TL;DR
- Maynard James Keenan released an 80-song playlist he listened to while working on Puscifer’s upcoming album Normal Isn’t.
- His playlist focuses heavily on ’80s goth, post-punk, and new wave bands — including The Cure, Bauhaus, and Depeche Mode.
- Fans are compiling the tracks on streaming services as insight into Keenan’s influences.
- The playlist underscores the mood and sonic palette behind his creative evolution.
What is Maynard James Keenan’s 80-song playlist?
Maynard James Keenan, best known as the frontman for Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, has shared an extensive 80-song playlist that he listened to during the writing and recording of Puscifer’s forthcoming album Normal Isn’t.
Rather than a collection of random favorites, the list serves as a window into the sounds that inspired Keenan creatively — from post-punk and goth to industrial and new wave.
What kind of music is on the playlist?
Keenan’s playlist leans heavily into ’80s and ’90s influences, particularly acts associated with goth, new wave, and sonic experimentation. Bands like The Cure, Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, and Siouxsie & The Banshees feature prominently, giving fans a sense of the textures and moods informing his current work.
Many of the tracks reflect introspective and atmospheric qualities, pairing rhythm and mood in ways that align with Keenan’s own artistic sensibilities.
Why is the playlist significant?
For fans and musicians alike, the playlist offers rare insight into Maynard’s creative influences — something he rarely shares publicly. Rather than spotlighting mainstream favorites, the list emphasizes deep cuts and genre touchstones that have shaped his worldview and musical output.
Listeners have already begun compiling the songs on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, turning Keenan’s inspirations into a shared fan experience.
What does the playlist reveal about Keenan’s creative direction?
The playlist’s emphasis on goth and post-punk suggests that Normal Isn’t might explore textures and emotional palettes beyond straightforward rock, hinting at nuanced soundscapes that inform Puscifer’s upcoming work.
Whether following along for musical discovery or analyzing the links between influence and composition, fans are using the playlist to deepen their connection to Keenan’s evolving artistry.
