to burn some sage right now—I'm about to burn some incense for this conversation. But seriously, I believe that when you go into a gallery or a museum, the most powerful pieces are the ones that don't have the words in the corner that distract you from the larger piece. You know, if the Mona Lisa had "Eat At Joe's" in the corner, that's all you would remember.

If you're adventurous, try Aenima or Thirteenth Step. The melodies and phrasing are just...different and, well, good. Be warned: it ain't no James Taylor. Try just listening first without images and lyrics.

[It should be noted that Maynard cites Joni Mitchell as an influence. I think I can see (hear) that.]