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Anti- Records -- One Day as a Lion
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Reviewing this album is like trying to explain what a rainbow looks like to a blind person, but I'll try my best. And i'm not trying to sound like a pretentious prick, which is the first inevitability when discussing the Mars Volta. There's really nothing to compare this album to, and no place to put it in the fold of current music. Or from any time or place, for that matter. Music is arguably the most objective medium of entertainment, and this album is the epitome of that argument. But with that said, I still feel that this album divides people into two groups: those who like the Mars Volta, and those who don't understand the Mars Volta.

Most bands can be forced into a genre if it comes down to it, at least in description. But to do that with the Mars Volta defeats the very purpose of their existence. Cedric Bixler Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez left At The Drive-In because they felt limited. They toured for almost six years straight, culminating in the release of Relationship Of Command and a brush with commercial success. But they tired of playing more or less the same set of songs every night. In fact, they tired of playing songs whose lengths and structure they couldn't change at will all together. In the summer of 2001, the duo of afroed gods started the Mars Volta with Ikey Owens (Long Beach Dub All Stars) and Jeremy Ward, members of their dub band Defacto. Somewhere along the way they hooked up with drummer Jon Theodore (Golden, Royal Trux, H.I.M.), a student of "voodoo drumming" in Haiti, and bassist Juan Alderete (Racer X). In the spring of 2002, Tremulant was recorded, a 3-song, 19-minute teaser of what was to come from the band, who were rapidly making a name for themselves. After a short tour and the acquisition of Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Run DMC, System Of A Down, Slayer, Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy) at the producing helm and Flea on bass, the band was ready to record what would become one of the most important albums ever, De-Loused In The Comatorium.

De-Loused is a concept album, a dedication based on the death of Julio Venegas, an El Paso artist who killed himself in 1996. It chronicles a first suicide attempt, a subsequent coma, the emergence from it, a final successful attempt, and the reflection afterwards. Its eight tracks (recorded in a "haunted" house in Laurel Canyon), interwoven with one another, form up as an hour of music that truly expands minds and destroys expectations. Adjectives to describe the sounds within aren't exact the norm: Expansive, uncompromising, ethereal, sexy, morphing, cascading, overtaking. Alternately recalling but never imitating Led Zepplin, Miles Davis, Fugazi, Santana, and Pink Floyd, this album is just as important and just as amazing as any before it.

De-Loused begins with 'Son et Lumiere', one of two short songs on the album, serving as intros. The anticipatory, nervous keyboard builds in the background as Cedric's otherworldly voice permeates the relative quiet. The drums start loud and powerfully shortly after, never letting up again, as 'Inertiatic Esp' begins with the snarl of "now I'm lost...". From those very first words, the Mars Volta enchant, pull you in, and never let go, even long after you've turned off the album. This song is probably the closest thing they could have to a single, with a relatively normal structure (and at 4:24, it's also the shortest non-intro song on the album).

I'm not going to discuss each song in-depth individually, because I have neither the vocabulary nor the capacity to describe them, but I would like to discuss some highlights and special parts for me. 'Drunkship Of Lanterns", with it's intricate bassline and salsa drumming is a favorite of mine. Cedric and Omar's voices pierce, weaving amongst the rhythms. It has been said that Theodore's drumming is 40% of this album, and nowhere is it more evident than in this song. The song breaks down and falls apart, only to build itself back up again in a flowing audial assault, capping off in a dark, industrial pulse of noises. 'Eriatarka' demonstrates just what Cedric's voice is capable of, reaching unimaginable heights and dynamics, then diving back into snarling poetry. Many of the words and phrases that he uses throughout the album are strange enough to be abstract, but familiar enough to form meaning in your head while you listen to it. His writing is totally uncompromising and selfish (in that it rarely nears simple understanding), and I wouldn't want it to be any other way. When he starts singing about exoskeletal junctions you'll know what I'm talking about. 'Cicatriz Esp', the 12 minute long defining moment of the album, explores the musical themes presented so far as fully as possible, sounding like several entirely different songs at different points throughout. John Fruiscante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers joins in on guitar, providing even more backing, tiptoeing through quiet parts and grooving out on the more intense parts. Halfway into the song all sound almost disappears, seeming distant, even underwater, only to return in a shimmering explosion of shaking drums and reaching guitar. When Cedric's voice returns, it sounds more beautiful than ever before, echoing and probing into the atmosphere, quivering with power. 'This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed' rocks with the anger of sadness and demonstrates just how much this band can emote when they want to. 'Televators' starts as the softest song, with deep mournful bass and delicate, slow guitar. The vocals soar over it when needed, and receed again just when it's getting too intense.

Rick Rubin's production really shines throughout the album; the little things that weren't in the earlier demos make all the difference. The reverb on the drums in 'Roulette Dares (This is the Haunt)', Flea's subtle trademark scales in the background, reverse echoes, birds chirping - it's all subtle, but it adds up to so much more than the sum of it's parts. 'Take The Veil Cerpin Taxt' wraps up the cd perfectly, maintaining a relatively sane beat with rock drums and guitar, until a little over two minutes when it all mushes together and then swells back up to straight up rockularity (you dig that made-up word?). After another verse it fades back to a haunting organ soundscape, then onto an oddly-timed electronic mish-mash of noises and instruments, all ending in a chill bass solo. Guitar joins in shortly after, slowly intertwining until they finish the song up together, rocking back into the chorus, and ending with Cedric almost pleading "who brought me here?", seemingly a sign of teetering on the brink of getting lost in his own thoughts and symphonies.

The story and emotion of Venegas' death is felt throughout, and becomes even more poignant after the May 25th drug overdose of sound manipulator and longtime collaborator and friend Jeremy Ward. This album stands as a monument to both of them, a fully realized vision and execution.

De-Loused couldn't be more rewarding, and only gets better every time you listen to it. You hear new things with every listen, and I really can't see myself ever getting sick of any of the songs. The songs constantly reward their own curiosity, finding new paths and segues everywhere, seemlessly transitioning and ebbing into and out of breakdowns and deconstructions, and constantly shifting back and forth in the different levels established within each song. This album is groundbreaking, in the truest sense of the word. If the mainstream audience can set aside their preconceived notions of what music should be, and open their eyes and ears enough to be able to handle the Mars Volta, this album could change millions of peoples views of what music can represent and how it can be structured. And having a big label and an established audience could really help propel the Mars Volta into the minds of the media and the hands of the people, positively influencing music and future bands everywhere.

I know that these are sweepingly dramatic statements, but I wholeheartedly believe in them. This is the kind of music that might take one, two, or every ten listenings to even begin to absorb, but once you start to you'll begin to see just how deep it goes, and just how much you can get out of this record. If you don't understand it, or aren't ready for it, the Mars Volta understand. Many people won't be, and that's why this album won't top the charts. But it will make you realize that the music you've been listening to has boundaries, and it takes a band this good to break them. At least it did for me. And now the choice is up to you.



People who liked this also liked:
The Mars Volta - Frances The MuteAt The Drive-In - Relationship Of CommandAgainst Me! - As The Eternal CowboyRefused - The Shape of Punk to ComeAgainst Me! - is Reinventing Axl RoseThe Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever ToldAlkaline Trio - From Here To InfirmaryThe Mars Volta - AmputechtureAlkaline Trio - GoddamnitDeath From Above 1979 - You're A Woman, I'm A Machine



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    Posted by chriswilson22 on 2007-09-02 03:19:48
    My Score:

    It doesnt seem that humans could create this...

    Posted by spacepeople on 2007-02-28 22:52:53
    My Score:

    I don't know where the last guy's idea of "street cred" comes from. Regardless, I happen to love the music on this album. That entire statement coming from a Sonic Youth fan pisses me off more than a little bit. "Ditch the tight pants"? "Break the thick rimmed glasses"? What . the. Fuck.
    Arguing that "at least the lyrics make sense" is not only completely objective, but also seems to be at odds with appreciating SOUND ITSELF. Which, if you actually HAVE been to a Sonic Youth concert, is something completely central to the entire idea behind their band. Music is not superficial allegory.
    Placing more importance on "meaning" than on sound itself is just Fucked.
    And buddy, I've got Daydream Nation. I've been to Sonic Youth concerts. They are both pretty regularly at the top of my list. But your preachy criticism is baseless and quite misguided.

    Posted by spacepeople on 2007-02-28 22:52:45

    I don't know where the last guy's idea of "street cred" comes from. Regardless, I happen to love the music on this album. That entire statement coming from a Sonic Youth fan pisses me off more than a little bit. "Ditch the tight pants"? "Break the thick rimmed glasses"? What . the. Fuck.
    Arguing that "at least the lyrics make sense" is not only completely objective, but also seems to be at odds with appreciating SOUND ITSELF. Which, if you actually HAVE been to a Sonic Youth concert, is something completely central to the entire idea behind their band. Music is not superficial allegory.
    Placing more importance on "meaning" than on sound itself is just Fucked.
    And buddy, I've got Daydream Nation. I've been to Sonic Youth concerts. They are both pretty regularly at the top of my list. But your preachy criticism is baseless and quite misguided.

    Posted by thurstonXwhore on 2007-02-13 22:52:38
    My Score:

    Sonic Youth may stink now but at least they've retained their street credibility. Something these guys lost ages ago. Take your thick black glasses and break them, buy some jeans that fit you, cut your hair like a normal person, and then pick up Daydream Nation or some shit. At least the lyrics make verbal sense and the music actually goes somewhere.

    Posted by Sympathyforthedevil on 2006-09-19 20:53:43
    My Score:

    You had a great review... rather long but interesting to us fans of this band whom of course are going to be the majority who even bother to read the review. I just liked the way you wrote it. Just so you are aware, you are being a little over optimistic form my point of view because this album is great to listen to completely the first time nd then... the tracks just get too long. Otherwise I agree completely from the loving to the not understanding of them.

    Posted by treos on 2006-07-29 22:00:08
    My Score:

    I love Televators. Incredible Cd, Incredibler Review ;)
    Score is for the review

    Posted by dangertrevor on 2006-06-21 00:07:46
    My Score:

    My oppinionated ass says this is probably the best album by them. Easily one of my all-time favorite albums by any band.

    Posted by HeresLookinAtYou on 2006-04-24 22:35:15

    rocksolidreviewer is more like it

    awesome review - even better album

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 16, 2006 at 11:34 AM (EST)

    It's an honor for the mars volta to be compared to rush or bands such as king crimson. Who said that Prog and art rock made rock music boring? It was over the heads of people without brains. It made music harder to compose. Thats what the mars volta are doing. Finally no more simple punk shit that everyones used to.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 1, 2005 at 4:33 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Punk or not, this is one of the most astounding records I have ever heard.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 10:25 PM (EST)

    The Mars Volta is the best fucking band. Omar is one of the best song writers i have ever heard.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 6:54 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    The best damn album in a long time

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 2:19 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    The people who have criticized this album have probably only listened to it one or two times. DitC grows on you the more you listen to it. Muvch better than the shit out now you like for a week and stop listening to. The album flow is amazing, and the musicianship is among the best of the best. Complexity may turn away many, but it keeps me hooked.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 1:47 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    simply the greastest musical experiance ever created.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 7, 2004 at 7:01 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this is the tops
    i listened to it the other day with my brother in the car....
    ....he said "tell me how this is better than New Found Glory"......my older brother at that.

    I just laughed and turned up the volume

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 9:49 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I don't know why people argue about the music and if its punk or pretentious or whatever.

    Music is to be listened to, absorbed and enjoyed, not to argue over. If I wanted to do that I'd put on a god damn suit and run for office.

    Something is wrong with people that they have to make it way too much trouble over this. Just listen and make music its that simple.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at 11:23 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    A great album,really. Their drummer must be some kind of alien. But there's something wrong with me: i listen to Comatorium and then put on The Strokes and feel happy about it...what the fuck?

    Posted by titsandtats on 2004-06-28 13:16:55
    My Score:

    absolutely one of the best albums. ever.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 3:27 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    album of '03
    I wish they didnt keep their lyrics so encrypted... I understand imagery, but Mars Volta is too difficult

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 12:39 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This is the best album i have eer heard, i have to force myself to buy other albums now becasue i know i should listen to lots of different types of music, but i cant, i just keep listening to this album, it is so beautiful and perfect in every way, it is the best album i have ever heard, and on just a side note i saw them live and it was the most amazing musical experience of my life, the music takes over your body. Get this album and listen to it, i can almost promise you it will be legendary

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 4:07 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This album is amazing. Truly.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 12, 2004 at 5:39 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    as was said in the beginning .. you either love them or don't understand them.. and does it matter if you understand the lyrics..it's deep emotion and the music is amaaaazing!!! this is one cd i don't get tired of listening...they are from my hometown and i have turned MANY people onto them because of how unique their soud is.. they are completely off the hook live,..and you just gotta have an open mind to their sound.I HIGHLY suggest checking them out !!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 11:25 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Seriously, buy this album. Every instrument on it is played fantastically, the vocals are some of Cedric's best, and the album, overall, is a listening experience unparralled for myself in quite some time. Don't expect ATDI or Sparta, in fact don't expect anything. Just grab your headphones, sit back, and immerse yourself in the world of The Mars Volta. It's intense, it's often strange, but it's certainly never dissapointing.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 11:33 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    You do not know the joy reading your review of de-loused just gave me. You just said what I have been thinking and feeling about this band and album to the exact feelings and thoughts you wrote about.You have just proved yourself to be one of the greatest rock journalists, and open minded person about music I have ever come across. I commend you and wish the best for you and The Mars Volta in the future. You have both proved to be geniuses in your own right.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 1, 2004 at 3:31 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    i agree

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 10:42 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Album of the year by far

    Posted by InaGreendase on 2003-08-15 15:22:44
    My Score:

    "very, very good review, seriously one of the best i've ever written, off any website or magazine or zine period"

    whoops. not written, *read*

    Posted by relay1112 on 2003-08-02 01:07:14
    My Score:

    I guess I'm a little late, but for the stragglers, here's my take on this album:

    (1) This is NOT super-groundbreaking. Just because you picked it up cuz you know the members from a former band doesn't mean there's nothing else out there like this. Sure, it's more unique than Sparta, but it's not the only album of its kind.

    (2) Doesn't it throw anyone else off that it's supposed to be a chronicle of this guy's life, yet the lyrics make absolutely zero sense? I'm sure you could make the argument that the it chronicles his life by pure emotion or just the music itself, but I can only make sense of a few individual lines; 99% of the album is nonsense.

    (3) It's good, but not perfect. Some of the breakdowns were placed there simply to be breakdowns (ie: "Cicatriz ESP" has a couple minutes of bullshit guitar noodling that has no solid point). The majority of the music is solid, but some of it was put there just to make a song longer. I could do without that.

    (4) Final opinion: it's a very strong release, but far from perfect. I'll give it a 9.

    Posted by at_the_drive_in_21 on 2003-07-25 00:36:06
    My Score:

    I have a few things to say. First - this album is fantastic. Sure - a little overhyped by the review, but still refreshing to hear such an ambitious band exploring such diverse sounds.

    Second - As one poster said, something to the effect of "you guys act like you've never heard a prog rock cd before." Said post nailed this right on the head. Sure, its groundbreaking for a band just coming out of a band writing songs with more structure like At the Drive-In, but groundbreaking music as in it sounds like something no one has ever done before??? No way. Sounds like a fusion rock jazz hybrid to me with a little more emphasis on the rock or prog rock whatever. Bands were doing stuff in this vein in the 70's, just in a more underground sense. I can link this to the more spaced out jams of guitarist Tommy Bolin in his last few years, or maybe John McLaughlin's, or Billy Cobham's fusion work in the 70's. All great stuff, and in the same vein.

    Third - I saw them in Toronto (sold out show!?) and The Mars Volta as a live presence is unequaled by anyone I've seen in a long damn time. If you're into the stuff on the record - just wait til you see them perform it live. Extended jams, more experimental guitar work that has a Hendrix vibe when Omar plays up the feedback effects, which is often. Cedric is just as energetic onstage as he was in At the Drive-In, and its amazing how much his voice has developed since his later work with ATDI. I read something on here a while back comparing his otherworldly vocals to those of Bjork. Couldn't be more on the money with that one.

    Great album - can't wait to see them again.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 19, 2003 at 1:31 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Most of the people who are commenting negatively toward the Mars Volta are just doing it because everybody else loves them, and they want to be different.

    Cursive - The Ugly Organ?

    Better than De-loused? You sir, are an ass. The Ugly Organ is very good, but it has very low points.

    Could someone please explain to me how the Mars Volta are pretentious? They play chords with more than two notes in them? They like sound effects? The only thing that can be remotely pretentious is Cedric's lyrics, which most people believe are nonsense, but if you actually read them they are a lot better than most lyrics out there. The only song I have no clue what the hell he is talking about is Roulette Dares.

    Posted by lalombriz on 2003-07-17 14:17:13
    My Score:

    "It's just music. There's no need to make some huge artistic statement over some guy who committed suicide. He may have been one of those "artists" that crap on a cardboard box and call it "a reflection on my emotions about the state of the country as we enter into a time of post-war and destruction". "

    then i guess all you need is a print of the poker playing dogs, right?

    who the fuck are you to be so judgemental?

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 12:54 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Well, you either love it or you hate it, either way it's been one of the most anticipated albums of the year for punkers all around the globe. In my opinion it's one of the most well put together albums ever created. All you people out there bitching because it's not the clash. SUCK IT UP. cedric's voice is in its absolute prime and omar tears through the santana-esqu riffs (yes there are other types of music out there other than punk). It's my strong belief that this album will stand the test of time because of the wide demographic it appeals to. One cannot doubt the fact that the production on this release was well thought out and taken with maticulus care. The playing takes prog/punk rock to a whole new level. The style re-invents the genre completely. However, those are not the number one reasons why this is quite possibly one of the greatest albums ever recorded. The top reason why it's so amazing is because they don't give a shit what you think about the music. They wrote music to write music. The raw emotion is like a fist that reaches out of the speaker and hits you right in the face. That's why it's great, they poured everything they had into this album just like at the drive in did with each show. you feel tired after listening to this album because you are so emotionally exhausted from feeling everything they felt in the studio. For someone who has been in the studio several times before, and who has produced several other times before, I can see and fully respect everything about this record. It's ballsy, intense, full, and perfect. Thank God for this album. It's not punk, it's not anything. It just is!

    Posted by inagreendase on 2003-07-15 20:35:18
    My Score:

    WOW, i just read pitchfork media's review of this album. very, very good review, seriously one of the best i've ever written, off any website or magazine or zine period. i agreed with that opinion more, maybe that's why i think it was a better review..this was still a great fuckin review. go read pitchfork's version, these people know how to intelligently bash, and they do it well.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 7:27 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Excellent album, and as the reviwer points out, it gets better by every listen. It's like a modern Mozart, only with guitars, bass, drums, other weird instruments and one breathtaking voice. If this doesn't deserve 10/10 then I can't think of one album that actually does.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at 6:48 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    best album in years...

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 8, 2003 at 10:13 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    pitchfork's review owns this. this album is pretentious shite

    Posted by Pink_Robots on 2003-07-07 15:18:03
    My Score:

    This album fuckin rules. Cedric and Omar did what the rest of the old at the drive in guys didnt(SParta). The mars volta is in its own place in rock. Hopefully they hold it together better than A.T.D.I.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 5, 2003 at 12:27 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    It may be overhyped, but Deloused is an instant classic.

    -bemused-

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 4, 2003 at 10:38 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i'm sure if you guys have ever talked to cedric or omar, you'd know how much they love music, and how much it drips off of their tongues.

    they dont do the crazed stage antics for attention, they do it because you cant hold back in rock n roll.

    there's more heart in this cd, than any band in recent history.

    i dont see why people have to bring these guys down as attention getters. they could do the whole Thursday thing, i'm sure (and probably make Thursday look real bad). They could do what's trendy, a shoe-in for sales. but they didnt, do you think there's one radio single on this disc? there's no MTV music, and its not carbon copies of cool bands in "scene".

    The Mars Volta's a band who wanted to do their own thing, and NOT make music that kids everywhere constantly complain about. They did a damn fine job with it. And now you bash them for wanting attention.

    I really hpoe you guys grow up, and fine something else to occupy your time, and do soomething positive at the same time...

    i had to defend these guys,

    franzie

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 4, 2003 at 9:26 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "why did they just recycle "cut that city" into cicatriz esp?"

    the demo of cicatriz esp floats around the p2p programs as cut that city. it's actually a totally different song.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 4, 2003 at 12:27 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This record has made me care about music again...i hope their originality is contagious, the record blows everything else away...

    Posted by dignin on 2003-07-03 13:04:46
    My Score:

    I thought pitchfork was a way off, a 4.8? Thats just ridiculus, it deserves at least a 7.5.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 3, 2003 at 5:07 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    good shit man... gooood shit.

    Posted by I-type-poorly on 2003-07-03 04:46:57
    My Score:

    why did they just recycle "cut that city" into cicatriz esp?

    umm. those songs don't sound the same at all. cicatriz is a lot lot lot slower and has totally different lyrics.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 3, 2003 at 4:31 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i just read pitchforks review, and if that review the press release, namedrop 30 bands that show i write for a music publication/website, doctor psychobabble is honesty, ill pass.

    I have an elitist headache now. Talk about jaded, cant enjoy records, of course i have an internship bullshit you cant take.

    Look, its a good record, it doesnt make me hard, but it helps part my hair.

    christ, what a long winded review. Thats what i hate the most about mainstream reviews, they never go good or bad, they just draw it out long enough that anyone love or hate can think the review is agreeing with them. So Pitchfork spent all that time hedging bets and playing all sides so they could tell me it doesnt sound like Santana (which ive never heard anyone saying despite there insistence), and Cedric still writes Cedric lyrics. Give me a simple thumbs up/down.

    wyzo

    Posted by waste_elite on 2003-07-03 02:41:50
    My Score:

    "i don't give a shit about pitchfork's backlash movement"

    eh? so that's what they call honesty these days.

    Posted by ElVaquero on 2003-07-03 00:07:50
    My Score:

    why did they just recycle "cut that city" into cicatriz esp? personally, i really enjoyed the chorus on that song (reminds me a lot of muse's "darkshines"), but at least they improved the overall song, even if the chorus was halved in goodness. incredible fucking album by the way, i don't give a shit about pitchfork's backlash movement, this is just good music.

    Posted by pwfanatic on 2003-07-01 23:46:33
    My Score:

    i just got this album for 7 bucks from best buy and it was the best buy of the week...aside from the new ptw.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at 8:22 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I know, there has been an unrealistic amount of people that claimed that this cd is great, but man i just bought it, and i love it.

    hate, Jesus

    Posted by aubin on 2003-07-01 19:36:39
    My Score:

    I can't believe I agree with Pitchfork because we almost always disagree, but I completely support their review of this record.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at 5:34 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I had refused to read any reviews of this record before I bought it, so my reaction would be as pure as possible. Fantastic.

    -kotr

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at 11:43 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    There's definitely some sore ass being severely kicked by Smores Cereal, but Ice Cream cereal? Can't say I've heard of such a thing, what is it like? Cone-shaped marshmallows are the first guess off the top of my head.

    inagreendase

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 11:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i don't "understand" the mars volta, but i do understand that burroughs is rolling in his grave, wishing he had a fix to drown out this horrible nonsense that people will sadly say is influenced by his work

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 9:28 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Shindo, I just have a personal qualm with the Clash, I apologize for forcing it upon you. Thanks for getting my point.

    - sfbarker

    Posted by Shindo on 2003-06-30 20:10:46
    My Score:

    sfbarker: How the hell did The Clash somehow cause punk to loose it's working class character? What are you basing that on? The Clash DID branch out, but they just incorporated the sounds of other similarly street level musics. Look at what they fused: ska, punk, reggae, folk, rockabilly, early new york rap. How are any of those "high brow" forms of music. It's not like they went out and started sounding like Yes.

    Aside from that (gotta defend me Clash), I pretty much completely agree with you.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 6:27 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    It's horseshit, yet you give it a B. Although this may seem pretentious, this isn't new york art-scene rock. It's a continuation of what they wanted to do. They broke ground with ATDI and are still doing it.

    Posted by waste_elite on 2003-06-30 17:45:04
    My Score:

    pitchfork's review was very accurate

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 5:28 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    oh my lord. words cannot express how what this record makes me feel. it's beautiful.

    Posted by sfbarker on 2003-06-30 16:08:44
    My Score:

    Also, one typo, I don't HATE the album...I do have it. Well, a burned copy, because I don't pay for pompous horse shit.

    Posted by sfbarker on 2003-06-30 16:07:17
    My Score:

    Oh yeah. Hi, I'm Samuel...I just logged in.

    Posted by sfbarker on 2003-06-30 16:06:30
    My Score:

    You son, are a dipshit. A) You are more punk than I could ever be, you call anyone who doesn't agree with you a nazi or Hitler. You're the coolest kid ever.

    Alright, your reply just goes to show how you are definitely one of those kids who is falling all over this album simply because it's got big words and computer sounds you can't comprehend, so it must be cool. If you can't even begin to comprehend the simple message I stated before, you are in need of some sort of enlightenment. Of course, when I was 16 I was blown away when new bands ripped off old staples.

    I actually don't have the album, I'd give it a B. I just know that music like this and this music are made not to push the envelope or to express some deep seeded emotion, it's made to look cool. But, if you couldn't get that out of the post before, I doubt you will now.

    I'm saying the even bands like the Talking Heads, who were THE most innovative band to ever fall under the "punk" moniker didn't try to use big words in their titles and get all pretentious on everyone. They loved their music and their art too much to use it as a vehicle for gained credibility and popularity. This album reeks of the artsy pretentiousness that has destroyed the indie music scene and made the arts a joke in the United States. Rather than allow it to be expression, it's been turned into a competition. Who can be more vague, who can come up with the deepest sounding titles, who can act the most random in interviews, etc. It's turned into an artistic circle jerk where people are trying to outdo one another and be crowned king Prog Rocker or whatever you call the title.

    I grew up in Texas and saw ATDI a few times and never recall seeing the same set over and over. It all comes down to Omar and Cedric wanting a place to be more artsy and more with the psuedo-intellectual fanboys than staying with the sweaty rock confines that ATDI survived in.

    My problem with most of this is fan boy reviewer getting his dick hard over the band and calling people who are rehashing old territory "gods" and "innovative". It's just ridiculous.

    Just like Folk, Punk was a working class music. It's supposed to relate to everyone, not the hi-brow, psuedo-intellectual. All true art is based in life and that's where punk originally had the right idea, then the Clash was born and ruined it like every band since the Sex Pistols. Punk is a bad joke now, really bad. So, I will recant and say this album fits finely in the confines of punk, it's a narcissistic display of absurd ideals and rehashed mellodies. It's Pink Floyd without common sense.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 3:55 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Musicianship alone makes this one of the top three albums that I have heard over the last couple of years. It doen't hurt that this album was produced by Rick Ruban, one of the most important persons in music history. Yes this album bleeds such classic artists as Santana, Rush, Zeppelin and a little Floyd. However, most musicans are inspired by the greats that proceeded them. This album does not rip off the classic artists mentioned above, it merely makes a sort of modern connetion with them.

    As far as this being a concept album, I feel that more muscians should attempt to create such. At a time when the single (yes punk elites its inflitrated your scene as well) is becoming more popular than ever, it takes guts and devotion for artists to create such a project. Props to Mars Vota for their successful debut.

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-06-30 15:05:17
    My Score:

    Don't be a dick, I like this and I like Pennywise

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 2:58 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Dearest Samuel,
    Your very view of "more punk than you" is the reason punk music has suffered through many years of being solely underground. Now it has emerged, yes I will admit with new ferver. One fueled by kids who have been fans for years finally getting a voice. And yes the main stream media is devouring "punk" and over saturating it with crappy versions of corporate punk. But to voice out against a band that has broken boundaries, perhaps with influences from bands of yester year does not make them crap. In fact your comments saying that artistic music should be left out of punk are completely ignorant. Every piece of music can be viewed as an artistic expression of the creator. Yes you are entitled to you opinion and sure perhaps the album doesn't tickle your ear, but to say that "it is everything the punk scene is against" is proof in itself that your ideas are about as narrow minded as Hitler. I'm sure you are sitting there with your Mars Volta as a new coaster while you rock out to Pennywise, proclaiming them the "Kings of Punk", but then again you like Pennywise....a band that releases cd after cd that all sound the same.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 2:40 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Meh, these guys seem like they enjoyed the whole Avante-guard headline they got with ATDI and decided that they could really look groundbreaking if they ripped off early Pink Floyd records and added some updated sounds to the mix to not be overly obvious.

    I'm not against this album, it's a decent album, middle of the road. But I feel about as bored listening to most of it as I do listening to my artsy friend talk about how his painting represents "the eternal struggle of the proletariats against the bourgeious who are oppressing him." Basically, if feel like I'm being subjected to having my ear filled with big words used to make little kids ooooh and ahhhh over the ideas. Just say it simply and intelligently. Pompous crap like this was what the punk scene was always against. Punk was never about looking overly smart, it was about relaying the message in creative, yet understandable terms. These guys are just stroking their ego through their music. Artistic masturbation has no place in meaningful music, let alone punk music.

    That is all.

    - Samuel

    Posted by I-type-poorly on 2003-06-30 13:45:53
    My Score:

    prog, punk, art, rock, jazz. whatever the hell you wanna call it i don't care. It's fuckin quality music this album makes.
    And any album that has a liner theme in songs is not a "concept album" thats just a thought out album. This album is one big story told through soundtrack. A litte different.
    (i never heard of smores cereal, but after that review i am compelled to run out the door and get some.)

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 1:25 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This score is for Smores Cereal, that stuff is godly.

    HELL YEAH!!!

    - Scott
    http://www.local-felons.com/
    (Don't get the Ice Cream cereal)

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-06-30 13:23:59
    My Score:

    This score is for Smores Cereal, that stuff is godly.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 1:16 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i decided not to talk anymore, and just take painkillers. So i did.

    you know, punk may have been about just fun rock and roll. and that may have been also what punk rebelled against, so maybe punk is whatever you need it to be in an argument. Yup.

    anyone think i could like this, which i do, as emotional rocking music and it be both emotional and fun? why do people trade fun for depth? Jawbreaker makes me weep like a baby, but it rocks, its 'fun'. it can be both.

    things can be revolutionary without it inventing the wheel. it can be innovative 30 years after the last innovation of the same skin. Its fucking human, dudette. it doesn't mean i'm wanking off to it, i just dig it. its like fruit loops. in a month, maybe ill go 'Smores'. Which if you haven't tried, go to your nearest cereal aisle and pick up.

    this records like fucking. its been done to death in every possible way, but its a refreshing intimate doggystyle after years of anonymous taxicab handjobs.

    im having a craving for soymilk and beef, so im gonna get on that.
    giggada giggada giggada
    family wyzo

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 1:11 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Pitchfork's review is much better then this one. This CD is not that good, kids. It really isn't FUN.

    Posted by Manman on 2003-06-30 13:10:31
    My Score:

    I like Volvos as much as the next guy, but a Volvo from Mars? That is a little far fetched. It is too bad that Rick Rubin's shining performance was shattered by his blind ambition and spandex jump suit(okay, he's not THAT weird). Mars Volta made a decent one. If you like the sound that is not so obnoxious but still makes those around you think that you are so cool, this is the stuff for you.

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-06-30 12:04:24
    My Score:

    So Assuck did break up, thanks, I was wondering.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 11:49 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    props to the guy down there using the term assuck. That, by the way, was a band. You kids should check them out!

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 9:33 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    All you kids getting so blown away and having these "this is the best album ever, so inventive, so amazing" revelations just shows how utterly pathetic the music scene has become. Recycling 60's and 70's psychedelic rock can suddenly be seen as innovative and amazing? I dug Floyd's A Saucerful of Secrets too, so does that make me as cool as Cedric and Omar?

    I dig this album, it's really good, well done, but it's not innovative, it's someone remaking the past to expose it to the close minded of today, which is a bit odd that it needs to be done since most kids today in punk are still so caught in the past that they dress in the classic chicken costumes of the past.

    Also, this review was some of the most nut-rider gibberish I've ever read. This album is great for the little snots in the scene who want to show how cool they've become by liking the Mars Volta and then they can feel superior to their friends who think this band could never hold the reputation that ATDI built.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 8:43 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Wow, even I like this album. Crazy-ness.

    -sickboi

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 8:24 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I think everyone is ripping off simple plan!!!!-oldpunker-

    Posted by StratManX on 2003-06-30 05:27:37
    My Score:

    Yeah dude, The Misfits are so just ripping off AFI, I mean this is almost as bad as the time Black Flag ripped off Anti-Flag.

    Posted by bluetunehead on 2003-06-30 04:44:22
    My Score:

    a couple hundred.

    Posted by waste_elite on 2003-06-30 03:34:38
    My Score:

    "waste just thinks its "cool" but he has invested quite a bit listening time to it"

    BUSTED

    i spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours in my car every day driving, i've got more than enough time to listen to music.

    i still think it's a solid, interesting record, that's why i give it a 7. it's just not the second coming.

    how many times must i repeat myself.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 1:51 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    one of the songs sounds like coheed and cambria, with the long twisted instr. and the vocs

    inagreendase

    Posted by Left_On_Red on 2003-06-30 00:55:20
    My Score:

    sometimes i drink dr.pepper but only when its available. Other than that i drink coke or ill drive on down to burger king and get a large dr. pepper but sometimes im to lazy and then i listen to vanilla ice naked with the lights dimmed and a picture of tlc on my wall

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 12:16 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    the mars volta on one corner and sparta on the other...i go with at the drive-in...it's where it all began...

    Posted by bluetunehead on 2003-06-30 00:15:11
    My Score:

    im a dredg fan but this blows their recent album out of the water.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 12:05 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i didn't think it was possible to be bored by this album with such diversity in sound. I can imagine with dredge and say newer radiohead the general mellowness could become more tedious....but this album is hardly mellow

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 11:59 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    What a surprise...A Dredg/Tool fan finds this boring...go back to your frat house

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 11:45 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    can we stop analyzing and trying to pigeonhole this album for 2 seconds? Who cares if it is punk or not or if it matches the likes of floyd or yes. If you like it or not, i think we can agree that it is at least respectable, it's not like simple plan or some shit. So let's let the people who enjoy it enjoy it and vice-versa.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 10:38 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I just don't get this and frankly, I think it's over hyped.

    I've heard a few songs and honestly, it just bores the hell out of me. Maybe it's because it carries that vibe of the 70's where it has to be "big", like the Yes' and the Rush's. And while making progressive, art-influenced rock/metal can be a good thing (Tool, Dredg for an example)it more often than not just bores the hell outta me.

    I sometimes think bands just try to hard to make statements and try to hard to stand out to be differant. I think this is one of those bands. I could be wrong, but that's the impression I'm getting from these guys.

    That's great that you want to branch out, be differant and have nice perfect production on your albums and try and be "big" musically. But for me? I for the most part, can't stand it. And while I do like to be challenged in music, I also don't want to be put to sleep.

    If you like that type of thing, that's awesome. But for me, I'm going to listen to something else where I can actually be moved by the music.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 5:40 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "The Misfits were totally ripping off AFI."

    I might say that if AFI were around thirty years before the Misfits, like the relationship between Yes and the Mars Volta.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 5:37 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I just really like this. Unfortunently people really seem to have a problem with people liking something in my opinion that is at least respectable. Don't like it, thats fine, but don't take it as a personal assault because other people do. Its not like were sitting here discussing the new Michelle Branch as being an amazing record. Chill out and go and listen to some music you DO like instead of bitching about music you don't.

    Posted by funkisdead on 2003-06-29 17:17:50
    My Score:

    he said inspidered... that is the name of my new hardcore project

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 4:29 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Hey Bullshit Detector, you clearly haven't listened to this album. Yes they are clearly inspidered by a lot of the groups you mentioned, but they still manage to sound completely unique as a whole. Whoever says the opposite is just plain dumb. Don't like it? Fine, but stop talking out of your ass.

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-06-29 15:24:38
    My Score:

    The Misfits were totally ripping off AFI.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 3:15 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Prognews.com, I think should be the new name of this site. Everybody's so worried about bands with excellent musicianship and conveying a "deep message" (which most of the times means corny screaming) that they've lost track of the fact that punk was originally meant to be fun rock n roll. Now this crap is just a shitty Yes immititation, yet because only a select few of you have ever heard Yes, you won't know that and will keep on thinking "boy, oh boy, this is revolutionary!". It's not. It's boring. You kids mistake "boring" and "repetitive" with "revolutionary" and "excellent". If you want prog, go buy Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, Genesis, the Nice, and Yes records. If you want punk go buy "Static Age" by the Misfits. By the way, Rush sucks because they suck and are bland crap, and Wire sucks 'cos they're just a cheap, shitty Eno rip.

    -Bullshit Detector

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-06-29 15:10:22
    My Score:

    Hahah, that reminds me of this time my friend bought this "painting" for 20 bucks. It was just a bunch of paint splattered on a piece of paper. His defense: "well the artist was really happy that I bought it!" Well no shit.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 2:39 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    It's just music. There's no need to make some huge artistic statement over some guy who committed suicide. He may have been one of those "artists" that crap on a cardboard box and call it "a reflection on my emotions about the state of the country as we enter into a time of post-war and destruction".

    Posted by StratManX on 2003-06-29 14:27:19
    My Score:

    I love this album but really now, If I were to just sit around and make 18 disjointed instrument parts and pieced them together in a "strategic" fashion I'm sure that there would still be a select number of people to call me a genius when really it's just an asshole with too much time on his hands. This album is good and all but it will not save the industry and it's not near as classic as say The Beatles' "White Album".

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 2:06 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I was expecting a slap in the face, but I got a backhand.

    It's good, but it's not the album to define a generation or anything like that, and quite frankly, a lot of "crap" has much more replay value.

    Posted by Shindo on 2003-06-29 14:06:10
    My Score:

    To me, Rush is one of those bands that represents a moment in time pre-Ramones when prog and art-rock created a music scene where virtuoso performance and supposedly high-brow concepts made rock inaccessible and boring.

    adam

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-06-29 13:07:16
    My Score:

    Yeah, what's wrong with Rush?

    But anyway, this is an awesome album, but I couldn't listen to it all the time.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 10:53 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Really good but nothing i'd sit in the car and sing along with and shit.

    Posted by sonicice on 2003-06-29 09:46:42
    My Score:

    I fail to see the problem with liking Rush :(

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 6:50 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Dear all,

    I love Britney Spears.

    Peace,
    Omar

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 4:54 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "especially on a band's virgin full-length - comes off as pretentious"

    Except we all know omar and cedric aren't virgin writers (god knows i fucked em), so it doesnt come off as two fresh sprout musicians being hailed as saviors (see the strokes).

    As for not punk music, Most of the so called classic punk records out aren't the generic punk rock your used to. Gang of four, wire, mission of burma, MC5, X, so on and so on, and if you include even later decades, fugazi, even early bad religion save very basic emotional charge that could still be found in mainstream music never achieve this boring snotty bad distorted music that evidentally someones been flying a flag for. If you want to think that there is some wierd genre that is more honest than another, THAT is pretentious.

    This record, Drumming alone, makes it rock. Did you hear the drum parts, did you air drum them? It never slows to an art record lull, either flea comes back in or the meshhugah robot guitar part comes in, or the drums kick everyones ass.

    If you want to blame mainstream media, or play little rebel music outcast fine, but theres no x-files conspiracy here. And why would you bash this as elevator music, when your walking right into calling it 'televator' music? Yes, I would go there. I would use that pun. You had to have known the joke was there, did you not listen to the album to know that was a song title? Cmon, I stoop low for puns. Your just giving me that one.
    wyz o

    Posted by dignin on 2003-06-29 03:14:13
    My Score:

    i havent even heard the cd ten times all the way through and I think its the greatest thing since sliced bread. Kind of suspicias that waste just thinks its "cool" but he has invested quite a bit listening time to it.

    Posted by waste_elite on 2003-06-29 02:12:00
    My Score:

    i'm not one to shout 'overrated' but my god, i must've listened to this record ten times since i've gotten it and i must say it's not nearly as great as you guys are making it out to be.

    it sounds like at the drive in playing prog-rock. cool but not even close to breathtaking.

    Posted by inagreendase on 2003-06-29 00:49:49
    My Score:

    hahahahaha great post adam

    i'm honest to god 100% serious when i say that i think real geniuses include as many subtle-as-fuck details so analysis can forever be interpreted by a vast array of fans, so that slowly with each parallel structure correctly interpreted, the realization of their genius can only be increased as time progresses. it could be ten years from now when someone will realize or reason something and say "oh shit that's amazing". whether it's correct or not is one thing; if it was the band's intention then that's great. it's just mindgames that you play to further analyze it. symbolism is the only real tool for consistent representation. without symbolism we fail to have vague meaning that would otherwise stress a course of easily finding the answers. the hard questions are the ones that seek to be answered.
    whoa i'm rambling thats enough for tonite

    Posted by CaptainCrunch on 2003-06-29 00:23:08
    My Score:

    This album is outstanding. I like it more and more every time I listen to it. My two personal favorites of the year so far are MCS and this.

    I like ATDI a lot but I wasn't expecting anything specific, the only thing I was expecting was that it was going to be a good album. High expectations with entertainment usually only lead to big disappointments. I just take each release for what its worth.

    I don't get the people that are comparing this to Sparta. They are two totally different bands, both incredibly talented. A lot of people were praising Sparta last year when Wiretap scars came out, so why does this album change anything Sparta does? The fact of the matter is, that both albums are better than at least 90% of stuff to come out within the past year or so and its just a good time to be a music fan.

    And if you don't understand this album, it doesn't mean you're a jackass, it just means you have a different musical taste as people that do like the album. Life goes on. There are a lot worse things in life than disliking a piece of recorded sound.

    I can't wait to see these guys on July 22nd at St. Andrews, if anyone's going and wants to meet up, IM me or email me.

    Posted by Shindo on 2003-06-29 00:22:24
    My Score:

    Or maybe... Cedic's hair represents the swirling vortex of human emotion, only tempered by the great spirit of apathy of which the music, in the fifth movement of the epilogue, is making a statement against. This brings about the spectre of vitriol that emerges from the depths of the emotive passages of the second song.

    …or maybe you guys over analyzing a record is too hilarious NOT to make fun of.

    adam

    Posted by inagreendase on 2003-06-28 23:56:41
    My Score: