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Rashikal View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 02 2006 at 21:04
=/ i wasnt using that to make him sound cool. 

anyway, he confuses people, so i give him thumbs up on that

listen to Hella
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 02 2006 at 22:53

omar is his own person, musically...i adore his songwriting skills and if you are a fan of TMV/ATDI or his solo stuff at all you'll find yoiurself amazed too or it would seem due to common sense. I think some people might be uncomfortable with him due to him being a little out there musically and personally...but i love him and his experimental style. He is a genious in my opinion, albeit sometimes a flawed genius, but all geniuses have flaws.

*PS about the all-minor key written flavors...he's moves to major keys a lot in ATDI and he throws in major chords all around de-loused and the mute. But i will say, due to the very nature of the music, I couldn't really picture TMV playing songs in major keys. Imagine TMV playing Gentle Giant...just doesn't work. I think TMV calls for minor/pentatonic keys, so that is what is used. I personally enjoy the darker sound...

I'm a reasonable man, get off my case
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matti meikäläin View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 06:53
i love he's guitar style, he has own style to play it. especially live hes notes sometimes go little bit wrong and sometimes too much jamming but all that matters to me are the albums de loused and frances and they are really great !! 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 08:01

Originally posted by 70sSoundquality 70sSoundquality wrote:

Originally posted by The Ryan The Ryan wrote:

Everytime I ask a local guitarist what they think of the Mars Volta's guitarwork they tend to say it's nothing special or it's disappointing. I wonder what this means in terms of the Mars Volta growing more of a fanbase (perhaps of actual musicians, not kids who listen to MTV), and also I'd like to hear someone try to recreate what Omar does - Never heard anyone.


Im just on a negative trail today. I will be as neat and clean about this as possible. The reason why Omar's guitar playing bothers me is because he doesn't have technique. As mainly a guitar player and a keyboard player, I know what it means to be able to solo well and to ALWAYS have licks up my sleeve, licks that ABSOLUTELY fit, and to be able to have these licks at any given time- no matter what set of notes a bassist throws to me. I do not feel safe with omar, I do not feel that he could keep up with disciplined musicians so I agree with the "nothing special" opinion.

See, this seems to be the problem - do you have to feel safe with a musician to consider his/her playing good? What I mean is, take John Petrucci - he's got his bag of combat-tested tricks and licks and you nearly always know where you stand with him. I love his playing, but this bag of his is quite limited, no doubt about it.  Now take Allan Holdsworth - many people don't get his music, it sounds unpredictable, but I'm pretty certain he has his own assortment of tricks, much wider than Petrucci's, and he can make use of those tricks in a much more creative way - hence the 'unpredictability'. I'm not implying that Omar is up there with Holdsworth, but I'm sure he's searching and trying to expand his arsenal. He isn't always finding, of course, but in the context of TMV's music, which seems to revolve around the concept of disintegration, even his mistakes and exaggerations sort of make sense, IMO.   

"In war there is no time to teach or learn Zen. Carry a strong stick. Bash your attackers." - Zen Master Ikkyu Sojun
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 08:09
It's strange. I too have asked guitarists (ranging from amateurs to professional) and while some of them do not necessarily like TMV, they all agree that he's a formidable guitarist.


What's yer faovrite album? =^_^=
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 08:13
Steve Vai is said to love Omar's playing. But then again, its seems differences in opinion are just as common among professional musicians/theoreticians of music, as they are among 'regular' listeners. Even when it comes to supposedly objective criteria like 'technique', for instance.  
"In war there is no time to teach or learn Zen. Carry a strong stick. Bash your attackers." - Zen Master Ikkyu Sojun
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 09:01
Originally posted by Manunkind Manunkind wrote:

Originally posted by 70sSoundquality 70sSoundquality wrote:

Originally posted by The Ryan The Ryan wrote:

Everytime I ask a local guitarist what they think of the Mars Volta's guitarwork they tend to say it's nothing special or it's disappointing. I wonder what this means in terms of the Mars Volta growing more of a fanbase (perhaps of actual musicians, not kids who listen to MTV), and also I'd like to hear someone try to recreate what Omar does - Never heard anyone.


Im just on a negative trail today. I will be as neat and clean about this as possible. The reason why Omar's guitar playing bothers me is because he doesn't have technique. As mainly a guitar player and a keyboard player, I know what it means to be able to solo well and to ALWAYS have licks up my sleeve, licks that ABSOLUTELY fit, and to be able to have these licks at any given time- no matter what set of notes a bassist throws to me. I do not feel safe with omar, I do not feel that he could keep up with disciplined musicians so I agree with the "nothing special" opinion.

See, this seems to be the problem - do you have to feel safe with a musician to consider his/her playing good? What I mean is, take John Petrucci - he's got his bag of combat-tested tricks and licks and you nearly always know where you stand with him. I love his playing, but this bag of his is quite limited, no doubt about it.  Now take Allan Holdsworth - many people don't get his music, it sounds unpredictable, but I'm pretty certain he has his own assortment of tricks, much wider than Petrucci's, and he can make use of those tricks in a much more creative way - hence the 'unpredictability'. I'm not implying that Omar is up there with Holdsworth, but I'm sure he's searching and trying to expand his arsenal. He isn't always finding, of course, but in the context of TMV's music, which seems to revolve around the concept of disintegration, even his mistakes and exaggerations sort of make sense, IMO.   

Luckily I never said my opinion, as I have not yet made up my opinion. Professional/amateur musician's opinions will not set my mind one way or the other.

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 09:04
pretty weird that metallica's lead guitarist said that omar is one of he's favourite players today and they have jammed together couple of times 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 09:07
Originally posted by The Ryan The Ryan wrote:

Originally posted by Manunkind Manunkind wrote:

Originally posted by 70sSoundquality 70sSoundquality wrote:

Originally posted by The Ryan The Ryan wrote:

Everytime I ask a local guitarist what they think of the Mars Volta's guitarwork they tend to say it's nothing special or it's disappointing. I wonder what this means in terms of the Mars Volta growing more of a fanbase (perhaps of actual musicians, not kids who listen to MTV), and also I'd like to hear someone try to recreate what Omar does - Never heard anyone.


Im just on a negative trail today. I will be as neat and clean about this as possible. The reason why Omar's guitar playing bothers me is because he doesn't have technique. As mainly a guitar player and a keyboard player, I know what it means to be able to solo well and to ALWAYS have licks up my sleeve, licks that ABSOLUTELY fit, and to be able to have these licks at any given time- no matter what set of notes a bassist throws to me. I do not feel safe with omar, I do not feel that he could keep up with disciplined musicians so I agree with the "nothing special" opinion.

See, this seems to be the problem - do you have to feel safe with a musician to consider his/her playing good? What I mean is, take John Petrucci - he's got his bag of combat-tested tricks and licks and you nearly always know where you stand with him. I love his playing, but this bag of his is quite limited, no doubt about it.  Now take Allan Holdsworth - many people don't get his music, it sounds unpredictable, but I'm pretty certain he has his own assortment of tricks, much wider than Petrucci's, and he can make use of those tricks in a much more creative way - hence the 'unpredictability'. I'm not implying that Omar is up there with Holdsworth, but I'm sure he's searching and trying to expand his arsenal. He isn't always finding, of course, but in the context of TMV's music, which seems to revolve around the concept of disintegration, even his mistakes and exaggerations sort of make sense, IMO.   

Luckily I never said my opinion, as I have not yet made up my opinion. Professional/amateur musician's opinions will not set my mind one way or the other.

+1

Although I like to learn other people's opinions on music and art in general, especially the opinions of artists themselves. They rarely influence my enjoyment, but they provide different perspectives, something I'm interested in.

"In war there is no time to teach or learn Zen. Carry a strong stick. Bash your attackers." - Zen Master Ikkyu Sojun
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 10:01
i think people are turned off by his very strange playing style because they dont know what to think of it! hey if steve vai likes it, he must be good!  but i enjoy his playing, and i am intrigued to purchase a solo album just to see more of his stuff.

listen to Hella
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 11:32

Petrucci can have all the techniques in the world but there's a thing he doesn't have: Feeling. And Omar has it all the time he plays at every concert.

 



Edited by Tholomyes
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 11:36
Originally posted by Tholomyes Tholomyes wrote:

Petrucci can have all the techniques in the world but there's a thing he doesn't have: Feeling. And Omar has it all the time he plays at every concert.

 

Ah yes, there's that subjective term again, worn meaningless from overuse.

"In war there is no time to teach or learn Zen. Carry a strong stick. Bash your attackers." - Zen Master Ikkyu Sojun
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 11:38
omar's guitar style i think combines the punk "just have fun" aspects with prog technical aspects of "how technical can i make this?"

its something new, and i enjoy it

listen to Hella
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 11:47
Originally posted by Manunkind Manunkind wrote:

Originally posted by Tholomyes Tholomyes wrote:

Petrucci can have all the techniques in the world but there's a thing he doesn't have: Feeling. And Omar has it all the time he plays at every concert.

 

Ah yes, there's that subjective term again, worn meaningless from overuse.

 really subjective...

but yes! ...but Omar still has that worn term in his veins.

 



Edited by Tholomyes
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 11:59
Originally posted by Tholomyes Tholomyes wrote:

Originally posted by Manunkind Manunkind wrote:

Originally posted by Tholomyes Tholomyes wrote:

Petrucci can have all the techniques in the world but there's a thing he doesn't have: Feeling. And Omar has it all the time he plays at every concert.

 

Ah yes, there's that subjective term again, worn meaningless from overuse.

 really subjective...

but yes! ...but Omar still has that worn term in his veins.

 

This is a thread on Omar, so I'm just going to say this - try to play a Petrucci solo, even a fast one, while having your muscles stiff (a prerequisite for 'emotionless' playing, as far as I understand) and doing your best to focus on nailing the solo. Good luck. Then try to play the same solo relaxed and not thinking of anything in particular. You'll get closer, but this is still not going to be it

As for Omar - not to dis him (I love his playing), but is he doing something really new? On the whole, his approach seems quite similar to 60/70s' psychadelic bands. Even the accusations of the opponents are similar - 'meandering', 'random cr*p' etc..

"In war there is no time to teach or learn Zen. Carry a strong stick. Bash your attackers." - Zen Master Ikkyu Sojun
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 18:14
i think he is a muscial genius. a TRUE artist.
i know that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so don't take this
personally, but the guy who said that it's a negative he can't write in
major...c'moooooonn, what the hell? maybe the stuff he's been through in
his life does not give him a major vibe. personally i can't really stand the
happy go lucky shizz...except yes, yes is always the exception.
he said a line that was perfect and exactly why the mars volta and he
should be on this site. i'm not going to find it, but if you look hard
enough, you can find the interview, but i got the gist. it made such an
impact on me. he said something along the lines of "i hate it when people
criticize the mars volta for changing. i mean we are a foward thinking
band. we can't limit our growth as muscians and we can only play what
we want to play." damn omar, you are my hero.
thats EXACTLY what progressive music, to me, is. its not about complex
time signatures, or intense solos, or 12 minute jams with an orchestra in
the background. it's about constantly progressing as a musician, as
an artist, and as a person. i can't wait to see what else omar can pull out
of his sleeve. cuz so far, overall, its GOOD!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 03 2006 at 18:29
Originally posted by 70sSoundquality 70sSoundquality wrote:


Im just on a negative trail today. I will be as neat and clean about
this as possible. The reason why Omar's guitar playing bothers me is
because he doesn't have technique. As mainly a guitar player and a
keyboard player, I know what it means to be able to solo well and to
ALWAYS have licks up my sleeve, licks that ABSOLUTELY fit, and to be
able to have these licks at any given time- no matter what set of notes
a bassist throws to me. I do not feel safe with omar, I do not feel
that he could keep up with disciplined musicians so I agree with the
"nothing special" opinion.


ok, after reading this, i have to post again. sigh...
i am 16 years old (not that it matters) and i have a pretty large group of
friends, some of them that don't hang out with the others, but we all are
friends because of mainly one subject; music.
we don't play in the school band or anything we play on our own merits
and our own terms. we jam alot. A LOT. it is seriously like going to my
friends house with my other friend, i grab my geetar, my friend grabs his,
another grabs the bass and the 4th grabs the drum sticks and literally,
the first riff played, or rythym, or whatever, starts us on our jam. we are
constantly learning from each other and playing off of each other. we
experiment with delay pedal on the recording (delaying the drums and
guitar) and with crazy effects all the time...highly influenced from omar.
now when someone says that they don't like omar, i can understand.
weird music to say the least. because he plays sloppy, well yeah i
suppose but that's his style, i suppose that could turn you off. but when
you say that you don't feel safe with him because he doesn't have a bag
of tricks ready to throw out cuz he's knows sounds good is just a
complete sheer example of closed mindeness and ignorance.
he likes to experiment, to grow. would you call john fruiscante an
undisciplined musician? would you call any of the mars volta
undisciplined musicians? they are all VERY accomplished muscicians. i
remember reading an interview with omar where he said their practice is
basically 5 or 6 hours of jamming sometimes. do you think he would be
content having a hundred licks and reusing them over and over again
because he knows they sound good? whats the point? sure he'll resuse
stuff because it fits, but wheres the PROGRESSION? sorry but your
reply bothered me a little because its a bit...non progressive. for me at
least. i view progressive...well i already said it in an earlier post in this
string. i could be totally wrong, this is just the vibe i was getting from
you, that you kind hang around the same thing...i could be wrong. let me
know if i am. but in the meantime, oooopppeeenn your mind. or don't
listen to me, either one works.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 04 2006 at 12:47
Originally posted by jtdotto jtdotto wrote:

ok, after reading this, i have to post again. sigh...
i am 16 years old (not that it matters) and i have a pretty large group of
friends, some of them that don't hang out with the others, but we all are
friends because of mainly one subject; music.
we don't play in the school band or anything we play on our own merits
and our own terms. we jam alot. A LOT. it is seriously like going to my
friends house with my other friend, i grab my geetar, my friend grabs his,
another grabs the bass and the 4th grabs the drum sticks and literally,
the first riff played, or rythym, or whatever, starts us on our jam. we are
constantly learning from each other and playing off of each other. we
experiment with delay pedal on the recording (delaying the drums and
guitar) and with crazy effects all the time...highly influenced from omar.
now when someone says that they don't like omar, i can understand.
weird music to say the least. because he plays sloppy, well yeah i
suppose but that's his style, i suppose that could turn you off. but when
you say that you don't feel safe with him because he doesn't have a bag
of tricks ready to throw out cuz he's knows sounds good is just a
complete sheer example of closed mindeness and ignorance.
he likes to experiment, to grow. would you call john fruiscante an
undisciplined musician? would you call any of the mars volta
undisciplined musicians? they are all VERY accomplished muscicians. i
remember reading an interview with omar where he said their practice is
basically 5 or 6 hours of jamming sometimes. do you think he would be
content having a hundred licks and reusing them over and over again
because he knows they sound good? whats the point? sure he'll resuse
stuff because it fits, but wheres the PROGRESSION? sorry but your
reply bothered me a little because its a bit...non progressive. for me at
least. i view progressive...well i already said it in an earlier post in this
string. i could be totally wrong, this is just the vibe i was getting from
you, that you kind hang around the same thing...i could be wrong. let me
know if i am. but in the meantime, oooopppeeenn your mind. or don't
listen to me, either one works.


Hey Im no old timer myself. Im close in age to you, instead of an old timer who disregards new simply because it is new! Well I just approach instruments differently than yourself. Its not all about having a bag of tricks, its about being talented, exceedingly gifted above and beyond "average". Ive already gotten past the experimental phase and would quite not like to listen to people noodle around how I did 5 years ago. Very unimpressive. There is a big difference in Pink Floyd experimental school of thought and the current (now held up by guys like omar and his band). The difference was the music in the 60s and 70s was high is spirits and energy, electro-mechanical rock and roll was new, and there was obviously huge competition amongst progressive acts (thus driving up the musicianship- to- composition ratio) where today, guys like Mars volta have it easy because no band is there to put them in their place. Of course you can get labels like "brilliant" and "genius" when every station is playing heavily calculated teen pop, but to me its just as bad.

Originally posted by jtdotto jtdotto wrote:

would you call john fruiscante an
undisciplined musician?


Sure absolutely
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Rashikal View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 04 2006 at 13:20
well since there ARE no other bands to put them in their place, or none that could, shouldnt we give them props for trying something new? i say yes. i dont know many other modern musicians who would even try to do the stuff that the mars volta does, not technically, but all around. other jam bands sure, but can jam bands make concept albums with a 20 page story behind it? doubtful. 

listen to Hella
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 04 2006 at 13:22
I love Omar Rodriguez's style for what it is. His style of playing reminds me a
lot of Fripp except that I feel Fripp is a much more versatile player. Fripp can
play the randomness style of Omar (though not jamming, he knows why he's
playing each note and in what key the notes correspond.) Fripp can also play
melody in major keys very well (Perfect example: Starless.) Fripp can also
play blues VERY well and can play a very impressive blues solo (see Peter
Gabriel 1: Waiting for the Big One.)

Omar is a great guitarist and could even be very versatile but just holds off
on playing those styles to maintain the style and sound of TMV.
One likes to believe
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless Compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity
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