Using the Sound Opinions theory of record reviews (Buy it, Burn it, Trash it), how do you rate The Mars Volta? There collective work or anything you've heard?

I keep hearing Mars Volta this, Mars Volta that. So, I picked up one of their discs at the library the other day to give it a listen. I couldn't get through 2 songs. I thought about trying again, but just haven't been able to bring myself to listen. They sound like a more talented System of a Down, who I think are the worlds worst band. Someone please enlighten me. Am I missing something? Should I give it another chance? Do I need to get past 2 songs?

I never could get into them either. I hear all this hype, but I just dont see it. I gave Frances the Mute a few spins, but I was the same way. I couldnt get though it.

Frances the Mute, that's the record I have. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Their strongest record by far is De-loused in the Comatorium. I really like that album. It is a bit experimental and kind of reminds me of a modern day version of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, where you really need to listen to it straight on through to get the total picture (although I haven't heard of any tie-ins to the Wizard of Oz). With Frances the Mute and the new Ampetechture, it seems as if they are trying to duplicate the overall feel of De-loused, but didn't get there. The best highlight on Frances the Mute was hearing Flea of RHCP fame playing trupmet on The Widow. Anyways, that's my two cents.

Were they formally At the Drive In? Anyway's all my buddies love the Volta, but they're too spacey. If I want some good stoner rock I'll listen to the Secret Machines.

Ziggy Stardust Wrote:Were they formally At the Drive In? Anyway's all my buddies love the Volta, but they're too spacey. If I want some good stoner rock I'll listen to the Secret Machines.

They started off as "At The Drive-In". Then they split into "The Mars Volta" and "Sparta".

Really? I remember liking At the Drive in.

Well, I tried again. Picked up where I left off at song 3. Couldn't make it through the track with out fast forwarding and eventually skiping to the next track...and the next...and the next. It did nothing for me. How this ended up on that list of essential CDs is beyond me. Back to the Library with it. Maybe I'll check out Sparta since I remember liking At the Drive in.

Bump

I've really tried to give them a listen again and again, but I really, really cannot listen to the Volta. My buddies look at me like I'm crazy. Then again, they don't get down to the same music as I. I don't understand the appeal.

I'm glad I'm not the only one confused by this phenomena.