you guys got way ahead of me, and we're already offtopic a little.
Anyway:
Tool is pretty good. A lot of the early stuff bores me to tears and that's partially because the songs sounded the same. However, think back to almost any non-indie band's first full album. There's usually a certain sameness. If you take a look at Undertow, and then look at Lateralus, the difference is obvious. While undertow's a lot angrier, and full of stupid 'think for yourself' type sentiments, Lateralus has got a lot more interesting stuff lyrically AND musically. I'll admit that the music's not that complicated technically (It couldn't be...I mean...I can play it, and I suck.) However, the sound of it is just...diggity inexplicably endearing to me.
Sure, Maynard can sing, but his lyrics and his singing in tool are far overshadowed in both departments by his work in A Perfect Circle. I'd rather have introspective lyrics sung to me than superficial and unimaginitive (or just plain made up pretentious gobbledygook) screamed at me.
That said, there are several songs where maynard's singing shines through in Tool. 'Push it' is a good example.
While I enjoy A Perfect Circle more in terms of musicality, lyrics, and the arrangements (thanks billy), That satisfies one part of me, but when I just want to punch a hole through the wall, I'd rather be listening to Tool. I've yet to find an anger-driven band that's can handle singing instead of screaming, and some actual guitar riffs instead of speedcore and such. (Although, UltraSpank's a good alternative, and the singer sounds...similar.)
and, anticipating KarBevNor or sp2's retalliations, I put forward that no arguments against anything I've said here will change my mind. I like what I like, and I like how I like it.
edit: hooker with a penis isn't about transgendered prostitutes at all. It's about sellouts in the music industry. Sometimes we just need to say 'You can point that fuckin' finger up your ass.' It's a natural thing.