My Top 10 Tool Songs: #8 Hooker With A Penis

Most of you who know me well know that I like heavy music, so it would possibly come as no surprise to many to see Hooker With A Penis entering my Tool Top 10 list. It features Adam’s guitar cranked to 11, and Maynard’s rage level cranked just as high.

Lyrically it’s not one that is open for a great deal of interpretation – Maynard’s rant about artisitic integrity is as clear as mud, and rings true for the band 17 years later. The attitude of “the band is always right” is one that resonates with me, and while many may argue that the band should be more fan friendly, you can’t say that they haven’t lived up to the content of the lyrics.

Danny’s drumming is also a highlight of this track for me. As Aenema was the first Tool album I purchased, this was the first track that really highlights for me his poise behind the kit. Some of my musician friends had pointed out the sublime drum roll at the bginning of Sober, but this track really reinforced his skill to me personally. The manic “Buy, buy, send more money” parts at the end really hit me.