SCAB DATES

I have yet to catch THE MARS VOLTA live, so hearing what they sound like live was something I looked forward to hearing. I've read some reviews that they put on an amazing show. Unfortunately a DVD would be the better medium for this band as the visual intensity would be nice to see.

"Scabdates" is a great live album in that none of the songs are played like their studio counterparts, so it's a worthy addition to their catalog. Their live sound is more experimental then their studio work which I think will challenge the listener more. The last reviewer mentioned that there are no tracks from "Francis The Mute", but this is incorrect. Six of the 12 songs are from their lastest album, two from "De-Loused", one from the EP and the remaining 3 are new to this release.

Overall it's a solid live album, but I think they should have put out a double album along with a DVD to better capture their live show.