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Scab Dates - The Mars Volta
Scab Dates Image
Metascore
58 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: This live set from the neo-prog outfit was recorded on the road between May 2004 and May 2005.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Exhausting, self-indulgent, and also kind of awesome. [18 Nov 2005, p.134]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Uncut
    60
    Your appreciation of Scab Dates will be predicated on a high tolerance to long bongo solos and songs called things like "Abrasions Mount The Timpani". [Jan 2006, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Pitchfork
    35
    Given which songs are chosen and when this is being released, Scab Dates is a neither a concession nor a step forward, revealing inclinations that feel half as indulgent as they should when following a record like Frances the Mute, and about half as interesting to listen to.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 5 out of 20
  1. christopherl
    10
    the mars volta IS a live band, their LPs are only standalone albums, that are completely detatched from their live sets... this album is a culmination of their live performances through the deLoused album tour... i love it, and i dont give a rats butt if anyone else doesnt.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. kylel.
    10
    if you don't like this album its because its over your head. the closest our generation will ever get to led zepplin
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  3. j30
    2
    Scab Dates really doesn't do Mars Volta any favors, it actually suggests they're better in the studio than they are live. Which is true to a point. I've had friends tell me they loved and hated the same performance. When I saw them open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers I left with mixed feelings. They have great energy on stage, but the music in some areas felt chaotic and flat-out boring. Their high points were exhilarating, particularly Viscera Eyes and Roulette Dares (The Haunt of). The Mars Volta need some sort of quality control of their live performances, meaning there are songs that are going to sound awesome live and some that are going to sound like **** In conclusion, Scab Dates is terrible due to it's horrid sound quality and song selection… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 20 User Reviews

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