1995.xx.xx - Hollywood, CA, USA @ Ocean Way Studios: D'Amour Demos
Source: Studio Sound Board
Source: 2G Cassette > Unknown CD transfer > FLAC

Notes by Galen 2023 / Origin: Real quick. No one ‘other than’ musicians who were asked to audition for Tool to replace Paul D’Amour, such as Jane’s Addiction’s own Eric Avery, were supposed to hear this particular material. The reason this particular recording is under the 1995 moniker is due to the simple fact that it was early 1995 when the band gave these tapes out to prospective bassists. For Ænema, the songs are literally demo versions in progress of development whereas the Undertow selections are much more polished on regards to how they would be performed. How these demos made it out into the Internet is due to someone or someone in this persons’ orbit who had/found/copied these particular Tool demos. They were torrented back in 2004 off of Traders Den.

Notes / Undertow: The following demos were released on FLAC via various file-sharing services. The precise specifics of the Undertow out-takes / AEnima demos are not known. The 5 Undertow out-takes & the 4 AEnima demos were reportedly on the same cassette thus they will circulate with each other. Only a rough sketch of the scenario is available that consists of someone attaining the out-takes + demos from AEnima on a cassette right around the time Tool was looking for a replacement for Paul on bass. Since that time, they have been sitting on a shelf, collecting dust, until now. (Not counting the 4-track demos). Although there are obviously numerous other demos and out-takes created by the band, these are the only demos we as fans have at this point. Maybe more in the future, maybe not. Time will tell. The Undertow demos are pretty much the completed versions with subtle differences, I don't think most people will think they are a radical departure from the official releases. Subtle differences include: drum-stick clap during the intro of Crawl Away, heavy drum-roll at the end of Bottom (w/a very quiet MJK speech), slight timing differences in Swamp Song & a quasi-alternative intro to 4*. Sober sounds to be very close to the finished product though. The clarity is very clear & clean with minimal tape noise. There are definitely differences in the completely mixed versions on Undertow but I have a feeling that the overwhelming majority of people will truly enjoy these demos.

Notes / Ænema: It is clear that the Ænema demos are really quite rough around the edges. Some collectors have been quoted as saying they are better more interesting than the Undertow Out-takes (that are of better audio quality). In some ways, these demos give an insight into the creative process that Tool use to create their music. Yes, that is Paul D'Amour playing bass on those tracks. The audio quality is pretty good but it is obvious that a few generations of copying occurred before they made it "out". I think that you should take the demos for what they are, demos. They hint at what their piece de la resistance, Ænema, will be. For that ands that alone, these demos are treasures.

Time: 56:21

AEnima: D'Amour Demo
Pushit
Stinkfist
Ænema
Eulogy

Undertow: Out-Takes
Swamp Song
Sober
Crawl Away
4*
Bottom