Prospectus

Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: Entertainment

A Perfect Circle lead vocalist Maynard James Keenan performs during "Lollapolozza." Dan Honda/Contra Costa Times

Ever since the 1960's, the world has been experiencing the glory that makes the musical super group. This term was coined to define such artists as Cream, Cosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Cactus. Today, super groups are more prominent than ever. With so many talented musicians using their excess creative energy in side projects, collaborations have become incredibly common. Many times an individual's own vision for a side project involves working with other greats, and can result in the formation of a musical group. Although these super groups are typically concise, as they only release an album or two, they are a force to be reckoned with. This reason may relate to the fact that unlike most bands, the super group stops while they're ahead; the members realize how short lived fame can be.

Many times musicians are pushed to release albums under a deadline. This is something that doesn't ring true with a super group. Instead of focusing on creating a large collection of typically mediocre singles, these collaborations work to construct the perfect album. Each song is carefully crafted and each musician's talent is emphasized. This unique take on a musical group is fabulously refreshing as hits are almost a guarantee. Not only are the fans and their endless sea of an audience given the sounds they deserve to hear, but also the individual musicians gain so much from this process. Rather than feeling that their inner voice was never quite expressed, musicians who are part of a super group seem much more content with their work. This ability of super groups allows an artist to completely change genres or musical styles without being criticized or held down by their current group. It even allows them to make alternate personas, and surpass what is expected of them.

In the past decade the music industry was taken by storm with the release of some of the most ear splitting and mind blowing super groups known to man. As one of this era's firsts, A Perfect Circle is an excellent example of just how strikingly stunning the union of music's greats can be. With their most current lineup consisting of Jeordie White, former bassist of Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson; guitarist James Iha, who performed with The Smashing Pumpkins, and drummer Josh Freese, who collaborated with both Nine Inch Nails and The Vandals, it's impossible not to categorize A Perfect Circle as one of the most distinguished bands of all time. The fact that this is not the original lineup also increases their reign as a spectacular super group, as these groups commonly lose and gain an endless chain of accomplished musicians. This trait only makes the groups more super, as it proves that they are able to continuously reinvent themselves and it shows that these talented musicians are in it for the creation of impeccable music rather than for personal fame.

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