By far. I could talk for hours about how much I love this group, and their prior group. This band opened my mind to rythms, dynamics, colors and moods more than anything, up to them and since. My wife and I flew to NY for thre nights to see them play 2 nights at the Roseland Ballroom (2005). We waited in the alley behind the venue until 2 in the morning to meet Jon Theodore (drummer) and Juan (bass). My music sounds nothing like theirs, but in my mind I hear their influence throughout it. Flea played bass on every song on their first album, john frusciante played guitar on several tracks off of that same album (Deloused), Fania Allstars pianist (also 60/70's) played piano on their second album, Ikey Owens (their pianist) now plays with Jack White, jon Thoedore (their drummer) went on to play drums for Zach De La Rocha in One Day As A Lion and now Jon plays drums for Quenns of the Stone Age, every player was so talented. Deloused is my quintessential record and I never go more than a month or so without revisiting it, thanks Steve for getting me fired up and for giving me a moment to talk about them!!!
I was a huge At the drive in fan, and loved every song by them. I remember the first time I heard Inertiatic esp. I stopped what I was doing, and just stood in awe, listening to the controlled chaos they were playing. Changed my view of music forever.
Oh and I originally came upon Omar and Cedric because Flea and John Frisciante had been talking about how their minds were blown by these two guys. One last thing Rick Rubin produced Deloused (first album) as well.
thanks Steve for getting me fired up and for giving me a moment to talk about them!!!
-No problem. The way you talk about them makes me want to hear more of their work. Should I start with Deloused?
Yes! Maybe even go in chronological order (tremulant Ep, Deloused then Francis the Mute). No.....start with Deloused! Put on some headphones and listen to the amazing notes/ chords being played (not even sure those notes are on my guitar), the salsa, jazz, fusion drumming, the ridiculous bass lines (Flea) and the organ/ piano!!!
I'd almost fly down so that I could be this for your first listen!!!