Talk:The Mars Volta

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[edit] Heroes (Tv Series) rips off The Widow music video

There is a character on Heroes who's eyes turn black and cries black goo when she performs her power. Her victims eyes also turn black but they don't cry black goo - they die. Is this a semi-direct rip off of the video? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.120.93.246 (talk) 17:28, 10 December 2007 (UTC)

I don't think tmv invented black goo tears. I also don't have any reason to believe the heroes writers knowingly ripped off the video. But who knows... Zopwx2 (talk) 01:03, 11 December 2007 (UTC)
If anything, Heroes ripped off The X-Files. This is more in the style of the extraterrestial black goo that appeared in the series rather than Volta's video. —Vanishdoom (talk) 01:22, 11 December 2007 (UTC)
Have you guys ever noticed that other groups of people seem to making this organised noise called "music" as well as the Mars Volta? Maybe they're ripping Omer off.
I kid, seriously though, I bet hundreds of people have done something like this in a video. Olliemilne (talk) 04:54, 11 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] New Info

[1]

This article contains a pretty in-depth retelling of the history of the band.

[edit] Where are they based?

Okay, i'm wondering where they are based and living. I know they're from El Paso but I have heard that currently they're based in Long Beach, which seems weird to me even thought Tremulant was recorded there. It would make sense for them to still be in El Paso but i'm not sure. I've also noticed someone keeps changing their origin to different areas.

The band started in long beach and I don't think any of them have lived or worked in el paso since before at the drive in broke up. And as far as I know excluding Omar the rest of the band lives in and around LA. Ikey is the only one I know for sure who lives in LB. Zopwx2 23:04, 2 May 2007 (UTC)
They moved to Long Beach after meeting up with Ikey to start DeFacto. They've been based there ever since. CanbekEsen 23:07, 2 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Timeline

So I just revamped the timeline! hooray. But If anyone would kindly give me exact dates of everyones joining and leaving the band, the timeline could be made more accurate. Zopwx2 05:08, 24 November 2006 (UTC)

There are specific reason I did the timeline the way I did and that's because other wise it's fugly and hard to read, I had it ordered in terms of instrument played and then had it coloured coded to distinguish it from one another and when they're palced directly on top of each other like this it's easy for comparison and telling what a certain lineup is at a certain time, now it's just this massive clump of unorganised mess, almost as bad as the Slayer one. You you plan to "revamp" the timeline make sure it's done well.

I was actually going to remove the timeline altogether becuase I didn't feel it was necessary, not to mention I thought the original was alot harder to read than the new one (massive and clumpy as it is). In addition it can't be that usefull considering its inaccuracy at the moment. Once we find more specific info it won't be a problem. Zopwx2 06:31, 24 November 2006 (UTC)
It's perfectly fine, you just need to start learning that this page isn't yours and you need to stop trying to put your own little mark on every piece of information inserted on to it. And if you can think of a way to better represent complete line ups of the past get rid of mine and go for it, just don't turn mine into a shit heap like before.
Could you do it without the rainbow of colors? Btw someone will yell at you for putting flea in there soon, just a heads up.Zopwx2 06:58, 24 November 2006 (UTC)
I was going to try and get more colours because without them it might be hard to distinguish between them, but if you've got a better colour scheme in mind go for it. Also for clarification, I'm fine with you editing it, I just want them to be improvements rather than crapping them up.
[2] , but then again I know jackshit about these charts and im not even sure if this even applies Zopwx2 07:01, 24 November 2006 (UTC)
Ok I changed them to cooler colours, what do you think?
Good job I like it. But won't it be hard to change to it later when we find more specific dates when its set up in the year format and not exact dates? Plus maybe we should drop flea to stay consistent with what was agreed upon in the Guest musicians section? Zopwx2 07:27, 24 November 2006 (UTC)
The Years are done in decimal places so I'm sure it can be worked out, and I put flea there just for the sake of not having white space, if you feel he shouldn't be there than we can take him out.
I don't mind, but I know some other people will considering they didn't appreciate it when I left flea/frusciante in as members. Zopwx2 07:40, 24 November 2006 (UTC)
Actually, now thinking about it I think he should be removed just because I've got him down until June just because thats when De-Loused came out but Juan was playing with the band since April/Earlier.

Exact dates (so far):

  • JMWard 2001 - May 25, 2003
  • Pablo May 24, 2005
  • Blake - July 28th, 2006
  • Deantoni - October 27th, 2006
Omar has also stated in interviews that Blake was in the band for a month before being kicked out in the beginning who formed in June 2001.

Could someone update the timeline and reinsert it? I couldn't figure it out:

[edit] Timeline


It's completely fixed now but some asshole removed it, please don't

STOP removing the timeline. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 124.183.253.203 (talk) 10:28, 30 January 2007 (UTC).
Jesus Christ I don't know what happened to the timeline this time but what were they thinking? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 124.183.249.71 (talk) 11:39, 14 March 2007 (UTC).

I (cgilbert) am responsible for the new alternate version of the timeline shown below:

[edit] Member Timeline

I think that this version of the timeline is easier to read and gives more information in the way of the instruments that each musician plays. Perhaps we could have a vote from all the editors of this article as to which timeline they like more, and perhaps that will settle the issue. If you like the original condensed timeline vote for "original"; if you like the alternate expanded version of the timeline vote for "alternate". Thank you - cgilbert(talk|contribs) 13:39, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

Regardless of which one we end up using, I think the original needs to have marcel join a bit later, becuase I can't recall him playing with the band until after juan joined. Although I could be wrong Zopwx2 18:19, 16 March 2007 (UTC)
Well I do remember seeing pictures of Marcel playing along side Ralph Jasso but I put 2002 in as a join date because I seem to remember that year being mentioned by Omar in an interview.
  • alternate - cgilbert(talk|contribs) 13:39, 16 March 2007 (UTC)
  • Original 60.229.33.127 03:14, 17 March 2007 (UTC) (Dude who made the original, no account)


- I don't know about anyone else, but I find it quite annoying that the timeline stretches my page. Would it not be possible to make a timeline which begins when the band was formed? That empty space at the start seems to be one reason why it stretches the the page. I dunno if this is possible, but the screen stretching just seems very untidy. Just a thought. Olliemilne 03:31, 1 April 2007 (UTC)

It doesn't stretch my screen, but I'm at a pretty high resolution. I never thought about it, I guess someone smarter than me could figure out a way to make it smaller. If not you could just take it out temporarily.Zopwx2 05:34, 1 April 2007 (UTC)
-I'm cool with leaving it in because I think its one of the better parts of the article, but I'm running at 1024x768 which I believe is the "standard" or minimum resolution these days, so a lot of people will be seeing it stretched. If theres anyone out there who can fix or modify the timeline, post a version of it here and we'll have a vote on it or something, thanks! Olliemilne 17:25, 1 April 2007 (UTC)

- Can someone please explain Jason Lader's presence on the timeline (for Sound). As far as I know he was only on one studio track. So if that qualifies him for this category then why are people like Lenny Castro, Larry Harlow and Sara Gross missing? War machine09 04:03, 21 July 2007 (UTC)

I'm personally not a fan of the timeline at all, it's pretty innacurate, but some people seem to like it. If no one defends him feel free to remove jason from the sound category. Zopwx2 04:40, 21 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] GUEST MUSCIANS

Should people who guested on volta albums be considered members?

i.e. Sara Gross, and the televators bass dude. They are mentioned on each album article, but they don't need to be in the members sections. Only people who've played live with them or played a significant role on the albums.

They are quite signigant parts, there are MANY more artists that were left out because they wern't significant.

yeah but then we end up with this giant list of muscians in the members section, we might as well list the tuba player from frances and teh coqui frogs as members. Zopwx2 04:48, 21 October 2006 (UTC)
no, those aren't significant and hence, were left out.
But they aren't really members of the band per se. TMI really... just relocate all that stuff to their respective album pages. Zopwx2 05:25, 21 October 2006 (UTC)


Ok lets start over. I'm not discriminating against these other people becuase they're not famous, the only reason I left John F and Flea in, is because they played such integral roles in the albums. Bass on an entire album, and the fact that FRusc played as much if not more a role on amp than omar is what qualifies them to be in the members list. Not becuase they are famous. I also LEFT IN people like jasso becuase even though they did not play significant roles, or are famous, they were technically members of the band. But someone like Larry Harlow, an accomplished salsa muscian, was never part of the band, he certainly contributed to L'via but I don't think he belongs in the list. Zopwx2 16:23, 22 October 2006 (UTC)

Jason Lader: Sound manip on one B-side song qualifies him as member? no

Sara Christina Gross from Radio vago played on one track only.

Justin Meldel Johson Stand up bass on one track.

ETC

And the specific song info isn't necessary for the other members, its detailed in each album article.

Lenny Castro did percussion for two entire albums. Also you say Jason Lader isnt counted as a member when you've edited him yourself in the bass section. Explain that one.

I think Jason and Jasso belong in the section as bassists becuase they toured live with the band, but things like sound manipulation on one song, or additional percussion as a guest on an album doesn't necessarily qualify them to be in this particular section of this article. It doesn't mean they're being erased from existence, they are still mentioned on each album page under the contributing artists sections. The way the article stands now is fine. The members section emphasizes live members and not just everyone who has worked with the band.Zopwx2 05:45, 23 October 2006 (UTC)

So that's JF and Flea out. JF is a GUEST guitarist on two albums and GUEST synth on another and Flea played Bass for 9 tracks of one album and never played a live date.

wtvrman Zopwx2 01:53, 24 October 2006 (UTC)

But john frusciante played the guitar on all of the tracks on Amputechture excluding Asilos Magdelena? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ledzeppelin1 (talk • contribs) 02:17, 8 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Amp cover art

http://www.juxtapoz.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=321&Itemid=50

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:GSL126_cover_temp_461.jpg


[edit] Omar's bid to kill the mythical dragon

Is this crap totally necessary in this article???

[edit] new info

http://www.thecomatorium.com/board/index.php?showtopic=50722

[edit] Tremulant

Someone needs to rework the the description of the Tremulant EP at the end of the begning section, its not very encyclopedic.

[edit] Currently

The band is currently in the process of recording their third album. John Frusciante is said to be involved once again, and this time in a much larger capacity.

i did not want to change this until i was sure but i just read an interview where Cedric said they would be using little or no other people and Omar has said: "this album will be much closer to the real volta"

Check the date, that interview might be refering to Frances. Zopwx2 19:44, 20 January 2006 (UTC)
can you provide a link to this interview?Leo Collin 07:49, 21 January 2006 (UTC)
I read that John Frusciante would be helping not in the creative process, but the interview said something like he's been helping out in the studio playing with omar to see how different things sound

[edit] Images

This article needs more images.

Huge source of pictures

Here is the logo if anyone wants to work it in: Image:Marsvoltalogo.jpg

[edit] Drugs

There's a lot of drug references in the article, which I wasn't sure what I thought of. In a way, they almost seem a bit editorializing, and not focusing on the facts of what the band actually does. However, I didn't want to remove the drug discussion...if that is a fair thing to mention with regards to the band, I'm all for keeping it in, but I don't know the band well enough to make that call. Does anybody have an opinion on this, or information they can point to that discusses the band's drug usage? EvilPhoenix

I thought exactly the same thing. I've only heard vague references about the band using drugs, not any explicit statements citing that the band ever did or does endorse marijuana or any other illegal drug. Although many of their "characters" like Cerpin Taxt abuse drugs, this does not mean that they necessarily follow suit. I think these drug references should be removed until we have a more objective view of this situation. (As an aside, I should like to point out that I don't really care if TMV does or doesn't do drugs; I just don't want to misrepresent them here.) Cassius987

Alright, I am going to remove the drug references that seem somewhat POV, in my mind. If anyone objects to that edit, please discuss it here. EvilPhoenix 18:29, May 19, 2005 (UTC)

I think that EvilPhoenix's edit was definitely the right move since the band is supposedly clean right now (minus marijuana use by Omar, for its "songwriting enhancing" properties). Matterson52

Actually, it's a well known fact both of the guys freebase cocaine. They've even commented saying it's helped them very much with their music. 153.104.16.114 15:11, 1 December 2005 (UTC)

Can you provide evidence that asserts this? Saying somethings a "well known fact" isn't really enough, we have to be able to back it up with evidence. Ëvilphoenix Burn! 18:56, 4 December 2005 (UTC)

ok, here is my anonymous two cents on this.

http://www.goldstandardlabs.com/press_clips_bands/mars_volta/marsvolta_press.html#

in summary, cedric says he has "been clean for three years" (in last column) buuuut he claims he gets high just to change his perspective, but only after playing.

Actually, that is what Omar said (about getting high).

Another thing is that i know for a fact that they used to do drugs, they used to do it all of the time untill one of their friends died, which the first album is about, he shot up with rat posin, and because of it his arm got messed up. They called him Frankenstein. Weather or not they still use drugs i dont know, but i do know that they used to.(It was up a long time ago on their website and the story behind the first album.)

Still another fact, i have a quote from an interview. It backs the statement above with the death of a good friend from an overdose. "...diary discovered by former Volta bandmate Jeremy Ward while he was employed as a repo man. Before Ward's 2003 death from an apparent overdose, he took it upon himself to finish..." The rest of the article can be found here. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1537073/20060725/mars_volta.jhtml?headlines=true

NOVEMBER 2006 ISSUE OF HARP: OMAR AND CEDRIC CLEARLY STATE THEY SMOKED CRACK AND SHOT HEROIN FOR CREATIVE PURPOSES. STATED THEY WERE NOT STEREOTYPICAL "USERS" AS THEY GOT HIGH AND STAYED HOME AND PAINTED AND CREATED MUSIC. VERIFIED THAT THEY RE-EVALUATED THEIR DRUG USE AFTER THE DEATH OF WARD AND THE SUCCESS OF THE BAND CAME AFTER THEY GOT "CLEAN" -- OMAR SAYS HE CURRENTLY DOES NOT USE ALCOHOL, CAFFEINE OR SUGAR. GREAT ARTICLE: http://harpmagazine.com/articles/detail.cfm?article_id=4807 -- KRYSSTOFFER RODRIGUEZ-LOPEZ

[edit] Punk Rock...

I'm not sure about my classification of Mars Volta as punk rock, but it's the closest thing I could think of. - CrazyCanuck

I'd say they are a primarily Progressive Rock band instead of Punk Rock..


i saw the mars volta at the filmore last year in SF, and hands down it was the best show ive ever been to. JoeSmack (talk)

I dont agree with the punk rock theory I believe Mars Volta has made up a completely new style of musical entertainment. Therefore I'm just gonna call it bada$$.----fan

If you read any interview about The Mars Volta, speaking about their 'style', they specifically say that they are a form of Punk Rock. (Punk Rock is not based on sound, or style) They are The Mars Volta, leave it at that. They make what they like (which is what music is all about, not style, or fitting into any catagory) - Another Fan

Of course punk rock is based on sound. It doesn't matter what the band says. If they call themselves folk we wouldn't classify them as folk. The classification is to tell people what they sound like. --Macarion 21:28, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

I believe they are classified as Progressive/Psychedelic and Latin Jazz.

Definitely not punk rock. --83.245.209.13 14:58, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Fix

Fixed the information about Jeremy, mainly just cleaning / polishing it (and fixing the spelling of Inertiatic from "Intertiatic".


Added information about L'via.

[edit] Major Revision

[edit] Cleaning Service

Good, it's up for cleaning. Now perhaps some work will get done. Crtrue


[edit] New Tour Info

I put up that they were touring with SOAD "in Europe beginning May 27th" and someone took it down to replace it with "in the USA" which is just plain wrong. Please dont change it back again.

THE MARS VOLTA BY CHRISTIAN

i do not know them yet but i'm starting to get interested in them bit by bit i hear from a friend called MATT that they are good , we do both muck about sometimes like me saying there crap or that matt prooving a point about john frusciante being in the mars volta band. And i believe that it is true that he actually played in the band . so i think it's good that they have played with the chili's on tour and the john frusciante who made de-loused by the commatorium

(i think they're great)

christian

[edit] Image:MARS VOLTA3.jpg has been listed for deletion

An image or media file that you uploaded, Image:MARS VOLTA3.jpg, has been listed at Wikipedia:Images and media for deletion. Please look there to see why this is (you may have to search for the title of the image to find its entry), if you are interested in it not being deleted. Thank you.

[edit] Intro song?

"The music sample that The Mars Volta use to introduce their live shows is the title theme to the film A Fistful of Dollars, composed by Ennio Morricone."

I was always under the impression they were using The extacy of gold, which is from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

no Zopwx2 03:35, 11 February 2006 (UTC)


Yeah, it's definetly Fistfull of dollars, although the extro music lately has been the dr. who theme. The Guilty Undertaker 02:55, 27 July 2006


It says that they used the theme from Clockwork Orange. though I'm not sure what is meant by the theme, I think you are refering to Purcell's Piece composed for the funral of Queen Anne (or so I think). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.127.27.188 (talk) 09:49, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Suggestion

Maybe the topic should be locked so nobody can edit it due to the recent vandalism around it. Can 12:43, 28 February 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Regarding Studio Habits

I think it's somewhat erroneous to claim that "only the best trained studio musicians" are able to play simply to the beat of a metronome. Though it is indeed more common to record an individual part over a recording of a full band, recording to just a click track is by no means unheard of, or particularly virtuosic. Thanks. TSBeebout 17:11, 1 March 2006 (UTC)


Actually, I find this whole sentence (which was edited yesterday): "This is not any indication that the other members of the band lack anything musically or creatively - instead, quite the contrary, as the musicians recorded to the pulse of a metronome." To be kind of unnecesary. I could be wrong but is it actually necessary to defend the fact that omar wrote everything? I just think the article would be better with this entire sentence removed, or we could just change it to state that in order to record the album the members had to record with a metronome or something... rather than have that whole "defend their musical honor" twist it has now... Alexhack 7 April 2006

[edit] Why Mudvayne?

At the beginning of the "Live at the Electric Ballroom" concert video, Cedric says "Hello. We're Mudvayne." Does anyone have any idea why? I don't think they opened for TMV because the Electric Ballroom concert took place during their first album, and Mudvayne was a well-established band during that time. Either way, both of them are bands that have since gone to pot, but it just struck me as curious. sitinthechair 12 April 2006

I'm pretty sure it was probably a joke. Zopwx2 06:19, 13 April 2006 (UTC)
Obviously, but I was wondering if anybody had any idea what context the joke was in. sitinthechair 13 April 2006
Omar during an interview was having the line up to the Big Day Out read to him and he professed his distatste for Mudvaye. So I joke I guess.
Makes sense. Thanks. sitinthechair 29 April 2006
  • I thought he says "Hello, we're Mars thing" LIllIi 23:08, 2 January 2007 (UTC)
I assumed it was because of M(ars) V(olta) and M(ud) V(ayne). 88.108.71.164 01:18, 4 February 2007 (UTC)
Its pretty much because Omar said he hated Mudvayne. He definitely said Mudvayne, and thats the reason! Anything else sounds like a conspiracy theory almost. "I thought it was because they both have 9 letters!" Olliemilne 05:15, 4 February 2007 (UTC)
In general, I believe both Cedric and Omar hate Mudvayne (which I think is possibly because of what happened at the '01 BDO). In an interview leading up to the '06 Big Day Out, Omar was asked what he thought of the other bands on the bill - he said he looking forward to catching The Stooges and then simply said "Oh God..." when asked about Mudvayne. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 203.129.150.75 (talk) 03:23, 2 April 2007 (UTC).
-Yeah, its established now that that is the reason he said that, mudvayne suck. Maybe someone could find out what interview this was so we can source it. Olliemilne 04:04, 2 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Syntax

The syntax on this page is horrible. The sentences often feel awkward, particularly in the description of the band's origins. We need a good writer to go through and re-write a lot of these sentences. --128.205.191.62 00:09, 4 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Where's the book?

Does anyone know where to find the storybook about Cerpin Taxt mentioned in the "De-Loused" section?

Here. Can 14:35, 6 May 2006 (UTC)

Thanks. Good book.

Hey, that link has become a bit '404' if you know what i mean, anyone else got a valid link for a pdf of the book? (218.215.138.170 23:31, 17 March 2007 (UTC))

[edit] Paul's Arrival

Somebody just changed Paul's date from 2005 to 2003, saying that he joined right after Ward's death. I know the announcement was not until 2005, and I'm pretty sure no band who is touring would wait two years to announce that a member left (Sparta). Does anyone have a reference for the year 2003? Matterson52 14:43, 12 May 2006 (UTC)

-He started in 2003, filling in for the rest of the tour, and none in 2004 but his first official show (That is appeared on stage as a band member) was June 2nd 2005, but he has been playing with them as early as July 1st 2003.

Why the hell is he listed as pablo on their albums? The Guilty Undertaker 15:00, 27 July 2006

[edit] History/The beginning

Ends with "Tremulant was a collection of three"... three...? -- PS: I really love this band and look forward to their new album. Ran J. 16:53, 25 May 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Updates

I made a few updates regarding the 2006 tour, 2007 tour and the meaning of the mars volta. All this can be verified through a radio interview on August 22nd, 2006 by FM949 in San Diego. Omar mentions a ton of information so I will update as I find nessacary. You can find a link to the interview on thecomatorium.com/board


A source is needed for the switch magazine, otherwise it will be removed. Soon. You can find the san diego interview here, which was originally listed as a source for the fourth alblum, but somebody deleted it and added switch magaizine yet gave no source.

http://www.thecomatorium.com/board/index.php?showtopic=65901&hl=san+diego

Time to update the pic since Jon is not in the band anymore -- Krysstoffer Rodriguez-Lopez

It's the only decent pic of the band that isn't just Omar and Cedric, so for now its ok. Zopwx2 02:35, 19 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] POV?

"Although it's innovative, Amputechture is trying to emulate the glory of such greats such as King Crimson and Yes, but falling way behind track according to some critics. Although new for some people, others see it as a copy or ripp off from the real greats of progressive music, nothing new for those who saw those great bands in the past. Amputechture is nothing to be that impressed about, unless you are ignorant in real progressive rock." Pure POV shite. I'm not the least bit indignant because I'm a fan (alright, maybe I am).

Besides being poorly written, its POV to the max and therefore was removed. Zopwx2 03:35, 20 October 2006 (UTC)


[edit] "Glue Manager & Blade Server?"

I noticed this when it was added to the "mars volta group" section and didn't think it made any sense, but decided to wait and see if someone else removed it. I don't exactly know what a glue manager is, forgive my ignorance, but my first thought on seeing it was that it was some allusion to glue sniffing and drugs or whatever. If someone can tell me what a glue manager is and confirm that this guy is indeed the band's personal advisor on all things glue related, then that's cool, but if not then it should be removed.

I couldn't tell if it was vandalism myself eitherZopwx2 19:53, 23 November 2006 (UTC)
-Okay, I finally removed this. I noticed that now there is a "blade server" as well, and I'll do the same again - give someone ample time to explain what one even is and provide a source that this guy is the band's fulfiller of this role. I've a feeling the result will be the same this time though. I can't help but feel someone somewhere is laughing at the fact we're discussing some sort of inside joke :/ Olliemilne 23:08, 16 December 2006 (UTC)
-Ok, that seems long enough, I'm removing this. Although I actually found out what a blade server is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_server - However I can't really see how this relates to a live band's tech crew, my only guess is they use it to record live shows straight to a hard drive? However, if you can explain all this, please do so here and re-add it to the article.
I think it was a crappy attempt at suggesting they self-harm. Positively hilarious.
Nah, I think it was related to the link I posted above, but it makes no sense, nor does a glue manager. Oh well, I got rid of it like 6 months ago and we never had a problem with it again. Olliemilne 12:01, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Links

I am adding back the link to the Comatorium website, removed by JoeSmack, as this is linked to from the Mars Volta's official site as being their official forum. --Lakerdonald 01:49, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

technically the mypsace is official too, but wtvr. Zopwx2 08:52, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
iawtc --Lakerdonald 17:25, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
I think we should leave it be now, what say you? --Lakerdonald 18:59, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] That picture on the page...

Is, to be honest, horrible. You can't really see the darn people. Should we try and find a better one? Dieter Weber 04:18, 14 January 2007 (UTC)

I'm open to suggestions for new pics. Unfortunately there exists approximately zero pictures of the whole band. In terms clear non-live shots the best we can do are ones that include band members who have left and/or are missing additional band members. At least there are individual pics of each bandmember on their own bio pages. And if it's any consolation this one at least gives people a taste of what their live shows look like... Zopwx2 08:55, 14 January 2007 (UTC)
Yeah, you're right. I suppose I'll just have to deal with it. xD It's no big deal, I was just thinking it'd be better if we could see their faces. C'est la vie. Maybe something will come up later. Dieter Weber 20:55, 14 January 2007 (UTC)

==I have this pic in my photobucket -- very recent and clearly every band member -- if u wanna use it -- http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/matrixjunkie/marsvoltagroup.png -- Krysstoffer Rodriguez-Lopez

-Err, I vote against this, it has some writing on, and a load of random people who aren't in the band, plus its too "wacky." Taken from someone's sig on the comatorium in fact I think its Zopwx2s! Not suitable as the main pic though —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Olliemilne (talk • contribs) 15:14, 16 January 2007 (UTC).
Yah I was the one who made that pic. But I'm against using it for several reasons. First and foremost it is a private photo stolen from someones myspace/photobucket. Also it includes several non-members and paul is missing. Zopwx2 01:45, 17 January 2007 (UTC)

<<at minimum there should be a pic where you can actually see the members -- and since this page is for "The Mars Volta" (which is Omar and Cedric) and not "The Mars Volta Group" a pic of Omar and Cedric should be fine -- but i'm sure the fanatics wont agree with that - trying to find a pic of the Mars Volta Group is going to be impossible -- like there are ever going to be over a dozen members in the same room at the same time for a photo.

"fanatic" or not I vote against a picture of just omar and cedric. Zopwx2 17:20, 17 January 2007 (UTC)
Yeah, this page is about the band and history and works of that band. Up until amputechture (the majority of the band's existence) the mars volta did include everyone else in the band. If people want pictures and info about cedric and omar, they'll go to their respective pages. I think its fine as it is now. It kind of points out the scale of a mars volta live show. although there may be some better wide shots of the whole band out there somewhere, its all good for now. Olliemilne 18:03, 17 January 2007 (UTC)
-Whoever keeps editing the photo needs to chill out, regardless of what the liner notes for amp say, people do not consider just cedric and omar to be "the mars volta". don't bring that "mars volta group" nonsense into it either. Olliemilne 05:46, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

Plus they are inserting the image wrong, not to mention "OmarCedric1.jpg" doesn't even exist. Zopwx2 08:18, 25 January 2007 (UTC)

mars volta group nonsense -- FAN-A-TIC

- Is this supposed to be an insult aimed at me, Mr/Mrs 68.15.42.20? If I'm a fanatic you're an Omar/Cedric fanboy, an even worse thing to be. For the majority of their career, The Mars Volta has meant the entire group. It says on several albums, "The Mars Volta is: *all members*. Only since Amputechture has the mars volta group existed. So it hasn't always been like this or anything, its a recent development and it'd be confusing for people unfamilar with the band to see just two people and the information that the mars volta is just two people. What about all the other instruments? etc. They rest of the band isn't exactly a rotating array of session musicians (except the drummers it seems, hopefully not a sign of things to come), each person has a history with the group. Maybe in the future there will end up being this never ending rotating of members, sort of like Frank Zappa's band, who turned from the Mothers of Invention to just Frank Zappa, with different musicians on every tour, almost. In that case a photo of just cedric and omar would be more suitable. But as this is a recent development, a photo of all the members makes more sense. The whole Mars Volta group thing isn't mentioned in the article anymore, maybe it should be if someone can write it in in a neutral way. Just mention the fact that this is a new development, compared to DITC and FTM when every member was listed as the Mars Volta, not how its good becoz omer writes everyfing/bad becoz omar sux.
So in conclusion, there are my reasons for why I think the photo of everyone should stay. If 68.15.42.20 wants to post why they think it should be just Omar and Cedric, then post it here. Let's have a lively debate! Don't just turn to anonymous personal attacks because you didn't get your own way. Thanks. Olliemilne 21:18, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] New Drummer

Although the rumor is that Thomas Pridgen is going to be the new drummer, I think we should hold off on adding him in until it becomes offical and/or we see him on stage again. Zopwx2 00:55, 21 January 2007 (UTC)

well pridgen himself now says that he is the new drummer. Zopwx2 04:22, 21 January 2007 (UTC)
Can someone reference that? --oKtosiTe talk 17:14, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
-You want a reference that hes the new drummer? Hes been it for months now. How about www.myspace.com/themarsvolta - pridgen is listed as a member. They havent updated the website in a while and the comatorium has no contact with the band or management anymore, so thats the only source I can find. Hes also in videos, pictures, etc. He is the drummer for the band, no question. Olliemilne 17:36, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
I guess I should have read into it a little more (and looked at the comment's date) before posting that... Cheers! --oKtosiTe talk 18:16, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
-Haha no worries, I figured you'd missed the dates of the comments. But those few months were a pretty confusing time regarding drummers so its easy to get confused. Olliemilne 19:23, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Fourth Album section

Right, this is getting silly, people are reverting it daily. Some info in that box is correct, other parts are not. But where is the source to say the album comes out on april 24th? I suppose its called "a paradox ivory" too? I call bullshit. So, I'm removing this section until a compromise can be reached on it. Please post your thoughts on this section, which is currently as follows:

"In an interview for San Diego's FM 94.9 Omar Rodriguez-Lopez stated that he was halfway done with the recording of the fourth album, will begin mixing it in January, and resume touring in February. However, due to inconsistency with drummers, the band has pushed tour dates back until March. He also stated that a DVD about the band, which will document the band's entire history, is in the works."

The 94.9 thingy is unsourced. They're touring in march, not february. As far as we know there is no release date or title for the album, or at least no source. Seeing marcel on the street doesnt count unfortunately. So, thoughts? Olliemilne 17:50, 11 February 2007 (UTC)

How about we wait until we have a good, solid source on this? We don't need to rush to say they have a new album, especially when we don't actually know if they do. Leave the Fourth Album section removed until we get a source... >.< Stop the War in Uganda! 18:13, 11 February 2007 (UTC)

-Sounds good to me. They're obviously going to do another album so I don't think people need to be told that its coming at some point in the future. I bet it will be readded at some point though. Olliemilne 20:22, 11 February 2007 (UTC)
-Yes, I know, they will have a forth album. But there really is no need for a big rush. Stop the War in Uganda! 21:27, 11 February 2007 (UTC)
Technically everything in that 94.9 paragraph is true, it even mentions them pushing back the tour. But its not big loss if we just leave it out. Also paradox ivory = complete bs. Zopwx2 23:29, 11 February 2007 (UTC)
-Right you are, I should read things more carefully! I think the wording confused me, "and will begin touring in February" makes it seem like it was definitely happening. I know for a fact that the DVD is coming, because there was that thread on the coma where you could ask them a question and they'd answer it. I wonder if that'll happen? probably not. So let's just leave it off, unless someone has any major reason for putting it back on (mr paradox ivory, your reason is not valid.) Olliemilne 00:06, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Cryptic lyrics?

At 04:52, April 11, 2007, 71.91.69.249 talk "removed "cryptic lyrics" as it's 100% opinion, not an actual fact; nor are they "known for it."
What do you think? --oKtosiTe talk 17:13, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

-Cedric's lyrics are always rather obtuse and difficult to understand so I think thats a fair comment to make myself. I think you can argue that they are known for it somewhat, but omg ther iz no sauce. So we'll have to come to an agreement amongst ourselves over whether its true. I don't actually think the article loses anything by not having this sentence in, but I'm cool with putting it back, if someone wants to, or comment on this. Perhaps the person who removed it would like to say why (yeah thats going to happen) Olliemilne 17:40, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
I would describe their lyrics as cryptic. A reply seems unlikely... --oKtosiTe talk 18:08, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
This is the person who edited it, and I have no idea so I'm just assuming this is how I reply. How is there even a question of this not being opinion? If I said they are a "horrible rock band and their lyrics are known for being crap" would this be allowed? Anyway, cryptic is, as they say, in the eye of the beholder. I was just making it more correct I guess.**

Yeah this is what we mean by replying, thanks for doing so! You're right in saying that the lyrics being "cryptic" is in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps instead, it should read something like "lyrics which are difficult to interpret" or "can be interpreted in multiple ways". You can't honestly say that "the kiosk in my temporal lobe is shaped like rosalyn carter" makes perfect sense to you? You can interpret it as a metaphor, but as a logical statement its impossible, there can be no kiosk in cedric's temporal lobe. I realise metaphors are pretty much a cornerstone of the english language but cedrics are so strange in their imagery I really think it deserves a mention. Its a highly nonsensical statement, metaphorical or not. see also "ecto mimed bison", "talons scratch my suite" (sic), etc etc. Cedric's lyrics are so difficult to decipher and so open to interpretation that the comatorium has an entire subforum dedicated to working out what the songs actually mean. This doesn't happen with every band, its pretty clear to me that say, "I wanna rock" by Twisted Sister is about well, wanting to rock. I dunno why I chose that song or band, but you get my meaning. I think that some mention of cedric's lyrical style should be made. "cryptic" suits it reasonably well I think, it means "having hidden meaning"; exactly what cedrics lyrics are. It can also mean "of an obscure nature", also fitting. It seems like the perfect word almost. What do you think? Olliemilne 04:28, 13 April 2007 (UTC)

I'm not too worried about mentioning cryptic lyrics, becuase they pretty much admit to emphasizing singing with feeling or somethign that sounds good over any specific meanings. Zopwx2 04:59, 13 April 2007 (UTC)


[edit] John Fruciante

If you look in the Amputechture booklet, it lists John Fruciante as a member of The Mars Volta. Since he did a lot of work with The Mars Volta on Tremulant, Deloused, and Frances the Mute, should we list him under the members list? Thudunder 02:00, 20 April 2007 (UTC)

here Zopwx2 02:28, 20 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Languages

Can it be mentioned in the article what languages they sing in? Badagnani 04:25, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

So, English and Spanish? It's mentioned on Cedric's article that he uses bilingual lyrics, if you can slot it in somewhere go for it, although I don't really feel it's very necessary to the article and people may just remove it. Olliemilne 19:39, 21 May 2007 (UTC)

not really neccicary, he only ever sings in English or Épanol . —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ledzeppelin1 (talk • contribs) 00:06, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Unspecified source for Image:A missing chromosome - 2005 - front.jpg.jpg

I found Image:A missing chromosome - 2005 - front.jpg.jpg and noticed that the file's description page currently doesn't specify who created the content, so the copyright status is unclear. Someone will need to specify the owner of the copyright. If it was obtained it from a website, then a link to the website from which it was taken, together with a restatement of that website's terms of use of its content, is usually sufficient information. However, if the copyright holder is different from the website's publisher, then their copyright should also be acknowledged.

As well as adding the source, please add a proper copyright licensing tag if the file doesn't have one already. If you created/took the picture, audio, or video then the {{GFDL-self-no-disclaimers}} tag can be used to release it under the GFDL. If you believe the media meets the criteria at Wikipedia:Fair use, use a tag such as {{non-free fair use in|article name}} or one of the other tags listed at Wikipedia:Image copyright tags#Fair use. See Wikipedia:Image copyright tags for the full list of copyright tags that you can use.

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Betacommand (talk • contribs • Bot) 05:03, 25 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:A missing chromosome - 2005 - front.jpg.jpg

Image:A missing chromosome - 2005 - front.jpg.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in Wikipedia articles constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale.

If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.Betacommand (talk • contribs • Bot) 05:03, 25 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] BiG release date

The most recent thing about the release date was fall of 07. Someone mentioned something about universal giving aug 27th or something. Anyone have a link to the universal source? Zopwx2 18:12, 16 June 2007 (UTC)

dude are you for real... Zopwx2 00:09, 17 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Neo-Psychedelia

Ok, I looked at the article for neo-psychedelia and still have little to no clue what it is or how tmv are neo-psych. I looked at the list of bands who fall under the genre, and they range from the Butthole Surfers to the Screaming Trees. Both of which sound little like The Mars Volta. So yeah, if someone could clarify it for me, that'd be cool. Razorhead July 29, 2007 89.241.164.24 22:46, 10 August 2007 (UTC) –––––––––-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

[edit] a missing chromosone info?

what happened to the missing chromosone section, it was a definite album with a definite set of songs, whether or not it was ever released to the public, and whether or not it was b sides and rarities.

also, it would be good to mention that a plague apon your hissing, (from a missing chromosone) became the lyrical base for day of the Baphomets, as for trivia.

its like they dont want us to know about it,

its only referenced slightly on the net,

any info?

It's legititamcy came into question. Not to mention it was only a radio promo, and promos dont get articles. Anyway there is nothing citable or any sources to make an article for amg worthy. Also I think the amputechture article mentions plague anyway and the other songs all exist on the singles pages.68.4.144.186 00:58, 11 August 2007 (UTC)


I think it should at least get a mention, it doesn't have to be listed as an official album. It has it's own album cover and is listed on other websites. --WaterWolf 09:35, 17 August 2007 (UTC)
it shouldn't get its own article, i agree with this point, but it is still something that i think mars volta fans would wish to know about. therefore i belive it should get a brief mention, or a stub with a tracklisting. after all, each article shoulod be as informative as it can, and this is something missing.
Turns out its fake: http://www.thecomatorium.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=32622&st=660&p=2282872&#entry2282872
“ Hi,

I stumbled across this site while Googling so I thought I'd post this, since there seems to be some discussion going in this thread about the subject I mean to discuss.

On occasion I download various non-album tracks from bands I enjoy, burn them, give the compilation a name, and quickly put together a cover. When I do this it's purely for my personal enjoyment, since it's convenient to just pop in a single disc with various b-sides and the like without having to listen to a single track on a compilation, single, or whatever. I've been doing this for years now and I guess it's become a sort of hobby. The main method I use for downloading songs is SoulSeek, and when I do I gather the files into a single folder within my shared folder, name it, number the songs, and place the cover image in there as well. After this I burn the files, print off the cover, and put it on my shelf with the rest of that band's releases. Then, most of the time, I delete the folder promptly.

I guess that wasn't the case with a little Mars Volta mix I put together a couple years ago called "A Missing Chromosome."

I misplaced my copy and was in the process of putting it back together again, but having no luck finding The Bible and the Breathalyzer on SoulSeek, I decided to look for a torrent of it. Imagine my surprise when I found a very healthy torrent of A Missing Chromosome. A little bewildered I downloaded it, album art and all, then proceeded to Google it. What I found was a little hard to believe.

The only explanation I can think of is that someone downloaded it from me, passed it around some P2P networks, and made up a little story about it being official. I had nothing to do with said story, nor the Wikipedia article which I sadly missed, and which would have been fairly amusing to have seen.

So there you have it. Loosely speaking, yes, A Missing Chromosome is a "bootleg." The only difference is that I never intended to sell it, let alone have anyone but myself listen to it. Any stories about it being official or being released only to radio stations (does that even make sense?) are completely false.

Since there seems to be some debate about its authenticity, I assume that this post will be shot down, so I'll bring in the only evidence I can. The DNA molecule on the cover is from this image, which I found by simply Googling the word "chromosome." It's on the first page of Google Image Search still, if you want to check it out for yourself. The main image is from a photograph of the Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi in Rome. I can't find the original anymore, but it was beautiful.

And that's about it. While I do find this amusing, it does raise a problem. I was originally just going to let this whole thing play out and not get myself involved, but belief that A Missing Chromosome is official seems to be fairly widespread. This would make it seem extremely rare if it were real, and any copy popping up on eBay could very well go for a lot of money. Since it is, of course, not real, then any copy available for purchase would be a bootleg, and the fans who purchased them would have been ripped off. If everyone believes what I have to say in this post, then I'll rest easy knowing that it won't come to that.

Thanks, Aqualung

 ”

also the picture used for the fake cover: http://www.petrsvarc.com/data/rome/images/ITArom135.jpg Zopwx2 23:12, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

OK SEEMS THAT THE MARS VOLTA ARE RELEASING A OFFICAL B-SIDES ALBUM IN 2008. - http://infrasonicsound.com/recording/discography/pete.html MIGHT WANT TO PUT THAT UP SOMEONE. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.44.203.82 (talk) 20:41, 21 October 2007 (UTC)

I will but we don't have much info Zopwx2 20:48, 21 October 2007 (UTC)
Maybe I am missing something but I do not see anything about a B-sides album in 2008 on the given website. The only release listed for 2008 is an album by Omar not by The Mars Volta. Also thats just a recording company. Geneusutwerk 18:45, 23 October 2007 (UTC)

it was there. seems they have taken it off the list for some reason? we will have to wait for more confirmation.

[edit] Genre?

what is going on with the Genre Right now? can the community settle on one thing? it is absolutely ridiculous having seven or so different genres! i am going to change it back to "Progressive Rock". the mars volta are a Progressive rock band. the reason there may be so many of these "offcut" genre's listed is because it is Progressive Rock. if people want to read about the little details of TMV genre discrepancies these can be listed within the article. please discuss before you go back listing a thousand genre's again. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ledzeppelin1 (talk • contribs) 00:11, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

New Entry —Preceding unsigned comment added by Beatles12 (talk • contribs) 16:36, 10 December 2007 (UTC)

I agree with you on settling with one genre to classify this group. Since they are so unique, it is hard to do so. They push boundaries and new musical territory with every move. As a result, I offer categorizing them as “Experimental Rock”. They do show many characteristics of progressive rock, however I do feel that this label is slightly limiting. I offer a citation from All Music Guide of a description of Experimental Rock:

“As the name suggests, Experimental Rock is music pushing the envelope of the form, far removed from the classic pop sensibilities of before. Typically, experimental rock is the diametric opposite of standard "verse-chorus-verse" music. Because the whole point is to liberate and innovate, no hard and fast rules apply, but distinguishing characteristics include improvisational performances, avant-garde influences, odd instrumentation, opaque lyrics (or no lyrics at all), strange compositional structures and rhythms, and an underlying rejection of commercial aspirations”

This label links with the fact that they are an ever changing group who are constantly “pushing the envelope of the form”. Experimental Rock means you can go anywhere, which is what the Mars Volta does. --Beatles12 (talk) 16:33, 10 December 2007 (UTC)

---

That's absurd. There's nothing limiting about the label progressive. I never understood why they were so resistant to the label.

Also, there scope is not as broad as people are giving them credit for. Their "experimentation" consists mostly of messing around with minor and pentatonic scales in different time signatures. They have a style that's their own, certainly, but that doesn't make them not progressive rock. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.183.24.76 (talk) 21:42, 8 January 2008 (UTC)

Respectfully, your opinion on what constitutes progressive rock is quite irrelevant, sir. Since this is the first claim referring to them as members of the "New Prog" genre, I'm reverting the edit by anonymous. More importantly, it's pretty easy to find sources everywhere denoting them as prog rock. The New York Times calls them prog rock, and NPR agrees. Quite simply, there are an absolute monument of good sources calling them prog rock -- it's pretty hard to leave that one out. --Anon 67.187.38.109 (talk) 00:05, 24 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] beneath the eyelid

i found a clip of this song which is called beneath the eyelid and i read it was from bedlam, yet it didnt appear on bedlam, does anyone know anything about this song? a clip of it is found here http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=sP20qzXfkyw&feature=related —Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.209.180.92 (talk) 05:56, 30 January 2008 (UTC)