The Bedlam in Goliath
Finally, it’s here. Ladies and gentlefellows, I give you the Best Album of 2008. Wow. Explosive. Relentlessly aggressive tracks. Seems funkier, dare I say, the most pop album they’ve put out so far.
Aberinkula – appropriately begins with piercing vocals from Cedric, firmly positioning the spotlight on his mega otherworldly voice throughout the album. there’s perhaps a slight hangover from Amputechture in the beginning of Bedlam, this isn’t a bad thing.
Metatron – a tight 8 minutes. Omar’s still got it. Volta seems to have a good formula: Omar – composition, direction. Cedric – lyrics, vocals. “you forfeit the right to be believed. full implant, shapeless as a jewel. and I am stranded by eternal solitude”
Ilyena – if the first two tracks didn’t knock your pants off, this track does not disappoint. welcome to The Bedlam in Goliath. Jesus. He seems to be thoroughly embedded in this album. “if you could see where I’ve been, you’d touch the hand that’s touching sin” This song is funky fresh. I wanna break out my timbs and head out with a flattened box to a busy street corner every time I hear it. So close to perfection – new drummer Thomas Pridgen is fucking ridiculous, but perhaps a little over-eager.
Wax Simulacra – is Volta putting radio edits on their albums now??? Great song, over so fast though. I guess they spoil us with consistently 5 minute plus tracks…
Goliath – The Mars Volta has arrived. This is the song. Reminiscent of RATM with that pulsating heavy bass. Huge, terrifying ending. Evokes fond memories of Drunkenship of Lanterns – you could almost slip Goliath into Deloused without missing a beat. “Never heard a man speak like this man before. Watch me now.” Go downtown to a busy street. Put this on and cruise. Waikiki loves Goliath.
Tourniquet Man – a much needed 2 minute reprieve after that mega finish, especially leading into Calavettas. Beautiful track, great production. do cowboys shoot up?
Cavalettas – Swish ban bish. This jolting stye is intoxicating. Cedric’s vocals are like honey dripping down an icicle – delicious, fast . “what once was laughter, convulsive I became. where a scarlet bruise grows, sprout the fault we own.” This song’s all about calling about a bullshitter: maybe Jesus pissed at his mom…
Agadez – heavy track. is Cedric in a free-agency year or something? Man, this guy can wail. I don’t know what this means, but the way he sings “what if we find, what tongue ties double windsor, invoke to no reply” is so big. Album art for Bedlam is awesome by the way…
Askepios – sick guitar here – Frusciante is god. “help me come alive, i ain’t gonna hold my breath” Another massive finish. This album is real accessible – wouldn’t be surprised if TMV expanded their fan base a little… hahaahaha, yeah, probably not.
Ouroborous – again, that frantic pace – Pridgen can rip those sticks. Back and forth, back and forth. solid Volta song on an album that’s maybe scattered a bit.
Slippy, Slappy, Soothsayer! I knew it started with an s – this song haunts me. the call to temple leading the song brings up memories of my time in Sarajevo, hearing the call to mosque throughout the day over loudspeakers. it was pretty cool and very musical, which I wasn’t expecting. anyways, I love this track – Cedric’s vocals are stunning, hitting lower notes than the rest of the album. strings are nice too with the piano. ending is great – bad haircuts, smelly old women, uncomfortable seating, oh childhood
Conjugal Burns – what a way to go out. “i got a pain inside that’ll rip through the very fabric of time. cause i’ve been with you before god gave me sin” another brilliantly composed song, with piercing lyrics, although there’s a little twist, the pigs.
bonus tracks from iTunes
Memories by Soft Machine – if rumors are true that TMV’s next work will be mellow-er and “acoustic” this song is giving us a little taste. wow, its somewhat refreshing after all that perfectly complex music to hear a sweet song like this, and to follow the lyrics
Things Behind the Sun by Nick Drake - Cedric sounds great. makes me think of Televators.
So that’s that. Best Album of 2008. You heard it here first. If you haven’t already picked it up, do yourself a gd service soon enough you’ll be flying around
The Mars Volta. TMV. Volta. A bunch of talented musicians making music, lead by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala. They are not a product of anything. Does it seem like they’re in this for a quick buck? With 8 minutes songs, haunting sometimes indecipherable lyrics, I don’t think so. Are they in it to make us, the fans, happy? NO! They make this music because it brings them happiness. It’s something they have a talent for and love to do. Isn’t that the purpose in life, to be happy day in and day out?
