I've always liked Muse, but it was never anything more than a casual relationship. And then something happened... you know the phenomenon - you're listening to your iTunes and a random song that's been collecting dust in your library starts to play. Maybe you've even heard it before, or maybe not, but THIS time it really hits a nerve and you just connect. Then you can't get enough. Well one night, "Micro Cuts" caught me off-guard at the perfect time, and so began my full blown love affair with MUSE.
But why do I love Muse so much? Well, I've realized they are my Radiohead 2.0, and we all know how much I worship Radiohead. As some random dude on the radio put it, "Muse is what Radiohead would be if Radiohead didn't go the computer route." An interesting thought, and there's definitely some truth behind the statement. There are lots of artistic parallels. Stylistically they draw from similar inspirations with roots in classical, prog rock, space rock, and electronica to name a few. They start from the same tree, but branch out in separate directions.
Oh, and they're both British. Which sounds kinda dumb, but it gives them that innate European vibe, onto which they both add other worldly influences. Then let's see...there's also similar political, scientific, and extraterrestrial themes (with a little love laced throughout). Similar themes, but unique point of views and different connotations. Radiohead is a little more commentary, more analytical, while Muse throws in those mandates for revolution (i.e. "Uprising"). And as someone pointed out to me, Muse will do these RATM/Tom Morello-inspired riffs in the outros, sorta like a resonating call to action. And while there's lots of similarities, I wouldn't even know how to begin categorizing all the differences. So they are similar yet completely different. Kinda like in LOST how Jack on the island is the same as Jack in the parallel universe...except that the Jacks are actually different. Honestly, I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore. But I think my whole point here is that Brits are just better.
To wrap this up - I saw Muse last night and I'm still coming down from it. Matt Bellamy has the voice of an angel and his falsetto can make grown men weep. I remember feeling very inferior when this happened:
HOW COOL DOES THAT LOOK??? They're like three deities rising above the Earth. So sublimely beautiful.
Seriously can't wait for Coachella now. Thom Yorke & Matt Bellamy at the same festival?? I'll be in heaven.
You're a good writer.
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