Several hours ago Tool finally flicked the switch on a digital release for the 5 main releases: Opiate, Undertow, Aenima, Lateralus and 10,000 Days. Most of you already know this of course, being vigilant and rabid Tool fans. It’s a great convenience for many of us who have moved on from more traditional media. You can find them on the usual haunts such as Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music and so on.
Some with keener ears however may be interested in these releases on HD Tracks. The songs have been released with a high quality 96kHz/24bit sample rate. While I haven’t had a chance to listen (nor do I claim to be an audiophile) there are some that are reporting the quality of these are excellent. I don’t believe there is any significant remastering happening on this tracks, but it’s likely these are the highest quality copies of these songs you can grab aside from physical media.
The official YouTube channel has also been populated with every song. Here’s hoping their video clips go up soon as well.
HB, “it’s likely these are the highest quality copies of these songs you can grab aside from physical media.”
24/96 is higher than CD quality by a long way (16/44.1) though? Its not been shown that we can actually tell the difference.
Unless you meant vinyl?
Perhaps ironically given the author’s location, he may not have checked that HD Tracks region blocks Australia from these digital downloads…. 🙁
“This product is not currently available due to region restrictions.”
I am surprised that they practically give everything away for free. They uploaded everything on YouTube and Soundcloud making it accessible for everyone without ever spending a penny.
Thus continuing the vicious cycle of the devaluation of music resulting in the steaming pile of dogshit that is mainstream music. To be fair to the band, they had likely maxed out what they could make on the older records selling physical copies, so this dumping to digital is probably a nice windfall for them. August will be a great month for them. $$$$$$$$$$$. CREAM get da munny.
I imagine they’ll monetize both YouTube and Soundcloud, so they will make revenue that way. People were already using these to listen to Tool, so they’re finally able to tap into that source of income.
On SoundCloud they’re using the ‘Go’ platform, you can only stream the first 20 seconds or so, unless you’re paying their subscription.
YouTube has ads (who the hell wants loud YouTube ads interrupting lateralus?)
I just put a 128GB SD in my phone, copied my tool CDs to flac, no internet or data usage required
I’m not going to begrudge the band for finally moving the streaming. Surely they’ve made enough money from physical sales of their albums, plus the way music is mainly consumed these days is digitally. This isn’t the bands fault. It’s the times we live in. They held back for as long as the could but going to streaming was inevitable. Even though they are on streaming I’m pretty sure all Tool fans will be picking up physical copies of Fear Inoculum when it drops. I know I will be.
Oh definitely not knocking the band at all. But streaming (the clever in me wants to call it steaming because that’s how it sounds compared to analog) has made it extremely difficult for new artists to earn enough to continue to create.
Wicked… They sound remastered too…
Apparently they’re not but they do definitely sound louder, and the transition from Parabol to Parabola is now seamless.
Loving the sound of the music on Spotify. I’ve had the albums on my phone for awhile but it does sound slightly crisper on Spotify over Google Play imho.
When are you thinking album art, lead track and pre-order will be available HB?
Thanks for keeping us updated on here and Reddit 🤙
HB have you thought about doing an article on the impact the band has on streaming services (ie likes, plays, charts, etc) in the coming weeks? Think it would be a cool read
Can confirm… These albums on Spotify definitely sound insanely clear, all instruments and vocals are so clean and crisp!
No Salival¿
Ppl are saying it’s not remastered but there is definitely something going on with the older releases. “Opiate” and “Undertow” sound absolutely amazing, and I’m not even talking about the Hi-Res Audio versions…
I’m no audio expert but Opiate has never sounded this good.
I’m honestly questioning this whole “not remastered” thing. I’ve been listening to these albums since I was 15 years old and I’m convinced that they have been touched up in some way… reEQ’ed… remastered specifically for digital release. … something! The sound is so full and detailed, even just little things like the “mountain music” at the beginning of “Crawl Away”, or Maynard talking before “Part of Me” are totally clear and loud. The music itself is just WOW though. I’ve always loved “Opiate” but now. ..man, Maynards scream in “Jerk-Off” ? Holt shit! Suddenly I’m hearing the “Opiate” EP… Read more »
I believe they are the original 24/96 masters from when they transfer from tape to digital. As I am sure you know, Tool record analogue then transfer to digital. Then use the digital transfer to make cd’s which are only 16/44.1. That’s what we have been listening to all these years. I think they have used these masters as a base to upload to streaming services. I purchased all the HDTracks versions and it’s incredible how good they sound, particularly Undertow. I love Undertow so much but haven’t listened to it as much as the mastering was so shit. I… Read more »
Not sure if my connections would be able to confirm, but I’ll see what I can do. The old stuff sounds nice to me too, but haven’t done a blind listen with my originals to get a feel for how different they are.
I agree with you. Opiate sounds incredible. It’s definitely been tinkered with IMO.
Adam just posted on his IG that the album cover is to be revealed tomorrow. Safe to say pre orders by the end of the week?
I cant find that post. Do you have a link?
It’s in the Instagram Story section