I'm glad they didn't make another Bedlam or Amputechture, but that doesn't mean i especially enjoy this one. After one listen it might grow on me later, but for now i stand at very good, even though I'm more inbetween that and average. I just love The Mars Volta and everything they are regardless so i boosted my rating a bit.

Still, worst album so far. It had to be made though.

Personally, I think this is the strongest album they've released since De-Loused. It doesnt have the chaos, but cedrics lyrics are less repetitive this time, the music is less random noise and more thought out, there aren't any big horrible noise breaks that serve no purpose, and its just a generally wonderful album.

I really loved the organized chaos feel of Bedlam. I really don't see where all the hate for that album is coming from. It was chaotic, sure, but not to the extent where it was unlistenable. For me, it hit the point perfectly where its not over chaotic, but just chaotic enough to give me a really great adrenaline boost. Plus, for an alu=bum so chaotic, I felt it flowed extremely well.

This one just doesn't hold my attention as much as the others. All of the songs are great, but it doesn't flow at all through the album. I feel like this should have been an EP every time I listen to it.

I might be the only one to say that I didn't like most of The Mars Volta's albums. But this is the most boring for me. I'm not annoyed, but I'm not impressed either.

My biggest problem with MV is that the ambience makes their music seem incredibly shallow--it's not because ambience was always bad, it's just become so easy to make nowadays that it's not really impressive anymore.

peace,
-nick

I agree 100%.

a couple of songs are awesome though.... couple are crap

I thought this was a wonderful direction for them to take, but they're going to have to get creative for their next one

Amputechture
Frances The Mute
Octahedron
De-Loused in the Comatorium
The Bedlam in Goliath

Cedric busted out octahedron live in Dallas and was amazing...he also played a couple songs that I have never heard from ANY of the Volta. Possible that they might have some unreleased tracks floating around out there...