One disc of this deluxe two-disc set serves up 74 minutes (eight songs) of live material and outtakes; the other offers a DVD (in Surround 5.1) of Tool's four grotesquely artistic videos, plus the bonus clip, "Hush," from ... more »their 1992 Opiate EP. Although there's little that's new here, it's put together with as much intensity and attention to detail as the quartet's other releases. The musical high point is the driving but delicate take on "Pushit." It's also entertaining to hear singer Maynard James Keenan in a Neil Young kind of mood on "Lame." This elaborately packaged set is really just a reminder of how creative and powerful this hard rock group can be. --Janiss Garza« less
One disc of this deluxe two-disc set serves up 74 minutes (eight songs) of live material and outtakes; the other offers a DVD (in Surround 5.1) of Tool's four grotesquely artistic videos, plus the bonus clip, "Hush," from their 1992 Opiate EP. Although there's little that's new here, it's put together with as much intensity and attention to detail as the quartet's other releases. The musical high point is the driving but delicate take on "Pushit." It's also entertaining to hear singer Maynard James Keenan in a Neil Young kind of mood on "Lame." This elaborately packaged set is really just a reminder of how creative and powerful this hard rock group can be. --Janiss Garza
CD Reviews
For the Fans (3.5 STARS)
Janson Kemp | Dallas, TX USA | 03/25/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
""Think for yourself. Question authority...."And so starts yet another successful outing from one of history's greatest bands. Tool's "Salival" (the name being derived from the diehards' nervous anticipation for the release of what would be "Lateralus" the next year) is much different than most band's live CD's or B-sides albums. And for that matter, much MUCH different than any other band's video catalogue; but therein lies the band's appeal and mysticism that has been attracting fans for ten fascinating years. But "Salival's" diversity and strangeness also make it more of a fan commodity than something that would appeal to the world at large (argueably because the world simply doesn't "get it"). This is not the disc that you will be handing your friend to introduce him or her to Tool. But for the faithful followers, this is quite a rewarding box set.The DVD includes the four grotesque and symbolic Tool videos, something that hasn't been available to buy prior. The videos are mostly the brain-child of the multi-talented guitarist of the band, Adam Jones, who directed and created most of the scenes. "Prison Sex" puts to animation the painful story of Maynard's childhood abuse in chilling detail, while "Aenema" demonstrates symbols of God, psychological circumstances, and self-rigor. None of the videos displays Tools overall theme of realization better than the "Sober" video. Even though this was the eventual breakthrough for the band back in 1993, few stuck around to read into the message. The video showcases an old man in a desperate search for something the turns out to be sheerly imagined. And finally, "Stinkfist" is probably the most bizarre, revolting, unsettling, but insightful videos ever made. Lots of symbolism here as well, while "Hush" is a simple visualization to the anthematic singing of the Maynard-penned "I can't say what I want to."The live CD is stunning, though most of the fans here are right about it not being long enough. Ever the optimist, I think it's great they released anything at ALL before the classic "Lateralus," so the 8 songs are not disappointing. Aenima's "Third Eye," recorded in Salt Lake, kicks off the set, starting with some good insight by Timothy Leary. The song is much different than the studio version, but so goes the band's music on tour. The obvious climax is the toned-down, but still insanely beautiful and classic "Push-it," which is presented by the band "at a different angle and under a different light." "Merkaba" and the hidden track (dubbed "Lame" by fans) represent the previously unreleased Tool material, both being pretty good. Covers are also part of the arsenal; a breathtaking version of Zeppelin's "No Quarter" and Peach's "You Lied" (Peach is Justin Chancellor's old band). Don't expect to get an in-depth look at a Tool tour on the CD, or any "never before seen" surprises from the DVD. This was just a very pleasant way to bide time before the next studio album. But if you're a big Tool fan, you understand that the consumer wins. Overall: 7 out of 10."
Correction
D. Herwehe | 09/11/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is an extremely great box set. A must for any TOOL fan, but I'm actually writing to let everyone know that the last track is LAMC not Lame. It stands for Los Angeles Municipal Court."
Comfortable but Vulnerable
dru@thefragile.com | Mold, Flintshire Wales | 01/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Salival" is delicate. The package is put together with wonderful attention to detail and boasts some of the most amazing and beautiful artwork to ever grace the sleeve of a music product. The songs on the CD are all fantastic - The live performances have a quality that surpasses the majority of live recordings I've heard, and the songs themselves are not the run-of-the-mill popular singles - "Pushit" is sung with true compassion and "Third Eye" opens the CD with a resounding mantra. "No Quarter" is a great song, and it is nice to finally have a decent quality recording of it on CD. "L.A.M.C." and "Harry Manback 2" are both interesting fillers in the style of the ones found on "Aenima". The hidden song is also excellent. The length of the CD, clocking in well over an hour, means you don't feel ripped off in any way.The videos are in true Tool fashion, and anyone who has seen them knows how good they are. Using lots of puppets and morbid sets the videos compliment the songs perfectly. My favourite has to be the video for "Sober", with it's dark, macabre feel."Salival" is fantastic. Comfortable, but vulnerable, and fantastic."
Life Altering, But $160 Used??????
ReignWaterBurns | Madison, WI | 05/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Everybody knows that anything Maynard touches is gold, and that Salival is spectacular as are all Tool releases, but I cannot believe that some sellers have the audacity to ask for $160-$260 for this box set. I've never even paid $160 for Tool tickets, let alone a used box set of theirs. You're much better off trying your luck at Best Buy or a local used cd store, and I know for a fact that Barnes & Noble carries this box set in their stores for no more than $40 (I used to work there and sell this quite often!) I just had to share that with fellow Maynardologists, do not get sucked into buying this box set at such a ridiculous price!!"
For the fans
hate | USA | 12/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This set is meant for people who love Tool. Like Ænima, some of the songs on this cd arent really songs, like message to harry manback II and l.a.m.c. The live songs are very good though, and the Led Zeppelin cover of No Quarter is great, especially if you like LZ too. The DVD is what makes it worth the money, however. Not only does it feature the four "groundbreaking" videos, but it also has their first video "Hush", which is their only video to have the band members on camera and which I've heard is not on the VHS. This is really the only big reason to get the DVD instead of the VHS besides video/sound quality. The book has some pictures taken from the videos and tour pics, including Maynard in a bra and wig.If you're going to buy Salival, get it as soon as possible so you can get the first edition which has some words and names spelled wrong or mixed up in the book's notes. This version has been taken out of print and all others will not have the mistakes, so it is now considered a collector's item and is worth a lot more if you ever want to sell it."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1