Tool (2) – Undertow

Really good of an album, not so good of a pressing. For me sometimes in some parts it sounds like crackling bacon.

I have this version, the grey promo, and the recent reissues and I’d must say this is the best sounding out of all the pressings by a long shot! It sounds amazing and so much more detailed than the other version. Makes owning this album on vinyl worth it, the other versions don’t do the justice compared to this one.

I have been carrying this around for years. Must have got it from Rocking Horse Records Brisbane in around 01/02. Probably the second time I’ve spun it and yeah, just ID’ing it now as I do so. This thing is, no joke, excellent. Shocked at the price these days but that’s how it goes isn’t it?

Definitive version here, won it on an auction in VG+ condition for $89 and I couldn’t be more happy. Dynamic as I’ll get out and just a really good pressing. I’ve owned the OFFICAL gray promo to be clear, and it is on one record, has no inner sleeve and no disgustipated. No more needs to be said. Well, actually I must say they are close in sound but I find this one way more crankable and defined overall than the promo. I had a NM promo too so bite me! The only thing I can say good about the promo is the gray sleeve is sick. The 2006 reissue is falling asleep while I play this because it sucks and has plain labels with no inner sleeves either. Surface noise inevitable on that press.

Best $5 I have ever spent on discogs. Don't know why it isn't listed in the price history but I was sold a copy (March 2018) listed as F/F with "warped and badly scratched" records and a "badly worn" jacket. Showed up surprisingly clean and plays with no surface noise/skips. It's weird seeing the inner sleeves with the art so big. Sometimes it pays off to take a risk on discogs

So to differentiate the 2xLP pressings of Undertow (correct me if I’m wrong):

1996, ’97, and ’99 reissues all use the exact same covers / outer sleeve, but the ’96 and ’97 have an "Explicit Lyrics" parental advisory sticker, versus the ’99’s “Explicit Content” sticker. All later reissues (2006–) have the Tool Dissectional and Volcano logos on the back cover, to the right of the barcode, replacing the small Zoo logo.

Inside, the '96 and '97 have printed "Zoo" labels with skeleton artwork, versus plain white Tool Dissectional / Volcano labels on the '99–.

The ’96 differs from the '97 as it is the only release with printed inner sleeves. But is there any way to tell the ’96 and ’97 apart without opening them?

Since January, I have bought/returned 3 copies of the latest reissue from United Pressing, a complete lack of quality control during manufacturing (big surprise, i know) that finally made my mind up for me to shell out a little more for one of the 96/97 reissues.

Which brings me here to write the following review:

As soon as Maynard began singing the first few words to Intolerance, "I don't wanna be...",
I was immediately covered in goosebumps
from experiencing such a DYNAMIC, and QUIET AS HELL pressing.
It packs such a kick, that each time I listen in the future, I will be reminded that I'd have happily paid twice as much as I did for this 1996 reissue. It's just that worth it, sound-wise.

If you're on the fence, worrying about sound.
DON'T.
Just find a well-cared for VG+/NM copy in your price range, and DO NOT LOOK BACK!

You're welcome.

I'm pleasantly surprised by how thick these records are. Most records I've come across from the 90s have been somewhat thin. These aren't 200g thick but I thought these were a modern pressing when I first held them. Is it just me or does anybody else notice this?

I'm not sure what the later pressings sound like but this is what I expect this album to sound like on vinyl.