Black Holes and Revelations by Muse (UK) (CD, Jul-2006, Warner Bros. Records Record Label)

Black Holes and Revelations - CD
Release Date: July 2006
Label: Helium 3 / A&E Records


Whispers and visions of QUEEN, TRAVIS, JEFF BUCKLEY and DEPECHE MODE came to ear while listening to MUSE's latest album Black Holes and Revelations. Winners of the 2006 Q Award for the Best Live Band and UK's Festival Awards - Best Rock Act & Best Headline Act, MUSE is superb both live and recorded. MUSE = Dominic Howard, Mathew Bellamy & Chris Wolstenholme.

Black Holes and Revelations is like good Tantra. MUSE has a staggering stamina of switching up tempo, sensuality, the driving percussion, passionate guitars and the beautiful harmonies. The space between song #2 "STARLIGHT" and song #3 "SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE" is one of the most perfect choices in the history of music.

This is sexy music. Hypnotic like good wine and a great kiss. "SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE" needs to be a dance hit. It must be one. I can already hear the re-mixes. The lead singer, Mathew Bellamy, makes love with his voice and it makes you feel and dream.

This album is groovy, sexy, & HOT!!!!
5 Stars!!!!

I've liked Muse for awhile now. When "Knights of Cydonia" came out, I liked it, but usually I'll wait for the 2nd single to come out & then buy the CD if I like it. "Starlight" came out and that did it for me. "Super Massive Black Hole" looks like the other single too but the whole album is awesome. You won't be disappointed if you pick this disc up. Easily, one of the best for 2006.

I like this CD because it's not just the usual stuff.It has powerful chords and unconventional arrangements.You find the occasional "hook" here and there.The more you listen to it,the more you like it!

I LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes british music and a wide variety of music styles on one CD! Glad to have added it to my collection.

Many of the songs are already hits being played on local rock radio stations so if you like those than you'll like the CD as the songs, while not exactly similar, many of the songs do carry the same underlying mystic that seems to come from the group's style of music. I liked the entire CD, but I am a fan of Muse.

I wasn't expecting to like this CD as much as I do,but what a wonderful CD! There's not a bad track on it. Very polished,full-sounding,and spans several different styles of music. Highly recommended! :-)

In “Butterflies and Hurricanes,” on the Absolution album, Matt Bellamy sings, “Best… you’ve got to be the best… you’ve got to change the world and you use this chance to be heard.” He certainly heeds his own advice, as is evidenced in the politically charged lyrics of “Take a Bow,” opening song on the new Black Holes and Revelations album. He tells our current leaders that they will “burn in hell for their sins.” The question is whether he is speaking to Bush or Blair. Probably both. As harsh as this message might sound, it pales in comparison to the call to arms in “Assassin,” where “the time has come for you to shoot your leaders down.” Ouch. At any rate, Muse has become a worldwide phenomenon, selling out three consecutive nights of shows at Wembley Stadium, and they are utilizing their popularity to inspire their fans to do something.

“Supermassive Black Hole,” has been both praised and criticized. Its inspiring of opposite reactions is likely due to the atypical sound. Synthesizers boom in a low register while Bellamy’s voice floats above in falsetto. The cliché is tongue in cheek, “I thought I was a fool for noone, but ooh baby, I’m a fool for you.” I dare you not to groove along with this song. Opposites are a strong theme in “Starlight” as well. Wolstenholme ‘s base line is just delicious, and as in “Supermassive,” its depth is set off by the higher keys of Matt’s voice and piano. “I just wanted to hold you in my arms” shows a yearning for closeness, but there is a great sense of desolation: “this ship is taking me far away, far away from the memories of the people who care if I live or die.” The music and the lyrics are so bittersweet, as in “Map of the Problematique,” which opens with “fear and panic in the air.” While the apocalypse is present throughout the album, it is most pronounced here. These lyrics echo those in great apocalyptic literature, where the final survivors struggle with their finality in isolation.

The voice of the hero is never so pure as in “Soldier’s Poem.” It sounds like an Elvis Presley ballad, but beneath the sweet harmonies lies an acerbic depiction of someone serving their country yet challenging those defended to question the rationality of war and the actuality that there is no justice. It is so angry, yet wrapped in pretty paper, that it makes you giggle at the absurdity of it all. Don’t doubt that this is the intent.

“Knights of Cydonia” runs on the pace of a horse’s gallop, calling attention to the four horsemen in the cover art. It is such a phenomenal way to end the album (as well as live concerts), with octave-spanning accapellas and heavily rocking guitar riffs. It also ends the apocalyptic theme with a statement of fortitude, not at all going quietly into the great night.

The genius of Muse is head spinning, especially for a three piece band. If Matt Bellamy were only the lyricist he is, the vocalist, guitarist, or keyboardist, he would be a major talent, but the quadruple threat amplifies his genius to an unheard of level. Was this boy genetically engineered (as the puppies in “Plug in Baby” on Origin of Symmetry), bred and raised by a Mensa society, or spat here by God himself as a gift to music lovers? He is his own four horsemen, isn’t he? If he is heralding the end of the world, then, yeah, that sucks, but at least now I have that one album I’d like to take with me.

This was my first intro to Muse, and I was lured to buy when I heard the Knights of Cydonia track, which starts out with the sound of running horses like a cavalry charge (or knights charging into battle on their destriers, if you want to look at it that way...). I'm into *spacey* themes and this was definitely loaded with *spacey stuff.* The music on some tracks has dynamic fast-forward rhythms that (like another reviewer said) would make great modern dance tunes and you'll want those at high listening levels if you can get away with it. But then the tempo slows to a pseudo-romantic mode that reminds me of old slow dance tunes of 60's or 50's, and am sure that's deliberate. If you're the type to pay attention to the lyrics, those 'romantic' tunes may not be so romantic as melodic, because there's a sort of political message to some of the songs, like in "Soldier's Poem." "Invincible" has a patriotic tone to it, music and lyrics included. "Hoodoo" is one of the slow tunes and has a dreamlike quality that is sad in tone, but would make a great slow dance tune if you don't listen too closely to the lyrics. Most of the songs have some sort of spacey feel to them, aside from the abovementioned, and satisfying to me since the theme appeals to those like me who enjoy thinking of futuristic 'stuff,' space and UFOs. I love it and would buy Muse again just on the basis of this one album. Generally I don't listen to music with a 'slow' beat, rhythm, or tempo, since I use the music to hortate my work day at the art table and for writing projects to aid the fast-forward pacing of my mental 'metronome.' But I can say that the few slower tempo songs tossed in now and then help the listener to catch their breath, even if they're not into the dance. I liked the slower tunes on Muse's CD too. For those who like lyrics with political or social messages about the state of the world, Muse has that in here too, but with music this good if you don't care for the message, you might just enjoy the craftsmanship on the music. Some of the tunes have hints of a Spanish rhythm here or there. There's no "sameness" to it, all of the tunes are distinctly different or unique. You might look up the lyrics on the net to see if that appeals and some sites allow sound bytes so you can try out a track before buying. If you don't like it, then it's just not for you.

The whole albumn is excellent, and reminds one of the very best of the "Progressive Rock" era.

Regards,
Joe Cro N3IBX

Once again, the Muse trio have proved themselves to be far better than most bands of our time. With their stunning tunes and their exquisite lyrics, they are truly gifted musicians. Talent has a name and it is MUSE!

I remember purchasing this album when it first came out. I was completely ecstatic and when I first opened the seal, I knew I was in for a treat. You are always in for a treat with Muse albums. Muse continue to amaze all listeners. It's not toe tapping music - its mind tapping music. It truly gets you going. Recommended for anyone who has the ear for great music.

After hearing a few songs on the radio I decided to buy this cd. Now after listening to the entire cd I am amazed at the spectrum of music styles. What first caught my ear was the guitars. It reminds me of a few instrumentals from early 60's with a nice dose of reverb, tremolo and throw in a little fuzz and what a sound! There is something for everyone on this cd. Metal lovers, long hair, and great guitar sounds. I would like to thank them for taking the time to put this all together. I hope to hear more from MUSE.Dennis

A great band that flies under the radar. They are as good as any band out there right now. This is a must have.

I ordered this CD because another musician friend of mine said I would love it. We're both sort of Jazz/pop guys. Y'know, older Sting type stuff (Blue Turtles, Soul Cages, etc.) Unfortunately I never got the CD, and the seller is no longer an Ebay user. So there you go. But I'll bet it's a great CD!!!

this album features a song that i had heard on the radio...i liked the radiohead influence...wanted to see if the rest of their music was up to snuff. i enjoyed the album. i think it would make great background music in a social setting. would definitely recommend it.

This is the first Muse album that I bought, and it is probably one of the best purchases I have recently made. Muse's combination of electronica and rock is very inspirational with my own music and a great band to listen to if you want something that strays from the path of your everyday english band.

This is a great Muse CD. I love every song. Muse sings with passion, which I love. And their lyrics always amaze me, along with Matthew Bellamy's voice. Overall, a worth-it buy.

What can I say...Muse is a phenomenal band. They do not sound like anyone else. This album is dynamic and somewhat theatrical. If you like Muse, then you will like this album. Then again you will likely love it.

This is a solid album from what I have heard of it...I purchased it as a suprise gift for my wife so I have not actually listed to the entire album but so far so good in regards to what I have heard.

I didn't know this group existed until I heard their song "Supermassive Black Hole" in the movie "Twilight", and wanted to hear more. This CD is definitely worth a listen.

Not quite what I expected, most of the songs are completely different then, Supermassive Black Hole. If you are expecting them all to be like this song you WILL be VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!! This band seems to be a lot like Depeche Mode or Cure in STYLE. Just be very OPEN MINDED if you decided to buy!

I originally got into Muse by buying the HAARP cd. Since then, I have gone back and purchased each individual album. This is my favorite one. They have a nice variety of sounds in the album, with all of them sounding good. Some make me feel a euphoria type vibe, some a peacful vibe, some a determined or anxious vibe. It is a great CD that will really get you into the songs.

The CD arrived promptly, and it came in excellent condition. I experienced no problems with this transaction.

It's a gift for my son but I know he will love this! Good speed and good condition. Thanks somuch!

Arrived in time for Christmas. My son will enjoy for a long time. Quick shipping and a good transaction. Seller will be on my buyers' list.