New Muse album...

OMG CHRIS' MOUSTACHE. WHAT.

If only I were in England, somewhere. It appears I won't get to see them unless an act of God brings them to me. But I digress, this was a great thing for you. Awesome, awesome pictures, Sian. If I would have taken them, they would have been blurred and stupid. Thanks a billion for putting them up! I assume it was a fantabulous concert, yes?

:biggrin:

Oh -- what was the setlist?

FELIPE NO

You can read all about it here =D

Oh oh!

Quote:

To: Miss S J Walmsley
Your order for Black Holes And Revelations - Muse has been posted.

=D

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

that must have been the most radfabulously awesome show ever. only 31 days 'til I get my turn to go see them. <3

I hope I get as close as you did. I'm definitely standing, so I'll fight my way to the front whether my friend keeps up with me or not!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

As a die-hard Muse fan, I was nothing but eager to hear the new album. Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry and Absolution are 3 spectacular albums, and IMO OOS is one of the best albums ever recorded. Black Holes and Revelations is the new album from these guys, due out July 11th in the US. Does it live up to the hype? Maybe...

1) Take a Bow
This song picks up right where Origin of Symmetry(!) left off. It immediately opens with dreamy synth work reminiscent of Bliss. The lyrics seem to hint at accusing president Bush of being the devil basically. The drum track goes along perfectly with the song and really pulls it together. Good samples and distortion work near the end of the song, make this one of the best songs on the album. (9/10)

2) Starlight
This song starts off with a scratchy bass riff, but quickly goes downhill once the piano kicks in. It seems our boy Matthew has borrowed skills from our pal Yanni on this one. Don't like Yanni? Me neither. It picks up quick though with an emotional Matt singing about a (lost?) love. Good heavy bass hits troughout the rest of the song, and the always excellent drums personify the lyrics beautifully. If you can get over the horribly-out-of-place piano, this is a half descent song. (7/10)

3) Supermassive Black Hole
It's a shame that this was chosen as a single, or to even be recorded for that matter. This song is HORRIBLE. Matt's lyrics are barely discernable, that is if this song has lyrics in the first place. The "guitars" and the drums sound like synth, and the song itself follows the exact same formula of all mainstream popular garbage polluting the airwaves today. If I want to listen to a cookie-cutter dance-pop song, I'll listen to Britney Spears. I hate Britney. (0/10)

4) Map of the Problematique
Ah! Here we are!! This is the direction I had hoped Muse traveled in after Absolution. This is the more experimental sounding like OOS, with the experience of Absolution. This song has a spacey feel that doesn't shy away from the rocking out of past Muse. The lyrics are relevant to anyone who likes to dig a bit deeper in their music and see the underlying problems of society. Matt's voice sounds inspired and fresh, sort of evolved from past albums. This is Stockholm Syndrome for the more sophisticated generation. Best song on the album. (10/10)

5) Soldier's Poem
Now that things have settled down from the previous song, we are treated to a short little acoustic piece. Upon first listen this song immediately reminded me of their song, Map of Your Head. It sounds like its little brother. Not a bad song, but basically forgettable. (5/10)

6) Invincible
We're not even halfway through the album and things make a sharp downturn. This song is a slow ballad, but it just feels generic. You can't help but think I've heard this before. Then you play something from Absolution and you realize that you have. (2/10)

7) Assassin
This song starts off with a nice upbeat guitar riff that entices you and draws you in, only to come to screeching halt when the song really gets going. This is another mesh of sounds, that again sounds generic. I swear I've heard this song before... I think it was on that latest KoRn album... man I hate KoRn. (1/10)

8) Exo-Politics
Three subpar songs in a row, I hoped it was time for a descent one again. Much to my surprise, we do get a semi-descent song. Dom's drumming starts this one off with a drum track you swear is straight out of the 80's. The guitar hits soon after, with Matt using a nice FX pedal for this one. Matt's voice sounds emotional and angry all at once. However, the chorus reminds me too much of Audioslave's "Like a Stone" when Matt says "patiently." Too bad I can't stand Chris Cornell when he did this song. (4/10)

9) City of Delusion
This song starts off with an acoustic riff on guitar with uninspired lyrics and vocals. There's just not much to say about this song but it's heavily recycled material. Overall this song just sounds way too much like Hysteria from the previous album. Do yourself a favor, listen to previous album instead. (2/10)

10) Hoodoo
This song has distinctive Spanish/Mexican flair. That's not neccessarily a bad thing, but the guitar sounds unkept and just thrown together at the last minute. Again, nothing much to say about this one except that it is easily forgettable fodder that we've all heard before. (2/10)

11) Knights of Cydonia
This happens to be the longest song on the disc. I'm usually a fan of long songs, but only when they keep me entertained the whole way through. This song, unfortunately, loses focus and I find myself quickly getting bored. The first 2 minutes or so don't really do anything except showcase Matthew's talent for the guitar. Whether it's showboating, or neccessary to have an introduction so long (you're not Tool), it just doesn't work. The rest of the song is just bland and reminiscent of Queen's Bohemien Rhapsody. Pass this one up. (1/10)

12) Glorious (bonus track for Japan)
At least the Japanese get a good song on their release. It starts off with a somber piano and a nice drum track by Dom, which quickly picks up with a climatic guitar riff. Good lyrics and vocal capabilites keep this song entertaining to the very end. It's just a shame that one of the best songs on the disc is only a b-side, and one that isn't in the US release. (8/10)

...not. This album is a huge disappointment. It started off well, but just went downhill, over the cliff and never recovered. It seems that the all-too-familiar story in the music industry has happened once again: Sell your soul/fans/sound to make a record. The entire record sounds rushed, bland and horribly uninspired. Muse seems to have given up most of their signature sound in favor of more "American Radio Friendly" blend between Britney Spears, Nickelback, Audioslave and <insert trendy/popular band/singer name here>. This album reminds me of that abomination Weezer released a while back. However, at least I still want to listen to old Muse. There are a few standout gems, and one perfect song located here, but $15 is a high price to pay for 3 songs. I suggest borrowing the disc from someone who is actually brave enough to own it, or just download it. I just hope that future albums can get these 3 back on track.

Final rating: D, for Did they think this was really gonna fly!?

EDIT: fixed some typos

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Quote:

You may throw your insults at me now.

YOU FUCK D:

Seriously, holy shit that's awesome. And, I love Chris's beard. Jordan Rudess much. :P

Only two days before it's released over here, and I'm so glad I managed to resist the temptation to listen to any samples. Monday can't come quick enough.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I am very disappointed by the new album so far, even after 6 or 7 listens. It just doesn't do it for me. A few standout songs here and there, but the majority sound like Absolution rehashed.

I reviewed the album here if you want to read it:
http://www.gamingforce.com/forums/al...velations.html

It may seem harsh, but that's what intense hype and opinions are for.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

My copy came 2 days early, get in =D. I think it's stunning, especially in stereo and being played on my awesome sound system <3. The artwork is lovely too, I pay attention to detail ok >_>. I reviewed it earlier in the thread, but the thing that has changed is that i'm officially in love with every song on the album. After hearing Invincible live, it just clicked and it became a highlight of the album. Soldier's Poem is just gorgeous and Hoodoo is just amazing. I think it's their best album yet, i'm always astounded at how they can reinvent their sound with each album and make it better than the last.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I like this album. Muse is a really good band, coming close to the best band ever alive.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Grawl

I like this album. Muse is a really good band, coming close to the best band ever alive.

You're forgiven .

FELIPE NO

Holy shitmice.

Just got back with the album. Map Of The Problematique just came on (this is my first listen through), and it is PERFECT. I love this album.

[EDIT: I'm also very much enjoying City Of Damnation. :D]

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

It's City of Delusion. And I didn't really like Map of the Problematique. Not bad, but not brill either. Hoodoo's excellent though. The last 5 tracks all are.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

You're right; I didn't check the title before posting, that was from memory.

So far, I'm loving the first four and the last three the most. It's all brilliant, though. This and Synchestra have to be the best releases of 2006 so far.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

'City of Delusion', 'Hoodoo' and 'Knights of Cydonia' are tracks on a par with 'New Born' and 'Stockholm Syndrome'. This album is only slightly weaker than Origin of Symmetry. That's some darn high praise!

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Whenever I hear Exo-Politics it makes me laugh because of this interview I heard with Matt and Dom and Matt just couldn't stop laughing when he was describing the theme behind it. I think every song on the album are strong, which makes it the best album they've done so far in my opinion. Man these guys just keep getting better and better.

How ya doing, buddy?

I heard that interview. XFM wasn't it? Absolutely classic!

I was speaking idiomatically.

Anyone happen to have a recording (or a link) to that interview? I'm always looking for interviews with them... for some reason it's kind of hard to find.

Damn it, I still have to wait 8 days ;____;.
BUT, I'll be buying the special 2-pack with the Absolution DVD, if I can find it.
Which I already had downloaded, but I want the real thing in NTSC format...

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by Majin yami

I heard that interview. XFM wasn't it? Absolutely classic!

Yup, I couldn't stop laughing. The thing I love about Muse is that they're just hilarious in interviews and extra footage of them touring. Hullabaloo was just legendary with all that backstage footage, I got the Supermassive Black Hole DVD single and the Making of is quality.

FELIPE NO

I thought that the extra footage on Hullaballo was classic. When Dom nicked the Slipknot mask:
"Sit the fuuuuuuck DOOOOOOOWN!!!
I was practically pissing myself! I'm sure it's on YouTube somewhere.

Ah yes, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOcEV...h=Dom%20Howard

Anyway, this is the interview from XFM (songs not included). It's in bits and each part contains stuff relating to each track.

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...D8A14715F61F2A

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...F6C42C280D361D

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...EEAE4C4D848A26

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...2A21E01AA2228D

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...A281015D0E24E6

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...AD038C120B129B

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...F4E45B4300D534

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...1BBFD960689614

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.ph...2C2F5D493AE6AE

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

That interview is awesome, loads of stuff to sink my teeth into. Thanks loads.

Most amazing jew boots

Thanks! That's awesomeness .
And yeah, the Slipknot thing is brilliant. And so accurate! I like how Matt's rolling around laughing his ass off.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I love his laugh. It's so infectious and suits him so much. I love the bit with the sombrero in that vid.

God, I wish I'd been paid already so I could actually get the damn album. Only £9.99 at my local Safeways...

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Definitely worth it. It's a really nice package. Lots of attention to detail, on the digipack version at least (is there even a jewel case?).

The slipknot thing is hilarious. Even funnier when you see how offensive some people found it, if you look at the comments on youtube. Don't think I've laughed so much at anything on the internet recently.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Majin yami

I love his laugh. It's so infectious and suits him so much. I love the bit with the sombrero in that vid.

God, I wish I'd been paid already so I could actually get the damn album. Only £9.99 at my local Safeways...

"look Dom I got a pwopa fish!" Legend.

My Dad was just telling me Woolies are selling it for £8 something.

Talking about Matt's laugh, it was just hilarious when they were presenting Rage and they just couldn't stop laughing. I've got like 10 snippets of them just bursting into laughter every 2 seconds.

Originally Posted by Xanadu

Definitely worth it. It's a really nice package. Lots of attention to detail, on the digipack version at least (is there even a jewel case?).

Yeah there is a jewel case, I have it.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Ahh, I didn't see any in HMV when I went. Either way, it's a very nice digipack. I don't generally like digipacks very much, but this one's earned my respect. :P

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

What is this jewel case thing? And digipack? Eh?

FELIPE NO