Tool (2) – Undertow

Found this copy for cheap that I got to compare to my 96' 2LP press. I only got through Side A, which sounded pretty flat, before putting on the 96 for immediate comparison. It was pretty obvious the 96 sounds punchier.

Not sure which variant I have but it's got the "1979" in the matrix

I wish the band would issue a legit vinyl album with quality sound as priority instead of trippy graphics, picture discs, etc..
Start with 10k Days Adam..please.

This is definitely underwhelming. Not totally awful but can’t see reaching for this vs streaming it on whatever service I happen to be on.

I’m also getting weird knocking sound on the right side on Intolerance..and maybe Prison SX. I thought my speaker was busted . I don’t think this normal, need to compare with other mediums.
I can’t seem to get through the entire record and always reach for something else it seems.

Like others have mentioned this album came in white paper sleeves that left shavings and scuffs all over the records. If you buy this, make to sure to clean it first, then clean it again. Then maybe clean it once more, and only then play it. That being said, it sounds pretty damn good despite how it is packaged. Only minor noise here and there and the mix is very solid. Those parts where the music drops out and all you hear is Maynard's voice is amazing. Just pray you don't have a loud ass crackle or pop when it happens lol. Worth the buy as long as you don't pay over twenty for it

This shit is all over the place. Pressing is at some points killer but others very mediocre. The first disc doesn’t sound as consistent sonically with the second. Yes, these came out dirty, scuffed with debris on it. Very consistent with the tone of this album and it’s vibration which I personally find hilarious. A couple of pops and crackles but clean it or not, but just crank it and thrash.

Based upon the reviews here it's clear that this is an inconsistent press. Fortunately for me, I got a good one. The discs seem heavier than normal & while not perfectly flat, they're flat enough. The sound quality is good to me, a little big on the bass but everything comes through nice & clear with minimal crackles. The packaging could be better. I'm not a big fan of jamming to records in a single sleeve & the generic paper inners are not up to Tool's standards.
My humble setup:
Grado Black
U Turn Orbit
Onkyo A-9110
Fosi Box X2
Bellari EQ570
Mitsubishi DS-181W

It's the dirtiest vinyl in my collection; it sounds incredible! Crank it up!

The surface noise is pretty bad on this one, especially on side D. I've heard bootleg records that sound cleaner than this.

My copy came w about half a pound of confetti in it & has some kind of chemical on the record itself (like oil on top of a water puddle). Surprisingly the album sounded just fine after a thorough wipe down. Like every album that ships in a paper sleeve i immediately put it in a proper one.

This is pretty good for the price. I've got nothing else to compare it to as this is my first copy of Undertow. The first record is solid, flat, and well balanced on my system. The second record is slightly warped. They came out of the sleeve covered in dust and residue from the paper inner sleeve and needs to be cleaned in the ultrasonic cleaner. The packaging overall is a bit flimsy, but considering the price I paid, it seems to fit the bill. It's an enjoyable listening experience for a decent price.

Alright, packaging is weak but vinyl sounds great. Quick clean and store in new sleeves and you're set. I'd buy it again if I had to.