2002.10.25 - Amherst, MA, USA @ Mullins Center

Source A: Mini Disc --- Sony ECM-MS908C > Sony MZR-700Taper:      Charles C.
Gen:         1st from Master

Notes: Very nice recording when you consider the equipment used. I hate to bring it up but, for Sony ECM mics, this is a real nice recording. The sound is balanced, bass hits properly, guitar is high enough, bass drum kicks & the vocals are reproduced rather nicely. The taper was a fair distance away from the stacks but the sound is still pretty damn good. No real issues at all. And, believe it or not, the taper was recording this source as he was taping the show with a Mini-DV camera. Very nice. That is dedication, isn't it? It was a Friday night and the venue was sold out. Tool was in good form & played good enough to get by but, could just be me, I do not really detect any real ingenuity or a desire to 'push the envelope' as it were with this performance. Hmm. Odder still is the fact that the next night, they played the -exact- same setlist. Absolutely no variation whatsoever. However, all in all, a very good listen. And, let's be honest, there really aren't any 'bad' Tool shows are there?
Notes: There are various issues regarding this show on a technical issue with inconsistent track transitions, a few skips & some other random noises. Just a note. Not a big deal.

CD 1
Time: 66:25                                                                                  

CD 2
Time: 57:58

Source B: Digital 8 --- Unspecified Recording Equipment
Source B: Master > VHS > DVD
Source:     1st Gen VHS > S-Video > Plextor PX-AV100U > U-Lead DVD > DVD (transfer: Galen 2005)
Taper:      Charles C.
Gen:         1st from Master

Notes: Filmed from the right-center, this is a very nice filming capture of Tool. Please take note, this is only one angle. There has been talk of a 2 or even 3 angle matrix possibility someday. There are some heads that make it evident that this is a live show as well as a little bit of movement from the camera but is otherwise a great recording job. It's pretty hard to find an issue with the overall quality of the work. However, maybe it is the issue with it going to VHS but the colors bleed slightly, there is a bit of un-focused energy that is repitious and there is inherent loss due to this being on VHS. There is hope that this will end up on DVD but there is no estimation on an actual date or time. However, we do have this. All in all, a good but standard 2002 show with an above average filming job.                                                                                 

Time: 2:02:40

Source C: Hi8 --- Sony CCD-TRV940 w/Sound Professional mics > DVD
Source C: Master > DVD
Taper:      Rawson

Notes: This particular performance date is somewhat unique as few 2002 Tool shows had multiple filmers. Filmed from the right of the stage, this is actually a very nice capture of Tool. In fact, it is hard to find an element that is actually even an issue with this recording. There are a few security ducks and a few instances of not being in focus but that is picking at nothing, really. All in all, very tight recording. The sound is very nice as well, a lot of MD recordings do not have this sort of sound to them. There are some supremely awesome close-ups ass well. Great screen shots too. Fact is, the audio DVD>CD rips have actually been confused as being from a a MD, which is not right. If I ever get to meet this taper, the first beer is on me. Not literally, but I will buy it... here's to you Rawson. 

Maynardism: "Amherst. Un-acceptable. Amherst. Third time works like a charm… Amherst!”

 Time: 2:04:52

Tuva
Sober
The Grudge
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
H.
Schism
Parabol
(Dr. Leary: 'Think for Yourself, Question Authority' - beginning of song)
Parabola
Ænema
Intermission
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralus