antoniodeste

Of course, judging by the number of reviews dedicated to them and the fact that every time someone sets out to re-review a given LP, a mountain of comments comes pouring in, it makes me wonder, "how will we manage now that the PF are no longer around, huh?" Well, a good question might be, "who could aspire to hold an importance equal to theirs on the current (and future?) rock scene?" Followed by the subsequent question: "Does this question even make sense?" Hasta la vista :-)

Yes, one of those reviews that feel genuine and, in a way, credible even though, objectively, it is biased. The anecdotal details are curious and true; they can be found both in a volume of the Arcana published years ago and now out of print and in the more recent (and wonderful) "Inside-Out" by Nick Mason. It's also true that the repeated focus on some "details" may have weighed down the review; but overall, I would say it could serve as a good "appetizer" for a layperson. :-)

Hey Caz, happy new year! I’m really glad, yes with three L’s, that the Mexicans suit you. Yes yes yes. Have a good time with your panzerotti flights. Watch out not to bump around here and there. Pislovenfridom.

Thank you, Dante, for your trust. I suppose, unfortunately, that it won't be very simple to find the disc. Personally, I had to get it shipped directly from the label, in America. By the way, they are quite the jokers and playfully teased me about my intention to purchase the work. As it was taking a while to arrive, concerned as I am about the workings of our postal service, I wrote to them to inform them. They replied: "don't worry, we will send you another copy....". Just to give you the surrounding atmosphere. Anyway, best wishes and... see you next time. Bye.

I completely subscribe to Dante Cruciani's reflections (hi Dante!) on the (thorny, it seems) Mars Volta issue. It is true that the clash of tastes and opinions generated by the review and the music is ultimately in favor of the band itself. At least it means that one cannot simply ignore it, which would be the worst-case scenario. Whether they suck or appeal to some is part of the usual role-playing game that we unconsciously, perhaps, engage in, thanks to our nature as human beings. Admiringly, Dante, your sense of balance in trying to resolve the dispute is commendable. I gather you're Tuscan, from the spirit you convey. If you have a couple of cents, and you like "deloused" and "frances," don't miss out on "Scabdates"; the recording may not be top-notch for a modern "Live," but the substance, for me, is pure dynamite, showcasing the band's primal energy live, which, in my opinion, is much more "direct" than the extraordinary studio recordings. The review of the work in question in the December issue (the one with Jackson Browne on the cover) of "Jam" is also very astute. baibai :-)

For Dante: It’s true, I believe, for example, that "La Isla Bonita" deserves a separate little chapter, but out of my laziness and trust in your undisputed reviewing skills, I gladly delegate the pleasure to you. ;-)

Dante, it's a real shame not to know you in person. Even that Fred gave me moments of idyllic ecstasy with the names he mentioned..... Wow! What a culture! I was really impressed! I definitely needed to remember those names, for which it is NOT worth sticking two fingers down my throat. Better, definitely, as a somewhat ironic-mean-realistic response, YOUR list, Dante, which I mostly agree with, although personally I should add a bit of jazz and various extra-rock or extra post-rock experiments/crossovers. If I were to make a list myself, I think a day wouldn't be enough. Thank you, Fred, for refreshing my memory and for the highly selective choice of names. I imagine I have a lot to learn from you, even in terms of cinema, I suppose....... Bye

Well, they may be a bunch of noise-makers and wankers, but every now and then I dig them. "E Pluribus Funk" is a great rock album, "We're an American Band" is a solid hit, "Closer To Home" is well described here; "Phoenix" is pretty good and "The Loco Motion" is a fun little nonsense. Mark Farner is a badass guitarist with a great manly voice, Don Brewer is a hell of a drummer, and Mel Schacher is a decent, gassy bassist. They sold a shitload in their time, so for me, "Long live Grand Funk!" Nowadays, I hear some bands that flaunt the label "rock" and, in comparison, despite their ambitions, would pale in the presence of these noise-makers from Detroit. Nonetheless, you can't ignore them, like them or not. It’s clear that I don’t listen to them every single day, but every now and then, though...

As you can see, Dante, I love to mess around. You can see it from the little stars awarded to the singer so-religious. But I love your extra-extraordinary review even more. I love to have ... even three, five, twenty-six laughs and here I couldn't count them. Thanks to you. Fagen, Becker, Zappa, in the face of such singing/composing wonder, can only bow; or maybe they have already disappeared, or are too old and their legs hurt. But I'm here just to reiterate that... well, yes! there was really a need for a DanteCruciani to slap us in the face with the wonderful desires of this erotic force of nature and the essential need to maybe have even just one of his remastered 45s at Masterdisk by Bob Ludwig in our hands. What's worse, Dante, is that the panorama of the 80s, and even the current one, spews out things of such ugliness that the mere thought of commenting on them would make me vomit in turn. At least with this singer-object of desire-doll-I-want-to-fuck, we can make great sarcasm. Thanks again for giving me a moment of healthy hilarity (religious). :-)

Dear Bailor, for your first review, let me give you some compliments, and they are well-deserved. The style is "cool" (not quite like the groups you described....), direct, decisive, and pleasantly cheeky; in short, "just right" for a work (and what a work) by the fantastic Volta. I've been following them for about a year and a half and I’m thrilled. I consider them the most advanced form of contemporary rock and a major force in the current rock scene. Defining Scabdates as extraordinary is still an understatement, but it’s necessary to listen to it to fully grasp the levels we’re dealing with. If there was a need for a live confirmation, well, Omar Rodriguez and Cedric Bixler have provided it. I would also venture the belief that despite the great albums De-loused and Frances, The Mars Volta shines especially in the live setting. There, the creative explosion and psychophysical liberation reach stellar levels. Well done Santi_Bailor, let’s continue to promote the future of rock! Bye