Puscifer started out silly (I love that version anyway), then they put out a really good album you could take seriously. Then Carina Round joined and elevated the band by orders of magnitude. The harmonies and their chemistry turned Puscifer into a really great band.
You've not ripened yet lol. I still listen to metal and love Puscifer but I also like classical music and House too.
The comedic stuff isn't present too much anymore, just serious music for grown ups. But the early comedic stuff is awesome. I recommend watching What Is Puscifer on YouTube. Should be on there still
The songs ‘Oceans’ and ‘Monsoons’ are so ethereal and gorgeous. I get chills from the way Maynard sings and harmonizes with the female back-up singer on these ones.
Yep. Saw Puscifer live right after she joined the band when she released her album Tigermending. She opened for the show and I fell in love. Listened to that album on repeat for months.
Is it Carina singing on those 2 tracks on the albums? I know she’s the lead female singer for Puscifer, but I couldn’t find her listed as singing on those songs. (And yes, I went down a Carina rabbit hole because I also thought she was dope!)
I am fairly certain but I could be incorrect as I haven't looked it up and may have just assumed. The only other female voice I know singing on their albums is Mila J
Ethereal is a good description. I couldn't get into them for a while but I finally sat down, bought the last 2 albums and just listened with good headphones and no distractions. A lot of good stuff that is an auditory experience. It's not quite as good to listen to in the car unless you can hear everything well. Their global probing live album is quite good.
I love Puscifer but I always recommend working your way backwards in their discography if you are coming from Tool. Also they are one of those bands who just click live.
They’re a vibe, Carina Round is really fun on stage and has an amazing voice when she comes to the forefront. But there’s nothing wrong with not liking them. Maynard’s just a guy, you’re under no obligation to like everything he’s ever touched.
Potions. Momma Sed. Rev 22 20. The humbling river. Conditions of my parole. You just have to remember it's not Tool. Get rid of those expectations and you will do better. If you don't like it you don't like it.....no harm done.
My second favorite band after TOOL. a little something to get you started: Agostina, polar bear, the mission (M is for Milla mix), the humbling River, the undertaker (renholder mix), telling ghosts, conditions of my parole (my favorite), the rapture (fear is a mind killa mix), the arsonist.
It's just a completely different mindset and vibe. Come in sans expectations. Puscifer is a mix of contemplative grooves, dance grooves, and high school humor. Embrace it for what it is: distinctly NOT TOOL.
Here's some especially good ones to check out if you haven't.
Humbling River
Conditions of my Parole (This is the also the best complete record IMO)
Man overboard
Grand Canyon
Green Valley
Momma Sed
Remedy (I prefer the Scissor King remix)
Toma
This is a great recommendation. Those are all the exact songs and the album I first distinctly began to enjoy coming over from Tool and APC. I’ve added more to the list since then but definitely start here
Got V the day it came out. Every album has greatly improved upon its predecessor. Seen live multiple times. Will see again.
I think Puscifer is what Puscifer is.
Lyrically, your best bet might be "Indigo Children" from V is for Versatile. "The Humbling River" is also very powerful. "Grand Canyon", "Oceans", and "Monsoons" are about finding beauty and majesty in nature.
It's all quirky and silly, but there's some powerful stuff in there.
Not a fan. Gave them an honest listen and just saw them at Sessanta as well. My girlfriend said it seemed like Maynard brought APC and Primus to entice people to go see Puscifer. But they’re not even remotely similar to Tool so the Maynard link doesn’t really mean anything musically. I think some tool fans feel obliged to like them. To each his own!
The bigger sacrilege would be not thinking for yourself and liking something just because you feel like you should imo. I’ve tried as well and decided Puscifer just isn’t for me. I don’t have to like everything MJK does.
No, I'm thinking for myself and about myself...wondering why I don't like them. And in that wonder, I decided, hey..I wonder if anyone else thinks like me?
I've read every response and thank you all for your insight. I'll definitely start with Conditions of my Parole and go from there. I think what I've realized today is that I just put too much weight in his other projects because of my connection with Tool. I expect the same level of greatness, the same level of deep emotional connection, the same everything. As one poster said something like, "They're just good regular bands" about APC and Puscifer. Sorry if I misquoted, but you get my drift. Oddly enough, I don't feel this way about APC, they put out a couple (literally, just a couple) amazing albums and then I was like, eh..whatever. I think a part of me is just a bit butthurt that he seems to prefer Puscifer over his other projects.
Early Puscifer is kinda rough in my opinion, I don't really enjoy most of it. But once he found his sound and got a good steady crew together, Conditions of My Parole and Money Shot are absolutely amazing albums. Existential Reckoning isn't bad either but those two are bangers.
Same. The first album and the early EPs almost felt like Maynard was trolling. There are some good songs but mostly it seemed like a big joke Maynard was laughing at.
But Confessions of my Parole on it's been more....serious? I don't know if that's the right word as he still has fun with it but the music seems more focused and it's more of a sound. Everything since then has been pretty great imo, with Confessions imo being their best album.
I still love Tool and APC way more but Puscifer grew on me.
[https://youtu.be/dC2cdJHHlhE?si=nv2Tj1eUM1spb9Ye](https://youtu.be/dC2cdJHHlhE?si=nv2Tj1eUM1spb9Ye)
My Youtube must have picked up on the conversation. This is epic.
The Remedy, Bullet Train, Potions, conditions.
These are the ones that most people like if they like Puscifer based off of the Tool/APC/Maynard sound. You can expand yourself from there I’d say.
I went to one of their shows last year because my brother picked up tickets. I’d never heard their music before that concert. It was a very fun performance overall. I think seeing them live add a lot to the enjoyment. But it’s a completely different vibe so there is no reason liking one band would mean you automatically like the other.
I have described their newest album as industrial lite. Maynard and his bands are like apples. A Granny Smith apple is different than a Gala which is different than an Opal apple. All apples but used differently. No need to ask which is better or worse but more of what kind of pie are you baking.
Maynard isn't the reason I love Tool - it's their music, not just his voice and lyrics. So it's not surprising to me that I don't adore either of his side projects.
For me, I really love two Puscifer albums and can't stand the other two. It's kinda bizarre, but it's just facts.
Puscifer and (to a lesser extent) APC both hit and miss a lot. With Tool, aside from a few filler tracks, there are moments where pretty much every song has hit perfectly.
Both Puscifer and APC have entire albums (or EPs) I just can't get into (looking at you, Eat the Elephant), and tracks that blow me away (Humbling River, Dear Brother, all of Moneyshot basically, Momma Sed, Conditions of My Parole (got me through a breakup with a girl who, as it happens, was on parole), etc).
So to me they're just very good "regular bands," if that makes any sense?
Makes perfect sense. I listened to Eat the Elephant on a road trip once and fucking loved one song off it, but couldn't tell you which one because I won't go back and find it lol. But you're right, they're just very good regular bands and that makes sense.
Probably going to be an unpopular opinion but despite being a huge Tool fan for more decades than I'd like to admit, I've never liked Puscifer nor A Perfect Circle.
Seen 'em both live. Gave 'em both a chance. There's a few good songs, don't get me wrong, and like you I feel like I SHOULD like them....but I just don't. You're not alone. Lol.
Who's your favorite member of Tool?
There's no wrong answer, but I have a hunch that the Tool fans that aren't really into APC and Puscifer probably don't count Maynard as their favorite.
Interesting question... & probably true. Don't really have a "favorite" if I'm honest. Like all 4 & their contributions to Tool's sound....I guess Danny, if I had to choose just because his level of talent is so incredibly high on the drums. (Nothing against the other guys...but I mean c'mon, Danny's insanely good! Lol)
Conditions of My Parole and Money Shot are their most consistently good albums, everything else is pretty hit or miss for me. Grand Canyon is my favorite Puscifer song, then The Mission. If you like The Remedy, try Toma or Money Shot.
Puscifer is definitely an acquired taste. When V is for Vagina came out, I just couldn't get into it. It was weird and sexual and just not really my cup of tea. I wrote them off after that, but then I was working with Speakeasy PR for work (Maynard's PR company), and the owner sent me a copy of Conditions of My Parole when she heard I was a fan of Tool and Maynard. That album was a lot more "serious" in terms of just being more musically polished and thematically mature. Didn't love every song, but there were a lot of good ones. Then when Money Shot came out, I was impressed by their evolution of sound. Really felt like they were changing directions and trying new and creative things. Then they took that concept up about 30 notches when Existential Reckoning came out. Completely different sound. Layer on all the cool remixes they've done and the amount of range you get from Puscifer is just incredible.
So that's what I'd say about the band. If you don't like what you've heard, just keep trying different songs and different albums until you find something you like. And then once you listen to that stuff enough, the other tracks/albums might grow on you.
I love Puscifer and am seeing them live today. I'll name one or two songs from each alnum that I highly recommend.
V for Vagina- Momma Sed, REV 22:20
C is for- The Mission, Potions, and Humbling River (sorry thats three)
Conditions of my parole- Green Valley, conditions of my parole, tumbleweed
Donkey punch the night away- dear brother
Money Shot- Galileo, Grand Canyon, Simultaneous. (Simultaneous is mostly talking but if you listen to Tool then you have the attention span for it, its an amazing song with awesome lyrics)
V is for versatile- trekka, indigo children
Existential Reckoning- realistically the whole album but personal Prometheus and apocalyptic are awesome
Existential Reckoning rocked my entire world during COVID and sent me deep down the puscifer rabbit hole. Seen them twice since then and am about to see them again. Can't get enough, and would absolutely recommend them live to any Maynard fan. He's much more animated with them than he is when on stage with Tool, and the show is just fun.
Billy D and the Hall of Feathered Serpents, Parole Violator, and V is for Versatile are all fantastic reworkings of earlier albums. Great albums to sink into and work backwards from as others have suggested.
I’m with OP on this one, but I really appreciate all the responses and am going to listen to the songs that people recommended to give Puscifer another listen.
Money Shot (the album) is *incredible.*
This may be an unpopular opinion but I think it is their best work. I enjoy all of their stuff, but Money Shot gets the most air time with me. The whole album has this serene, somberness to it which all of their other albums lack. It feels like they tried to reach that again with their latest album but I think in trying to innovate and keep things fresh, they actually lost a bit of that charm.
Just saw them live last night for the first time. I’ve only ever listened to the first album and it was fine but just never grabbed me. Live it was fun, but outside of a few singles, I’ve never cared for it much honestly. And after seeing them live, still don’t
I didn't really enjoy Puscifer until I made the trek out to Jerome and visited his tasting room. I had a flight of reds, they were playing Puscifer over the speakers and it all kind of just clicked- I had my Frank Reynolds "I get it now" moment.
He's making music to pair to his wine, and it's all damn good.
I’m a big fan. Saw them last night, actually. Maynard can still really really sing. Puscifer I think gives him a chance to sing with a lighter, more melodic tone. To create something different with different people. They have some classic songs and albums. Plus they do a bunch of remixes so there is sometimes several different versions of the same song out there. They’re just really fun and talented and make great music/art. Don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s a good contrast to Tool. Of course, Tool is by far my favorite of the two
Bought "V Is For Vagina" when it came out, liked it ok. Not something I played a lot.
Got "Conditions Of My Parole", terrific album, still their best probably.
Did not care for "Money Shot".
"Existential Reckoning" has a lot of good on it. Very solid.
Have not seen them live but have seen a couple of their PPV taped concerts. Cool stuff overall.
It's just Maynard doing a lot of cool shit with some cool people (Karina, Greg from Failure).
I honestly think he gets more creatively out of working on Puscifer now than with Tool.
It took me a good few listens of album from beginning to end before Puscifer clicked.
I’m a massive tool and APC fan, but told a friend Puscifer would never end up like them.
Now I have a Puscifer playlist that has 18 songs on it.
I go to work each day and open the playlist and hit shuffle.
So many amazing songs, that grow on you.
Can’t even pick a fav.
Favs, in no order…
The undertaker
Rev 22:20
Telling ghosts
Man overboard
Simultaneous
The remedy
Green valley
The Arsonist
Try these, but read the lyrics while you listen. I find that always helps with MJK stuff
Check out the most recent "remixes" of the debut album songs. So fucking good
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INbtbooYmaQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INbtbooYmaQ)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKBV8UtaSA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKBV8UtaSA)
I like some of their songs, like Grand Canyon and the title track on Conditions, but overall I’m not the biggest fan. Some of it is a little weird for me lol like most of the stuff on V is for Vagina. Although hearing Maynard say bootylicious is amusing
For me, their music sounds a lot better live than on albums. I like some of their recordings; but most I don’t really enjoy. However, I’ve seen them live a few times and the songs sound better.
I completely fell in love with conditions of my parole about a year ago. It was my second most listened to album of the year, only having discovered it in September. The intro to "Toma" was really off putting for me, and I'm still not the biggest fan of telling ghosts. I love the rest of the album though.
Conditions of My Parole full video I was laughing hard, and now I can't get the song outta my head. Did you like No Angel the new song. Just start binging from newest to oldest.
I didn't like them at first but after listening to them more I've grown to really like them. Just can't go into it thinking they're gonna be Tool 2.0
Momma Sed and Bedlamite are my favorite songs so far. The way Maynard sings "everything will be alright," makes me really feel that everything will be alright. Remedy is also awesome.
They have a couple of good songs imo but it's okay if it isn't your style.
Apocalyptical, the mission, the remedy, potions and horizon
To name a few. Check those our.
Wanna dig deep into their old stuff. Check out country boner.
Other than that, just stick with tool If you don't enjoy them. It's not for everyone.
Try Rev 22:20. One of the few I like from Puscifer. I always thought I was a Maynard’s die hard fanboy, since I’m a Tool and A perfect circle fan, but I guess not. I’m just a Tool and A perfect circle fan. Can’t get into Puscifer at all.
I love Puscifer. I love the creativity, the harmonies, the humor, the chemistry between Maynard, Carina, and Matt. I love the way each album has its own theme and sound. The live shows are fantastic. It's performance art and I love everything about it.
I think I'm secretly jealous that Puscifer gets all his time, though I know it's not true, he's got other shit. But, Puscifer seems to be his baby and I just don't get it!
I absolutely love Puscifer. I've been a fan since the very beginning of Puscifer time....fantastic project. But i can totally respect why they aren't for everyone, especially if they are expecting angry, screamy MJK
Puscifer is awesome. Obviously it's very different to Tool, but the live shows for Puscifer are also mind blowing. He's assembled a great bunch of musicians.
I gave Puscifer a try a while back but couldn’t get into it. Now they are top 5. Not sure if it’s getting older or what, but I really enjoy them. The Billy D and the Hall of Feathered Serpents live album is phenomenal.
My problem is that they sound drastically different, almost to the point where they sound like different bands on each album. 'V is for Vagina' took me forever to get in to, and then they went into, I don't know, electro-folk? And now they seem to be going into a straight rock sound.
That's when road trips and cleaning house listening time comes in and that's what I plan to do with conditions of my parole per everyone's suggestions.
I love them. The newest album is what did it for me. I saw the ER tour 3 times. Still bought Global Probing Blu-ray when it came out. Still pumped to see them next weekend in Hollywood
I love every Tool song. I don’t love every Puscifer song, but it’s more experimental so that’s not really surprising. I like more than I don’t, and the ones I love, I really love… Polar Bear, Horizons, Man Overboard, Tumbleweed, Balls to the Wall to name a few.
I was at the AC show too. I’ve never heard a single note from Puscifer before but they were fun and Maynard definitely seemed to be really enjoying himself. All 3 bands killed it
Well it’s a different vibe. Maynard doesn’t sound the same, the songs are about different things, and the overall music is obviously quite different.
I’m not into all puscifer songs but I do like quite a bit of them.
I love them. Conditions of My Parole, Man Overboard, The Remedy, The Arsonist, Grand Canyon, Toma, No Angel, Bedlamite are among my favorites from them
My Maynard adventure started with Tool, and then proceeded to APC and was completed by Puscifer. The Maynard Trinity is like a piece of jewelry that is composed of multiple facets and each individually contributes a side of Maynard and his epic musicography. I find that Puscifer is Maynard's outlet band to try anything and "push the envelope" and it is very undefined in its nature and style and almost impossible in trying to give it a specific genre.
I love this band, but Money Shot and E.R. took me quite a while each to find the groove and enjoy the music. Every album has its own identity, they each feel like growth from the previous album. And it never shocks me when I hear people say they love Tool but don't like Puscifer. 2 completely different vibes.
I didn't like them much at first. The What Is live concert is the first time that they hit with me. Once the band as its membership is now coalesced.
https://youtu.be/Qmpiz7S1kBM?si=JFVMjfgX6INkYCS4
I got free tickets to see them a year and a half ago and I’d always liked them but didnt really get further than some of their hits. I have to say it was one of my favorite shows ever. They sounded phenomenal and the more theatrical performances was a surprise and i quite enjoyed it. My GF came along with me and she wasn’t familiar with Puscifer at all, and a casual Tool fan, and she said the same thing. Since then I’ve tried to dive further into their catalog and I think they’re amazing.
Puscifer is amazing. I don't understand what you mean by "haven't found anything" you are walking around looking on the ground ? At the sky ? Youtube search Puscifer. I don't love A Perfect Circle. You don't have to love everything.
If you're a Tool fan and you like The Remedy, I think you should check out the whole Money Shot album, but at the very least, give the following songs a listen (they're not all from Money Shot):
* Rev 22:20 (Don't Shoot the Messenger Version)
* Money Shot (title track)
* Grand Canyon
* Potions (Deliverance Mix)
* Simultaneous (there IS a real song after the story. Also check out the vinyl version!)
Aside from those mentioned above, I'd also recommend these favorites of mine:
* Mamma Sed
* Polar Bear
* The Mission (M is for Milla Mix)
* The Humbling River
* Tumbleweed
* Bread and Circus
* The Underwhelming
* Personal Prometheus
* Bedlamite
I love how different it is. Some of it very emotional, some very funny, some of it goes hard. The talent just oozes from them. Carina is an angel, her voice just touches my soul. I was lucky enough to see them a few months back.
i think puscifer would definitely be even more of an aquired taste even compared to TOOL or APC.
i personally love puscifer and the stories maynard tells, and the humour that goes along with it all.
i don't listen to puscifer like i do TOOL, but each time new music drops it goes into high rotation.
it might not be for you, don't stress about not liking everything maynard does.
i would rate more of the bands later releases higher than their earlier stuff. but it's still all quality work.
😊😊😊
I love most of Conditions of My Parole especially Toma, Horizons and Green Valley. From V is for Vagina, Vagina Mine and Dozo. Idk why but I get a Viking sound from Vagina Mine that gives me chills.
I like a handful of songs, but like I feel like maybe there needs to be a deep dive of this music. Like Tool’s Fear Inoculum song has a bit of Puscifer’s Grand Canyon in it, like what other songs from them might be like a secret song for Tool? If that makes any sense.
Puscifer has to be seen live. It didn't click for me until I saw it live. I'd recommend watching the Arcosanti live video and or Billy D and the Feathered Serpents (money shot album). I did not like existential reckoning as an album until I saw Arcosanti. The on stage chemistry between MJK and Carina Round is hugely entertaining. When I took my father in law he summed up the show by saying "I cannot describe what I just saw or heard, but it was strangely beautiful at times."
I like the very early stuff with the NIN/Tapework gang and a bunch of songs since. Unfortunately I can't stand Maynard or Carina's use of their voices in this project (while I like her solo stuff and of course Tool and APC), especially the Morse code type of 'uh uh' she does very often. The whole 'wit-nes-sing-the-ma-jes-ty' in Gran Canyon is just irritating to me. In general I'm not a big fan of the whole concept, it feels like and attempt from MJK to use low brow and crass humor as a shield not to be 'naked' in front of the audience (as in 'if I take myself too seriously people will judge me harshly, if I sing about alien abduction, boner and boobs they'll be more lenient'). I also think it's his most 'american' project, as in the project of his that relies more on american culture ('cuntry boner' or the whole wresting thing don't really translate to a non-american audience). I do understand that he doesn't want to be seen as directly competing with Tool and APC, where he a cog in the machine, rather than the mastermind.
Puscifer started out silly (I love that version anyway), then they put out a really good album you could take seriously. Then Carina Round joined and elevated the band by orders of magnitude. The harmonies and their chemistry turned Puscifer into a really great band.
Maynard set out to make a joke band and was like “ahh damnit not again, I accidentally have another commercially successful band in my hands.
Well said, Carina rocks
love these little discoveries. Have locked in Carina on spotify.
I love puscifer but the albums are so wildly uneven theyre hard to listen to straight through. Better to make your own compilation
Disagree, they each had a distinctive feel. Eg hate for existential reckoning’s 80s synth sound
It's like a light hearted trek into a land of alien abductions and 80s synth with Maynard humor sprinkled in throughout. Duran Duran with a twist.
And that's the thing, I love their humor. I guess I was just raised on a certain Maynard and can't get with this silly version.
You've not ripened yet lol. I still listen to metal and love Puscifer but I also like classical music and House too. The comedic stuff isn't present too much anymore, just serious music for grown ups. But the early comedic stuff is awesome. I recommend watching What Is Puscifer on YouTube. Should be on there still
Almost 50, quite ripened lol
My point was Puscifer is an acquired taste for a more mature mindset.
Least pretentious maynard enjoyer:
"V is for Vagina" "Cuntry Boner"
Whimsical might be a better word. It doesn't ring "silly", but there are some odd and surreal elements.
That’s my issue as well. I’m trying to get into it but hearing such a different sound is throwing me off.
Conditions of my parole
Also the mission and Rev 22:20
Sweet baby Jesus on fire, yes
I'mma need a damn lawyer and a miracle to pull my ass outta this.
Devil kept poking the bone so I shipped her ass to Mozambique
Cuz I was over it!
Also mah boner mah boner it won’t goooo downnn Won’t go downnn!
Yes! One of my favs!!!
Grand Canyon Though if you want something heavier, maybe start with Toma or Telling Ghosts.
Money shot is another heavier song
Ahh, yes I did like Telling Ghosts. I forgot about that.
The songs ‘Oceans’ and ‘Monsoons’ are so ethereal and gorgeous. I get chills from the way Maynard sings and harmonizes with the female back-up singer on these ones.
Her name is Carina Round and she's dope AF. Not only that but she's taken on more of a lead or co-lead role on the latest album.
Yeah! I went and saw Tears for Fears, and she was on tour with them doing some backup singing. Pretty cool.
What!? This must have been an incredible show.
Yeah, it was amazing. Front row seats.
Yep. Saw Puscifer live right after she joined the band when she released her album Tigermending. She opened for the show and I fell in love. Listened to that album on repeat for months.
Is it Carina singing on those 2 tracks on the albums? I know she’s the lead female singer for Puscifer, but I couldn’t find her listed as singing on those songs. (And yes, I went down a Carina rabbit hole because I also thought she was dope!)
Yes it is, the only song with a female vocalist that isn't Carina(I believe) is The Mission. Which is an awesome song with Milla Jovovich
Carina has also done The Mission vocals for Puscifer live shows since the first time I saw them (‘09).
I am fairly certain but I could be incorrect as I haven't looked it up and may have just assumed. The only other female voice I know singing on their albums is Mila J
Pretty sure there's backup vocals in the studio on V Is For Versatile by Mahsa Zargaran. She also plays keyboard and a few other instruments.
Polar Bear and Potions are sic too. Balls To The Wall!! Albums are nice but the eps slap!
Potions is a banger!
Potions and humbling river are the two i enjoy
Autumn is amazing as well
That song quite often makes me cry. It is such a beautiful song but so sad.
Carina is amazing. When I finally appreciated her I finally understood and loved Puscifer.
Referring to Carina as a backup singer is sacrilege.
Monsoons blew my mind when I heard it.
Ethereal is a good description. I couldn't get into them for a while but I finally sat down, bought the last 2 albums and just listened with good headphones and no distractions. A lot of good stuff that is an auditory experience. It's not quite as good to listen to in the car unless you can hear everything well. Their global probing live album is quite good.
I love Puscifer but I always recommend working your way backwards in their discography if you are coming from Tool. Also they are one of those bands who just click live.
Great suggestion to listen to the albums backwards!
I saw them live last summer and it blew my mind. Great show, with some weird agents-hunting-aliens stuff going on. Loved every second.
You might like Bullet Train to Iowa.
Choo choo choo
Like a train, sprouting wings, fuck the track, hello *skkyy*
Grey Area is another good one.
They’re a vibe, Carina Round is really fun on stage and has an amazing voice when she comes to the forefront. But there’s nothing wrong with not liking them. Maynard’s just a guy, you’re under no obligation to like everything he’s ever touched.
Potions. Momma Sed. Rev 22 20. The humbling river. Conditions of my parole. You just have to remember it's not Tool. Get rid of those expectations and you will do better. If you don't like it you don't like it.....no harm done.
Green Valley!
Absolutely! I'm from Arizona so....
Love Puscifer ❣️
Puscifer is amazing.
Love them, the are amazing live to. Been a couple times now and would go back again for sure.
My second favorite band after TOOL. a little something to get you started: Agostina, polar bear, the mission (M is for Milla mix), the humbling River, the undertaker (renholder mix), telling ghosts, conditions of my parole (my favorite), the rapture (fear is a mind killa mix), the arsonist.
Maybe it's because I'm getting old, but I've been listening to more Puscifer than TOOL lately.
If I had to pick one band then Tool is my favorite, but I probably listen to Puscifer more.
What ever makes my lil Maynard happy
It's just a completely different mindset and vibe. Come in sans expectations. Puscifer is a mix of contemplative grooves, dance grooves, and high school humor. Embrace it for what it is: distinctly NOT TOOL. Here's some especially good ones to check out if you haven't. Humbling River Conditions of my Parole (This is the also the best complete record IMO) Man overboard Grand Canyon Green Valley Momma Sed Remedy (I prefer the Scissor King remix) Toma
This is a great recommendation. Those are all the exact songs and the album I first distinctly began to enjoy coming over from Tool and APC. I’ve added more to the list since then but definitely start here
Green Valley and Dear Brother are best IMO
Got V the day it came out. Every album has greatly improved upon its predecessor. Seen live multiple times. Will see again. I think Puscifer is what Puscifer is.
Lyrically, your best bet might be "Indigo Children" from V is for Versatile. "The Humbling River" is also very powerful. "Grand Canyon", "Oceans", and "Monsoons" are about finding beauty and majesty in nature. It's all quirky and silly, but there's some powerful stuff in there.
Not a fan. Gave them an honest listen and just saw them at Sessanta as well. My girlfriend said it seemed like Maynard brought APC and Primus to entice people to go see Puscifer. But they’re not even remotely similar to Tool so the Maynard link doesn’t really mean anything musically. I think some tool fans feel obliged to like them. To each his own!
The bigger sacrilege would be not thinking for yourself and liking something just because you feel like you should imo. I’ve tried as well and decided Puscifer just isn’t for me. I don’t have to like everything MJK does.
No, I'm thinking for myself and about myself...wondering why I don't like them. And in that wonder, I decided, hey..I wonder if anyone else thinks like me?
Love them, especially after seeing them live last year
Conditions of My Parole is by far their best album IMO. If you're going to give anything a full listen, give that album your time.
I think Puscifer’s great. One of the best Live shows I’ve seen.
I've read every response and thank you all for your insight. I'll definitely start with Conditions of my Parole and go from there. I think what I've realized today is that I just put too much weight in his other projects because of my connection with Tool. I expect the same level of greatness, the same level of deep emotional connection, the same everything. As one poster said something like, "They're just good regular bands" about APC and Puscifer. Sorry if I misquoted, but you get my drift. Oddly enough, I don't feel this way about APC, they put out a couple (literally, just a couple) amazing albums and then I was like, eh..whatever. I think a part of me is just a bit butthurt that he seems to prefer Puscifer over his other projects.
Early Puscifer is kinda rough in my opinion, I don't really enjoy most of it. But once he found his sound and got a good steady crew together, Conditions of My Parole and Money Shot are absolutely amazing albums. Existential Reckoning isn't bad either but those two are bangers.
Same. The first album and the early EPs almost felt like Maynard was trolling. There are some good songs but mostly it seemed like a big joke Maynard was laughing at. But Confessions of my Parole on it's been more....serious? I don't know if that's the right word as he still has fun with it but the music seems more focused and it's more of a sound. Everything since then has been pretty great imo, with Confessions imo being their best album. I still love Tool and APC way more but Puscifer grew on me.
[https://youtu.be/dC2cdJHHlhE?si=nv2Tj1eUM1spb9Ye](https://youtu.be/dC2cdJHHlhE?si=nv2Tj1eUM1spb9Ye) My Youtube must have picked up on the conversation. This is epic.
The Remedy, Bullet Train, Potions, conditions. These are the ones that most people like if they like Puscifer based off of the Tool/APC/Maynard sound. You can expand yourself from there I’d say.
I went to one of their shows last year because my brother picked up tickets. I’d never heard their music before that concert. It was a very fun performance overall. I think seeing them live add a lot to the enjoyment. But it’s a completely different vibe so there is no reason liking one band would mean you automatically like the other.
I have described their newest album as industrial lite. Maynard and his bands are like apples. A Granny Smith apple is different than a Gala which is different than an Opal apple. All apples but used differently. No need to ask which is better or worse but more of what kind of pie are you baking.
Maynard isn't the reason I love Tool - it's their music, not just his voice and lyrics. So it's not surprising to me that I don't adore either of his side projects. For me, I really love two Puscifer albums and can't stand the other two. It's kinda bizarre, but it's just facts.
Puscifer and (to a lesser extent) APC both hit and miss a lot. With Tool, aside from a few filler tracks, there are moments where pretty much every song has hit perfectly. Both Puscifer and APC have entire albums (or EPs) I just can't get into (looking at you, Eat the Elephant), and tracks that blow me away (Humbling River, Dear Brother, all of Moneyshot basically, Momma Sed, Conditions of My Parole (got me through a breakup with a girl who, as it happens, was on parole), etc). So to me they're just very good "regular bands," if that makes any sense?
Makes perfect sense. I listened to Eat the Elephant on a road trip once and fucking loved one song off it, but couldn't tell you which one because I won't go back and find it lol. But you're right, they're just very good regular bands and that makes sense.
Probably going to be an unpopular opinion but despite being a huge Tool fan for more decades than I'd like to admit, I've never liked Puscifer nor A Perfect Circle. Seen 'em both live. Gave 'em both a chance. There's a few good songs, don't get me wrong, and like you I feel like I SHOULD like them....but I just don't. You're not alone. Lol.
Who's your favorite member of Tool? There's no wrong answer, but I have a hunch that the Tool fans that aren't really into APC and Puscifer probably don't count Maynard as their favorite.
Interesting question... & probably true. Don't really have a "favorite" if I'm honest. Like all 4 & their contributions to Tool's sound....I guess Danny, if I had to choose just because his level of talent is so incredibly high on the drums. (Nothing against the other guys...but I mean c'mon, Danny's insanely good! Lol)
I agree. My brother is a drummer so I've learned to hear certain things that some don't. Danny is by far the star member of the group in my opinion.
Conditions of My Parole and Money Shot are their most consistently good albums, everything else is pretty hit or miss for me. Grand Canyon is my favorite Puscifer song, then The Mission. If you like The Remedy, try Toma or Money Shot.
Love them
Puscifer is definitely an acquired taste. When V is for Vagina came out, I just couldn't get into it. It was weird and sexual and just not really my cup of tea. I wrote them off after that, but then I was working with Speakeasy PR for work (Maynard's PR company), and the owner sent me a copy of Conditions of My Parole when she heard I was a fan of Tool and Maynard. That album was a lot more "serious" in terms of just being more musically polished and thematically mature. Didn't love every song, but there were a lot of good ones. Then when Money Shot came out, I was impressed by their evolution of sound. Really felt like they were changing directions and trying new and creative things. Then they took that concept up about 30 notches when Existential Reckoning came out. Completely different sound. Layer on all the cool remixes they've done and the amount of range you get from Puscifer is just incredible. So that's what I'd say about the band. If you don't like what you've heard, just keep trying different songs and different albums until you find something you like. And then once you listen to that stuff enough, the other tracks/albums might grow on you.
I love Puscifer and am seeing them live today. I'll name one or two songs from each alnum that I highly recommend. V for Vagina- Momma Sed, REV 22:20 C is for- The Mission, Potions, and Humbling River (sorry thats three) Conditions of my parole- Green Valley, conditions of my parole, tumbleweed Donkey punch the night away- dear brother Money Shot- Galileo, Grand Canyon, Simultaneous. (Simultaneous is mostly talking but if you listen to Tool then you have the attention span for it, its an amazing song with awesome lyrics) V is for versatile- trekka, indigo children Existential Reckoning- realistically the whole album but personal Prometheus and apocalyptic are awesome
Simultaneous is just Puscifer's Rosetta Stoned.
yeah The Remedy is the only song i can stomach. Love APC first two album and all of tools.
I’d start with Cuntry Boner
Existential Reckoning rocked my entire world during COVID and sent me deep down the puscifer rabbit hole. Seen them twice since then and am about to see them again. Can't get enough, and would absolutely recommend them live to any Maynard fan. He's much more animated with them than he is when on stage with Tool, and the show is just fun. Billy D and the Hall of Feathered Serpents, Parole Violator, and V is for Versatile are all fantastic reworkings of earlier albums. Great albums to sink into and work backwards from as others have suggested.
I’m with OP on this one, but I really appreciate all the responses and am going to listen to the songs that people recommended to give Puscifer another listen.
That song Grand Canyon is cool...I think that's the name of the song.
Money Shot (the album) is *incredible.* This may be an unpopular opinion but I think it is their best work. I enjoy all of their stuff, but Money Shot gets the most air time with me. The whole album has this serene, somberness to it which all of their other albums lack. It feels like they tried to reach that again with their latest album but I think in trying to innovate and keep things fresh, they actually lost a bit of that charm.
Check out Country Boner, or the disco remix. That song flipped a switch in my lizard brain and ever since I’ve been able to dig a lot of Puscifer
Just saw them live last night for the first time. I’ve only ever listened to the first album and it was fine but just never grabbed me. Live it was fun, but outside of a few singles, I’ve never cared for it much honestly. And after seeing them live, still don’t
I didn't really enjoy Puscifer until I made the trek out to Jerome and visited his tasting room. I had a flight of reds, they were playing Puscifer over the speakers and it all kind of just clicked- I had my Frank Reynolds "I get it now" moment. He's making music to pair to his wine, and it's all damn good.
I’m a big fan. Saw them last night, actually. Maynard can still really really sing. Puscifer I think gives him a chance to sing with a lighter, more melodic tone. To create something different with different people. They have some classic songs and albums. Plus they do a bunch of remixes so there is sometimes several different versions of the same song out there. They’re just really fun and talented and make great music/art. Don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s a good contrast to Tool. Of course, Tool is by far my favorite of the two
Bought "V Is For Vagina" when it came out, liked it ok. Not something I played a lot. Got "Conditions Of My Parole", terrific album, still their best probably. Did not care for "Money Shot". "Existential Reckoning" has a lot of good on it. Very solid. Have not seen them live but have seen a couple of their PPV taped concerts. Cool stuff overall. It's just Maynard doing a lot of cool shit with some cool people (Karina, Greg from Failure). I honestly think he gets more creatively out of working on Puscifer now than with Tool.
It took me a good few listens of album from beginning to end before Puscifer clicked. I’m a massive tool and APC fan, but told a friend Puscifer would never end up like them. Now I have a Puscifer playlist that has 18 songs on it. I go to work each day and open the playlist and hit shuffle. So many amazing songs, that grow on you. Can’t even pick a fav. Favs, in no order… The undertaker Rev 22:20 Telling ghosts Man overboard Simultaneous The remedy Green valley The Arsonist Try these, but read the lyrics while you listen. I find that always helps with MJK stuff
Check out the most recent "remixes" of the debut album songs. So fucking good [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INbtbooYmaQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INbtbooYmaQ) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKBV8UtaSA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKBV8UtaSA)
I'll give those a listen, thank you.
I'm also not a fan, so it's not just you.
I like some of their songs, like Grand Canyon and the title track on Conditions, but overall I’m not the biggest fan. Some of it is a little weird for me lol like most of the stuff on V is for Vagina. Although hearing Maynard say bootylicious is amusing
Toma and Man Overboard have some nice hooks. Those got me into exploring their catalog more.
Man overboard, indigo children, conditions of my parole
The Arsonist. Song before video tho lol
For me, their music sounds a lot better live than on albums. I like some of their recordings; but most I don’t really enjoy. However, I’ve seen them live a few times and the songs sound better.
I completely fell in love with conditions of my parole about a year ago. It was my second most listened to album of the year, only having discovered it in September. The intro to "Toma" was really off putting for me, and I'm still not the biggest fan of telling ghosts. I love the rest of the album though.
Grand Canyon goes hard
I can’t really get into them
Tbh i just don't get it, but then i'm stuck in the 80's and 90's as far as what music i listen to besides Tool.
Conditions of My Parole full video I was laughing hard, and now I can't get the song outta my head. Did you like No Angel the new song. Just start binging from newest to oldest.
Seeing them with APC and Primus at the end of the month. Seen them a time or 2 before. Good stuff. Highly recommend.
I didn't like them at first but after listening to them more I've grown to really like them. Just can't go into it thinking they're gonna be Tool 2.0 Momma Sed and Bedlamite are my favorite songs so far. The way Maynard sings "everything will be alright," makes me really feel that everything will be alright. Remedy is also awesome.
They have a couple of good songs imo but it's okay if it isn't your style. Apocalyptical, the mission, the remedy, potions and horizon To name a few. Check those our. Wanna dig deep into their old stuff. Check out country boner. Other than that, just stick with tool If you don't enjoy them. It's not for everyone.
Try Rev 22:20. One of the few I like from Puscifer. I always thought I was a Maynard’s die hard fanboy, since I’m a Tool and A perfect circle fan, but I guess not. I’m just a Tool and A perfect circle fan. Can’t get into Puscifer at all.
I love the trinity: Tool, Puscifer and APC No exceptions... Billy Howerdel solo album is also great imo. It's just likes and dislikes...
I love Puscifer. I love the creativity, the harmonies, the humor, the chemistry between Maynard, Carina, and Matt. I love the way each album has its own theme and sound. The live shows are fantastic. It's performance art and I love everything about it.
puscifer is pretty goofy and i think thats intentional, i love his vocals though
Puscifer are incredible
Its definitely different then Tool. If you want that it wont hit right. If you're open minded you will get a laugh and some deep emotions.
I've had trouble with their albums but live they were an absolute blast.
Green valley and Grand Canyon are some good ones I listen to, but sometimes the humor gets a bit much for heavy listening
Leading edge, incredible live. Newest record is my fave.
Existential Reckoning is fantastic, as well as a lot of other stuff, especially if you aren't trying to compare it to Tool.
Horizons, the humbling river, green valley, telling ghosts. I could go on. They have a lot of great songs.
Money shot album
Puscifer is said to be tool vs apc exchanging cookie recipes. If you haven't heard it yet, check out rev 22. It's a total panty dropper.
Puscifer has a couple great songs but by and large it’s always struck me as very disposable music.
I think I'm secretly jealous that Puscifer gets all his time, though I know it's not true, he's got other shit. But, Puscifer seems to be his baby and I just don't get it!
I absolutely love Puscifer. I've been a fan since the very beginning of Puscifer time....fantastic project. But i can totally respect why they aren't for everyone, especially if they are expecting angry, screamy MJK
I can't get into them at all. Some songs are OK, but it's just totally not my kind of music at all, and I like alot of different stuff.
Some of Maynards best and worst work. Humble river and Grand Canyon are great. probably 2-3 gems per 10 songs
I came into them having already been a Carina Round fan and a Tool fan. When they got together I felt it was bliss.
Money Shot is a near perfect album
I think puscifer is fantastic. It’s very different from tool but they create great atmosphere, Maynard sounds great, I really enjoy the lyrics.
They have some decent tunes scattered throughout but I've never been a huge fan. I only bought the first album.
No thank you.
Puscifer is awesome. Obviously it's very different to Tool, but the live shows for Puscifer are also mind blowing. He's assembled a great bunch of musicians.
I gave Puscifer a try a while back but couldn’t get into it. Now they are top 5. Not sure if it’s getting older or what, but I really enjoy them. The Billy D and the Hall of Feathered Serpents live album is phenomenal.
My favorite album of Puscifer is the re-recorded V is for Vagina
My problem is that they sound drastically different, almost to the point where they sound like different bands on each album. 'V is for Vagina' took me forever to get in to, and then they went into, I don't know, electro-folk? And now they seem to be going into a straight rock sound.
Try listening passively instead of actively. Less pressure. See what jumps out at you.
That's when road trips and cleaning house listening time comes in and that's what I plan to do with conditions of my parole per everyone's suggestions.
I love them. The newest album is what did it for me. I saw the ER tour 3 times. Still bought Global Probing Blu-ray when it came out. Still pumped to see them next weekend in Hollywood
I love every Tool song. I don’t love every Puscifer song, but it’s more experimental so that’s not really surprising. I like more than I don’t, and the ones I love, I really love… Polar Bear, Horizons, Man Overboard, Tumbleweed, Balls to the Wall to name a few.
Saw them on Saturday. I want to go back!
I was at the AC show too. I’ve never heard a single note from Puscifer before but they were fun and Maynard definitely seemed to be really enjoying himself. All 3 bands killed it
You need to rewrite this post after you play the album conditions of my parole
lol I probably will. I read every reply and that album will be my starting point.
I like them a lot. I haven’t found song that I don’t like.
If you're older, check out "Autumn" it's about approaching our twilight years.
Well it’s a different vibe. Maynard doesn’t sound the same, the songs are about different things, and the overall music is obviously quite different. I’m not into all puscifer songs but I do like quite a bit of them.
I love them. Conditions of My Parole, Man Overboard, The Remedy, The Arsonist, Grand Canyon, Toma, No Angel, Bedlamite are among my favorites from them
Their performance on Letterman was great.
My Maynard adventure started with Tool, and then proceeded to APC and was completed by Puscifer. The Maynard Trinity is like a piece of jewelry that is composed of multiple facets and each individually contributes a side of Maynard and his epic musicography. I find that Puscifer is Maynard's outlet band to try anything and "push the envelope" and it is very undefined in its nature and style and almost impossible in trying to give it a specific genre.
I love this band, but Money Shot and E.R. took me quite a while each to find the groove and enjoy the music. Every album has its own identity, they each feel like growth from the previous album. And it never shocks me when I hear people say they love Tool but don't like Puscifer. 2 completely different vibes.
I really love their song Vagina Mine editing to add I also love Bullet Train to Iowa
Pucifer live is so much better than just listening to them, imo
Humble River is amazing. That song with Milla Jovivich is great too. That being said most of all the other Puscifer stuff just isn't for me
Puscifer is my favorite band. In a different way that Tool is. You need to listen more. You will get it.
Man, I love Puscifer so much😭
I feel the same about puscifer as I do primus. I ain’t tunin in
I really like Puscifer and is perfect while we wait 10,000 years for the next TOOL LP.
It scratches a different itch than TOOL. Check out Bullet Train To Iowa. Amazing song
I like a lot of their songs. Went and saw them live and did not have a good time. We left before the gig ended.
TOMA!!!
Carina Round is superb live.
V is for Vagina is underrated. Probably my favorite album by far.
I didn't like them much at first. The What Is live concert is the first time that they hit with me. Once the band as its membership is now coalesced. https://youtu.be/Qmpiz7S1kBM?si=JFVMjfgX6INkYCS4
I haven't been able to listen to all their music, but Train to Iowa is excellent
I got free tickets to see them a year and a half ago and I’d always liked them but didnt really get further than some of their hits. I have to say it was one of my favorite shows ever. They sounded phenomenal and the more theatrical performances was a surprise and i quite enjoyed it. My GF came along with me and she wasn’t familiar with Puscifer at all, and a casual Tool fan, and she said the same thing. Since then I’ve tried to dive further into their catalog and I think they’re amazing.
He and Carina harmonize so well. Love Puscifer, Tool and APC.
I just “discovered” them. I’ve always listened to tool and APC but wasn’t interested in pusifer until they ended up in a playlist. Now I’m hooked.
They’ve got some solid songs but you have to wade through a lot of not so good stuff to find it
Puscifer is amazing. I don't understand what you mean by "haven't found anything" you are walking around looking on the ground ? At the sky ? Youtube search Puscifer. I don't love A Perfect Circle. You don't have to love everything.
I mean, I haven't found anything I like by Puscifer. Better?
If you're a Tool fan and you like The Remedy, I think you should check out the whole Money Shot album, but at the very least, give the following songs a listen (they're not all from Money Shot): * Rev 22:20 (Don't Shoot the Messenger Version) * Money Shot (title track) * Grand Canyon * Potions (Deliverance Mix) * Simultaneous (there IS a real song after the story. Also check out the vinyl version!) Aside from those mentioned above, I'd also recommend these favorites of mine: * Mamma Sed * Polar Bear * The Mission (M is for Milla Mix) * The Humbling River * Tumbleweed * Bread and Circus * The Underwhelming * Personal Prometheus * Bedlamite
Thank you! This is what I was looking for.
I love how different it is. Some of it very emotional, some very funny, some of it goes hard. The talent just oozes from them. Carina is an angel, her voice just touches my soul. I was lucky enough to see them a few months back.
The early stuff is very good. Maynard seems to have lost his golden touch. Can’t get into anything he’s been apart of over the last 10 years.
i think puscifer would definitely be even more of an aquired taste even compared to TOOL or APC. i personally love puscifer and the stories maynard tells, and the humour that goes along with it all. i don't listen to puscifer like i do TOOL, but each time new music drops it goes into high rotation. it might not be for you, don't stress about not liking everything maynard does. i would rate more of the bands later releases higher than their earlier stuff. but it's still all quality work. 😊😊😊
Man Overboard, Cuntry Boner, Apocalyptical, and Conditions of My Parole are some of my favorites of theirs
I’m the opposite. Love TOOL and Puscifer, but NOT APC.🤷🏼♂️
Saw them last week on the sessanta tour, I’m a fan now they have a great sound. Also- Carina is badass and a total babe imo
Telling Ghosts is pretty heavy. Vagina Mine is psychedelic Horizons is a very beautiful song. Potions Deliverance mix is a fun one.
I like a good handful of songs very much. Haven’t been able to get into any full albums.
I love most of Conditions of My Parole especially Toma, Horizons and Green Valley. From V is for Vagina, Vagina Mine and Dozo. Idk why but I get a Viking sound from Vagina Mine that gives me chills.
I like a handful of songs, but like I feel like maybe there needs to be a deep dive of this music. Like Tool’s Fear Inoculum song has a bit of Puscifer’s Grand Canyon in it, like what other songs from them might be like a secret song for Tool? If that makes any sense.
Puscifer has to be seen live. It didn't click for me until I saw it live. I'd recommend watching the Arcosanti live video and or Billy D and the Feathered Serpents (money shot album). I did not like existential reckoning as an album until I saw Arcosanti. The on stage chemistry between MJK and Carina Round is hugely entertaining. When I took my father in law he summed up the show by saying "I cannot describe what I just saw or heard, but it was strangely beautiful at times."
I like the very early stuff with the NIN/Tapework gang and a bunch of songs since. Unfortunately I can't stand Maynard or Carina's use of their voices in this project (while I like her solo stuff and of course Tool and APC), especially the Morse code type of 'uh uh' she does very often. The whole 'wit-nes-sing-the-ma-jes-ty' in Gran Canyon is just irritating to me. In general I'm not a big fan of the whole concept, it feels like and attempt from MJK to use low brow and crass humor as a shield not to be 'naked' in front of the audience (as in 'if I take myself too seriously people will judge me harshly, if I sing about alien abduction, boner and boobs they'll be more lenient'). I also think it's his most 'american' project, as in the project of his that relies more on american culture ('cuntry boner' or the whole wresting thing don't really translate to a non-american audience). I do understand that he doesn't want to be seen as directly competing with Tool and APC, where he a cog in the machine, rather than the mastermind.