I don't understand why Schism is so popular

[Andromeda Rising]

I mean, my god, Tool on the radio? Unthinkable, at least here in the DeeCee area. The "alt rock" stations never played Tool before and now this?

Schism is <b>not</b> a radio song. When I hear it on the radio, every time I am amazed. Sandwiched between Blink 182 and Limp Bizkit, its non-poppy sound stands out even more starkly. Schism has weird meter, its hard to tap your foot to. And the lyrics--huh? The average listener has no clue what MJK is saying, let alone what he means.

Radio listeners don't like songs that offer "deep insights" or ponder "meaningful questions". They want to rock out. And while I think Schism is indeed a rockin' song, it very much unlike the popular alt rock radio music that is out there today.

I'm surprised it got as much airplay as it did back in April/May. Even more surprised that I'm still hearing it on the air in August.

Your thoughts--what's up with this song? Why has the radio taken such a liking to it? Does Tool really have enough fans (say equal to Freddie D et al) to request Schism this much?


Melissa