Ænima
Categories: 1996 albums | Tool albums | Second albums | Rock albums
| Ænima | ||
|---|---|---|
| Image:ToolAenima.jpg | ||
| Album by Tool | ||
| Released | October 1, 1996 | |
| Recorded | 1995-1996 | |
| Genre | Alternative, Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal | |
| Length | 77:25 | |
| Label | Volcano Records | |
| Producer(s) | David Bottrill | |
| Professional reviews | ||
| Tool chronology | ||
| Undertow (1993) | Ænima (1996) | Salival (2000) |
Ænima is an album released by Tool on October 1 1996. It contains a dedication (of sorts) to the late comedian Bill Hicks, proclaiming him "Another Dead Hero"; the final track, the thirteen minute epic Third Eye, uses a few samples of Hicks' sketches -- including "Drugs have done good things for us." Tool also incorporated some of Carl Jung's (a famous Swiss psychologist) work into their album, Ænima. Jung's term, however, was anima. There are a few short instrumental pieces on the album, which are not too far removed from the music one might hear on an Erstwhile Records release.
A video was made to accompany "Stinkfist", the opening track. This song has been a popular choice for club DJs playing Tool, because of its popularity, familiarity and suitability, given the length and style of most of Tool's other songs. A video for "Ænema" was also made.
At the time of its release, there was much speculation as to possibly offensive meanings behind the term "Stinkfist". For that reason, it was only referred to as "Track #1" on MTV and VH1, and VJs never actually referred to the song by its proper name. VJ Kennedy would often make fun of this, and would symbolically sniff her fist before playing the video.
The track "Ænema" won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 1997.
The album was recorded and cut at Ocean Way, Hollywood, California and The Hook, North Hollywood, California in 1995-1996.
Ænima peaked at #2 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart.
Ænima was certified triple platinum by the RIAA on March 4, 2003.
The original CD cover of Ænima used a lenticular cover, and featured two other 'alternate' covers, one being ouched-up version of Cam de Leon's Ocular Orifice painting while the other was a contortionist performing in front of the band. The CD tray was also lenticular, and displayed an image of California before and after a major earthquake, presuamably a nod to the lyrics of the title track. Subsequent pressing of the CD featured a standard case, however the insert contained the covers of fictional Tool releases.
Track listing
- "Stinkfist" - 5:09
- "Eulogy" - 8:25
- "H." - 6:07
- "Useful Idiot" - 0:38
- "Forty Six & 2" - 6:02
- "Message To Harry Manback" - 1:53
- "Hooker With A Penis" - 4:31
- "Intermission" - 0:56
- "jimmy" - 5:22
- "Die Eier Von Satan" - 2:16
- "Pushit" - 9:55
- "Cesaro Summability" - 1:26
- "Ænema" - 6:37
- "(-) Ions" - 3:58
- "Third Eye" - 13:47
Charting singles
1996 Stinkfist Mainstream Rock Tracks No. 17 1996 Stinkfist Modern Rock Tracks No. 19 1997 Ænema Mainstream Rock Tracks No. 25 1997 Forty Six & 2 Mainstream Rock Tracks No. 22 1997 H. Mainstream Rock Tracks No. 23
Personnel
- Danny Carey - Drums
- Justin Chancellor - Bass
- Adam Jones - Guitar, Producer, Art Direction
- Maynard James Keenan - Vocals
- Bill Hicks - Guest vocals
- Chris Pitman - Synthesizer
- Karen Mason
- David Bottrill - Keyboards, Producer, Engineer, Mixing
- Joel Larson
- Concetta Halstead - Producer, Design
- Jeff Novack - Photography
- Eban Schletter - Organ
- Kevin Willis - Producer, Art Direction, Paintings
- Alana Cain - Model
- Keith Willis - Artwork
- Mark Rappaport - Effects Consultant
- Cam de Leon - Artwork, Computer Illustration
- Fabrico DiSanto - Photography, Photo Assistance
- Marko Fox - Vox Organ
- Evan Cum-in-Mick - Additional Art Direction
| Tool |
|---|
| Maynard James Keenan | Adam Jones | Danny Carey | Justin Chancellor | Paul d'Amour |
| Discography |
| Opiate | Undertow | Ænima | Salival | Lateralus |
| Popular Songs |
| "Stinkfist" | "Schism" | "Sober" |
| Related articles |
| Progressive rock | Bill Hicks | A Perfect Circle | Peach |