2002.07.12 - Oakland, CA, USA @ Oakland Coliseum
Source A: DAT --- Danish Pro Audio 4061s > CS Battery Box > Sony TCD-D8
DAT: DAT-1 > Digital Clone-2
CD Gen: 1st from Master
Taper: Brad Z.
Notes: This second performance by Tool on the 2nd Leg of the US Tour represents more of an introspective, Reflective Disposition of the band. The performance seems to embrace the Flood of Apocalyptic-Patience that is a characteristic of the now Sober Tool. Some may say that although Maynard's experiences with A Perfect Circle created a Schism in the band, the power of a Triad + 1 is enough to bestow all Grudges. Even those that are AEnimalistic by nature. Extremely tight performance that gives notion to the idea that Tool certainly is not about H.ate, negativity or the Parabolas of modern of life (if one were to speak in terms of a mathematical graph). Even the casual listen who may raise his or her First will say that Tool does not Stink. At least professionally, as a band, not personally. Lateral thinking may actually be a mantra of Tool? Perhaps.
Notes: As for the recording, this is clear, crisp and dynamic. If this were the only high quality source for the performance then that would be it. However, the Schoeps source is definitely the best. This source has a live feel to it as it was recorded in front of the board. It is a fact, though, that this source deserves not only a spot in anyone's collection but also a spot on at least some form of CD rotation. Recommended for quality of recording & for performance.
CD 1
Time: 62:13
CD 2
Time: 60:04
Tuva
Sober
Flood
The Grudge
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
H.
Schism
Parabola
Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient
Ænema
Intermission
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralus
Source B: DAT - Schoeps MK4 >active cables>Rmod2k1 box>Sony SBM-1 (Oade Bros mod)>Sony PCM-M1
Source B: DAT - Schoeps MK4 >active cables>Rmod2k1 box>Sony SBM-1 (Oade Bros mod)>Sony TCD-D100
Notes: Little known fact: this recording a combination/matrix of two tapers standing Front Of Stack in front of the left and right stack, respectively. The source info is the same for each taper with the exception that one used a Sony TCD-D100 DAT. Excellent recording; superb, really, one of the best ever. Looking at the equipment & knowing how much that taping rig is, you certainly do get what you pay for. If you have about 4 grand to spend that is... And, yes, this is the exact same set list as the night before. However, due to an issue with the mastering, there are some weird skips on Schism & Parabol/a, common in all copies. A remastered version was completed by one of the tapers who also does the editing. All in all, this is one recording which really demonstrates the positive aspect of a very expensive taping rig and that of a fantastic live band.
CD 1
Time: 64:05
CD 2
Time: 54:03
Source C: Mini Disc --- Sony ECM-ZS90 > Sony MZ-R700
Taper: Pr1ck
Gen: 1st from Master
Notes: For the equipment used and the position of the taper (far away), not a bad sounding recording. Not awesome but not bad. There is a layer of crowd yelling that is common in the lower-end Sony ECM mics but in this recording, it is minimal. If only I could also say that there is minimal talking near the taper & absolutely not even a hint of a brickwall.. But, alas, there are both. I personally do not like the sound of Sony microphones so I'm not too keen on listening to gigs taped using them if I do not have to. There are some set-ups and tapers, like Bazille, who can get something nice but not many other taper's get great recordings using Sony ECM microphones. Just my opinion of course. One thing very funny and/or interesting is that a cell phone goes off during the 'slow part' of Sober. I think it was the taper's....best of all the theme is 'Jingle Bell's'. Come on, you have to admit, that is fucking funny. It is. One of the numerous reasons I enjoy live recordings of this band so much... the flaws. And, no, the audio is not sourced from the DVD/mini-DV recording.
CD 1
Time: 65:04
CD 2
Time: 36:44
Source D: Mini Disc --- Sony ECM-ZS90 > Sony MZ-R90
Taper: Paul
Gen: 1st from Master
Notes: The taper went in through the microphone slot of his Sony rather than the line-in on his mini disc. What the heck does this mean? Basically, the combination of the music of Tool + microphones + the input method = high end distortion and bass flooding. Although the distortion is not as bad as many other recordings, it could be said that this may be best left for collector's. This is not a terrible recording but given the fact that there are other recordings, and high quality ones at that, commonly available, this source may not be the first one to go after. If that makes sense..
CD 1
Time: 69:43
CD 2
Time: 38:33
Source E: Mini Disc --- Realistics 33-1095 > Sony MZ R-70
Notes: I find this recording to be slightly irritating. Imagine yourself being at a Tool show, the first half of it was awesome. You are in your own world. During the intermission, your friend or more likely a drunk redneck starts yipping, yapping, talking, shouting, discusses whether or not Disposition is Pushit (yes, believe it), asks for gum & then still will not shut the hell up. Insane. If I was the taper at this show, I do not know what I would have done, think I may have either duct-taped his trap shut or smacked him up side the head. Truth is, the recording is actually pretty good for the equipment used. Not the best, not the worst though. This was taped from a distance from the stacks as well. All in all, there are better sources out there but this recording may be well worth it to track down the guy talking so he can hear how absolutely clueless he acted.
CD 1
Time: 69:22
CD 2
Time: 46:19
Source F: Mini-DV --- Panasonic PC-DV252 w/built-in Microphone, 10X Optical zoom, 25X Digital zoom
Source F: Master > DVD
Taper: Pr1ck
Gen: 1st from Master
Notes: Capturing the 2nd night of Tool's 2002 US Arena, Tool actually seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves. Unlike later gigs in the first leg, where Tool varied between Opiate & AEnima (only), the band is not only very tight but also motivated, musically. Video has some great screenshots, crowd-shots & nice focus of the band members. Although this was filmed from center-up seating, it has a very close-up feel to it. The camera will shake, move & all that 'bad stuff' (or good stuff) though. Not the best of this filmer's products but very nice, all around. Recommended.
Maynardism: "Hopefully, you're experience here tonight was a positive one. We hope that you will take that positive energy home with you & create something positive - thank you."
Time: 1:49:45