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This was my first intro to Muse, and I was lured to buy when I heard the Knights of Cydonia track, which starts out with the sound of running horses like a cavalry charge (or knights charging into battle on their destriers, if you want to look at it that way...). I'm into *spacey* themes and this was definitely loaded with *spacey stuff.* The music on some tracks has dynamic fast-forward rhythms that (like another reviewer said) would make great modern dance tunes and you'll want those at high listening levels if you can get away with it. But then the tempo slows to a pseudo-romantic mode that reminds me of old slow dance tunes of 60's or 50's, and am sure that's deliberate. If you're the type to pay attention to the lyrics, those 'romantic' tunes may not be so romantic as melodic, because there's a sort of political message to some of the songs, like in "Soldier's Poem." "Invincible" has a patriotic tone to it, music and lyrics included. "Hoodoo" is one of the slow tunes and has a dreamlike quality that is sad in tone, but would make a great slow dance tune if you don't listen too closely to the lyrics. Most of the songs have some sort of spacey feel to them, aside from the abovementioned, and satisfying to me since the theme appeals to those like me who enjoy thinking of futuristic 'stuff,' space and UFOs. I love it and would buy Muse again just on the basis of this one album. Generally I don't listen to music with a 'slow' beat, rhythm, or tempo, since I use the music to hortate my work day at the art table and for writing projects to aid the fast-forward pacing of my mental 'metronome.' But I can say that the few slower tempo songs tossed in now and then help the listener to catch their breath, even if they're not into the dance. I liked the slower tunes on Muse's CD too. For those who like lyrics with political or social messages about the state of the world, Muse has that in here too, but with music this good if you don't care for the message, you might just enjoy the craftsmanship on the music. Some of the tunes have hints of a Spanish rhythm here or there. There's no "sameness" to it, all of the tunes are distinctly different or unique. You might look up the lyrics on the net to see if that appeals and some sites allow sound bytes so you can try out a track before buying. If you don't like it, then it's just not for you.Read full review
Black Holes and Revelations - CD Release Date: July 2006 Label: Helium 3 / A&E Records Whispers and visions of QUEEN, TRAVIS, JEFF BUCKLEY and DEPECHE MODE came to ear while listening to MUSE's latest album Black Holes and Revelations. Winners of the 2006 Q Award for the Best Live Band and UK's Festival Awards - Best Rock Act & Best Headline Act, MUSE is superb both live and recorded. MUSE = Dominic Howard, Mathew Bellamy & Chris Wolstenholme. Black Holes and Revelations is like good Tantra. MUSE has a staggering stamina of switching up tempo, sensuality, the driving percussion, passionate guitars and the beautiful harmonies. The space between song #2 "STARLIGHT" and song #3 "SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE" is one of the most perfect choices in the history of music. This is sexy music. Hypnotic like good wine and a great kiss. "SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE" needs to be a dance hit. It must be one. I can already hear the re-mixes. The lead singer, Mathew Bellamy, makes love with his voice and it makes you feel and dream. This album is groovy, sexy, & HOT!!!! 5 Stars!!!!Read full review
In “Butterflies and Hurricanes,” on the Absolution album, Matt Bellamy sings, “Best… you’ve got to be the best… you’ve got to change the world and you use this chance to be heard.” He certainly heeds his own advice, as is evidenced in the politically charged lyrics of “Take a Bow,” opening song on the new Black Holes and Revelations album. He tells our current leaders that they will “burn in hell for their sins.” The question is whether he is speaking to Bush or Blair. Probably both. As harsh as this message might sound, it pales in comparison to the call to arms in “Assassin,” where “the time has come for you to shoot your leaders down.” Ouch. At any rate, Muse has become a worldwide phenomenon, selling out three consecutive nights of shows at Wembley Stadium, and they are utilizing their popularity to inspire their fans to do something. “Supermassive Black Hole,” has been both praised and criticized. Its inspiring of opposite reactions is likely due to the atypical sound. Synthesizers boom in a low register while Bellamy’s voice floats above in falsetto. The cliché is tongue in cheek, “I thought I was a fool for noone, but ooh baby, I’m a fool for you.” I dare you not to groove along with this song. Opposites are a strong theme in “Starlight” as well. Wolstenholme ‘s base line is just delicious, and as in “Supermassive,” its depth is set off by the higher keys of Matt’s voice and piano. “I just wanted to hold you in my arms” shows a yearning for closeness, but there is a great sense of desolation: “this ship is taking me far away, far away from the memories of the people who care if I live or die.” The music and the lyrics are so bittersweet, as in “Map of the Problematique,” which opens with “fear and panic in the air.” While the apocalypse is present throughout the album, it is most pronounced here. These lyrics echo those in great apocalyptic literature, where the final survivors struggle with their finality in isolation. The voice of the hero is never so pure as in “Soldier’s Poem.” It sounds like an Elvis Presley ballad, but beneath the sweet harmonies lies an acerbic depiction of someone serving their country yet challenging those defended to question the rationality of war and the actuality that there is no justice. It is so angry, yet wrapped in pretty paper, that it makes you giggle at the absurdity of it all. Don’t doubt that this is the intent. “Knights of Cydonia” runs on the pace of a horse’s gallop, calling attention to the four horsemen in the cover art. It is such a phenomenal way to end the album (as well as live concerts), with octave-spanning accapellas and heavily rocking guitar riffs. It also ends the apocalyptic theme with a statement of fortitude, not at all going quietly into the great night. The genius of Muse is head spinning, especially for a three piece band. If Matt Bellamy were only the lyricist he is, the vocalist, guitarist, or keyboardist, he would be a major talent, but the quadruple threat amplifies his genius to an unheard of level. Was this boy genetically engineered (as the puppies in “Plug in Baby” on Origin of Symmetry), bred and raised by a Mensa society, or spat here by God himself as a gift to music lovers? He is his own four horsemen, isn’t he? If he is heralding the end of the world, then, yeah, that sucks, but at least now I have that one album I’d like to take with me.Read full review
After hearing a few songs on the radio I decided to buy this cd. Now after listening to the entire cd I am amazed at the spectrum of music styles. What first caught my ear was the guitars. It reminds me of a few instrumentals from early 60's with a nice dose of reverb, tremolo and throw in a little fuzz and what a sound! There is something for everyone on this cd. Metal lovers, long hair, and great guitar sounds. I would like to thank them for taking the time to put this all together. I hope to hear more from MUSE.Dennis
I originally got into Muse by buying the HAARP cd. Since then, I have gone back and purchased each individual album. This is my favorite one. They have a nice variety of sounds in the album, with all of them sounding good. Some make me feel a euphoria type vibe, some a peacful vibe, some a determined or anxious vibe. It is a great CD that will really get you into the songs.
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