DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

Mars Volta is without a doubt one of the most important artists of the 21st century's first decade. Their debut DELOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM must have been such a shocking blast when it first came out. I certainly understand why it gets such high ratings. However, I jumped on TMV train late, about the time of OCTAHEDRON, and in retrospect the debut is still very strong but no longer unique. It may be the best balanced of their albums, but doesn't match the full on batshit crazy of BEDLAM IN GOLIATH or the trippy melodicism of OCTAHEDRON.

The intro suite of "Son et Lumiere" and "Inertiatic ESP" at this point is nothing short of classic. I recently watched some videos of this song being performed live. The more recent ones are a little limp, with Cedric's performance being especially lackluster. But then I watched a clip from when the record was new. The energy was simply sizzling. Of all the live experiences I wish I could have had, the tour for this album has to rank up there. In fact, it was while watching those live clips that I came to appreciate just how phenomenal the Mars Volta musical package is.

Along with the supercharged grooves that are the band's trademark, this album also has the extended jams that harken back to Zepplin's live versions of "Dazed and Confused" or Pink Floyd's "Echoes." These (Cicatriz Esp, etc) are fun and interesting for the first few times through the album, and I'm sure live they'd be great live. On repeated listens, they're not as evocative. Similarly, alongside some iconic hooks including the opener and "Take the Cerpin Taxt," are some simply good melodies as on "Apparatus Must Be Unearthed."

Basically, I'm giving myself excuses for not giving this a 5 star rating. This album's iconic status comes as much from the fact that it was the first offering as its superiority in quality. Other works as just as good. "Televators" really does nothing for me when I've already digested OCTAHEDRON, for example. This is an excellent band and this is an excellent disc. It just isn't hitting that masterpiece nerve for me.

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