The Mars Volta

[Halftooth]

Originally Posted by MCT

I did a search and I found one post about him... I feel bad

A search for "JOHN" Aldrete may yield a better result.

[Halftooth]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I used to think Juan Alderette was a wanker when he was in Racer X. Just a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. But now that he's in The Mars Volta, I think he's a genius. The Mars Volta is pretty hard to listen to at first, but once you get used to them, it's hard not to think they're cool. And Juan's bass parts have gotten so far away from that hair-metal wank crap he played in Racer X, so that's a good thing.

I'm not sure I understand what "wanking" is, but if it means being able to play fast with great technique, then I'm all for wanking.

I personally like TMV stuff better than RacerX, but that RacerX stuff was pretty technical and definetly caught my attention.

[Halftooth]

Originally Posted by fenderx55@yahoo

to be fair, they only sound spacey cause the guitarist sucks and uses effects to do interesting things (see the bassplayer issue with juan on the cover)...i saw them live when they opened for the chili peppers in 03 and i thought they sucked, the only redeemable elements being the bassist and the drummer... little did i know i just needed to give them a chance and the redeemable elements would still be the bassist and the drummer lol. they do rock though.

I'm with you on the guitarist. He's a pretty "loose" player to put it nicely. I think he comes up with some decent stuff on paper, but you can tell that he's sort of spaz when it comes time to play. His playing doesn't seem natural or fluid, and I'm really curious to see what he's like live.

I'm a big fan of the drummer too. His playing snuck up on me, and I really think he's talented. To me, this band is definetly bass and drums.

[Tbirdbassist]

Originally Posted by Figjam

Which NYC show did u go to? I went to the roseland on cinco de mayo.

I went to the one on the 6th, A Friday I think it was. I forgot they palyed two shows, I wanted to go to both, but the funds never come up.

[The_Ryst]

I've heard some TMV and it's just ****. That's all I can describe it as. It's guitar playing hides behind too many effects and is horrible. Plus, I read an interview where Juan Alderate trashed Racer X. Yes, he goes from technically amazing stuff to this trash.

The John Alderate I knew is dead. Juan Alderate is still around and, unfortunately, making music.

[spectorbass83]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The Mars Volta is pretty hard to listen to at first, but once you get used to them, it's hard not to think they're cool.

+1

When I first purchased "Francis The Mute" I only liked "The Widow". Since then the CD has really grown on me, some of the finest intrumentals and vocals I have heard ina long time. Love The Mars Volta !!

[scourge]

I saw them open for APC last year. I like their music on disk, but it didn't quite transfer to a live setting very well. It just sounded like noise.
It doesn't help that the Tacoma Dome has horrible acoustics, either.
That singer definitely cuts throught the mix, though.