1996.10.16 - Pomona, CA, USA @ The Glass House

Source A: Unspecified Filming Equipment > Master > DVD
Source: 3rd Gen VHS / DVD > Goldwave > WAV > NERO > CD ((Mastered to CD by Galen: 1999))

Notes:
Sometime in early 2003, the actual filmer of the show transferred his recording to DVD. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to obtain a copy rather quickly. Shot from the center and slightly elevated, this DVD features one of the best "filmings" of Tool to date. There are some absolutely fantastic shots of MJK & Danny. There are a few real nice shots of Adam & Justin as well but this is, basically, a MJK/Danny center-right shot. This is very, very slightly off center. Surprisingly clear, focused & very crisp this recording is a key component in understanding the history of Tool's live performances. Honestly, this is one of my favorite performances ever. What a setlist.

Notes:
As of March 2003, the only audio sources from this gig that are out in trade are either from a rip I did from a 3rd Gen VHS or from other people's assorted rips. The sound is considered a C on the VHS rips. With this particular DVD, the sound quality would be, if I used grades like this, B+. This is a -huge- jump in sound quality. There are numerous incomplete recordings/versions floating around. Also, there seems to be more higher generations of this recording floating around than the average VHS recording with at least some low gens. Filmed from right above the pit, this show is quite good. Nice close-ups of the entire band & some very interesting screen shots. There is rumored to be a DAT source in existence but that is just a...rumor, I've not heard it. There is an incomplete version of this show floating around as a single disc, sometimes silver-disc entitled: Stynkfysted. It too is ripped from a video of the show as well. This is a very intriguing thing that most collector's would really enjoy; being the live debut of some favorite songs.

Notes - by Buffalobossie 11/14/2005:
The first thing that caught my eye when watching this was how clear and sharp the video is for VHS. The second thing that caught my eye was the smudge on the camera lense. In the top-right-ish area of the picture, the video is blurred. I was praying near the start that the camera guy would wipe it off or something. While that never happens, this is but a small complaint about a video that is otherwise amazing. Maynard makes a point in saying that the audience is seeing the worst show of the tour. There are a few flubs by the band during the set, and most Tool afficienados will notice these. That does not take away from the performance as a whole, however, which was stellar. Even if it is the "worst" show of the tour, the worst show of an amazing tour is still wonderful. As I stated before, the video is very sharp. Even as a master, it's amazing that the video is in as good condition as it is after waiting seven years to be transferred to DVD. There is a tiny audio dropout in the beginning and maybe another tiny one later on, but that's being nitpicky. The audio itself is very nice for a VHS source. This concert is a must have, especially for collecters as several songs are premiered, including the always epic "Third Eye", which was one of the songs they kind of messed up at one point. Such mistakes by the band are minor and don't really detract from the performance. If anything it enhances the live feel of the recording. It reminds you that not only is the audience becoming familiar with the songs, but so is the band.

Time: 1:27:28

Setlist:

Stinkfist

'That was a new one. This is the first show of this album, so in about 10 years you can tell someone. They will just look at you like your lying, but that's okay. But unfortunately for you we didn't polish our shit yet so you get the worst show of the tour.'

Forty-Six & 2
Eulogy

'Friend of mine picked up eh some love for sale down on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Check it out she had cried her pants.'

Hooker With A Penis

'This is Justin. Failure opened up, they have a new album out. Suggest you pick it up it's pretty good.'

Prison Sex
Jimmy

'Not bad for a bunch of old men huh? This is our old guitar tech it's his last night Billy Howerdel. And this is another song.'

Undertow
Sober
H.
Ænema

'Okay so this is our last song. What ? We're not Green Day it's not 3 minutes long. So when I say it's the last song could be like 17 more minutes right?'

Opiate
Third Eye

DAT-2 clone

Source B: DAT --- Sony ECM 959 > Sony TCD-D7 @ 48 KHZ
Position: Unknown
Transfer: DAT-M > Tascam DA-20 > coax > Audiophile 24/96 > Sound Forge > WAV (transfer by cu.org/GSP)
Taper: Mike Butler
Gen: 2nd from Master

Notes: This is a wonderful recording. It seems to me that it was recorded Front of Board; kind of has that sound: crisp instruments meshed with a little bit of crowd. Oftentimes, this creates a complimentary & satisfactory experience for the ears. Like an eargasm. Or ear candy. Did I mention in the other review for this that the scream on Undertow (at the end, you know) is just awesome. The sound is balanced throughout although there are a few instances of sound fluctuation; like the taper turned his head or someone brushed against him as they traversed the crowd. Take a listen to the sample; not bad eh! This site has had this recording for a number of years and although it was ascertained from one trader there are other traders that are 'dealing', so to speak, this recording. Even though they were not supposed to on condition of X, Y or Z but whatever. Be persistent; perhaps you may find that someone you know has it. And if you do, you will hear a performance that may have a couple technical flaws but is clearly one of the most interesting (i.e.: with debuts!) but definitely not the worst night of the tour.

Time: 1:26:48