I need a life.
Good Lord.
Kaname wants to kill himself to save Yuki
Kaname is going to die with being “the parent”
Kaname loves Yuki so much that he’s willing to give up everything that he has done in order for her to live and be happy with Zero
Yuki wants to kill herself to save Kaname
Yuki is erasing Zero’s memories of her to not have him stop her
Yuki loves Zero so much that she’s willing to give up their connection, their friendship, their relationship, their love, her love for him, his love for her
Yuki love Kaname so much that she’s willing to give up her life to give him a new start, even though he’s been a douche and has done awful sins
Zero is going to die if Yuki’s plan comes to full swing
Zero loves Yuki so much that he’s fighting to keep her and the memories he has of her even if they’re terrible. They still have her in them.
Zero loves Yuki so much that he would let her be with Kaname if she was happy because he wants nothing than her to be happy, even if it means he’s not in the picture
Zero love Yuki so much that he might allow his memories of her to be erased if it makes her happy.
Emotions!
I know I’m miles beyond late, but here it is, thereview:
Supremacy: Hearing the first few bars of this song got myself all revved up for the album. The riffs, the rhythms, the beats reminiscent of past albums. However, when it came to the instrumentals of trumpets and operatic voices made me a little bit dissapointed because I wanted them to go back and be rock hardcore just as they were in the old days. Listening to this song multiple times though got me loving it more and more. Many people have compared this to sounding like a “James Bond” song which made me think of “Uno” fromShowbizand how they compared that to Bond as well. “Supremacy” itself could possibly be the more refined and classical twenty-first century version of “Uno”.
Madness: Many people have complained that the dubstep is what kills this song, but I don’t find it annoying and painful like some of the other dubstep I listen to on occasions. The song in its entirety is soothing; even the climax is not overbearing. When I heard “Madness” at first, I was paying attention to the instrumentation and not the lyrics, but I thought that the song could have been about Matt’s ex Gaia and what he learned about the relationship to be better to his recent girlfriend Kate Hudson. Even the “M-m-m-m” part is not stupid to me. I find it interesting and catching. The only thing I will harp on is Matt’s little “moans” inbetween the chorus and second verse and the chorus and guitar solo. I found it a little bizarre at first, but learned to get over it.
Panic Station: The song you thought you would hate and it turned out to be a favorite. That is really all I have to say about the out-of-this-world-possible-Queen-ripoff-like-“The-Resistance”-was song. Never to this day I thought Muse would have the imagination and balls to do a funk genre song. But then again, I am talking about Muse who does not limit the possibilities of their creativity. Hearing this song for the first time, I laughed at the whole way through for no inadequately explored reason. I will take partial blame for Matt’s overtop vocals. But like almost everyone else on Tumblr and just Muse fans in general, this song has grown on me like no other. The beat is extremely catchy, making me want to dance along even if I am at a supermarket. Muse, I bow down to you.
Prelude: The review for this minute piece will not be long. I am a classical instrumental sucker (as I am in band) and when it comes to strings, I will never make any juvenile or attacking comments. I am happy that it is longer than on the YouTube version with “Survival”. The transition is less choppy than on the single version on YouTube.
Survival: First of all, I would like to point out that I am happy for Muse to release the 2012 London Olympics single. I feel like the three of them were underrated for the longest time and did not get the recognition they so eloquently deserved. But now, I feel that they might have gotten a little too much based on this song. I know that it was written specifically for the Olympics, but you…are…Muse. The theme should have had some more complexity and edge rather than just a simple “I will defeat you”. Hearing this before any of the other singles back in July gave me less hopes on the album as a whole because it sounded a little too classical almost to the point of belonging on “The Resistance” which was outstanding on its own, but Muse needs to branch out a little bit farther than just sticking to one niche. However, because they are Muse, the songs do grow on me. While this is probably one of my least favorites the band has ever produced, it is bombastic enough for me to sing to the top of my lungs every time I push play.
Follow Me: I do understand that a child can change a person’s perspective on life one hundred percent and that everything you use to think of (even about writing songs) will alter. But with “Follow Me”, the song at sometimes felt a little too personal for myself to hear. I do love the idea of using Matt’s son’s heartbeat in the beginning. I did not know at first what it was, but upon discovering, I was amazed and impressed. The problem I have with this song from a general perspective is the change in “genres”. It goes from having the space theme that highly interests the three (they do want to go to the moon), to simple prog rock, and then classified dubstep. But unlike with “Madness”, “Follow Me” does have a little more annoying instrumentation that can only be heard through my ears during time of wanting to block the rest of the world.
Animals: Nostalgia overload. Similarly to “Supremacy”, I thought this song would fit too perfectly on one of Muse’s early albums, more likely to those ofOrigins of Symmetry. The guitar, the bass, the drums, the beat, the calming vocals, the just everything is way too perfect for my ears to be in prescence of this. Matt does seem show-off in his guitar riffs, but they fit the song to a T. The theme of “Animals” can have possible multiple meanings (I saw a post on how she thought it was about the overpopulation in the world which I had not thought of), but usually I go to how humanity, specifically corporates and politicians, are savage and act like animals is a cliched and generic theme that has been overridden one too many times. But beyond that, this is probably the best from the album in terms of Matt being the lead vocals. I would not giveThe 2nd Lawas much credibility if “Animals” was scratched off. Thank you for this moment of blissful and nostalgic oblivion.
Explorers: Officially the creepiest song on the album. Up there with “Survival”, “Explorers” fails to impress me. The lyrics are beautiful, but the instrumentation and background vocals just does not fit my tastes. I think I have to add an emphasis on the bells themselves. Put that together with the “Shhh”, the “Go to sleep”, and the fact that the three of them are in their thirties put me in a bit of an uncomfortable mood. Nevertheless like I have said earlier, this is Muse. I can never hate their songs. Just needs to get rid of the jingle bells and happiness. I will note that in part of the chorus, it sounds almost identical to “Invincible” fromBlack Holes and Revelationswhich again brings in the nostalgia motif of the album in general.
Big Freeze: Another one of my personal favorites. The upbeat tempo is what truly gets me. With “Explorers” melodic beat, it’s nice to bring up my energy and mood with this song. Matt’s guitar solo is as always precise and over-the-top, but does not overshadow the rest of the song. It depresses me that I cannot write much more about this song. I have not listened to this song as much, which saddens me because it is probably in my top three, but nonetheless, this deserves to be listened to by anyone and everyone who buys this album. And again to the nostalgia motif, “Map of the Problematique” anybody?
Save Me: I have listened to the live version of “The Small Print” in which the lovely bassist Christopher Wolstenholme sings a bit. I was impressed that he tried it out, though his vocals were not up to par, but I cannot make a first judgement based on a live concert setting where most singers do not sound the greatest (that goes for Matt as well (do not kill me)). But after coming out of “Big Freeze” and five years of listening to Matt’s vocals, my jaw literally dropped hearing something completely different: Chris’ voice. Though not as dramatically strong as his counterpart, I love that Chris does not try to be someone he is not and instead lets it come from the heart. His simplicity and humility are what I love to listen to. I do not always blast out over-the-top music. I need soft and sweet music too. The lyrics are straightforward, but still have that underlining meaning, which is a good start for Chris’ beggining. For Bellamy, he is still apart of the band, this time just relaxing and making wonderful guitar riffs.
Liquid State: While on the topic of Christopher Wolstenholme, I am not left dissapointed when the quiet story “Save Me” transcends into the distressed story “Liquid State”. This is the song that I have constantly been replaying until my ears need to take a break. It is impossible to stop this song from playing again, but a girl does need her sleep. The raw emotional energy Chris brings is absolutely great. It is probably the most intense Muse song on the album which heavily contrast the songs of “Explorer” and “Prelude”, but we need to remember that this is Chris’ light and not Matt’s which works in a weird way. Again with nostalgia motif, the “pitch bend” Chris does when singing “survive” sounds exactly identitcal to Bellamy’s “No” at the end of “Cave” inShowbizwhich is one of my favorite songs from Muse of all time. And back to Matt, his response with Chris in the chorus at the end is the highlight of the album in my personal opinion. The edge in Wolstenholme’s voice contrasting with Bellamy’s style is almost too much to handle, but is a treat nonetheless. The only problem I have with this song is that it is too short, but oh well.
The 2nd Law: I combined both for time purposes. I expected another Exogenesis (the highlight ofThe Resistance) for this and was somewhat correct. The strings and instrumentation are back, but this time with, once again, dubstep. This time, the dubstep is purely on all their instruments in “Unsustainable” which makes me proud that they are not just pressing buttons like everyone else. The beginning of “Unsustainable” is gorgeous as always. Muse never fails to dissapoint in beauty. Even the “dubstep”, though probably the most “dubstep” (for lack a better term) is great. I am not the biggest fan of the said genre, yet it reels me in every time. And “Isolated System” is the perfect cooldown after all this hysteria and shenanigans of an album which bringThe 2nd Lawto a satisfying end. The only problem I can come up with for the two is the “other voices”. I wish that Matt or Chris (or both!) sang instead, but what is done is done and otherwise has made me more knowledgable in science and economy. Who knew Muse could be helpful on the academic side?
Overall: To sum up the album in five words?:”Bombastically cheesy with nostalgia overload.”It is probably not the three’s best, but considering how originality and innovation have gone tremendously down in not only music but in film, television, and literature, I am still a fan and heavily impressed with their work. Lots of these songs brought me back to the first place of why I fell in love with Muse while still making me excited about what they have to offer both now and in the future for their seventh album. I will say right now that Chris needs to do more frontal vocals. These two songs are only the beginning to a successful career beyond just being the “beer belly boom you’re pregnant” bassist. Even try to have Dom take over. Maybe the crummy vocals he has put on are just an act for something great. We never know. The highlight songs of this album are “Supremacy”, “Madness”, “Panic Station”, “Animals”, “Big Freeze”, “Save Me”, and “Liquid State”. My favorite would be “Liquid State” while my least would be “Survival”. Rating these songs would be:
1. Liquid State
2. Animals
3. Panic Station
4. Madness
5. Big Freeze
6. Save Me
7. Supremacy
8. Prelude
9. Follow Me
10. The 2nd Law: Isolated System
11. The 2nd Law: Unsustainable
12. Explorers
13. Survival
Greatest moment: The second chorus in “Liquid State” that has both Wolstenholme and Bellamy vocals. See “Liquid State” for reason.
Not So Greatest moment: The beggining of “Explorers”. Again, thirty year old men with bells just does not ring well with me. And compared to everything else that Muse has put out there, it just leaves myself a little puzzled.
Final Thoughts: Congrats Muse on another successful album. I suggest less genre dipping (i.e. stick to one, two, or three genres instead of a different one for each individual song). But eitherway, I can never hate a Muse song to save my life. I tip my hat and wish you guys the best of luck in the future. See you in March.
Rating:9.3/10
[video]
But I just have to say that I will be seeing Muse in March
I acted like a one year old being told they’re going to Disney World.
Day 12: Favorite Pierce Moment
Day 13: Favorite Shirley Moment
Foosball and Nocturnal Vigilantism
Day 12: Favorite Troy Moment
A Marching Band Survey-
What do you play?
Alto Saxophone
How long have you played it?
Seven Years
What are your secondary instruments and how long have you played them?
Tenor Saxophone (2 Years) and Baritone Saxophone (4 Years)
How long have you been in Marching Band?
4 Years
How long have you been in your current Marching Band?
4 Years
Have you ever been a drum major, Drum captain, Block captain, or flagline captain?
I am drum major this year.
Ever been a section leader?
No. But I was a drill instructor.
Do you believe in seniority?
Sometimes.
Have you ever trashed a band bus?
No.
How many times have you had to sleep on a gymnasium floor/floor of the bus?
Once when coming back from New Orleans. It was more comfy than the charter bus seats.
Ever lost something out of the window of a band bus?
An eaten apple.
When is the first time you felt like you were going to crap your pants before a performance?
My first half-time show.
Ever done two or more parades in one day?
Yes sir.
What’s an 8 hour day of band camp called?
Just eight hours?
Ever had tan/burn lines from your instrument?
I think I have.
Have you ever marched a song with more then 30 sets in it?
Probably.
If you ever named as set, name them here…
Last year we had “Set 29” which looked like a certain male body part.
Ever marched pictures that could be interpreted as pornographic?
(See Above)
Ever had to perform a potentially life-threatening move in a show?
Our last set in Palladio. We were basically running.
Ever marched a tempo over 200?
Maybe in rehearsal. High doubt it.
Ever been in a high-stepping band?
No, but I’ve done high-stepping twice.
Can you march a wheel turn, line match, crab step, or company front?
No?
Drillmasters or Dinkles?
DINKLES!!!!!
Phantom Regiment or Blue Devils?
Phantom Regiment.
The most adverse weather conditions you’ve ever endured for the sake of the performance:
Last fall, we had two football games that were hell. One was so hot that our band director forced us to take off our jackets when in the stands. The other was freezing and raining.
Ever passed out while playing, Directing, or Marching?
I’ve come close but no.
Has your band director ever had an accident (bleachers collapsing, bus accident, etc..)?
…No???
Have you ever had to explain part of your uniform to someone whose not in band?
Oh yeah.
Are you a “legend” in your band?
Maybe.
Is your band a “legend”?
We’re basically the only famous thing out of our high school. That, and a big gym.
Which is better, Pep band or Marching Band?
Marching Band!
What does your pep band play for?
Basketball Games.
Ever had to play for a sport that doesn’t usually get pep band coverage?
We played for our county’s hockey team once.
Has your section ever had a theme song if so list them.
No.
Ever had to scream, dance, or do scatter drill for effect?
Yep. And they were in the same show.
Do you have more then two nicknames?
Maybe.
Ever shown up another band by playing superior music?
Hell yeah.
Do you ever want to go back to your old high school band?
I’m in my high school band at the moment.
List your band related injures:
Sunburns, bruises, sunburns, scratches on my ankles, and sunburns.
Finally… Make your case for marching band being a sport..
Just come to band camp. Where you get to spend your days waking up at six in the morning for a mile run followed by two three hour sessions of rehearsals for seven days. Followed by three hour rehearsals every week after band camp. Then there’s the performances involving strength, grace, and agility. Nope. Definitely not a sport (*sarcasm*).