@@Cobalt985i find a lot of prog heads can be some of the biggest mars volta haters. i think it’s because as prog transformed from 1969-2003, the genre became associated with certain conventions and sounds that would later get replicated and adapted into newer prog eras or “waves”. the mars volta did not follow that progression at all. they definitely have a lot of things in common with bands like yes and king crimson but not the same things that inspired so many others. that creates a barrier for entry for someone who sees a 2003-2012 prog band and expects a “third wave” prog sound.
the fact that your first look was a live version, you must be a masochist haha. Edit: this is one of my favourite bands, but if this was my introduction I don't know if I would have become this big a fan. The album version, with good headphones, plenty of listens - that's how they get you.
My first exposure was a live video from comcast on demand back in the day ("Live at the Electric Ballroom London 2003"). I was obsessed from the day I saw that video up until about their 4th album.
@@K-wq5zl Oh totally, I'm by no means suggesting nobody could get into them from a live version. I'm merely saying that I understand how can be ALOT for some people - including me
@@lynxcore yeah absolutely, but if you compare the old basslines with the isolated recording method, to the new stuff without, Juan is still playing mostly in the pocket, but the lines themselves are much more organic and have flourishes and fills that make them more natural to play.
@@insederec Of course he did 😂 Im sure most TMV geeks know that. I think this comment was referring to Juan’s live performances. His attentiveness in facing the drummer is intentional. Not to mention the musicality in his phrasing and being inventive with experimenting with sonic landscapes. Absolutely tight in his percussive playing too! Strong individual as well! He’s been able to bounce back rather quickly from his Traumatic Brain Injury. Truly someone I hold in high regard! Much love!
@@pmbbmp I always think how difficult it must had been for Cedric to face hour long concerts knowing he wouldn't be able to hit those notes. I just wouldn't do it at all
Kinda impressed they were able to recreate this song live… Mars Volta is a better band to listen to with headphone on high quality stereo system with your abuelita performing some Santeria in the house, while your on Acid.
"These dudes WROTE this stuff" That's how I feel when I listen to them, every time. They're leagues ahead of anything I'd ever think of writing. They're insane.
First time I listened to TMV my brain melted and fell through my ears. I eventually picked it up and put it back and never looked back. One of the best groups of our generation, if not the best
I saw them in Melbourne and there were no breaks between the songs so the whole concert was like a one hour and 45 minute song. The drummer (same one as in this clip) was like an Olympic athlete.
In 2004, I bought this album at FYE on CD based just on the album cover art. I legit had never heard of this band. Holy shit what a fortuitous decision.
Omar seems like the most gentle person and yet he’s one of the meanest guitar players ever. Mean is a perfect way to describe his playing. So chaotic and he’s in total control.
Deloused in the Comatorium is the album this song is from. Although it's less chaotic than the live version, I still love both! TMV really brings out every single drop of energy they got on their performances
These guys are chaos incarnate. At least back in their first Era. Not as much in the new Era so far but they're still building up to whatever this new incarnation will become so it might get pretty intense.
The best part of this video is watching your absolute bewilderment. It's funny, because this live performance is probably 1000x more difficult to follow than the studio version. On the record, the song is in A minor, and it's probably only 3-4 actual chords for the most part. Much easier to follow too, but TPridge had a style they enjoyed during this era because it made their music so much more chaotic and overwhelming. The Jon Theodore era had a lot more straightforward bombastic groove, and this song is from their first album which he played on. Their first 4 albums are incredible works of art, but it's just cruel to send a Tpridge live performance of this and watch you try to make sense of it (in the funniest way possible)
first four? first six! hell, probably the new album too. i’ve still only listened once, but i have full faith in the artistic integrity and genius of cedric and omar. i figure the album will always be there when i’m ready for it.
They are so dang awesome. Such a great song. Such a great album. One of the 5 or 10 that, after all these years, I can still listen to on a loop, over & over & again & again. So dang awesome!
I couldn’t believe it when I saw the song you were doing. You HAVE to give that whole album, Deloused in the Comatorium, a listen. Its one of my favorite, most unique, albums of all time.
Hell yeah, I bought it the morning it came out. It became my pick for GOAT by that afternoon. As rash as that seemed at the time it's still in that spot two decades later.
@@JustBinIt I bought it the day it released because i was a huge ATDI fan and the intro made me think the cd was skipping and i was like wtf, then realized it's just controlled chaos, letting me know what i was in store for and it's still one of my favorite albums to this day.
The Mars Volta is my favorite band and the been since 2003. I finally got to see them live for the first time this past October. It was life changing. This video was amazing and it brought back that feeling of discovering them for the first time. Your honest reactions to their music brought such a wild smile to my face. And i actually teared up a couple times during this because of the sheer joy of watching them play and watching your face melt. This was so great! Thanks for putting this out there. I really needed this today.
So upon second viewing and watching your expressions, emotions and attempt to break down the break down, I think @ 16:35 I got from you what I was hoping for. If that all makes sense. Your stunned silence along with the audience for the remainder of the track almost made me emotional. Your statement about taking music to seriously is exactly the problem I developed after about 10 years of playing. And because of that the last 20+ years of playing have been less than free. I feel more free on every instrument I play except for guitar. My hands want to make it make sense for everyone but my mind just wants to flow. Looking at the audience, none of that mattered. Not worrying about what other musicians or listeners think is tough and in the long run is keeping the fingers from flying. I hope this really did get to you as it appeared. Very cool stuff and if you liked this at all, you need to look back to At the Drive In. These guys are amazing and have been since before the Volta. Great job to your members for opening you up with groups like this. Ohhh, CHICANO BATMAN!
Yesterday UA-cam recommend me your react to Radiohead, it was amazing see Weird Fishes melting your face off, I thought "I want to see this guy reaction to the Volta". Today I got tickets to see Mars Volta in my city (I'm from Rio), my second Volta show after one decade and then I opened UA-cam and this video was here, great coincidence
That is Mars Volta in its full potential. Its the most unorthodox group I have ever heard but somehow they can make something beautiful out of this craziness
Just saw them live for the first time at The Moore theater in Seattle, it was the single best concert I've ever been too, including the 7 different Tool shows I've seen. So glad they pulled it together long enough to put some new material out and hit the road again after such a long hiatus.
I love early The Mars Volta (where this is from) but even knowing the songs by heart their live performances can be really tough to follow. I can only imagine how you felt trying to decipher this cold without having ever heard the song before. By the way, the album version of this song is absolutely masterful, and significantly shorter too. I’d encourage you to give a listen even if just to clear some of the confusion you might be feeling.
I think a great way to get into them is to set aside an hour and listen to Frances the mute front to back. Jumping cold into this is challenging for sure. Truly amazing band.
2005 or so I purchased tickets for System of a Down and TMV was their opener. A couple of friends asked what Volta's music was like. I chuckled and emphatically stated "Frenetic." Ive only ever seen two shows from them but they are incredible high energy from 1st drop of the snare. Glad to see them reunite. Thanks for breaking them down, Michael.
I went to an Incubus show in middle school and they opened, I didn't make it in time to see them but everyone said they were absolutely terrible. I checked them out after the show and was so bummed because Deloused made them my absolute favorite band for years.
My first concert ever was a System of a Down show from that tour when I was in 8th grade. The mars Volta blew me away. I didn’t know what to make of it. They’re now one of my fav bands
The first time I heard The Mars Volta they were opening for System of a Down. I think it was the first time for a lot of others in the arena too. A lot of “who the hell was that? That was incredible” at the end.
Mars Volta is like opening a Bordeaux, you have to open it and let it breath before pouring a glass. When you tackle Mars Volta, just wait for the song to play a little. There is a riff that is coming and its going to be incredible. But they hate the standard "rock" sound, so there is a lot of playing around with arpeggios before coming back to the riff, or a new riff. It is going to get good, it is going to ring around in your head for a while, and you're just going to want to listen to more of it. Just gotta let it breath.
My introduction to The Mars Volta was from a guy I worked with. He described them thusly... Imagine if you took Rush, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, and Hawkwind in a room and, at the count of three, each band started play a different song. That's how he described it. He brought in a disc the next day (Dr-Loused in the Comatorium) and, I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't what I heard. Lol.
Saw them live twice and their performances were wildly different. In one they were subdued, in the other I couldnt understand how they were playing their songs with all the running and jumping and throwing things. It was crazy impressive they held it together without hurting themselves or passing out.
This was a phenomenal watch! I loved watching your face look so confused during this. I listened to Mars Volta back when these albums were coming out, and the fact that you chose a live version to try this with... it's incredible! Their songs are already structured nonsense.. the live version are even more so. This is the video that got me to sub.
That’s the reaction I’ve been looking for my whole life after always trying to show The Mars Volta to different friends throughout life. Thank you, I am free of The Mars Volta now 🥲 *Soul dissipates into eternity*✨
@@christopher2327is there any way you can point me to this sketch? the idea of what could possibly be created from a mixture of dr caligari and caligula sounds quite interesting, but when i looked it up on google, all i found was political cartoons :(
You should listren to the studio version, easier to follow. Do yourself a BIG BIG favor and listen to their album "Deloused in the Comatorium" from start to finish. A MASTERPIECE
They are currently on tour right now. First time in like 10 years. Saw them in Atlanta in September. You need to see them live if you can. People were in tears.
I normally don’t watch these but this was fantastic. It’s always nice to see someone new experience tmv. They changed my life, I know that much. I love this band more than I can say.
I literally only clicked on this video to see this guys reaction cause if he'd never heard of them, and this was his discovery song, I knew it was going to melt his brain. Hats off to the bedrock holding up the monsters, that are Mr Pridgen and Mr Rodriguez-Lopez, Mr Juan Alderete and Mr Isaiah Owens (RIP Ikey).
This is the greatest reaction video ever. Reminds of why I love Mars Volta. One of the single best shows I’ve ever seen in my life. Mind blowing how 6 musicians can be doing their own amazing things on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum, while somehow it still works together and then within a second they all return right back together in perfect harmony. Mind meltingly beautiful.
This live performance is such delightful chaos. Kudos to you for even trying to keep up…listen all the albums and any live material you can find. This band was insanely talented.
Saw them play this in '03 w/ Jon Theodore on drums, and was genuinely concerned that Cedric was going to asphyxiate on his mic cable or fall off the stage 😳
Supporting the Chili's around that time, we had tix in the seats and soon as Mars Volta kicked off we leapt over the barriers into front standing out of sheer excitement
The drummer makes a huge difference too. This guy is just. I mean, he's insanely great and can play anything but what he plays sucks. IMO. Might as well just say 1,2,3,4 random drum solo for 11 min. end. But Jon Theodore had the right balance of groove and power and chops.
Love it! They can definitely be an onslaught live, being a jam band that constantly deviates from the recordings, which makes every performance unique but not always precise. This was kinda the era of some sloppy live performances and band turmoil, though, when Cedric would blow out his voice a lot. And while Pridgen is a beast on the kit, these Jon Theodore parts weren't really meant for his constant blasting. I saw TMV a few times live, and one show was a stinker. Last year's tour was tight, though.
I saw them last October in L.A. the couple of songs they played from their new album worked in well with the show an the show as a whole was waaaaay better than I expected after their long absence!
I'm 40 and this is the first time I've ever heard The Mars Volta..... To be honest, my brain already feels the way this song feels and I really can't afford to have anything else contributing to the delinquency of my own head. This is a bit of a fever dream to me.
My favorite band of all time! Their newest album just came out, a huge departure from their old stuff. They broke up for ten years before their newest album, and it's still fantastic
"My main sources of inspiration would be films - creating tension, creating flow, creating scenes, creating fast-paced scenes, creating minimal dialogue - it's one of our biggest influences..." - Omar
The best band of 21st century so far... nobody can compare to them... Try Viscera Eyes and Wax Simulacra from the same concert or studio. You're reacting to the era where Thomas "the beast" Pridgen was the drummer... my favourite 😉
First off…This was an impossible task…would take anyone a solid dedicated week to even begin to dissect this. Others have said it, but Jon Theodore was/is/will always be the best drummer TMV had. He grounded the beautiful chaos and made it less frantic and rushed than what is really pretty evident here. I’ve seen them live in the beginning, middle, and now bookended last year. Cedric sounds better than ever these days. Omar has always been amazing. The synergy of the first three TMV albums and touring can’t be touched because of Theodore.
Jon knew when to pull Omar back into the song. He controlled the changes like Bonham did, while Pridgeon follows Omar’s lead. Guess there can be only one band leader. And it was never going to be Jon. Shame as they lost one of the best drummers to ever live. No disrespect to Pridgeon as he also deserves to be playing for TMV.
I am so stoked you did this and so happy that the recommender did not send you inertiatic ESP and sent this instead. One of the best live performances by them. I saw them live in 2022 and it was fucking great!
Agree 100%. The Mars Volta, and the acoustic version they released this year, both great and totally different than anything they’d done before. Truly a legendary band.
The Mars Volta were the band that really opened my mind to progressive/experimental rock. They have 2 all-time great albums, De-Loused in the Comatorium and Frances the Mute, in my opinion. I don't quite understand why but this music is actually calming for me 😂. Hopefully you can check out some At the Drive-In in the future.
First you covered Opeth now Mars Volta! Sweet to see a guitarist with knowledge break down songs from artists I’ve always wanted break downs of that don’t get enough attention. Keep it going man, love your videos.
Michael, you gotta listen to the entire album De-Loused in the Comatorium, at least once. It's absolutely worth the listen. The Rick Rubin production and sound design transport you to another world. My favorite track has always been Cicatriz ESP.
"Imagine if everyone in a band took a solo at the same time. " Is how I usually describe classic TMV. I love that you reacted to this but this performance is one of the most spastic introductions ever for the band.
apparently Omar was one time asked why he never smiled on stage, and he said "bc I am concentrating man, this shit is hard to play"
lmao. Also omar: slings guitar back his back and dances around while clapping
he does smile lop
@@morrisalanisette9067you he has to concentrate for that! It’s hard!
“I don’t think you guys are ready for that…but your kids are gonna love it.”
Comedy Bang Bang!
@@davidlee4903 remember when scott went back in time to save cake boss?
You underestimate prog fans... TMV has always had fans
@@Cobalt985i find a lot of prog heads can be some of the biggest mars volta haters. i think it’s because as prog transformed from 1969-2003, the genre became associated with certain conventions and sounds that would later get replicated and adapted into newer prog eras or “waves”. the mars volta did not follow that progression at all. they definitely have a lot of things in common with bands like yes and king crimson but not the same things that inspired so many others. that creates a barrier for entry for someone who sees a 2003-2012 prog band and expects a “third wave” prog sound.
the fact that your first look was a live version, you must be a masochist haha. Edit: this is one of my favourite bands, but if this was my introduction I don't know if I would have become this big a fan. The album version, with good headphones, plenty of listens - that's how they get you.
🤭👍
totally agree
Totally, or check out some Jon Theodore era live versions where they stuck to the album a bit more rigidly
My first exposure was a live video from comcast on demand back in the day ("Live at the Electric Ballroom London 2003"). I was obsessed from the day I saw that video up until about their 4th album.
@@K-wq5zl Oh totally, I'm by no means suggesting nobody could get into them from a live version. I'm merely saying that I understand how can be ALOT for some people - including me
Mars Volta are god-tier weirdos. Love their energy and craftsmanship.
A live performance where they're even more manic than their recordings is a hard mode introduction to the mars volta.
He's probably traumatized after this live version, but I think he should listen to the studio version. Way less chaos, and actually very catchy.
Deloused is one of my all time favs
@@travisfrench147 Same here! Front to back journey.
Don’t think he realizes homie plays 13 gauge strings on his electric
They are an amazingly talented band but every time I saw them live it was awful.
@@Brandondrumkc Yeah, I never had the desire to see them live. I just cherish their albums too much. The albums are too difficult to replicate live.
The drummer, Thomas Pridgen, is an absolute beast on this performance
He is, but was too much for Volta. Always and forever Theodore.
Overplayed, perhaps.
I always thought he overdone things.
Def overplayed but he's great
@@christopher2327 Isn't overplaying kinda the point with TMV?
One does not simply learn a Mars Volta song…
by ear.... on the first try
you can do it on bass. many of the basslines are boring and repetitive due to their studio/recording process
@@auto1nfanticid3it's moreso that the melodic chaos of the guitar parts necessitates it at times
@@lynxcore yeah absolutely, but if you compare the old basslines with the isolated recording method, to the new stuff without, Juan is still playing mostly in the pocket, but the lines themselves are much more organic and have flourishes and fills that make them more natural to play.
Me with tetragrammaton jaja 10 years later, i got so much better still i said wtf is that
I think the most underrated part of this was the bass. Lot of talent there
Juan Alderete is absolute inspiration! Always had such a tight rhythm section!
@@dantelamusta was actually Flea on the album. Best thing he ever did.
@@insederec Of course he did 😂 Im sure most TMV geeks know that. I think this comment was referring to Juan’s live performances. His attentiveness in facing the drummer is intentional. Not to mention the musicality in his phrasing and being inventive with experimenting with sonic landscapes. Absolutely tight in his percussive playing too! Strong individual as well! He’s been able to bounce back rather quickly from his Traumatic Brain Injury. Truly someone I hold in high regard! Much love!
@@dantelamusta yeah, Juan is a beast. Insane going from Racer X to TMV, and I don't think anybody else could have done it.
@@insederec he did the brass section too iirc lol
Here to agree with everyone else: listen to the album! De-loused is incredible, an absolute masterpiece.
@@pmbbmp I always think how difficult it must had been for Cedric to face hour long concerts knowing he wouldn't be able to hit those notes. I just wouldn't do it at all
Album changed my musical life when I was at the right age. Amazing
@@pmbbmp That would be also Omar, so yeah.
@@pmbbmp I just saw them in Houston and was blown away. They were magic, no production to thank.
Frances is more my jam, but yeah that first album was pretty perfect.
Kinda impressed they were able to recreate this song live… Mars Volta is a better band to listen to with headphone on high quality stereo system with your abuelita performing some Santeria in the house, while your on Acid.
hahahaha!!!! But Iv'e seen them like 6-7 timrs, they are amazing live. This was for a Yahoo tv thing. not the same
that's very specific
best said
Kinda impressed? Let hear your music J! 🤣
If that isn’t the best way to explain this band idk what is.
"These dudes WROTE this stuff"
That's how I feel when I listen to them, every time. They're leagues ahead of anything I'd ever think of writing. They're insane.
"These dudes" is basically Omar Rodríguez-Lopes
That's bcause Omar is also a screenwriter.
I actually laughed. These dudes is just one guy. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, hands down one of the greatest musicians on the planet
@@patchjohn1986 all their drummers have been insane, too.
*were
The Mars Volta is basically if music had ADHD and it's amazing, I love it
First time I listened to TMV my brain melted and fell through my ears. I eventually picked it up and put it back and never looked back. One of the best groups of our generation, if not the best
I'll never forget seeing the promo for Frances the Mute, I got the CD right away, put it in my car CD player and fell so madly in love with this band.
Eles são do caralho mesmo!
I saw them in Melbourne and there were no breaks between the songs so the whole concert was like a one hour and 45 minute song. The drummer (same one as in this clip) was like an Olympic athlete.
im so jealous ahhh melbourne, vic? thats so sick
Saw them in 2009 during the octahedron tour with them. Fucking was tight as fuck
In 2004, I bought this album at FYE on CD based just on the album cover art. I legit had never heard of this band.
Holy shit what a fortuitous decision.
Thomas Pridgeon is a beast of a drummer
Also their bassist is Juan Alderete who was in Racer X with Paul Gilbert. Dude is a savage on bass. All fingers.
I hope he is getting better after his bike accident. I haven't heard much news on that lately.
Omar seems like the most gentle person and yet he’s one of the meanest guitar players ever. Mean is a perfect way to describe his playing. So chaotic and he’s in total control.
Deloused in the Comatorium is the album this song is from. Although it's less chaotic than the live version, I still love both! TMV really brings out every single drop of energy they got on their performances
These guys are chaos incarnate. At least back in their first Era. Not as much in the new Era so far but they're still building up to whatever this new incarnation will become so it might get pretty intense.
That album is a masterpiece
The Frances the Mute album is a masterpiece and I’m so happy to see you subject yourself to this with an open mind.
frances the mute is amazing but this is from deloused bud :)
@@istrikeanywhere666 Yup, just planting a seed for a possible future vid from that album
@@chrishalemusic that would be awesome!
Deloused and Frances are pretty easily digestible compared to their later stuff imo
Please react to more Volta! They are absolute mad geniuses
Agreed! Please do! They’ve tapped into magic and it’s TMV is proof that it’s real.
The best part of this video is watching your absolute bewilderment. It's funny, because this live performance is probably 1000x more difficult to follow than the studio version. On the record, the song is in A minor, and it's probably only 3-4 actual chords for the most part. Much easier to follow too, but TPridge had a style they enjoyed during this era because it made their music so much more chaotic and overwhelming. The Jon Theodore era had a lot more straightforward bombastic groove, and this song is from their first album which he played on. Their first 4 albums are incredible works of art, but it's just cruel to send a Tpridge live performance of this and watch you try to make sense of it (in the funniest way possible)
first four? first six!
hell, probably the new album too. i’ve still only listened once, but i have full faith in the artistic integrity and genius of cedric and omar. i figure the album will always be there when i’m ready for it.
They are so dang awesome.
Such a great song.
Such a great album.
One of the 5 or 10 that, after all these years, I can still listen to on a loop, over & over & again & again.
So dang awesome!
I couldn’t believe it when I saw the song you were doing. You HAVE to give that whole album, Deloused in the Comatorium, a listen. Its one of my favorite, most unique, albums of all time.
Hell yeah, I bought it the morning it came out. It became my pick for GOAT by that afternoon. As rash as that seemed at the time it's still in that spot two decades later.
@@JustBinIt I bought it the day it released because i was a huge ATDI fan and the intro made me think the cd was skipping and i was like wtf, then realized it's just controlled chaos, letting me know what i was in store for and it's still one of my favorite albums to this day.
I always found myself near ikey(keyboards) during their shows. That man was a true artist. One of my favorite live bands.
I've never seen someone literally look in pain while listening to a song....now I have, thank you.
The Mars Volta is my favorite band and the been since 2003. I finally got to see them live for the first time this past October. It was life changing. This video was amazing and it brought back that feeling of discovering them for the first time. Your honest reactions to their music brought such a wild smile to my face. And i actually teared up a couple times during this because of the sheer joy of watching them play and watching your face melt. This was so great! Thanks for putting this out there. I really needed this today.
Yesss, my favorite band, do more of them!!
Met the singer and guitarist once. A long time ago now. Remember the guitarist picking up my right handed guitar with ease. Great song.
Listen to it recorded, Deloused is in my top 5 records of the last 23 years.
So upon second viewing and watching your expressions, emotions and attempt to break down the break down, I think @ 16:35 I got from you what I was hoping for.
If that all makes sense.
Your stunned silence along with the audience for the remainder of the track almost made me emotional.
Your statement about taking music to seriously is exactly the problem I developed after about 10 years of playing.
And because of that the last 20+ years of playing have been less than free.
I feel more free on every instrument I play except for guitar.
My hands want to make it make sense for everyone but my mind just wants to flow.
Looking at the audience, none of that mattered.
Not worrying about what other musicians or listeners think is tough and in the long run is keeping the fingers from flying.
I hope this really did get to you as it appeared. Very cool stuff and if you liked this at all, you need to look back to At the Drive In.
These guys are amazing and have been since before the Volta.
Great job to your members for opening you up with groups like this.
Ohhh, CHICANO BATMAN!
Yesterday UA-cam recommend me your react to Radiohead, it was amazing see Weird Fishes melting your face off, I thought "I want to see this guy reaction to the Volta". Today I got tickets to see Mars Volta in my city (I'm from Rio), my second Volta show after one decade and then I opened UA-cam and this video was here, great coincidence
Greatest band of all time
The sign of a great guitar player: a great band to lift the great guitar playing
Best line "What have we got ourselves into? " properly said. I just pre-ordered this album on vinyl 👍. Phenomenal album 🙌
Man, the studio version of their songs sound pretty clear, trust me hahah
Try with “Cicatriz Esp” maybe their best song
As a staunch lover of the Volta, I loved every moment of this and could not stop smiling
That is Mars Volta in its full potential. Its the most unorthodox group I have ever heard but somehow they can make something beautiful out of this craziness
This is played completely different than it does on the album. Love it
One of my favorite bands of all time! My brother’s seen them live 3 times in TX! Omar Rodriguez is a fantastic guitarist!
Just saw them live for the first time at The Moore theater in Seattle, it was the single best concert I've ever been too, including the 7 different Tool shows I've seen. So glad they pulled it together long enough to put some new material out and hit the road again after such a long hiatus.
I remember watching this live version back on Yahoo when it first came out...again and again...
Definitely worth a few more listens. The rabbit hole goes deep with this band. Would love to see you react to some of the album cuts.
I love early The Mars Volta (where this is from) but even knowing the songs by heart their live performances can be really tough to follow. I can only imagine how you felt trying to decipher this cold without having ever heard the song before. By the way, the album version of this song is absolutely masterful, and significantly shorter too. I’d encourage you to give a listen even if just to clear some of the confusion you might be feeling.
Agreed!
I think a great way to get into them is to set aside an hour and listen to Frances the mute front to back. Jumping cold into this is challenging for sure. Truly amazing band.
💯
I never thought I would enjoy watching someone’s brain melt in front of my eyes as much as this. 😂
Omar Rodriguez is a total wizard of music and everyone that plays with him
2005 or so I purchased tickets for System of a Down and TMV was their opener. A couple of friends asked what Volta's music was like. I chuckled and emphatically stated "Frenetic." Ive only ever seen two shows from them but they are incredible high energy from 1st drop of the snare. Glad to see them reunite. Thanks for breaking them down, Michael.
I went to an Incubus show in middle school and they opened, I didn't make it in time to see them but everyone said they were absolutely terrible. I checked them out after the show and was so bummed because Deloused made them my absolute favorite band for years.
My first concert ever was a System of a Down show from that tour when I was in 8th grade. The mars Volta blew me away. I didn’t know what to make of it. They’re now one of my fav bands
The first time I heard The Mars Volta they were opening for System of a Down. I think it was the first time for a lot of others in the arena too. A lot of “who the hell was that? That was incredible” at the end.
definitely don't sleep on that bassist. That's Juan Alderete. He's amazing, and he has his own youtube channel Pedals and Effects
You are courageous, my friend!
Eriatarka is such a great song. I think maybe you should have started with the album versions haha.
Mars Volta is like opening a Bordeaux, you have to open it and let it breath before pouring a glass. When you tackle Mars Volta, just wait for the song to play a little. There is a riff that is coming and its going to be incredible. But they hate the standard "rock" sound, so there is a lot of playing around with arpeggios before coming back to the riff, or a new riff. It is going to get good, it is going to ring around in your head for a while, and you're just going to want to listen to more of it. Just gotta let it breath.
I saw the Mars Volta live, it was like a religious experience. They don't just perform songs, they express from the ether.
My introduction to The Mars Volta was from a guy I worked with. He described them thusly...
Imagine if you took Rush, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, and Hawkwind in a room and, at the count of three, each band started play a different song.
That's how he described it. He brought in a disc the next day (Dr-Loused in the Comatorium) and, I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't what I heard. Lol.
Very accurate. I'd in Santana, and Mahavishnu Orchestra.
Saw them live twice and their performances were wildly different. In one they were subdued, in the other I couldnt understand how they were playing their songs with all the running and jumping and throwing things. It was crazy impressive they held it together without hurting themselves or passing out.
This was a phenomenal watch! I loved watching your face look so confused during this. I listened to Mars Volta back when these albums were coming out, and the fact that you chose a live version to try this with... it's incredible! Their songs are already structured nonsense.. the live version are even more so. This is the video that got me to sub.
Never watched any of your videos before. I’m a long time fan of The Volta and I love that they turned your brain to mush. They’re awesome
That’s the reaction I’ve been looking for my whole life after always trying to show The Mars Volta to different friends throughout life. Thank you, I am free of The Mars Volta now 🥲
*Soul dissipates into eternity*✨
This reminds me of the Dr caligulari sketch from Portlandia
@@christopher2327is there any way you can point me to this sketch? the idea of what could possibly be created from a mixture of dr caligari and caligula sounds quite interesting, but when i looked it up on google, all i found was political cartoons :(
@@christopher2327oh nvm, i didn’t see the “from portlandia” at the end of your comment lmao
You should listren to the studio version, easier to follow. Do yourself a BIG BIG favor and listen to their album "Deloused in the Comatorium" from start to finish. A MASTERPIECE
People forget Rick Rubin co-produced it and Flea plays bass on it. Just 2 more reasons to check it out.
@@rotoshi4187 don't forget Frusciante also on a lot of tracks
They are currently on tour right now. First time in like 10 years. Saw them in Atlanta in September. You need to see them live if you can. People were in tears.
Almost cried at the pilladium show but a crowd killer during roulette dares ruined my moment
I was at the same show as you. Incredible live!
@@darkcrim7397 were you also in the Friday crowd? Some douche in a Tommy bahama knock off kept dancing like an asshole and bumping into my wife and I
@@cap2205 I was up next to the front and the dude had long curly hair just slam dancing and eventually got man handled by some huge Hispanic dudes
@@darkcrim7397 good, always glad when dudes like that get shut down
Love your facial expressions throughout this whole onslaught
I normally don’t watch these but this was fantastic. It’s always nice to see someone new experience tmv. They changed my life, I know that much. I love this band more than I can say.
You should do a reaction to the entire Deloused in the Comatorium album...start to finish.
I literally only clicked on this video to see this guys reaction cause if he'd never heard of them, and this was his discovery song, I knew it was going to melt his brain. Hats off to the bedrock holding up the monsters, that are Mr Pridgen and Mr Rodriguez-Lopez, Mr Juan Alderete and Mr Isaiah Owens (RIP Ikey).
Same. Good fuckin’ luck if you’re jumping in on this end of the pool, my guy.
Pure controlled chaos and every second of it is beautiful.
I love his "Oh god, what did I get into??" look at 1:20
I think this bass player in this is Juan Alderete, was in Racer X with Paul Gilbert. Amazing bass player.
“Let me just grab my guitar and follow along with this live Mars Volta track”…
Me: good friggin luck! 😅
This is the greatest reaction video ever. Reminds of why I love Mars Volta. One of the single best shows I’ve ever seen in my life. Mind blowing how 6 musicians can be doing their own amazing things on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum, while somehow it still works together and then within a second they all return right back together in perfect harmony. Mind meltingly beautiful.
Well said!!
This live performance is such delightful chaos. Kudos to you for even trying to keep up…listen all the albums and any live material you can find. This band was insanely talented.
Saw them play this in '03 w/ Jon Theodore on drums, and was genuinely concerned that Cedric was going to asphyxiate on his mic cable or fall off the stage 😳
I also saw them in '03 I think. At a bar in Rochester, NY. Cedric put on quite a show. I think he was doing handstands??
Supporting the Chili's around that time, we had tix in the seats and soon as Mars Volta kicked off we leapt over the barriers into front standing out of sheer excitement
Their beautiful chaotic sound doesn’t translate live as well as on record. The whole first album is a masterpiece.
But seeing them live does translate perfectly.. everytime I saw them
Definitely top 5 live all time for me
true. seen em a few times.
The drummer makes a huge difference too. This guy is just. I mean, he's insanely great and can play anything but what he plays sucks. IMO. Might as well just say 1,2,3,4 random drum solo for 11 min. end. But Jon Theodore had the right balance of groove and power and chops.
@@mattmarkus4868 Definately preferred Jon.
Omar is one of my favorites of all time. He's what lead me to Robert Fripp and how I learned what tritones are
Dude you have GOT to see and hear them Live in person! It’s transcendental.
Love it! They can definitely be an onslaught live, being a jam band that constantly deviates from the recordings, which makes every performance unique but not always precise. This was kinda the era of some sloppy live performances and band turmoil, though, when Cedric would blow out his voice a lot. And while Pridgen is a beast on the kit, these Jon Theodore parts weren't really meant for his constant blasting. I saw TMV a few times live, and one show was a stinker. Last year's tour was tight, though.
Fully agree that Pridgen doesn’t sound as good on the Theodore songs
I saw them last October in L.A. the couple of songs they played from their new album worked in well with the show an the show as a whole was waaaaay better than I expected after their long absence!
I'm 40 and this is the first time I've ever heard The Mars Volta..... To be honest, my brain already feels the way this song feels and I really can't afford to have anything else contributing to the delinquency of my own head. This is a bit of a fever dream to me.
Weird Fishes was like a dream (scape), Mars Volta is like a fever dream.
Enjoy the rabbit hole my friend. My favorite band of a time.
Means it's working bud!
check out Henry Rollin's showcase of them from the Amputechture days.
My favorite band of all time! Their newest album just came out, a huge departure from their old stuff. They broke up for ten years before their newest album, and it's still fantastic
Listen to the studio version of this song its is beautiful.
"My main sources of inspiration would be films - creating tension, creating flow, creating scenes, creating fast-paced scenes, creating minimal dialogue - it's one of our biggest influences..." - Omar
The best band of 21st century so far... nobody can compare to them...
Try Viscera Eyes and Wax Simulacra from the same concert or studio.
You're reacting to the era where Thomas "the beast" Pridgen was the drummer... my favourite 😉
First off…This was an impossible task…would take anyone a solid dedicated week to even begin to dissect this. Others have said it, but Jon Theodore was/is/will always be the best drummer TMV had. He grounded the beautiful chaos and made it less frantic and rushed than what is really pretty evident here. I’ve seen them live in the beginning, middle, and now bookended last year. Cedric sounds better than ever these days. Omar has always been amazing. The synergy of the first three TMV albums and touring can’t be touched because of Theodore.
well said
Man I think pridgeon was peak Volta
Theo was peak. He created all of this. Kept it in line. Meshed it all together. Both insane drummers but no comparison for mars for me.
Jon knew when to pull Omar back into the song. He controlled the changes like Bonham did, while Pridgeon follows Omar’s lead.
Guess there can be only one band leader.
And it was never going to be Jon.
Shame as they lost one of the best drummers to ever live.
No disrespect to Pridgeon as he also deserves to be playing for TMV.
All 3 had their greatness in TMV especially when they go hard. But John was the goat!
I am so stoked you did this and so happy that the recommender did not send you inertiatic ESP and sent this instead. One of the best live performances by them. I saw them live in 2022 and it was fucking great!
this is my 4th favorite video on all of youtube. I want you to do this for every mars volta live performance, please, and thank you, sir! :D
Man i wish there were more live performance reactions of this band, theyre pretty unbelievable (on cedrics good days lol)
Love the Juan Alderete days of Mars Volta, also happy to see that dude making such recovery ❤️
Yep, extremely stoked to see you do Volta!
Seeing them live in 2005 was one of the most amazing, mind-blowing concerts I've ever been to.
The mars volta albums are like one long song. It’s amazing. It’s all one big story kinda like Pink Floyd’s animals.
Their latest album is absolutely amazing in a totally different way than the chaos of their old stuff is
I thought it was the best album of 22!
All track times being normal, human being length was unexpected but I absolutely love the album (they have a self-titled now! haha)
I absolutely agree, it got a lot of bad reviews but I love it, really dig the acoustic album version they released as well.
Agree 100%. The Mars Volta, and the acoustic version they released this year, both great and totally different than anything they’d done before. Truly a legendary band.
yes! you get it, man! this is so beautiful to watch!
LMAO there's nothing better than watching a future volta head come to fruition. The sheer amazement is palpable lol.
The Mars Volta were the band that really opened my mind to progressive/experimental rock. They have 2 all-time great albums, De-Loused in the Comatorium and Frances the Mute, in my opinion. I don't quite understand why but this music is actually calming for me 😂. Hopefully you can check out some At the Drive-In in the future.
Also, Omar Rodríguez-López is a top 25 guitarist of all-time for me.
A little One Armed Scissor would be nice
It is very calming for me too. Like I'm floating in some weird dream.
Were? Have you listened to The Mars Volta album?
Same, but I would go with Frances and Bedlam.
Flawless album!!!! Jon Theodore kills the drums on the album!
Jon kills on everything he plays.
This was Thomas Pridgens...
@@brandonhumphreys7166 I know. That’s why I said on the album.
First you covered Opeth now Mars Volta! Sweet to see a guitarist with knowledge break down songs from artists I’ve always wanted break downs of that don’t get enough attention. Keep it going man, love your videos.
Everyone made fun of me when I fell in love with this band. Best reaction ever!
Michael, you gotta listen to the entire album De-Loused in the Comatorium, at least once. It's absolutely worth the listen. The Rick Rubin production and sound design transport you to another world. My favorite track has always been Cicatriz ESP.
I was lucky enough to see them in the Pridgen era, but Jon Theodore is still the GOAT in my eyes of all the Volta drummers.
you're not wrong... JT is THE MAN, but after seeing them recently with this new gal they have... holy crap did she kill it!!
Truth
"Imagine if everyone in a band took a solo at the same time. " Is how I usually describe classic TMV. I love that you reacted to this but this performance is one of the most spastic introductions ever for the band.
I just witnessed this song live a week ago in Salt Lake and man it wass amazing!!