1,436
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #5,342 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
Why not just a normal CD release?
I've liked TOOL going back to Opiate, and the music on this album I presume is worthy of 4 or 5 stars.
However, I hate downloads and streaming (which often sound terrible as people play them on poor audio equipment or with equipment that digitally models better sounding situations). I like CDs (you can play it on a system with big speakers or in your car, plus you get the album art which some artist worked hard to create), and know I'm not the only one out there who thinks this way.
Given how inexpensive producing a simple CD in a digipack is, I can't fathom why the album hasn't been offered in this format. The limited edition nonsense from labels that we music buyers are supposed to swoon over (Oh wow, a sticker and a key-chain with the bands name! Just the kind of non-essential nonsense I've been missing in my life!) is foolish and demeaning. This TOOL album features a physical format option as a "Limited Edition physical package that includes a CD in a tri-fold Soft Pack Video Brochure featuring a 4" HD rechargeable screen with exclusive video footage, a USB charging cable, a 2 watt speaker and a 36 page insert book and MP3 download card." Now why do any of us need any of that? A 4" screen?!? Wow, what an incredible immersive visual experience that must be. Let me make another bowl of popcorn! And yet another USB charging cable! To quote C3PO: "Thank the maker!"
I digress... I'm happy to buy an album and support music with my wallet. I encourage everyone to do so. However, bands and record labels should really just offer a simple basic CD for those who don't want or appreciate the excess.
August 2019 · CDs and Vinyl
the product in question
Fear Inoculum
4.9★ · 6,996 ratings, as of 2023