Opal Fire - Omar

Advantages: Tense, franctic, challenging.
Disadvantages: maybe too challenging for casual listeners

...The album comes off as challenging for most. The sound is frantic and heavily layered. By your second listen though you'll begin to settle into the absolute genius of Omar Rodriguez Lopez's blend of sala, free-jazz and classic rock/metal guitar. The lyrical content matches the guitar with a flow and ingenuity rarely seen in any modern rock albums. Each track remains intriguing every listen and leaves you craving for more of the band (hint: listen to live stuff). If you're a top-chart junkie though then this is not for you. If you're into any sort of rock be it classic or death-metal then this is an essential addition to your collection. comparisons: the mahavishnu orchestra, led zeppelin, at the drive-in, omar rodriguez-lopez.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good range of songs
Disadvantages: none

...This CD contains 19 of Level 42’s greatest songs. 1. Love Games This was their first single that they recorded for Polydor. It features a great scat-solo from Wally Badarou. Love Games was recorded at Vineyard studios which is said to be haunted. There is a nice beet in this song. 2. The Chinese Way This song jumped on to the Brit-funk band wagon that was a big thing when this song was released. Brit-funkers loved anything with a base guitar so this song has it to keep them happy. This is a more up tempo song than the last one but it contains a lot of “electronic” instruments. 3. The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up) This was a summer record that they recorded in a L.A studio (in 83) that they recorded am album with Earth Wind and Fire, one night they came up with this song. This song contains an electronic beat to it all... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some epic tracks, Omar and Cedric, Alot of guitar talent shown
Disadvantages: Unlike other music mars volta has made

...The Mars Volta Amputechture is Mars Volta's latest album released in late 2006. In the album Mars Volta have captured one of the most unique and original sounds of todays music. The tracks on the album vary from lyrics being sung in English and being sung in Mexican this may sound peculiar but is demonstrated perfectly in the track Asilos Magdalena where Omar (lead singer) sings all the track in a melodic Mexican voice with just an acoustic to back him up. For those who love the chilli peppers will notice the appearance of John.F on most tracks and will see the effect he brings with him, giving most of the songs a guitar solo basis. Also you can expect a large amount of strange sound effects. Those who like early Mars Volta may not enjoy this change in style but will find songs they love that portray old Mars Volta... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful