I watched them just a couple of weeks ago, the whole crowd is waiting for this song, and the drop. Pick any large show they've done, and you'll see how huge this song is. Off the top of my head, their Rome Olympic Stadium show, Glastonbury 2010, Download 2015.
The drop at the end is perhaps the number one single moment of my concert going life. I've been to a lot of shows, but that moment... man! The build-up and then Matt Bellamy screaming "Come on Denmaaaaark!" and then everything just went nuts. Absolutely incredible scenes.
Knights of Cydonia is like a modern masterpiece. Saw Muse few weeks ago in Bellahouston Park up in Glasgow, and this was the song that closed the show. Knights in the pissing down rain. 👍
I still maintain that Muse performing live is the only band that comes remotely close to Queen. I've seen them twice now and they are mindblowingly good.
I havent seen many live shows, but Muse was right up there with Paul McCartney (surprising cause he was old as heck). Muse is great though, what an amazing night that was. They closed with Knights of Cydonia.
Led Zeppelin only ever came to my town when I was 11 years old. About 45 years later I saw Muse, and said to my after, “well, I never saw Zeppelin but, now believe I’ve seen something comparable!!
That has got to be the most banging piano solo I've ever heard in all of music. It's just lush and gorgeous and soaring and... everything good in life.
I’m incredibly lucky that Muse was a local band for us, I can remember them playing at our local university and being blown away back then. I would really recommend you look at one of their live performances, truly superb 👍🏻 thanks for doing a great song Doug - definitely worth an album run through.
The song is very inspired by Ennio Morricones spaghetti western soundtracks. There's an amazing live version from Rome, Italy where the bassist play the Harmonica theme from Once upon a time in the West as an intro for this song. Amazing performance with that eerie harmonica soaring over the audience in that giant stadium. The video is of course inspired by the westerns of Sergio Leone that Morricone wrote amazing soundtracks to. Just saw the biographical movie called Ennio which shows what a genius he was. Metallica has used his song The Ecstasy of Gold as an intro for decades. The song The Unforgiven is heavily influenced by Morricone.
Just was at their concert and they had the lyrics on big screens saying "we must fight for our rights..." etc etc. Having thousands of people shouting it with passion, it was AMAZING. Also the mosh pits were epic! Loved them live
Matt Bellamy's (singer) father, George Bellamy, was the rhythm guitarist of the 1960s pop group the Tornados, whose 1962 single "Telstar" was the first US number one by an English band. This song has always reminded me of Telstar.
I saw them live in June this year and they ended the show with this. Having everyone there shouting the lyrics at the part where everything but his vocals remains and then going into the drop was truly a cathartic experience. My brother luckily filmed it so i can always look back at this memory
The more you listen to Muse, the more you find their style ranges all over. At their core, they're a rock band, yes, but Muse has no problem with pulling influence from many genres. Some of their songs are downright poppy while others, like this one, will drive the guitar relentlessly.
They close every concert with this song, if you think the album version is good you need to see it live! I've seen it 15 times and there is no other experience in my life like it. They also do a harmonica intro and different guitar outros as well.
Muse is one of my top bands of all time. Their old stuff is good but I enjoy all of their diverse catalogue and respect them wanting to expand their sonic pallets and themes with each album release. Not only does this keep your compositions fresh, but it pushes you as a songwriter and musician on that regard too. You might enjoy their last album which is like a “best of” album that has new songs inspired by their older album releases.
You contradicted yourself in your own post. You talk about them expanding their sonic pallet with each album release only to then say their last album is a 'best of'. Here's what I'll say about their last album, it was a lazy rehash of their own sound/older stuff; but completely forgettable. It's ok to say that your favorite band released a shitty album. I started listening to Muse in 2000, so I've been a huge fan since pretty much the start. That doesn't mean I can't be objective.
Believe me Doug, the part where you ended up headbanging is where EVERYONE does - young, old, small, tall, fan or not a fan. Its just the driving force of Muse's rock music that you cant help it.
The entire album is a masterpiece. Well worth a deep dive, not only this album, but their entire collection of work. And many of their videos are masterpieces in their own right!
Saw them live this summer in Cologne, Germany. What a band! I went there because of my wife and came back as a huge fan. I always liked their music but other bands had more importance and made them fly under my radar . That definitely has changed now.
Muse and in particular Matt Bellamy have immense talent. Butterflies and Hurricanes is a good example of a song which displays Matt’s full range of talent.
Their album Origin of Symmetry is a masterpiece of their work. Each song is in a class of its own. I am personally fascinated by the song Space Dementia in their 20th anniversary version.
Origin and Absolution are my absolute favourite Muse albums, I also love Simulation Theory. None of the other albums had nearly as many alpha-levels songs for me.
I’ve been a fan of Muse for 20 years and I love this song, I urge to to watch a live version, they’ve changed the song now in their live performances, it now starts with a harmonica into from the bassist Chris Wolstenholme. I never made that political connection, you’re absolutely right, I can’t believe I missed it, you’ve now just given me more reason to listen to one of my favourite songs.
They are fantastic live. Shame that for some reason they gather some of the worst audiences. It's hard to explain, but I've never felt so much like I was at a white power rally or something like that.
Don't you just love how they sequenced the melody/progression in the first theme across e minor, c minor, ab minor, then back to e minor, descending a chromatic third each time?
I cannot even put into words how awesome this song is live in a crowd going absolutely insane in the part starting with 'No one's going to take me alive'. Muse are an incredible live band, the studio recordings do NOTdo them justice at all.
Awesome video man! It's the "galloping triplets" that start during the first "You and I must fight to survive" buildup that always make this song for me. I kinda wish people reacting to songs wouldn't watch the videos - usually what a song is in my head has nothing to do with the video and it's very different experience of hearing a song for the first time.
Thank you for reacting to the studio version of this! There are so many first-time reactions to live versions, and Muse are great live, but the first listen should absolutely be the studio version. The whole album is insanely good. I'm particular to City of Delusion and Exo-Politics.
I recommend the whole Black Holes and Revelations album, and also the album Absolution, The 2nd Law, the three parts of Exogenesis from the album The Resistance. Most of all though, I recommend the album/dvd for their concert at Wembley, UK, called HAARP, and the concert they recorded in Rome a few years ago. Their concerts are incredible, i’ve been to 3 of them and they’re the best band I’ve ever heard and seen live. Anyway I absolutely LOVE your commentary! And yeah, I would absolutely watch this movie!!! A little bit of spaghetti western, a little bit of Star Wars, a little bit of Bruce Lee’s movies, a little bit of Indiana Jones... all of that is right up my alley. Having Matthew Bellamy composing the soundtrack would be the cherry on top. Anyway yeah, their music is all over the place. Their first 2 albums were more raw and experimental, then they gradually moved to orchestral and bigger compositions, then they had 80s heavy synths for a while and now.... I don’t know what they’re up to now, but given what their latest single sounds like, it seems they’re trying to synthesize all the place they’ve been to so far. Either way, they are always changing and never staying in the same place.
I once heard Telstar described as "The most famous song you've never heard of". Because basically everyone has most likely heard it in one form or another, but they don't know what it is. I suggest looking it up and taking a listen, it's pretty neat.
I usually don't like when reactors watch the music video, especially when it's a great video, because it can distract from the music. But in this case, I do think the video is essential to get the full experience. It really serves to emphasize the blending of spaghetti western and retro-future aesthetics that are present in the music. Another video that I think is essential in a similar way is the Talking Heads' Once in a Lifetime, but I can't think of many others.
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this song is amazing, even more in a stadium with 80k people singing ! Saw them yesterday, incredible energy on stage !
Honestly hearing, 'I think they're being political here uh, a little bit' has made my night 😂 (imagine that on a tshirt!) Honestly though, it's so nice to see their talent being enjoyed in a genuine way!!
Great posting again. And like some of the earlier comments I ticked off a bucket list item when I went to see Musel live in Huddersfield UK last month. This track live is incredible and all the crowd join in. :)
I enjoy your point of view. Muse is a deep dive. They are tight as a coat of paint, because they have been together since high school. All 3 are great talents and make great music together.They are great live and use heavy heavy riffs as segues.
Hi Doug, If you liked this, you'll love the live versions: For example: Knights of Cydonia - Live at Rome Olympic Stadium - ruclips.net/video/eNV9gv0NmzU/видео.html Thanks.
Other Muse songs I'd think a composer would appreciate: -Take a Bow (Black Holes & Revelations) -Space Dementia (Remixx) (this is a remaster from the album Origin of Symmetry that has beautiful strings and piano) -United States of Eurasia (Black Holes) -Liberation (off Will of the People, almost a sequel of Eurasia) -Survival (off The 2nd Law) -Supremacy (The 2nd Law) -Micro Cuts Remixx (remaster from Origin of Symmetry) -Butterflies & Hurricanes (off Absolution) -The Handler (off Drones, the bassline alone is worth a listen) -Hysteria (off Absolution, the bassline alone is worth a listen)
This is the best music analysis video I’ve come across. I love the way you point out the different key, analyse lyrics and just your personality. Great stuff. Do more muse. And check out Hoodoo the most emotive of their stuff
I was watching Muse myself recently and your video popped up in my feed @Doug.Helvering. I’ve spent the afternoon watching your videos. I love and share your passion for music but, bow to your superior talent in recognising keys. Good stuff, please keep it up.
Writing this before watching the video. This is the song that got me hooked on Muse. This album is fantastic. This song is picturesque and a Mars is a great place for Don Quixote to adventure
This song was definitely political, but it's old enough we can almost forget what it was actually written about, the "How can we win when fools can be kings?" was directed at George W Bush
Knights of Cydonia was my intro to Muse, back when Fuse was still on and playing videos. I went down the magnificent rabbit hole and haven't looked back. Muse is unlike any other band.
I really like how you explain what lyrics means and all music stuff that you shows. I learn music and interpretation more easier in your reviews, thanks a lot Doug! Please do more Muse, an album reaction, a single, any content about Muse. Amazing video!
I was at Wembley stadium in 2007 when MUSE were there. When the guitar riffs come in, the crowd swell was insane! Me and my mate ended up a good 50 feet from where we started and our feet barely touched the ground. It was such an epic gig. Over 80,000 fans. :)
This is my favorite song ever. When I first heard it music changed for me. I heard it in 2006, I saw them in concert in 2007 and I cried strangely, and they sound just as great, sometimes better live, which might explain that. Music became so much more for me. I was 14, and music was nice, but this opened my mind. Every song on this album is great, but this changed my life and I love it. Also I love the cheesy Western, you got the hero and the hot chick and the evil guy, but they flip the story and she's the one who rescues him and I like that as well. I loved your review, and I hope you do listen to the rest. I think the songs Madness and Dig Down and Megalomania might interest you too. And Terry Crews is in the video for the song Pressure and it's hilarious. Sorry, I know this is all over the place, I'll come back and clean it up, lol. I'm glad you enjoyed Muse.❤
The first time I saw them live was the same, I was in a weird emotional coma, shellshocked from what I'd just witnessed. Someone had to ask me if I was all right! 🤭
Wow I had no idea, but this really DOES riff on the Tornado's 'Telstar'. Quite a well known single this side of the pond as it celebrates the UKs first telecommunications satellite. That said, it actually topped the charts in the US and Canada too! Well worth a listen... it's a little 60s sci-fi pop gem!
Hello good Sir. The band (The Tornados) and song (Telstar) you reference at the start of the video contain and was contributed too by George Bellamy (rhythm guitarist and father of Matt Bellamy). As far as I remember, that song was inspired by the launch of a telecommunications satellite at the time and was an instrumental recording that made it too No. 1 in the charts in the UK and US (a rare feat for an instrumental recording). May I suggest "Unnatural Selection" or "Citizen Erased" as your next exploration of Muse, both personal favorites of mine and songs I honestly think you would appreciate very much! Thanks for the love of music...
A Muse classic. If you like that one then there is much more in Muse's discography you will really enjoy. Appreciate the musical breakdown and your thoughts on the song meaning. Great video! Subbed. :-)
To me, Muse exists in the space between prog and alt rock. Complex, thoughtful lyrics, off beat chord structures, actual orchestration, wrapped up in a serious science-fictional package. Seeing Muse live was a high point my live music experiences. I bet you’d have a freaking blast at a Muse concert.
They finish their concerts with this song Doug and the place erupts. I'm off to see them today.....you gotta go see them live. In the meantime check out The Globalist....another lengthy masterpiece. Enjoy.
Had the pleasure of seeing these guys live the other week. This song is basically their go to set closer. Always gets the crowd hyped up - everyone singing along. Definitely many more great muse tracks to check out - both more expansive and sound-scapey and heavier, alt-rock stuff too.
If I might make another suggestion you should listen to even if its not a one you do a video for - Space Dementia from Muses second album Origin of Symmetry. It is piano heavy and inspired by Rachmaninov's 3rd. Simply stunning.
At the beginning is a a sort of giant steps, you jump into three section modulating every time by a major 6. So after three sections you are back to the original key.
I remember the first time I ever heard this song. It was me and four friends driving around in a car, radio in the background as we were joking and laughing around. This came on and it stunned us into silence. Absolutely gobsmacked.
saw them live in March in Oakland. And OMG that was an awesome show! They truly were one of the most entertaining live shows I've ever seen. I'm taking on par with Queen and Pink Floyd.
Finally Doug, been waiting for this for what feels like forever, did not disappoint! The tracks are carefully planned on this track, so its one of those albums you listen to in one sitting. Take a Bow, the first song, is really fantastic in 2 ways, it shows you what to expect for the rest of the album and also hypes you up for the ride, so can highly recommend that track. EDIT: My favorite track on the album is however Map of the Problematique, probably my favorite song in their entire discography.
Saw them a couple of weeks ago in Cologne. That was my fifth time seeing them, they are great live. Might see them again in London in October. The Telstar tribute is that buzzing guitar sound that starts at 4:30
Muse’s jump the shark song imho absolute bolt down classic I don’t think they ever bettered it. Pride of my home county Devon. I was honoured to be able to see them when they were at the top of their game when they played a home gig in Teignmouth when the tickets were only sold to local postcodes, limited to about 5000
Your intelligence never fails to astound me how you got the nail bang on the head about what a song is about just from the lyrics. I can do that with most songs but with others I have to read up them to understand exactly what the song is about but you just nail it every time. Keep up the great work and thanks for your time and vids.
Check out pretty much any live version. The AOL one, for example, is quite good. Matt Bellamy does a lot of improv with this song, particularly around the 2005-2010ish time range
You need to review the live version and react on this...Live at Wembley stadium or Olympic stadium Rome...an amazing energy in the crowd! Evertime outstanding! ❤️❤️🤘🤘
Petition for Doug to make the whole Album for Blackholes and Revelations
THIS!!!!!! ALL OF THIS!!!!!!
Yes it's just an incredible album!
Yes ,count me in,their best album for me,but simply one of the best of the century so far too.
It will resonate with Doug's classical music sensibilities.
This one or Absolution!
This song at the concerts is always a banger, crowd going nuts!
I watched them just a couple of weeks ago, the whole crowd is waiting for this song, and the drop. Pick any large show they've done, and you'll see how huge this song is. Off the top of my head, their Rome Olympic Stadium show, Glastonbury 2010, Download 2015.
Saw them at Huddersfield, loved it. Going to the O2 London 1st October now too!
@@stuartcollins82 and as opening on HAARP show, Wembley London 2007
Most definitely!
just saw them yesterday, it was awesome (full 80k people in a stadium)
The drop at the end is perhaps the number one single moment of my concert going life. I've been to a lot of shows, but that moment... man! The build-up and then Matt Bellamy screaming "Come on Denmaaaaark!" and then everything just went nuts. Absolutely incredible scenes.
Totally agree… the feel change onto the off beat is possible one of the best live experiences I’ve ever witnessed!
Yes. Great memory here as well. The rythm change on knights of cydonia, the slow build of energy that gets unleashed instantly, it's fantastic.
Knights of Cydonia is like a modern masterpiece. Saw Muse few weeks ago in Bellahouston Park up in Glasgow, and this was the song that closed the show. Knights in the pissing down rain. 👍
GREAT! I'm going next Tuesday in Rome, can't wait! Do you remember the tracklist?
I was there right at the front. It was incredible!
@@RareJem85I was there too
Was at bellie Park too
I was there!
Matt signing in the rain is also on the new video!
I think you'd adore the album Origin of Symmetry - absolutely packed with riff after riff, and the widescape of Citizen Erased especially.
Hear hear!
Yep... that album is a masterpiece.
Plug in Baby is da bomb. I remember being at Uni and getting a copy (possibly via the mid 90s internet). Mind blowing.
that album with the early itunes visualiser on a laptop with mushrooms was a defining moment of my youth
Hell even Showbiz or Hullabaloo would have him blabbering I think. I'd love to see a chronological catelog dive from him.
I still maintain that Muse performing live is the only band that comes remotely close to Queen.
I've seen them twice now and they are mindblowingly good.
I havent seen many live shows, but Muse was right up there with Paul McCartney (surprising cause he was old as heck). Muse is great though, what an amazing night that was. They closed with Knights of Cydonia.
The two best shows I ever went to in my life are Muse and Muse.
To me, this song had hints of both Queen AND Pink Floyd.
Led Zeppelin only ever came to my town when I was 11 years old.
About 45 years later I saw Muse, and said to my after, “well, I never saw Zeppelin but, now believe I’ve seen something comparable!!
….wife……
This son is like an unholy amalgamation of Dick Dale, Ennio Morricone, and Queen.
Maybe through a bit of Heart and Iron Maiden in there too
And also a lot of Sweet
I love the live version in Rome where they open the song with “Man with a Harmonica.”
Totally agree!
@@hatch7482 Fields of the Nephelim actually made a cover on Man with a Harmonica as an intro to one of their songs. Listen to it!
You gotta do more Muse! I bet you'd love "Butterflies and Hurricanes". I love it when Matthew shows off his classical piano skills.
New Born or Micro Cuts are the picks for me
@@Stu5727 any of them are just as good
That has got to be the most banging piano solo I've ever heard in all of music. It's just lush and gorgeous and soaring and... everything good in life.
Butterflies and Hurricanes was easily my favourite Muse song until I heard Uprising and Time Is Running Out, but those are my top three.
I’m incredibly lucky that Muse was a local band for us, I can remember them playing at our local university and being blown away back then. I would really recommend you look at one of their live performances, truly superb 👍🏻 thanks for doing a great song Doug - definitely worth an album run through.
Devon boy then 😁
Stockholm syndrome or this song live is awesome.
I've never seen them live but their live concert videos are epic.
Best live band I have ever seen! I have seen them at least 10 times!❤❤
@badrobot3159 almost their whole back catalogue is immense live. New born, hysteria, citizen erased. I could go on
The song is very inspired by Ennio Morricones spaghetti western soundtracks. There's an amazing live version from Rome, Italy where the bassist play the Harmonica theme from Once upon a time in the West as an intro for this song. Amazing performance with that eerie harmonica soaring over the audience in that giant stadium. The video is of course inspired by the westerns of Sergio Leone that Morricone wrote amazing soundtracks to. Just saw the biographical movie called Ennio which shows what a genius he was. Metallica has used his song The Ecstasy of Gold as an intro for decades. The song The Unforgiven is heavily influenced by Morricone.
Just was at their concert and they had the lyrics on big screens saying "we must fight for our rights..." etc etc. Having thousands of people shouting it with passion, it was AMAZING. Also the mosh pits were epic! Loved them live
I remember when they did that at Glastonbury festival in 2010…..that was a special moment!
i cannot stress enough how absolutely mindblowing this band is live
Matt Bellamy's (singer) father, George Bellamy, was the rhythm guitarist of the 1960s pop group the Tornados, whose 1962 single "Telstar" was the first US number one by an English band.
This song has always reminded me of Telstar.
matt cites it as an inspiration
Muse is a really special band. You will really enjoy their music.
I saw them live in June this year and they ended the show with this. Having everyone there shouting the lyrics at the part where everything but his vocals remains and then going into the drop was truly a cathartic experience. My brother luckily filmed it so i can always look back at this memory
The more you listen to Muse, the more you find their style ranges all over. At their core, they're a rock band, yes, but Muse has no problem with pulling influence from many genres. Some of their songs are downright poppy while others, like this one, will drive the guitar relentlessly.
Love the band, this song is my entry way with MUSE. Glad it wasn't blocked.
same
I hope you've gone back to their earlier albums!
Muse are, IMHO, the best live band in the world, and I've seen some of the biggest bands going.
They close every concert with this song, if you think the album version is good you need to see it live! I've seen it 15 times and there is no other experience in my life like it. They also do a harmonica intro and different guitar outros as well.
Not every concert. 😂. If you know what i mean
@@miralex67 99% of concert maybe :)
Oh yes.... the harmonica.... 😍
Muse has been my favorite band since 2004 and it always tickles me watching someone listen to this song for the first time.
Muse is one of my top bands of all time. Their old stuff is good but I enjoy all of their diverse catalogue and respect them wanting to expand their sonic pallets and themes with each album release. Not only does this keep your compositions fresh, but it pushes you as a songwriter and musician on that regard too. You might enjoy their last album which is like a “best of” album that has new songs inspired by their older album releases.
You contradicted yourself in your own post. You talk about them expanding their sonic pallet with each album release only to then say their last album is a 'best of'. Here's what I'll say about their last album, it was a lazy rehash of their own sound/older stuff; but completely forgettable. It's ok to say that your favorite band released a shitty album. I started listening to Muse in 2000, so I've been a huge fan since pretty much the start. That doesn't mean I can't be objective.
Believe me Doug, the part where you ended up headbanging is where EVERYONE does - young, old, small, tall, fan or not a fan. Its just the driving force of Muse's rock music that you cant help it.
The entire album is a masterpiece. Well worth a deep dive, not only this album, but their entire collection of work.
And many of their videos are masterpieces in their own right!
Would be great indeed if Doug did this great album!
I agree with the exception of this song.
Minus Starligjt
@@mattbrown9631 HERESY!
Saw them live this summer in Cologne, Germany. What a band! I went there because of my wife and came back as a huge fan. I always liked their music but other bands had more importance and made them fly under my radar . That definitely has changed now.
Currently one of the best live bands, will be seeing them for the 6th time when they come to London
Muse and in particular Matt Bellamy have immense talent. Butterflies and Hurricanes is a good example of a song which displays Matt’s full range of talent.
Their album Origin of Symmetry is a masterpiece of their work. Each song is in a class of its own. I am personally fascinated by the song Space Dementia in their 20th anniversary version.
Space Dementia and Futurism have the biggest glow up on the XX Anniversary Remix, IMHO.
(they were already fantastic to start, too)
Great tune!
Origin and Absolution are my absolute favourite Muse albums, I also love Simulation Theory. None of the other albums had nearly as many alpha-levels songs for me.
I’ve been a fan of Muse for 20 years and I love this song, I urge to to watch a live version, they’ve changed the song now in their live performances, it now starts with a harmonica into from the bassist Chris Wolstenholme.
I never made that political connection, you’re absolutely right, I can’t believe I missed it, you’ve now just given me more reason to listen to one of my favourite songs.
You've been a fan for twenty years, and never made the political connection with this song?? Really!!!????
With all this production you would be surprised but seeing them perform live is a must.
They are better live
I got to see them live for the very first time this year and was absolutely blown away. I love this band.
They are fantastic live. Shame that for some reason they gather some of the worst audiences. It's hard to explain, but I've never felt so much like I was at a white power rally or something like that.
Saw them live in Philadelphia during their Simulation Theory tour. Best live show I've ever seen in my life. I've been craving more ever since.
Please do Take a Bow from the same album, it's the opening track and the chord progressions are mindblowing!
A good one to do. Playing it is a finger workout too on the keyboard
My top 5 songs ever
@@adampridgen2584 it’s literally my favorite Muse song
And of course that huge scream at the end of the song. What a way to start an album..
This one and the whole album!
Muse's Origin of Symmetry album is one of the best I've ever heard, highly recommend you listening to that one!
Anything from their Live in Rome Olympic Stadium Concert is absolutely epic.
Map of the Problematique is another great one on this album.
One of my most favorite songs
Muse are at their best live. Check out the extended version of Knights of Cydonia at Rome Olympic Stadium
Don't you just love how they sequenced the melody/progression in the first theme across e minor, c minor, ab minor, then back to e minor, descending a chromatic third each time?
I cannot even put into words how awesome this song is live in a crowd going absolutely insane in the part starting with 'No one's going to take me alive'. Muse are an incredible live band, the studio recordings do NOTdo them justice at all.
Seen them live last week. Absolutely brilliant. Closed out the gig with this track. Great audience participation.
It was epic, also with the harmonica intro added. So cool. Great gig apart from the queue at the bar lol
When they played this in Argentina almost 4 years ago, a light rain started.
Nothing short of magical, that moment.
It's their typical closer. Saw them a few months back and they closed with it there as well.
Me too!
Was that at MK? It was fantastic!
Awesome video man! It's the "galloping triplets" that start during the first "You and I must fight to survive" buildup that always make this song for me.
I kinda wish people reacting to songs wouldn't watch the videos - usually what a song is in my head has nothing to do with the video and it's very different experience of hearing a song for the first time.
The "galloping" in this song and the end reminds me a bit of Rainbow (definitely hear the Queen in this song too).
Thank you for reacting to the studio version of this! There are so many first-time reactions to live versions, and Muse are great live, but the first listen should absolutely be the studio version.
The whole album is insanely good. I'm particular to City of Delusion and Exo-Politics.
Plug in baby live from Rome! My favourite Muse performance
Love that you did this song - it's absolutely criminal that Muse didn't make it big in the US!
Check out the first British single to make US No. 1 Telstar by the Tornados. Sound familiar ? The lead guitarist is Matt Bellamy’s father
I recommend the whole Black Holes and Revelations album, and also the album Absolution, The 2nd Law, the three parts of Exogenesis from the album The Resistance. Most of all though, I recommend the album/dvd for their concert at Wembley, UK, called HAARP, and the concert they recorded in Rome a few years ago. Their concerts are incredible, i’ve been to 3 of them and they’re the best band I’ve ever heard and seen live.
Anyway I absolutely LOVE your commentary! And yeah, I would absolutely watch this movie!!! A little bit of spaghetti western, a little bit of Star Wars, a little bit of Bruce Lee’s movies, a little bit of Indiana Jones... all of that is right up my alley. Having Matthew Bellamy composing the soundtrack would be the cherry on top. Anyway yeah, their music is all over the place. Their first 2 albums were more raw and experimental, then they gradually moved to orchestral and bigger compositions, then they had 80s heavy synths for a while and now.... I don’t know what they’re up to now, but given what their latest single sounds like, it seems they’re trying to synthesize all the place they’ve been to so far. Either way, they are always changing and never staying in the same place.
I once heard Telstar described as "The most famous song you've never heard of". Because basically everyone has most likely heard it in one form or another, but they don't know what it is. I suggest looking it up and taking a listen, it's pretty neat.
I usually don't like when reactors watch the music video, especially when it's a great video, because it can distract from the music. But in this case, I do think the video is essential to get the full experience. It really serves to emphasize the blending of spaghetti western and retro-future aesthetics that are present in the music. Another video that I think is essential in a similar way is the Talking Heads' Once in a Lifetime, but I can't think of many others.
this song is amazing, even more in a stadium with 80k people singing !
Saw them yesterday, incredible energy on stage !
Honestly hearing, 'I think they're being political here uh, a little bit' has made my night 😂 (imagine that on a tshirt!)
Honestly though, it's so nice to see their talent being enjoyed in a genuine way!!
Muse playing live is a different beast; Newborn at Wemley is a fine example. The Absolution album is a masterpiece IMO
Agreed 100%. The HAARP tour was amazing to witness in general.
This album fills me with pure nostalgic joy. I'd never heard anything like it. Funny how the music you discover as a teenager sticks with you forever.
Great posting again. And like some of the earlier comments I ticked off a bucket list item when I went to see Musel live in Huddersfield UK last month. This track live is incredible and all the crowd join in. :)
I enjoy your point of view. Muse is a deep dive. They are tight as a coat of paint, because they have been together since high school. All 3 are great talents and make great music together.They are great live and use heavy heavy riffs as segues.
Hi Doug, If you liked this, you'll love the live versions: For example: Knights of Cydonia - Live at Rome Olympic Stadium - ruclips.net/video/eNV9gv0NmzU/видео.html Thanks.
I second this. An absolutely fantastic live performance and it includes a Morricone intro as a bonus.
@@rogerlie4176 that said. Doug would probably enjoy The Globalist + Drones live from Glastonbury even more :)
Doug, ek is spot on here - live at Rome is out of this world. Even if you don't review it go and watch it :)
Other Muse songs I'd think a composer would appreciate:
-Take a Bow (Black Holes & Revelations)
-Space Dementia (Remixx) (this is a remaster from the album Origin of Symmetry that has beautiful strings and piano)
-United States of Eurasia (Black Holes)
-Liberation (off Will of the People, almost a sequel of Eurasia)
-Survival (off The 2nd Law)
-Supremacy (The 2nd Law)
-Micro Cuts Remixx (remaster from Origin of Symmetry)
-Butterflies & Hurricanes (off Absolution)
-The Handler (off Drones, the bassline alone is worth a listen)
-Hysteria (off Absolution, the bassline alone is worth a listen)
And Ruled by Secrecy, The Globalist.
Yes. Surprised Doug hasn’t got into Muse before this. A fantastic progressive rock band with unique chord progressions. He’d love them.
This is the best music analysis video I’ve come across. I love the way you point out the different key, analyse lyrics and just your personality. Great stuff.
Do more muse. And check out Hoodoo the most emotive of their stuff
I was watching Muse myself recently and your video popped up in my feed @Doug.Helvering. I’ve spent the afternoon watching your videos. I love and share your passion for music but, bow to your superior talent in recognising keys. Good stuff, please keep it up.
That 'weird synth line' is a guitar. Matt Bellamy Ladies and Gentlemen!
Writing this before watching the video. This is the song that got me hooked on Muse. This album is fantastic. This song is picturesque and a Mars is a great place for Don Quixote to adventure
You absolutely need to see a recording or live taping where they play this live.
I think the live versions are better than the album version..
Saw them in concert the other week - they are brilliant Live :)
This song was definitely political, but it's old enough we can almost forget what it was actually written about, the "How can we win when fools can be kings?" was directed at George W Bush
Knights of Cydonia was my intro to Muse, back when Fuse was still on and playing videos. I went down the magnificent rabbit hole and haven't looked back. Muse is unlike any other band.
One of the great music videos of all time.
Love that Doug's reaction to the guitar solo is "AWESOME." 8:11
truly one of my favorite songs of all time, what a masterpiece!!! the breakdown is so legendary!!!
I really like how you explain what lyrics means and all music stuff that you shows. I learn music and interpretation more easier in your reviews, thanks a lot Doug! Please do more Muse, an album reaction, a single, any content about Muse. Amazing video!
Should do live videos for firat time listens. You get the energy of the band and see who's making which noises! Live at Olympic Stadium
Doug rocking the Haken shirt is just so precious. He really became a fan of rock and metal and im all for it!
I was at Wembley stadium in 2007 when MUSE were there. When the guitar riffs come in, the crowd swell was insane! Me and my mate ended up a good 50 feet from where we started and our feet barely touched the ground. It was such an epic gig. Over 80,000 fans. :)
Me too, both nights! Energy was unbelievable 🔥😄
I was at the 2nd night. Best gig ever!
This is my favorite song ever. When I first heard it music changed for me. I heard it in 2006, I saw them in concert in 2007 and I cried strangely, and they sound just as great, sometimes better live, which might explain that. Music became so much more for me. I was 14, and music was nice, but this opened my mind. Every song on this album is great, but this changed my life and I love it.
Also I love the cheesy Western, you got the hero and the hot chick and the evil guy, but they flip the story and she's the one who rescues him and I like that as well.
I loved your review, and I hope you do listen to the rest. I think the songs Madness and Dig Down and Megalomania might interest you too. And Terry Crews is in the video for the song Pressure and it's hilarious.
Sorry, I know this is all over the place, I'll come back and clean it up, lol. I'm glad you enjoyed Muse.❤
The first time I saw them live was the same, I was in a weird emotional coma, shellshocked from what I'd just witnessed. Someone had to ask me if I was all right! 🤭
Matt is heavily inspired by Rachmaninoff too btw, especially in the album Absolution (and also in Origin of Symmetry). You should check it out.
Thank you for bringing us this song. Love Muse, sometimes they remind me of Ultravox.
Wow I had no idea, but this really DOES riff on the Tornado's 'Telstar'. Quite a well known single this side of the pond as it celebrates the UKs first telecommunications satellite. That said, it actually topped the charts in the US and Canada too! Well worth a listen... it's a little 60s sci-fi pop gem!
It's a nod to his dad I think. His father was the rhythm guitarist of the Tornado.
Hello good Sir. The band (The Tornados) and song (Telstar) you reference at the start of the video contain and was contributed too by George Bellamy (rhythm guitarist and father of Matt Bellamy). As far as I remember, that song was inspired by the launch of a telecommunications satellite at the time and was an instrumental recording that made it too No. 1 in the charts in the UK and US (a rare feat for an instrumental recording).
May I suggest "Unnatural Selection" or "Citizen Erased" as your next exploration of Muse, both personal favorites of mine and songs I honestly think you would appreciate very much! Thanks for the love of music...
That chorus gets me every time. It makes you want to stand up and be counted
Epic track from an epic band.
A Muse classic. If you like that one then there is much more in Muse's discography you will really enjoy. Appreciate the musical breakdown and your thoughts on the song meaning. Great video! Subbed. :-)
Man, this takes me back to Guitar Hero 3 hard. Good times, so much fun.
Matt's Guitar intro is giving Me 'Telstar' Vibes by the Tornados
A great tune and even better live. looking forward to you reviewing the whole album.
To me, Muse exists in the space between prog and alt rock. Complex, thoughtful lyrics, off beat chord structures, actual orchestration, wrapped up in a serious science-fictional package. Seeing Muse live was a high point my live music experiences. I bet you’d have a freaking blast at a Muse concert.
They finish their concerts with this song Doug and the place erupts. I'm off to see them today.....you gotta go see them live. In the meantime check out The Globalist....another lengthy masterpiece. Enjoy.
Had the pleasure of seeing these guys live the other week. This song is basically their go to set closer. Always gets the crowd hyped up - everyone singing along.
Definitely many more great muse tracks to check out - both more expansive and sound-scapey and heavier, alt-rock stuff too.
Blackout live at Wembley stadium would be a great track to review
And just last week I joined the channel and asked for a Muse reaction! Your the best Doug!
Such a great song. I can't help but feel this album was the pinnacle of their creative output.
If I might make another suggestion you should listen to even if its not a one you do a video for - Space Dementia from Muses second album Origin of Symmetry. It is piano heavy and inspired by Rachmaninov's 3rd. Simply stunning.
At the beginning is a a sort of giant steps, you jump into three section modulating every time by a major 6. So after three sections you are back to the original key.
I remember the first time I ever heard this song. It was me and four friends driving around in a car, radio in the background as we were joking and laughing around. This came on and it stunned us into silence. Absolutely gobsmacked.
saw them live in March in Oakland. And OMG that was an awesome show! They truly were one of the most entertaining live shows I've ever seen. I'm taking on par with Queen and Pink Floyd.
Finally Doug, been waiting for this for what feels like forever, did not disappoint! The tracks are carefully planned on this track, so its one of those albums you listen to in one sitting. Take a Bow, the first song, is really fantastic in 2 ways, it shows you what to expect for the rest of the album and also hypes you up for the ride, so can highly recommend that track. EDIT: My favorite track on the album is however Map of the Problematique, probably my favorite song in their entire discography.
Gotta agree with your takes on these particular songs.
I saw them on the tour for this album, they played it all in order straight from the off.
Saw them a couple of weeks ago in Cologne. That was my fifth time seeing them, they are great live. Might see them again in London in October.
The Telstar tribute is that buzzing guitar sound that starts at 4:30
I was lucky enough to see them last weekend, what a show! Please do more Muse.
Yes Doug bang that head 😂. The live at Wembley was the one to watch but anyway love that you never heard it before. Great tune
Muse’s jump the shark song imho absolute bolt down classic I don’t think they ever bettered it. Pride of my home county Devon. I was honoured to be able to see them when they were at the top of their game when they played a home gig in Teignmouth when the tickets were only sold to local postcodes, limited to about 5000
Basically the song that sold me on Muse. Really a killer track.
Your intelligence never fails to astound me how you got the nail bang on the head about what a song is about just from the lyrics.
I can do that with most songs but with others I have to read up them to understand exactly what the song is about but you just nail it every time.
Keep up the great work and thanks for your time and vids.
This is the definition of rock on the new millenium
Check out pretty much any live version. The AOL one, for example, is quite good. Matt Bellamy does a lot of improv with this song, particularly around the 2005-2010ish time range
You need to review the live version and react on this...Live at Wembley stadium or Olympic stadium Rome...an amazing energy in the crowd! Evertime outstanding! ❤️❤️🤘🤘
Spot on reaction / review of this track 😊 More muse!