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When I bought this album, a friend of mine warned me it was The Mars Volta's worst album, but once I managed to get used to the large amount of "art" (instrumental space) between tracks, this album has grown to become one of my most favorite volta albums. The record is quite diverse, with transitions from the operatic "Cygnus....Vismund...Cygnus" into a more jazzy "The Widow". If you're looking for an album to skip around the tracks while driving to work, this may not be the album (but "De-Loused in the Comatorium" may do the trick) due to the artistic flow. On the contrary, the vinyl format of this concept album is HIGHLY recommended as the seamless transitions and flow can truly be appreciated as well as the sound quality of an acoustic medium.
Band's second full length effort, as I couldn't help but to notice the lyrics would often jump from Spanish to English. Tracks I was most impressed with were the four-part thirteen-minute "Cygnus... Vismund Cygnus" - featuring some classy guitar work from Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and the 32 minute five-part "Cassandra Gemini" that has plenty of changes during it's lengthy duration. "The Widow" and "Miranda, That Ghost Isn't Holy Anymore" is said to be more like elaborite poems. Some patrons, including myself might find 'Francis The Mute' a bit too complex (yet still enjoyable). Not a bad find.
This album is one of my favorite. Although I enjoy De-Loused more, this album is different lyrically, musically, and conceptually. The transistions between tracks are so smooth that it almost seems like 1 track. My favorite part of this album is the lyrics by far, some just stick out so much you can't help but remember them throughout the day. The least favorite part of the album is some of the long stretches of noise (I shouldn't say noise but it's hard to describe it in any other way) between some of the tracks, like at the end of the widow. I don't like the talking at the end of the first song either. Besides that, this album is an instant classic, yet progressively amazing. If you already have the tracks downloaded, buy the album because it flows a lot better and the artwork/lyrics are worth it alone. Get it on half.com or ebay for 5 bucks, it's well worth it. If this is your introduction to The Mars Volta and it doesn't seem to click with you, please give it a couple listens to because this is one of those albums that honestly takes time to grow on you, but once it has, it's hard to stop listening to it. Also, have a listen to De-Loused in the Comatorium and the Tremulant EP because they are much different from one another, although they all tkae multiple listens to in order to enjoy them fully.Read full review
I will never understand how someone could say anything negative about this album. It's art/music at its best. Full of power and feeling and is just brilliant.
Verified purchase: No
The cd case had excessive damage
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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