Origin of Symmetry

Origin of Symmetry Artist: Muse
Label: Mushroom Records
Category: Music


Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Format: Enhanced
Media: Audio CD


UPC: 821838246824
EAN: 0821838246824
ASIN: B0002IQL30


Release Date: 2004-07-13

Origin of Symmetry


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Tracks:

  1. New Born
  2. Bliss
  3. Space Dementia
  4. Hyper Music
  5. Plug in Baby
  6. Citizen Erased
  7. Micro Cuts
  8. Screenager
  9. Darkshines
  10. Feeling Good
  11. Megalomania

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Muse on this.......2005-02-21

While British rock band Muse are big in the UK, the US is only just starting to get acquainted with these original, entrancing musicians. And their second album, "Origin of Symmetry," they accomplish the almost impossible -- every song is epic and thrilling.

The first two songs open with delicate rippling piano intros that suddenly blossom into rock riffs. Feedback kicks off into sizzling basslines and riffs in "Plug In Baby" and "Citizen Erased," while wind chimes and an acoustic melody are at the heart of "Screenager." "Hyper Music" is the only dud. It's a discordant clatter that becomes a discordant rock song -- nuff zed.

But as good as most of the album is, Muse save the best for absolute last. The penultimate song "Feeling Good" is perhaps the best -- fuzzy chopsticks start the song, followed by a stretch of epic rock and soaring vocals. The finale is no less entrancing, a slowly stately wave of sound that slowly transitions into an equally rich rock song.

Americans really got to know Muse through their latest album, "Absolution." But it's not the only album they have done, nor is it the best. "Origin of Symmetry" may well take that honor, or at least tie with their debut "Showbiz." Relatively few people know about these earlier albums, or about the rich apocalyptic quality of Muse at their best.

Muse is definitely a band for Radiohead fans -- it has the same rich spaciness and art-rock quality, but it's more grounded and gritty. The most entrancing instrumentation is done on piano -- it can be delicate, dark, fuzzy, or outright epic. The piano is accompanied by smashing percussion, sinuous riffs and basslines, and sweeps of spellbinding electronics.

Matt Bellamy puts his good vocals to use in every song, and he's as versatile as his piano. Much of the time he opts for the smooth, low sound. But he also gets to howl, and occasionally sounds like he's been huffing helium. And the songwriting is also pretty solid, often focusing on betrayal and a lover who "was so beautiful."

Music Album:

  1. The World's Greatest Tribute to Nirvana ~ Various Artists
  2. Archive & Live
  3. Guitar Tribute to Nirvana ~ Various Artists
  4. Tribute to Hoobastank ~ Various Artists
  5. The Exorcist ~ Ill Ease
  6. Back to the World ~ Street Dogs
  7. Woke Up This Morning: Theme From The HBO Hit Series ~ The Brothas & Sistas
  8. To Tulsa & Back/Guitar Man
  9. Everyone's a Winner: 60 Original No. 1's ~ Various Artists
  10. O-Town ~ O-Town

Music Album

Music Album

Music

David Osborne Plays Elton John ~ David Osborne

Earl Fatha Hines Orchestra ~ Earl Hines & His Orchestra

Data Plague ~ Primary Slave

Power from Hell ~ Onslaught

Biso Nawa ~ Henri Dikongu%C3%A9

Vani ~ Veena Sahasrabuddhe

Best of ~ Avi Perez

Radio Pirata: Ao Vivo ~ RPM

Monsters in Love ~ Dionysos

Los Mejores Pasadobles ~ Various Artists