Great choice Adrian, and very nice write up!Originally Posted by AJSki2fly
...and what a listen it is. Been trying to get a copy at a decent price for 4 months and it arrived yesterday (Mint).
The Mars Volta are very difficult to categorise, you will either love or hate them. They are certainly thought provoking. Some I suspect will consider them pretentious or execessive. if anyone asked me who I would compare them with then I would answer "A modern King Crimson".
The Bedlam of Goliath is their 4th album, which I came across by chance and is my entry point to them, I have been told that their first De-Loused at the Comotorium is the best to start with, but I like a challenge. Bedlam is certianly a challenging listen, with lots of cross rhythms in places, with soaring hi and lows from the vocals. The dynamics of the music stretch the hi-fi big time. After a listen through once I would say the songs paint a picture of what the band say they experienced when on tour playing around with a ouija board purchased in a junk shop in Jerusalem. Whether true or just a clever bit of publicity the songs and feel of the music are certainly menacing in places and paint a vivid and intense frightening feeling of fear and control.
if you like a challenge and interesting music, get your pennies out.
I have never thought about the King Crimson analogy but why not?
I have, and like, most of The Mars Volta albums but find it difficult to name a favorite. I see them as "listen through" works though.
The SQ i find lacking, however.
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