2002.07.15 - Inglewood, CA, USA @ The Forum

Source A: Unknown Mini Disc Recording

Notes: For some reason, recordings of this gig have not really floated around much, even 3 years post-performance. This source has a fair amount of crowd noise, a little bit talking and sounds at best 'OK'. To me, the microphones used sound a LOT like cheap Sony ECM's (not battery powered). The sound is tinny, brash & rather high with bass lacking and when it does hit, almost a brickwall. Sometimes the crowd can yell so loud in the mics that your ears almost start to bleed. However, not the best, not the worst recording of Tool ever but not the highest upon anyone's recommendation-list, I assume. The band is in good form this night; very nice setlist as well. In sum, for a reported 10 potential sources, this rather nappy recording is one of them?”

CD 1
Time: 49:40                                                                                  

CD 2
Time: 56:19

Tuva
Sober
Flood
The Grudge
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
46 & 2
Schism
Parabola
Eon Blue Apocalypse
The Patient
Ænema
Intermission
Disposition
Reflection
Triad
Lateralus

Source B: Mini Disc --- Sound Professionals Standard Binaurals > Sharp MT-770

Notes: You know, for a MD with SPSB mics, very tasty recording. Cymbals clash, vocals are crisp, guitar is clear and the bass hits just right. There are reported to be superior recordings (equipment) out there but for the majority of collector's, this is the best version out currently. There is a bit of movement by the taper in the beginning of the show, thus, a little bit of phasing occurs. Listening to this recording on decent headphones, you can hear a bit of dominance in the left channel which I assume would mean that the taper's left was towards the stacks more so than being straight-on. Not a big deal, worth noting. Overall, this is a pretty rock-solid recording. I have a pretty good feeling that this is SHN based due to the recording being split up onto 2 tracks & do not know if non-SHN have or will ever see the light of day.   

CD 1
Time: 52:23                                                                                 

CD 2
Time: 61:57

Source C: Sound Professionals DSM-6S/L > PA-6LC3B/130 > Sony MZ-R500

Notes: Definitely the best Mini Disc-sourced recording of this particular performance. Some may claim that this is better than even a DAT recording and for some this would top 'em for quality. Positioning has a lot to do with it. This is a very good recording & should have it's spot in at least some form of rotation on your CD player. Hard to really have any real issue with it to be honest with you. Recommended. If you were to only get one recording of this performance, this would be the one to go for.

 CD 1
Time: 70:03                                                                              

CD
Time: 23:03

Source D: Mini-DV --- Panasonic PC-DV252 w/built-in Microphone, 10X Optical zoom, 25X Digital zoom
Source D: Master > DVD
Taper:      Pr1ck
Gen:         1st from Master

Notes: Decent, audio-wise but there is a fair amount of people yelling near the taper. Just a nit-pick.  Visually this is not so bad either. Filmed from the upper-left balcony seating, this recording is an excellent capture of the band at a very interesting part of the tour. There are some good close-ups of the band & a few really nice ones of the crowd, as a whole. Some focusing in on the screens as well which is always interesting. Tool has a lot of energy during this show... Maynard's voice is good. On thing that really stands out in this performance, to me, is that it seems like Adam messed up as he played the first few bars of 4 degrees --- then Justin/Danny burst in with Flood. Interesting -- maybe this was intentional? Yeah, sure, that's it. All in all, worth the time to acquire & sit back & enjoy. Tasty.

Time: 1:52:57

Source E: Digital 8 --- Sony DCR-TRV340 Digital8 Video
Gen:         1st Gen VHS > DVD (Transfer: Strutr74)

Notes: Surprisingly, this is a really nice video recording. Audio is clean & has some amount of depth. It may also rival a couple of the straight-up audience recordings around at this time. The video -can- be a bit choppy at times but is actually really steady. Filmed from upper-back-left, this video features a decent amount of screen, individual & group shots throughout the complete recording. This may also be a better video recording than the common DVD of Prick's. There are times when audience members seem to compete for microphone attention (yells/screams) but this is neither here nor there. To make a long story short, this is a quality recording & also an alternative choice for the DVD enthusiast of Tool, as far as performances go.

Maynardism: "Los Angeles? That's funny, it doesn't sound like Los Angeles; it sounds more like Sacramento. So, is this or is this not Los Angeles?"

Time: 1:53:48