2001.08.13 - Los Angeles, CA, USA @ Wiltern Theatre
Source A: DAT --- Core Sound High-End Binaural/Danish Pro Audio 4061 > Sony PCM-M1
Notes: Good sound but seems to lack a little bit of crispness. Most likely, the taper was a distance away from the speakers as, had he been closer, I have a feeling the presence would be much more in-your-face rather than sort of over-your-head. In essence, a little distant sounding. The volume is sporadically turned up & then back down - like the taper was checking levels. Performance wise, really, what more could you want? It's Tool. I understand that there are some people who may think I am insane by not thinking a recording with this source information is just amazing but, hey, it is not just the microphones it is the placement. Different people have different taste I suppose. Very clear recording as it is a good capture of what it is Tool sounds like live. However, their is a bit of crowd noise that can sometimes over-power the recording. Not terrible but definitely noticeable if you are annoyed by such things, as I am. I do not think that the noise was the taper's fault or anything like that, of course. Maynard's vocals are clear and the drums kick-it. The bass can sort of hit just a little bit harder than some would prefer. All in all, a very worthwhile addition to a collection and a very good performance by The Scott Hill Clown Band. The two times listed below represent two different transfers of this recording floating around.
CD 1
Time: 45:22
CD 2
Time: 64:07
Tuva
The Grudge
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
Undertow
Prison Sex
Schism
Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient
Disposition
Reflection
Intermission / Fripp
Sober
Parabol
Parabola
Ænema
Lateralus
Source B: DAT --- Sound Professionals Slimline Cardioids > Sony TCD-D8
Notes: Overall, good recording. The taper seemed to be rather close to the stacks or close enough to get a tight sounding live recording without getting a brickwall or too far back to get a lot of crowd noise/chatter. If I had to choose 3 words for this recording, they would consist of: clear, live & good. Enough about that, I think perhaps my limit for words about this recording has been reached. Tool was performing rather nice this night & the setlist, although not totally re-arranged like they did for a couple shows in 2002, is interesting enough to invoke interest in a listener even if this is the 10,000th Tool-live-recording you have heard. You know, there seems to be people that just do not get sick of Tool... sort of like people who continue to listen to the Beatles or Pink Floyd, for example. I don't know. In my opinion, Tool is right up there with the classic musicians that we look back on and think of fondly. Only time will tell if the masses think that but, at the end of the day, who gives a flying F what other people think?
Maynardism: "Every now & then, we have to ask ourselves why it is we do this. It's never really more apparent or appropriate as it is when we are in LA. We get so convoluted. Everyone's got their fucking hand out, their all a bunch of liars & thieves & acquaintances. We just have to remind ourselves that it's about this - what we are feeling right now, that's what it's about. Fuck 'em."
CD 1
Time: 45:34
CD 2
Time: 64:05
Source C: DAT --- Inner Ear Monitor (IEM) > Sony PCM-M1 > FLAC > purelivegigs.com, 05/31/2006
Taper: Benchboy
Transfer: MarkP
Notes: First, this "note section" is the same as the 08/14/01 IEM section (as they are virtually identical in sound & issues). Second, I will go out on a limb & say that I was 110% surprised by seeing that this was being torrented. This recording & the 08/14/01 show were torrented by the same uploader & are the authentic, real deal IEM's of this performance. Perhaps the overall negative connotations of many Tool collectors made me think that nothing this, well, cool, would be massively released anytime soon. But here I go, being wrong. Good! Although the soundcheck was recorded & retained, it was not included in these releases but beggars are not choosers, eh? This source is very clean & crisp. As with the majority of IEM recordings, this has more high end than anything else. The bass, even when used w/a bass box in a Jeep or car is lacking. This is not a diss but it is what it is. If someone were to take this source & matrix it with the best audience recording, the result, I imagine, would be quite good. There are many instances where MJK's vocals seem to brickwall / distort at very high levels so know that this is not perfect. It is what it is & I am happy to have the opportunity to enjoy it.
Maynardism: "Every now & then, we have to ask ourselves why it is we do this. It's never really more apparent or appropriate as it is when we are in LA. We get so convoluted. Everyone's got their fucking hand out, their all a bunch of liars & thieves & acquaintances. We just have to remind ourselves that it's about this - what we are feeling right now, that's what it's about. Fuck 'em."
CD 1
Time: 49:02
CD 2
Time: 63:42