I'm trying to wrap my head around
King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King
Suffers from the stereotypical problems of prog rock to me, mainly songs that go on for too long. I'm all for epic songs, but I'm not for songs that are lengthened by random noise. Overall it sounds like there's an absolutely amazing band/album hidden in here somewhere, I don't know if I can find it. I like it but can't help but think damn, I should love this thing but I don't. Amazing drumming but I'm bummed at the lack of guitar solos. Eh, it's like Pink Floyd without the songwriting prowess
Mars Volta - Deloused in the Comatorium
Their musical blueprint is based on throwing a bunch of ideas at the wall hoping something sticks. In. Every. Song. There's almost no focus or restraint, and often a song might have four or five different directions thrown in at random moments. Some work, many don't. It's a shame because everyone in the band is a god damn virtuoso, the melodies are great, I like the singer, etc. But jeez they need a producer to sit them down and smack some god damn direction into them.