2002.04.11 - Tokyo, Japan @ Akaska Blitz

Source A: Sonic Studios DSM-6S > SonyTCD-D100 @ 48khz
DAT:        DAT-1 > Digital Clone-2
CD:          ? from Master

Notes: Good recording. Sound is balanced & is taped with a professional edge. You can hear the subtle crash of the symbols as well as a detailed examination of the cricket noises in Parabol. A very good, rock solid recording sound-wise. Crowd noise is exceedingly minimal & many times it seems as though no one is even there...or breathing. Kind of makes you wonder what the audience members felt this night as, honestly, this crowd is one of the most laid back & low-keyed crowd reactions I can even think of. Tool was in good form. One of the clearest recordings of Stinkfist w/Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" - this is a source + performance that is worth a spot on CD or DAT  rotation. If you notice, there is a variability with song placement during this performance. Tool was relatively creative with the setlists during this 3rd Leg of the Lateralus tour. Interesting stuff.
Interesting Fact: During 4*, at about 2:40 in, you can hear (-) Ions playing in with the song. Rather cool, haven't heard that before! Perhaps it was an accident, perhaps not. Variability?                                                                           

CD 1
Time: 57:09

CD 2
Time: 39:48

Announcer
(in Japanese)
Tuva
The Grudge
Stinkfist
(Suspicious Minds)

"So nice to see you again."

4°
Parabol
Parabola
Schism
Sober
Disposition
Reflection
Intermission
(Parabola Video Screening)

Triad

"Thank you Rico”

Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient

"Thank you very much for coming. Think for yourself. Question authority. Think for yourself. Question authority. Think for yourself. Question Authority."
(Into Lateralus)
"Think for yourself"
"Think for yourself"
"Question authority"
"Question authority"
"Think for yourself"
"Question authority"

Lateralus

Source B: DAT --- Sonic Studios DSM-6S/M > PA-6LC2 > Sony TCD-D7

Notes: Clear recording. In comparison with this taper's 04.10.02 recording, this is a bit better overall as the sound is cleaner and more in-your-face whereas. Perhaps taping position played a key role in this situation? The crowd is so low and respectful - hard to believe that they are at a Tool show. Most Tool fans that I have come into contact with at shows are certainly not respectful and certainly loud/annoying. Not as annoying as a Primus concert but not the most pleasant... at least in the States. It seems to me, and I could be completely wrong, that Tool enjoys playing to non-US audiences quite a bit. Their shows seem to have more variability and uniqueness. Maybe they look at the US market as bread 'n butter and the world market as time to hone their art? I don't know, just an idea. This recording is, overall, one of my current favorites from this era. Good performance, good sound & definitely worth checking out.
Interesting Fact: During 4*, at about 2:40 in, you can hear (-) Ions playing in with the song. Rather cool, haven't heard that before! Perhaps it was an accident, perhaps not. Variability?

CD 1
Time: 79:30

CD 2
Time: 42:06