The two songs seem to contradict each other with “Rev. 22 20” justifying sin, and the first obviously expressing one’s need for Christ. “It’s always gonna be sour grapes with you, boy, until you get right with Jesus.”
The lyrics in Puscifer are primarily Keenan, but, musically, the project is an amalgam of numerous artists. Some of the more noteworthy names consist of Danny Lohner (NIN), Lustmord, Tim “Herb” Alexander (Primus), Lisa Germano, Tim Commerford (known as “Timmy C” of RATM and Audioslave), and even the actress/musician Milla Jovovich.
On MySpace, Keenan sums Puscifer up as, simply, a space with no hard edges, nor any clear or discernible goals. Additionally, he instructs us to check our over-inflated expectations at the door.
These are wise words from the man who previously has been responsible for complex art, because V Is For Vagina is precisely the opposite, and should be listened to with a grain of salt. I will check my over-inflated expectations at the door as I repeatedly listen to this album, but on my own time. Check out the album for its unique, experimental sounds from a vast array of musicians and artists.
Article comments
1 - charlie
Excellent review, but one thing: I don't think the religious themes of "Rev" and "Sour Grapes" actually contradict each other. You can be a sinner and accept Christ. Even Jesus had his "Forgive me Father" moments. Christianity is a very forgiving religion - that's why those of us who subscribe to it have the option of going to confession.
Back to the music, I'd say this is a headphones-type of record, very well done. Do you know what tracks Tim Commerford of RATM/Audioslave is on? I'll listen to anything he plays on.
2 - Matt
I feel kind of mean for just coming out here and saying it, but Maynard is very anti-Christianity and organized religion. Though, his lyrics ARE mighty spiritual.
On the Puscifer website he used to offer a Jesus dart board that says something about Jesus giving us a sense of humor, so use it.
I agree that Sour Grapes and Rev. don't contradict each other, but that's because Sour Grapes was absolute sarcasm which had a foundation in mocking the stereotypical fundamental ignorance of Christianity. And, well, Rev. isn't about a sinner, it's about having his "rocket" sucked. And, it's "Jesus is CUMMING, and so am I." And then . . . "Jesus has risen, and so have I." It's a reference to oral sex from some whore . . .
. . . Sour Grape is definite tongue-in-cheek sarcasm.
3 - David Miller
Tim Commerford's only contribution to the Puscifer album is that he wrote the lyrics for the track, "Momma Sed."
In regard to my perceived notion that "Sour Grapes" and "Rev" are contradictory... I sensed no sarcasm within the "Sour Grapes" track. I guess I take things too literally. Admittedly, while I have not researched Tool's 10,000 Days album to be able to accurately analyze and interpret the lyrics, there were some that seemed to advocate Christianity. Assuming he is being sarcastic, perhaps it wasn't enough for Keenan to ridicule his mother's faith on the first APC album, because he mentions his mother on the 10,000 Days album as well.
Thank you for your comments.
4 - Daniel
I feel your interpretation of the Sour Grapes lyrics is WAAAYYY off.
Maynard is not advocating that one 'accept christ'
If you actually listened to the lyrics you would see he never takes a position for or against christ, but does take a jab at organized religion and dogma. My interpretation is that those who realize the true beauty of the teachings of Jesus, and Muhammed, and Krishna, and other mystics and don't get blinded by dogma will be the ones reaping the true rewards of life. Wow for a guy hoping to be a professional writer you really have no literary comprehension and seem to be stuck on the superficial level of things.
Just what the world needs...
5 - Daniel
I also want to add the last section of the lyrics in Sour Grapes:
'Go now, child, tell them all. The ignorant, the blinded by dogma, blinded by faith, the doubters, the nay sayers.
Tell them all, child, they can not see the kingdom of god, they can not see paradise unfold before them,
they can not drink from the chalice which holds the blood of christ, the water of life, until they get right with jesus.
Until they get right with jesus.
It's always gonna be sour grapes with you, boy, until you get right with jesus.
Him saying "get right with Jesus" does not mean "become a christian" it means, look beyond the dogma and see that Jesus teachings were beautiful lessons of love, forgiveness, etc, but that one should not get sucked into the b.s. cycle of religion, faith, sin, heaven/hell, etc.
6 - Dammerung
I don't think Sour Grapes is sarcastic. I think Maynard is on a jihad - a conversation with God. That's the difference that brings authenticity to his music - he struggles with God and Jesus and his upbringing instead of mindlessly barfing out the same tired Eric Cartman Christian rock. In an ironic way, I think Maynard is one of the few singers out there following Christ's example - struggling with faith and poking a finger directly in the eye of the religious establishment.
7 - homes
Dozo means "go ahead" in Japanese.