MUSE: The Resistance (Part 5: Guiding Light)

Guiding Light (4:13)

This one took a few plays, but it was not too long before I decided this is one of my favorites. I must admit, the DVD footage of the making of this song helped sway my vote, but that's not bad thing. Sometimes it takes the visual realization of what magic is taking place to make songs work that influence the listeners decision to foster a love (or hate) relationship with the piece. Regardless of how, or how long, "Guiding Light" is a lover.

A strong, yet simple love song, Guiding Light opens with the ending of "United States of Eurasia" (you may remember the fading jet-like sound I mentioned previously), and dives right into ballad-like drums, and powerful synth. Bellamy's vocals slowly swoon a bit of heartache and a lot of passion, coupled with lyrics such as,

"Loved by numbers
you're losing life's wonder
touch like strangers; detached
I can't feel you anymore
The sunshine trapped in our hearts
it could rise again
but I'm lost, crushed, cold and confused
with no guiding light left inside"

Gosh, excuse me while I melt? You realize, again, how much you love this song the more you listen, and even more each time you read/sing his lyrics.

Back to the review...

About 2 minuets in, Bellamy "ooo's" his way into his one-of-a-king guitar solo, which is the point in the video that I realized this song is over the top wonderful. Seeing Matt play this solo is a bit of a jaw dropper, as you can even see in his face. The man has all sorts of talent, mixed in with great lyrics, emotional vocals, and, of course, Dom and Chris's extraordinary input. The baseline is catchy, and though the drums are steady and continuous, Guiding Light wouldn't be the song it is without them.



"When comfort and warmth can't be found I still reach for you
but I'm lost, crushed, cold and confused with no guiding light left inside"

"You're my guiding light
when there's no guiding light left inside"


Side note: The DVD footage also shows you how dedicated these guys are to perfecting their work. Rigorous discussion over how to strum the bass? Serious business to be had!


Did it take warming up? Yes.
Is it possible to get sick of? Nope.
Once you're in, there's no escaping, my friends. This is one for the lovers.


5/5

This is the DVD footage that sucked me in. Good luck ~Resisting (Nerd.)

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

May I just take this time to say...

WTF....BANDS?! Let's make up our minds here.

*Aerosmith finding a new front man after no contact with Ssteven Tyler for months.
*Fall Out Boy takes a break after touring with Blink 182
*Steven Tyler says "What the freak, I'm still in the band! I'm fucking STEVEN TYLER". Okay, not really. You get the idea.
*Fall Out Boy maybe breaking up...Pete says no...just breaking from Bronx.
*Interpol is back together, and we are to expect a new album out next year! YES.
*Aerosmith still can't figure their shit out. My opinion? If you get a new singer...you will NEED a new name. Aerosmith without Tyler is like Conan without crazy hair.
*Gallagher brother forms new band -minus otha brotha.



Some good...some meh...some just absurd. Thank you Muse and Killers for sticking with us. Oh, except TK will probably be going on a much deserved break after the end of their Day & Age tour sometime around Feburary 2010. Just come back to us, please. Enjoy the home life for once.

Aside from this, I realize I have been slacking on my "The Resistance" reviews, but I shall finish that up. You know, all you many readers out there....reading this.

Other fun facts?

OK Go have new video out. No treadmils.
Vampire Weekend debut new single, "Cousins".
REM to come out with a new album.
Muse announce UK stadium shows for September 2010. I have the presale code, but my damn bank account does not approve.
Julian Casablancas came out with a solo album, my friends!
Weezer also came out with their new album "Raditude", named by none other than Rainn Wilson! Rivers Cuomo sweetly tweeted "There would be no Rivers without Rainn". Collective "awwww" here.


Short and sweet!
Enjoy "Cousins" -Vampire Weekend

MUSE: The Resistance (Part 4: United States of Eurasia/Collateral Damage)

4. United States of Eurasia/Collateral Damage (5:48)

In this almost two-parter, Muse tries something new. U.S.E is probably the least like their other already Hodge podge songs, but still brings the "epic" factor. Here, Bellamy composes some beautiful string accompaniment while jamming along with his piano and band. The song begins slow and steady before exploding into a Queen-esque riff and harmony, declaring "Why split these states, when there can be only one!", almost pleading as much as they are rocking. From there, it goes into an early, Middle-East/Asian sound coming from strings and piano. The song continues upbeat, but it is the lyrics that are important here:


You and me fall in line
To be punished for unproven crimes!
And we know that there is no one we can trust;
Our ancient heroes, they are turning to dust!

And these wars, they can't be won
Does anyone know or care how they begun?
They just promise to go on
And on and on
But soon we will see
There can be only one

United States!
United States!
Of...


And though "EurasIA!" comes from George Orwell's book, 1984 (also referenced in "Resistance"), I certainly believe that this song can translate to countries all over the world. Personally, I can't help but think of my United States of America while listening to this piece.

"Our ancient heroes, they are turning to dust."

No matter how you hear it, or what you think of, Muse is letting out some frustration shared by almost everyone around the world. It's a song that reflects a great book, but it also reflects something that almost every person can relate to. When someone can bring people together...I say that's quite the masterpiece.

But after the harmonies, the frustration, the strings and the roaring piano, the song continues. This time, the last 2 minuets, Bellamy softly, almost dreamily, plays the piano. It sounds somewhat Chopin influenced, which is never a bad thing. It goes on...almost making you forget your frustrations and loss of hope. There are even sounds of happiness and laughter at toward the end...wonderful...and then a sound of jets, or some kind of fighter craft flying overhead, just to bring us back to reality.

These guys know what's up, and are way ahead of any other band out there when it comes to song writing. Not only are the lyrics spot on, but the composition of the song is over the top. The more and more I listen, the more and more I fall in love! You can not deny the goodness!


4/5

Have a listen: