Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever) -MUSE

Early yesterday afternoon my Twitter timeline was filled with Musers anxiously waiting for Zane Lowe to start up Muse's new song, and featured single for the new Twilight movie. Truly it's name says it all: "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)". What are your first thoughts based on the title alone? Perhaps...cheesy? Epic overhaul? Colossal happenings? Grace and beauty? Well, there's your review. The title explains Bellamy's, Wolstenholme's and Howard's attempt and success of a dose of much needed Muse rock.

It begins with a very mature sounding Matthew Bellamy, accompanying himself with a simple piano melody as their ever-so-infamous choral vocals creep in from behind (the one's that remind us of Queen). A slight pause...putting all of us at the edge of our seats, awaiting the epicness that is sure to occur!...and then the show-tune/50's style beat begins.

"Love! (bumbum chick) is forever!" Bellamy exclaims, eluding corniness that perhaps surpasses that of "Guiding Light". It repeats continuously for a few moments. Is this it?




But then, something reminiscent of their "Resistance" finally charges through as Howard picks up the pace, Wolstenholme joins in, and the synth finally intervenes! This is it! Somehow the next chorus seems much less corny, and much more Muse rock. Bellamy hits every note flawlessly, as he tends to do, and his Manson guitar accompanies with a powerful punch. It's finally all put together; synth, guitar, hovering bass lines, that colossal drumming, and the beautiful voice, all echoing a melody you are sure to have stuck in your head for hours. Go on, try to forget about it. Good luck with that.

About three-fourths through, Bellamy entertains us with his guitar solo. It's nothing extremely sensational, though respectable and fun enough to air guitar to (you know you do it). The final verse and chorus finish up with a bang, making us all rubberneck it with the best of (Chris) them. We think it may be finished with the last chord....but similar to their last Twilight single, "I Belong To You/Mon Coer S'ouvre A Ta Voix", Bellamy charms us with this grace at the piano. For only slightly more than 30 seconds, Matthew croons and swoons us with his magical touch...until fin.

So though it may begin with that old high school musical feel, Muse does not dissapoint in rocking you out of your chair. It's catchy and simple, but that's what tends to make a song something of a hit. It does have the feel that maybe they whipped this up in a hurry, perhaps needing to make a deadline for the soundtracks release, but Lennon and McCartney did that with "A Hard Day's Night". And I think we all know how that one turned out.

Like I said before, the name says it all. But the sound says more:

Padre's Playlist

So my dad has been my biggest music influence. He introduced me to The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, of course.

But I ALSO thank him for introducing me to Peter Gabriel, The Talking Heads, Psychedelic Furs, John Hiatt, David Bowie, etc...

Because of his influence, I have decided to make him playlists of new (with a few recent classics in there) to keep him with the times; a sort of "return the favor" kind of thing. I make these about once every couple of months, and I must say they have quite an affect. For instance, he is dying to see The Killers live (this coming from a man who has seen The Who, Peter Gabriel, Jethro Tull, etc. live), and thinks Knights of Cydonia live is one colossal piece of musical bliss. So here I continue my brainwashing...and I also bring it to you.

I'm sure most of you have heard of these, but if not, I highly recommend having a listen. (May I also say that I took the time to put these in just the right order. It's a must.)


Padre's Playlist 4.19.10
1. The Nerve -MUTEMATH
2. Tourist -Julian Casablancas
3. 1901 -Phoenix
4. The '59 Sound -The Gaslight Anthem
5. Last Night -The Strokes
6. Invincible (H.A.A.R.P) -MUSE
7. Dream City -Free Energy
8. Now We Can See -The Thermals
9. Great DJ -The Ting Tings
10. I Predict A Riot -Kaiser Chiefs
11. Oscar Wilde -Company of Thieves
12. Armistice -MUTEMATH
13. U.R.A. Fever -The Kills
14. Transmission -Joy Division
15. Hope Child -Free Energy
16. You Have My Eyes Now -Clues
17. Brave Man's Death -J-Roddy Walston and The Business


There you have it. If you have yet to hear some of these tunes, DO, and let me know what you think!

Okay, enjoy.

MUSE Palace of Auburn Hills 3/13/10

I just realized I never put this review on here. This is the un-edited version (the one close to, but not quite the one published in the IC).

Okayenjoynow.

---------------------------------------------------
British rock trio, Muse, have won an astonishing number of music awards for being the “Best Live Band” across the pond in Europe, and on Saturday the group brought their award-winning show to Detroit, Michigan. Muse are now touring in the United States after the release of their latest album “The Resistance” which came out last fall. Though Muse has had much greater success and recognition in the United Kingdom, the band is beginning to grow more popular here in the States with the help of games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero, as well as an appearance on the soundtrack of one well known vampire movie called “Twilight”. Regardless of how their fans found themselves amused and drawn into their music, over 12,000 of them poured into The Palace of Auburn Hills to “get their minds blown” (as warned by their opening band, Silversun Pickups.)




If anything can be said by first impressions, then the appearance of the stage set up alone said wonders about the grand and elaborate show before Muse even began their set. Three huge pillars decorated as skyscrapers lined the stage, surrounded by several different kinds of lighting equipment; yes, even lasers. The intro began as the pillars lit up, and the crowd's cheering nearly over powered the sound of the band's music. Shadows of people appeared to walk up the “buildings”, and when these shadows stopped and began to fall, the crowd knew Muse was not far behind. Finally, the curtains around each pillar fell and revealed each member of the band as the riff to “Uprising” pumped out of the speakers. The adrenaline that had been building during the anticipation of Muse's appearance was powered out in claps and fist pumps as the crowd all chanted:“They will not force us/They will stop degrading us!/They will not control us/We will be victorious; So come on!” What greater way to begin a rock concert than with a little rebellion?



Eventually, the pillars lowered, freeing the band to roam and rock out with their impossible-to-stand-still songs such as “New Born”, “Hysteria”, and “MK Ultra.” Matthew Bellamy, lead guitarist and vocalist, spun around on the stage with his famous Manson guitars in hand, often landing on his knees while belting out unbelievable guitar riffs as laser beams filled the arena. Chris Wolstenholme head banged along with the best of his fellow fans and drummer Dom Howard forced an uncontrollable beat throughout the entire set. The only chance to breathe was during portions of more melancholy tunes, such as the beginning of “United States of Eurasia”, in which Muse were back on their pillars, rising above the packed and excitable crowd. Bellamy played upon his piano and lights danced along with his fingertips.

The crowd ignited with songs such as “Supermassive Black Hole” and “Undisclosed Desires”, and cheered on Howard and Wolstenholme as they jammed out together during a short instrumental piece; all while atop a rotating center “stage”. There was certainly nothing too over the top for this band. And did I mention giant eye-ball confetti filled balloons? The theme “Big brother is watching you” from Orson Welles, 1984 is well expressed in “The Resistance”'s lyrics, so it was also reflected in the shows props and screen-plastered images. During fan favorite “Plug In Baby”, the giant eye-ball balloons floated into the crowd from the ceiling and burst with confetti for one hit of an ending.





But this crown would not have it. The band left the stage, but the audience only cheered and chanted louder. There were three more songs these fans just could not leave without. Soon enough, Matt, Chris, and Dom took the stage once again to end the night right. The encore began with the orchestra heavy ballad “Exogenesis: Part 1” as the adrenaline rose once again. The mighty “Stockholm Syndrome” got the legs jumping and the heads banging before “Knights of Cydonia” roared a colossal finish.

There was no denying something huge happened that night. Certainly Muse has deserved every “Best Live Band” award they have ever received. Only few bands have ever reached packed-arena show potential yet Muse undoubtedly stands among them. And though their acceptance and success may not yet be frequently revealed on the American charts, with concerts as elaborate and unforgettable as this, it is only a matter of time before the United States deems Muse as victorious.




-------------------------------------------

Basically, it rocked our socks. Front row was pretty amazing, though any seat in the whole stadium saw an amazing show. If you have never seen these guys live, you MUST get on that! If you are in the States, you will have a chance this Fall when they come back for their second leg of the tour. Yeah buddy!

That's all for now.

More MUSE photos (and other concert photos of mine) can be seen here:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/belsiechaird


Toodles.

You set my soul alight...

May I just open this entry by letting you know that...

I am seeing MUSE on March 13, 2010 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, MI!!]

Way too excited for this show seeing as how my love for this band has grown significantly in the past few months (as you can see by my last few entries on here). I was able to get 3 GA tickets, so it looks like another 3-5 hour wait in (possibly) cold weather...but this time, I'm actually going to wear socks. May even bring some hot chocolate and baileys. Watch out!

By the way, Muse of KROQ last night?? Did anyone catch that? Well find it online sometime, because it will melt your face. You know, if you are into that sort of thing.

Moving on...

It looks as though Interpol has won the "Band you most want to see get their freak back together in 2010", and you know, I must agree. It was a surprise when I had heard they were taking a break...breaking up...whatever, so this announcement was pretty fantabulous. Also on my list are Gorillaz. Apparently, the band will also have slightly aged animations with their videos and album art as well. How can you not love that dedication?

According to NME, Susan Boyle and Lady GaGa are the top on music charts lately. Yes, two exact opposites dominating music right now, and you know...I kind of like this. Much better than seeing Daughtry and Nickleback at it...again...and again...

Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O will be bumping Miley Cyrus out of the Grammy's race this year. Miley's "The Climb" (also the title of a really fantastic song by No Doubt, though quite different) was not eligible for the award of Best Song written for Visual Media, so instead the nom goes to Karens "All is Love" off the "Where the Wild Things Are" soundtrack. And I say, why the hell was this not the case in the first place? Oh yeah...it's the Grammys.

However, bands like Kings of Leon and Silversun Pickups were also nominated for Grammys this year. I suppose it's a step in the right direction. Then again, you HAVE to have a "Best Rock Band" category, right? Hmmm..

On this note, can I just say the Grammys are the most difficult to watch out of all the award shows. I'm not necessarily a Grammy hater, but awarding artists for their music is no easy, or little, task. There are more genres of music, and more unique artists than people even know about. Movies and T.V shows are fairly well known, and most people have heard of most TV shows and movies out there...at least compared to music. To have one 3 hour award show dedicated to music is almost impossible. I suppose this is a reason why there are "Woody" awards and "MTV music awards" (all around the world, even). Only well known artists get recognized, and to leave out potential amazing artists, only because a handful of music fans know them, practically makes the award nothing special. Yes, Kings of Leon are a great band...but the only reason for their Grammy nom. is because of their mucho airplay. They may deserve the award if they win, but how many rock bands out there have zero or very few air play with amazing talent pushing behind them? Awards are great, and bands should be recognized for their hard work, and their incredible skill, but as time goes by, music grows and 3 hours of award handling seems so insignificant.
But what can you do? I still wish best of luck to the musicians that have been nominated...but the best we can do as music lovers is to keep the music alive, and for the talented ones to never give up. Keep making the goodness!

What a rant, yes? I need a drink...

Anyway, before I make this entry way too long, I think I'll leave you with Karen O's, "All is Love". (fan made. Well done, yo!)





Toodles, friends!

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:

MUSE: The Resistance (Part 3: Undisclosed Desires)

3. Undisclosed Desires (3:55)




Pop. Boy-Bandish. Timbaland. Or so you think...

Those first few bars of bass, electric strings, and beat immediatly make you think of the above adjectives (yes, "Timbaland" is an adjective) for this song. But like the album itself, first listens are deceiving. This track soon became my "repeat" track. Evidence of this is on my last.fm account...

The song has zero Matt Bellamy guitar on it, which makes it similar to Absolution's "Endlessly". Yes, "Undisclosed Desires" is the new "Endlessly"! And there is not a thing wrong with that.

Chris and Dom really put their work into this one, bassing it up with the best of them. And of course, what is a Muse track without Bellamy's sensual voice? The man knows how to give a girl butterflies. Though I must admit that the songs on-going crescendos and harmonies add to the sexiness. The sound itself is enough make you blush. Add in the whispers and the lyrics and you have one of the most lustful, yet romantic songs possibly ever produced (those "ooo"'s in mid song? I fell off my chair.)

The lyrics introduce us to a man's love for one special woman. She seems to be the "bad girl" type, or so she acts like it. No matter who she is, this man wants her, and wants her to know he will save her. What is there not to love about...love?

"You trick your lovers that you're wicked and Divine/ You may be a sinner but your innocence is mine./ Please me, show me how it's done./Tease me, you are the one."

Butterflies? Me, too. Wait until you hear that last harmony. That cut off is one that choral conductors sweat over.

And live? Beautiful.



5/5

Muse: The Resistance (Part 2: Resistance)

2. Resistance (5:47)

If you enjoy yourself some George Orwell "1984", chances are you will appreciate this track. The lyrics and the sound pretty much some up the relationships in that story, and manage to epxress the feeling one has while reading the book. Seeing as that is one of my favorite books...I dig the song. Oh, I dig it a lot.

The beginning is almost misleading. The song is one of the most diverse on the entire album, so though the track opens with an eeire, dark synth sound (that synth is MASSIVE, by the way. It's almost creepy watching the man play it), it rises to more than the slow, dream-like Muse we all know and love.

This is the perfect song to follow "Uprising". In the beginning, we felt the sense of rebellion, and had that whole "WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT" feel. Now we have the sense that something went wrong with that plan, and now we need a new one. Though Bellamy narrates the story with some sadness, there is still hope!


"Love is our Resistance/Keep us apart and they won't stop breaking us down/Hold me, or lips must always be sealed"


The love story continues, with racing tempos and chillling harmonies all the way up until the climax gets our hopes and rebellion up again...only to end back where we started; That eerie synth. You know, the one that leaves you with goosebumps (does anyone say "goose pimples" anymore? Gross.).

Like "Uprising", Bellamy is trying to tell us something. He's not going to take it anymore, dammit, and neither am I! What that is, you decide, but I think I have a pretty good idea.

Musically, everyone does their part, and well. Matt Bellamy (vocals/guitar/synth) has spot on lyrics, heart wrenching vocals, and that unmistakable guitar riff. Dom Howard (drums) plays those 16ths like his life depended on it, and gets the listener going every time. But I think it is Christopher Wolstenholme's bass that makes me fall in love. VIVA LA BASS!


So to sum up: eerie synth, diverse song, spot on lyrics, holy bass guitar!, 1984, thank you, Muse.


Rating: 4/5

MUSE: The Resistance (Part 1: Uprising)

MUSE's new album, "The Resistance" was released here in the U.S yesterday...and much speeding began. The album is so amazingly diverse (as are most Muse albums), so I am going to review the epicness one song at a time. Finally will come my overall rating...and I think we all know how that is going to end up.

Let's get this started, yes?

1. UPRISING (5:03)

The first single off the new album made me a little nervous at first. It has the rock, the synth, and the drama that other Muse songs hold...but it just...repeated. Of course, I immediately downloaded it anyway, but after listening about 501 times, I would skip to the next song after the first minuet. What was going on? Well, I still had faith that the rest of the album would be amazing.

But the more and more I listen to it, the more things I hear and the better it becomes. The build up to the second chorus, synth climbing included, has become my favorite part. And that mid song solo? It starts out small, and ends with an "IN YOUR FACE!" rockness.

I am making up a lot of words here.

Anyway--
I then watched Muse perform on the MTV VMA's (which was the only thing worth watching. Might I also add that I am extremely frustrated that OTHER circumstances that the VMA's shadowed really great acts. Muse is hardly mentioned even though their set was the best of the night. Yeah.)
The boys played "Uprising", and the question I used to have for the song completely disappeared. You have to see these guys live. I would bet it may very well be the best night of my life.

So now when I listen to "Uprising", I hear that synth build up, the fun dance-tastic tempo, and turn it up at that mid song solo...and everyone moves along.


And have I mentioned the lyrics?

"So come on
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the fat cats had a heart attack
They know that their time's coming to an end
Unify and watch our flag ascend"


GET IT, PEOPLE. At least someone does.




RATING: 4/5

And The Middle Finger Goes Up To....

Yesterday good ole Britain put on Shockwave's NME awards, and oh how interesting it always is!
Here be your big winners:






Godlike Genius: The Cure
Best British Band: Oasis
Best International Band: The Killers
Best Solo Artist: Pete Doherty
Nest New Band: MGMT
Best Live Band: Muse
Best Album: Kings of Leon, Only By The Night
Best Track: MGMT, Time To Pretend
Best Live Event: Glastonbury 2008
Best Album Artwork: Muse, HAARP
Hero of the Yeat: Obama (go fig)
Villain of the Year: George W Bush (go fig)
Best Dressed: Alexa Chung
Worst Dressed: Amy Winehouse
Worst Album: The Jonas Brothers, A Little Bit Longer
Worst Band: The Jonas Brothers
Sexiest Male: Muse's Matt Bellamy (wait, what??)
Sexiest Female: Paramore's Hayley Williams








That's all for now, kids. I'll be back to discuss!

Anticipation: Albums of 2009

To go along with this weeks pollllllllllllllll, here's the list of some shweet artists coming out with new albums this fantastical year of 2009:

U2
Franz Ferdinand
Green Day
Animal Collective
Anthony and the Johnsons
Tokio Hotel
Dave Matthews Band
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Kasabian
White Lies
The Enemy
The Strokes
The Arctic Monkeys
The Cribs
Maccabees
Depeche Mode
Florence
The Prodigy
Mono
Patick Wolf
No Doubt


Also, rumors about Weezer, Muse, Sex Pistols and posssssiiiibbbllly My Chemical Romance.

Me? What do I think??
Thanks for asking.

Franz, Muse, Weezer, Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs , No Doubt all the way!
Greenday...not so much. Over it.

You?

In The Beginning...

So I've done it. I have a xanga, and even another blog...but here is the beginning of what could be border line obsession; the Rock Blog. I have been meaning to do this for a while now, but them good ol things like class and work seem to get in the way.
But not tonight!
Tonight I start my own Sweet Talk.
My mission? To rock the rock blogs, and your socks (and perhaps quiver your liver at the same time!).
I have a list started of music I love, but of course that's just a smaaaalll dose of my music loves. You'll hear a lot about The Killers, no doubt, but I'm in a pretty amazing Kings of Leon, Joy Division, and Muse groove right now too...so WATCH OUT!


...I be bloggin.