The Mars Volta: 'Noctourniquet' - track by track

Watch Cedric Bixler-Zavala describe each song on their new album 'Noctourniquet'. Noctourniquet is now available on iTunes here - ‪smarturl.it

[@theftking]

My gosh this record came out a decade ago? It's _so_ good. So underrated. _In Absentia,_ _Vedamalady,_ _Zed and Two Naughts..._ crazy great songs.

[@arbi9506]

Holy shit it's you

[@genequist3859]

Cedric seems like a cool dude. In the music he's like this dark, chaotic neutral entity you'd only meet in a nightmare or a bad acid trip (I mean this in the best possible way). But in real life he's just like this dude you'd meet in one of your undergrad psych classes and make friends with.

[@ReverusN]

In Absentia is a favorite of mine off that album for sure.

[@thomaserak7]

fuck yes bro same

[@TheBistoner]

Vedamalady ♥️

[@flkfnd]

Z00 for me :)

[@vinyl5186]

Noctourniquet = Masterpiece!

[@trenken]

Lol whatever you say. At least half of it is boring af

[@alonzo2goatedYT]

@@trenken It's not just music kiddo, It's art

[@alonzo2goatedYT]

@@trenken Keep your opinions to yourself

[@Genghis_Sean_]

@@trenken I definitely disagree. Production wise too it's far more listenable than especially their earlier albums which had terrible mixes

[@trenken]

@@Genghis_Sean_ easier to mix when its not actually a band. Its just omar and the rest is electronic drums, bass and synths. In the past they were a bombastic prog rock band. Not at all what they are now.

[@michaeledwards6683]

It's so cute at the end when he gives that little nod like he's so proud of himself for finishing that rundown.

[@SirClerihew]

Dyslexicon. Such a great damn song.

[@gbrooks2]

In Absentia and Vedamalady are my most favorite tracks.

[@michaelt.8170]

Almost every song he says "one of my favorite songs". Don't worry, Cedric, we all feel the same way. I love this album. I feel like TMV really grew up on this one. For the first time on an album of theirs, I haven't found a song that I "eh, this one's good, but not as good as ______". The entire album is amazing. Period.

[@NickB-md1oy]

Is there a song on Deloused that you would say that about cause, not for me

[@frickenchickencookie]

The song, Noctourniquet is seriously one of their best songs.

[@michelerojano1862]

I just discovered this band today and I am absolutely mesmerized and “in aw” by the band as a whole! Where have you been all my life!!! Watching the interview w/ lead singer, I think I’m in love... Wow, thank you for being there for me today. Grieving over the loss of my son, and you sent me so much love and light, so much inspiration, motivation and carried me up out of the black hole. Much love to “The Mars Volta” band. I look forward to listening and discovering everything you create so beautifully! Kisses

[@Mantrahiroshima]

I would club a baby seal to erase my mind of the mars volta and rediscover them. Not really but I’m jealous of you lol. And their back! Hop you got some tickets to a show

[@Ethryas]

I literally love this, and I love you Cedric for talking so lucidly about the album.

[@leonerdothe13th32]

TMV....please save the world with a new album during these sad times of ridiculousness. Thanks

[@redacted1402]

you’re wishes have kinda been answered

[@fireadept007]

New album rules

[@irregularmana6216]

It took me like 4 or 5 years later but I finally listened to this album again, wasn't disappointed after I realize it's about where you're at sometimes in life that defines whether you are going to like an album or not..

[@TC-lk2ev]

It took me a year to get into it. I think I just hated Malkin Jewel and Lapochka so much it ruined the album, but the rest of the songs are actually awesome.

[@adamrose6969]

Todd Cantley how can you hate lapochka?! the drum lick at 2:57 onwards is a masterpiece, not to mention the entire song

[@R3TR0R4V3]

It took me YEARS to get into this album! I was obsessed with TMV and Amputecture in the 2000's but couldn't stand Noctourniquet when it came out in the 2010s. Then I got out of it all together, but, recently, I got back into TMV. Bedlam is now my favorite, and I'm finally starting to dig Noctourniquet too. I'm at a different place in life, compared to 10-15 yrs ago, and some music just takes time to grow on you, and some, I just never gave a chance (probably because my favorite drummers Jon & Tom were MIA) to begin with, Noctourniquet being the perfect example.

[@TC-lk2ev]

@@adamrose6969 I just hate the chorus tbh. I listened to this whole album again last night and when you pay attention to the lyrics it makes the whole album much better. I'm trying to force myself to like lapochka haha. Malkin jewel has grown on me a lot. I think it's one of the most fucked up songs I've ever heard. Don't know I'd listen to it by itself but in the context of the album it works really well.

[@morrisalanisette9067]

whats weird is my mom actually bought me this album the actual vinyl version and didn't listen to it until several years later. I was a massive TMV fan as a teenager and when this album came out I guess I moved on and couldn't get myself to listen to it because it just gave me anxiety in some weird way. Recently with them reforming and seeing them live again I listened to it and the rest of the albums again and you're right at this point in my life I can dig them again. TMV made a huge impact on my life in so many ways, and for some reason in my 20s I just disliked them maybe it was just trying to change and have my own voice or something. But now that I'm older I feel like I'm listening to their stuff objectively and i'm really pretty impressed and went into mini-obession mode again for a month or so

[@Lazerbeamkid]

Cedric's hair. Breath taking.

[@circa371]

"getting rid of pot smoking in my life. it's not an easy task" Cedric when he talks about in Absentia. he is right.

[@charmicarmicat2981]

That shirt is fuckin ballin

[@ixidorsdreams8586]

No matter what the fan hivemind says, I will die on the hill that Noctourniquet is the second best full album. And it felt like a perfect bookend to Deloused as a secret concept album

[@carlosllanosmatias7122]

09:33 my favourite and most emotive song from TMV for me. Really surprising how years have gone and this album is still one of the greatest

[@Perilous815]

Wish he would do this for The Bedlam in Goliath!

[@deadeyes2803]

or the really super cryptic shit in de-loused

[@NickB-md1oy]

deadeyes well honestly Deloused has been well covered and it’s maybe the most “cracked” (figured out) album lyrically. Read the story book that Cedric wrote and then research interpretations of both that book and the album itself and then tie it all together with your own interpretation. I’d also love Cedric to cover it but he never will.

[@flkfnd]

Frances! I want to know what the HELL it was about. I don't think he will ever speak about Bedlam in Goliath, nor will Omar. No matter how true the "story" behind it may or may not be.

[@charmicarmicat2981]

They’re not allowed to talk about that one lol

[@paisano0]

@@flkfnd frances story has already been covered by fans pretty well... main character (vismund cygnus) goes on a quest for vengeance after discovering his biological mother (frances the mute) was killed while killing birth

[@romulocasas4906]

I’m on the journey now of quitting weed after 17 years of heavy usage. This is gonna be mantra album for that road to recovery

[@printisdead1983]

This dude is my favorite singer....look Cedric if your long winded ...so be it...why fight nature

[@NopeTheOtherOne]

he should release his storys to the public

[@NickB-md1oy]

The one for Deloused can be found on the internet

[@KironKabir]

6:10 I think he's referring to Porcupine Tree :)

[@rubenaguilar666]

Kiron Kabir great album by the way

[@absentiabenertia5204]

In absentia is on my top 3 tmv songs. Also lapochka growin up speaking russian was usually used as a glue trap for rats/mice imo makes the song even deeper and cooler even though cedric doesnt know it

[@adrastea]

The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover is on Netflix instant. never knew about it before this video. It might be the best thing ive seen this year. perfect blend of brutality, beauty, romance, comedy and horror....IMHO of course.

[@TheCarbunkleofTruth]

I am not necessarily a dancer, but when I hear a clip of Molochwalker, I move my stuff....that song moves

[@Digitalknifeparty]

I concur. The best time to blaze up is at night when all of your work is done. However, if one smokes indica based weed during the day, of course he or she will get that burned out feeling during the course of the day as opposed to someone who smokes sativa based weed. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual, the strain, and how much he or she is smoking at a given time. With that being said, Cedric did inspire me to start living a "cleaner" life. I'm excited about sobriety for a change.

[@atornmind]

TOTALLY agree. Have enjoyed watching Cedric talk about the new record so much. Really interesting and always entertaining! Awesome stuff!!

[@lachrymaltool]

Really interesting, thanks Cedric! Love the album, can't wait to see what's next for TMV, et al...

[@riffraff630]

Thanks for sharing all this. Now I must listen to the album, again, with this in mind, because now it means something new :-)

[@Jasonweckard]

This is really awesome. If you guy ever decided to breakdown other albums i'd be pleased.

[@shaftedofadown]

now i can listen to the album all over again with a new understanding. not that i haven't listened to it a ton of times already

[@RadonX9]

I like how Cedric mentions Porcupine Tree when he's talking about 'In Absentia'.

[@BloodedWarm]

Zed and Two Naughts is so underrated. One of their top 5 for sure. What a way to end TMV.

[@kyler247]

They're back

[@fireadept007]

There back !!!

[@newartmov]

Not a fan of all the tracks. The tracks "Vedamalady", "Empty Vessels", "In Absentia" really hit me in the soul

[@elcorintio1596]

Totally agree

[@evanikolaieva]

Empty Vessels ♥♥♥

[@billracks575]

best album I've heard in a while. Kids beneath me shhhh. I will sit you in time out for your uncalled for judgemints.

[@loudspeaker003]

wow, after hearing him describe the meaning behind this album I can relate on such a personal level now.

[@TylerHNothing]

"So it turns out that X song came from either an acoustic or electronic song that Omar was writing when we thought we were done with the album, so I did made him keep it and I talked about kids are seen and not heard"

[@hyperabstract]

my favorite singer ever yaay

[@nitro5247]

I’d love to read the story/stories Cedric wrote that inspired this album somewhere

[@IdentityUnknown89]

I'm not surprised Molochwalker was recorded around Bedlam In Goliath, I felt like it was a little nod to that album or something. I also thought Imago was similar to Copernicus. Felt like they had similarities to past albums while still moving forward. Definitely my favorite album.

[@bungie17]

Track by Track with mars volta...wow, something that i was really specting

[@jwolf3114]

In absentia is amazing ive heard it so many times over.

[@jeymz361]

Ege Bamyasi/ Tago Mago. 2 great albums. But yeah I've rewound many Cedric interviews trying to hear some bands he talks about.

[@marsea2]

His description of Trinkets Pale of Moon sounds so dark.

[@reproshenkaMV]

I'm glad they changed the chorus of absentia, because it escalates in a way I like. And then the sounds in the transition into the end, that just surprised me and left me at Awh.

[@TrisofRoblind]

I turn 21 in 2015, perhaps... TMV could reunite? I am just kidding of course, but hey, that would be one damn great year! I miss you guys, and I really hope you all are at peace with one another. Bless you all, TMV. Much love.

[@tonyAJ420]

It could happen Cedric and Omar just put out new music.

[@number36cow]

You got your wish! Cheers 🍻

[@uhinmywhitetee]

Make him do this for all the other albums

[@deanwolfechannel]

fascinating

[@fireadept007]

Goddamn that intro takes me back to 2012!!

[@Onamorata]

I wish there were 15 minute versions of The Malkin Jewel and Trinkets on the album... It made me so upset >.>

[@jwolf3114]

Long winded on noctourniquete? I think its great. easily one of my favorites on the album. I really liked the guitar parts they are sensible which is a compliment.

[@reproshenkaMV]

Mine is actually Imago. The album was really, put together well.

[@aj95racer]

Yeah In Absentia is my favourite off the album :D

[@ParticleJesus]

Now make him sit down and do this for the other albums.

[@T-roccBABY]

It's too bad we never got the full version of trinkets on the album

[@abstractuality]

Dopeness,,

[@Lokswarp]

Lapochka as a Russian is actually a trap sort of a glue trap for mice

[@karlahelloween8]

Vedamalady is my favorite❤

[@K1LLtheSWITCH]

its in super high quality. lower it down to 360p or 240p and it should play more easily for you.

[@MyselfIKnow]

I love you buddy.

[@JUYAN16]

I wish more artist did song explanation videos. Especially Mars Volta.lol

[@RadonX9]

I just thought it was cool that he acknowledged them :P

[@divagoza]

haha two shoutouts to new orleans..didnt know they recorded here..never thought id hear cedric talk about confederacy of dunces of all things that was cool

[@Abracadabra418]

cool

[@dannyd1224]

love dyslexicon

[@printisdead1983]

All my problem solving is at its peak when I'm on the can.... seriously try it....I don't know what it is about the act of being on the can but alot of my best thoughts come to me whilst on the can....I'm not being a smartass either

[@All6usto]

Why isn´t the Noctourniquet part in stereo in this?? I thought i had gone deaf....

[@melchorsalazar9873]

All6usto me pasó exactamente lo mismo, por un momento creí haberme quedado sordo, jaja

[@elchafa337]

I'm guessing there's some issues between cedric and his parents right? ^_^

[@satustratoga]

I think he kind of did it with Noctourniquet, you can't find much of those high-pitched notes you found in Frances the Mute or Amputechture.

[@jasonnelson1538]

I like how for Lapochka he mentioned a character named Ignatius from a book called The Confederacy of Dunces, a close friend of the family who used to baby sit me growing up would make references to that book, always been meaning to read it. Sounds like it had some funny parts, he was a funny guy. Also is it just me or does Cedric seemed really hyper and twitchy in this video, like he drank 15 red bulls right before goin on camera and/or snorting a fat line.

[@cygnusgray1548]

He was in the process of quitting while the album was being recorded, so some lyrics were scribed with the aid of some dank nugs. Some weren't, but some were. Meanwhile, I think the lyrics are gnarly. "DAAAAASEHRAAAAA!!!!!"

[@mongarcia4576]

[@JoshhuaRay]

Basic Basic, Engrams and The Reactive Mind. 🌋👽

[@deadbeats4894]

Their first 2 albums are epic, and I don't use that word lightly. I really miss John Theodore. If you have a chance to see this band do not pass it up.

[@teseychic]

лапочкА!

[@ZachxFarmer]

What was he saying Omar thought he sounded like on Malkin Jewel? I can't understand it and I'm curious :p

[@Hypokrites]

There's a lot of posers here. This album is great. REALLY LISTEN to it. Man, only real prog fans could appreciate it.

[@okabae7927]

had me in the first half

[@lorenzray850]

He said MolochWalker came from the Bedlam era, but they just recorded it. It is most certainly the most Bedlam sounding on the album for sure. Noctourniquet is an amazing album overall, but MW is the most Bedlam sounding.

[@opiumaddict6362]

hi there! can someone please tell me what does he said at 1:33 ?... english it's not my mother language, so i couldn't deciphe what he said.... ty!

[@noapparentfunction]

“it reminded me of 'Ege Bamyasi' and 'Tago Mago' -era Can.“ he's referring to the German rock band “Can“ from the late 1960s, and the sound of two albums they made.

[@opiumaddict6362]

@@noapparentfunction ty man!

[@marsea2]

Uh what does he say at 1:34. What era of Can is it? He does that so quickly.

[@mrush8129]

sounds like "edge of bamiassian tagomago era can." I have no idea how to spell it, or what it means, but that is what it sounds like.

[@ellab9077]

'It's not from Arrested Development' aww.

[@FernandoDANTE]

Why would you make this video unlisted?

[@SphereX253]

fIREHOSE, Minutemen!!!!

[@brownyuio]

Aegis actually does loosely remind me of Vitamin C

[@mitchtwentyfive]

Has anyone else had any trouble with loading this? like, it endlessly loads..........

[@californication1992]

Noctourniquet in the title is spelled wrong

[@MerKabaChannel]

cedric watched arrested development haha awesome

[@Islandofspiders]

Yeah I hear ya. Nowadays I only get stoned at night time when all my shit's taken care of. lol

[@tomislavnovosel9440]

if u didn't know most of the ideas people get happen there, for example Jimi Hendrix loved to shower with his guitar

[@manduhk]

too bad he didnt say much about absentias meaning ahhhh cant stop listening

[@FondlingReply]

NoktUrnaKit

[@Karyu24]

-Because p-another band used it as an album name. Is it so hard to say Porcupine Tree?

[@aj95racer]

Nick Cave

[@markman2000]

hes gonna look like Nacho Libra if he gains any more weight

[@TheAnalogKidRamrod]

They probably don't even remember that long ago.

[@tonyAJ420]

I agree bro pot smoking got me to my college degree.

[@Onamorata]

Oh.. its "DEE-AHN-TOE-NEE?" I thought it was "DAN-TOE-NEE" haha. Fuck.

[@julian.brzozowski]

I agree. He's an amazing writer of vocal lines and harmonies, but I take it as a somewhat disrespectful behavior of his to fail to come even close to that work live. When they had that large group during the Amputechture and Bedlam era, I would always wonder why no backup singers were engaged. They could've done an incredible work out of it, withouth getting in interference with the "essence" of The Mars Volta. Thomas Pridgen does resent Credric as a rather prideful guy, though.

[@fireheart934]

Can I kiss you Cedric?