2001.09.07 - Madison, WI, USA @ Alliant Energy Center

Source A: DAT--- Sonic Studios DSM6s > Sony TCD-D8

Notes: Real clear recording that is, without a doubt, an accurate representation/capture of what Tool can do as a band and what good microphones, a good position and a good DAT deck can deliver. There are lots of people who may try to get a live -sounding- recording such as this fine, fine piece of work but I am not sure how many come close. This is not a front-of-stack type of recording but has the, overall, 'live' feeling that so many collector's love to listen to. Hearing this show & also knowing the work of two very good Tool recorders who used SS-DSM6, DP (2002) & Steve (1993/1999), is almost enough to prompt me to purchase a pair of these microphones. But at the end, I have little faith in the crowds that tend to follow me to nearly every concert - you know, the people who scream & try to be social as the band is playing. People I, personally, found tend to stay away from the stacks in order to talk.  In other words, this is a tight recording & is not uncommon by any stretch of the imagination but nonetheless should not be overlooked. The way MJK's voice seems to float over everything is simply worth noting, very tasty.

 CD 1
Time: 55:34                                                                            

CD 2
Time: 63:59

Tuva
The Grudge
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
(White Lines)
46 & 2
Prison Sex <long intro>
Mantra
Schism
Eon Red Apocalypse <space noise>
Pushit
Disposition                                                                 
Reflection
Intermission
Parabol
Parabola
Ænema
Opiate
Lateralus

Source B: DAT--- Shure SM-98 > Sony SBM-1 > Sony TCD-D8

Notes: Have talked to numerous people that like this source better than the SSDS>D8 source. One, there is a clearer sound. Two, it sounds more intense/live. Three, the crowd is low. Four, MJK's vocals are among the clearest of the early leg of the tour. It sounds like this recording has some soul to it. Hmm... or, for those that are video game addicts, this recording source has a lot of replay value to it. Make sense? The taper was obviously close to the stage as this is a rather tight recording that is a good reflection (disposition?) of the performance. You know what, I could go on for a while about this but will not. This is a good recording, worth attaining and since the tour was relatively fresh at this point - the sounds have an edge to them that are somewhat blunted by the middle of October 2001. During the Grudge, there is a slight -stutter- that sounds to me like a mastering issue. Just a note for those collectors that are really, really, anal about shit like that. Uh oh, off on a tangent - apparently University education is still in my mind via my PSY degree. Something I find interesting is that Sigmund Freud discussed much about penis envy, the Electra Complex Oedipus Complex among many other subjects that are still controversial but smoked huge, phallic-looking cigars. One thing I continue to enjoy to this day is the fact that he reported that sometimes a cigar is a cigar. In sum, sometimes a digi stutter is just a digi stutter.

 CD 1
Time: 74:38                                                                                

CD 2
Time: 43:12

Source C: DAT--- Core Sound Binaurals > Sony SBM-1 > Sony TCD-D8

Notes: Balanced, crisp, clean & low crowd noise add up to a fantastic recording. Some people may consider this to represent the 'classic' DAT recording. Definitely an accurate representation of what it must have been like to be at this performance, what is there to really ask for other than that? This is most likely the best source, audio-wise, for this performance as well. Take a listen to the rendition of White Lines in Stinkfist & tell me if that is not hauntingly clear. Great stuff. Highly recommended source. Suppose the only complaint is that when the taper put this to CD he split-up Disposition & Reflection.

Maynardism: "I have some good news & I have some bad news. First, the bad news - the bad guys are winning. You can't tell me that none of you bought any Backstreet Boys albums. Here's the good news - it's not too late. Here's how it's going to start, we are going to take the non-conformist oath. So, repeat after me: "strive to be different, strive to be unique, question authority, think for yourself, never repeat things other people say."

 CD 1
Time: 59:31

CD 2
Time: 58:29