Lyrics and Such
Look at that, I haven't posted for ages, have I? It's hardly because I've been busy. I have, however, been listening eagerly to the new Muse album, of course. I'm yet to get my copy (being sent through an online store, much cheaper) but I've heard the whole thing a number of times while I was on their website. Now, I remember Skits saying to me that she's not all that impressed with the lyrics that they churn out. I can agree with that, some of them are rather teenage and angsty, but most of the lyrics are fairly cool.
Anyway, the reason I'm thinking about lyrics is because I've realised that, while they do make good songs much better, with Muse they're not the thing that I'm attracted to. Rather, it's Matt's voice. Seriously, that man could sing about flying pigs for all I care, and I'd still sit there and melt. Also, the music is just plain cool, or rocks out, or is amazingly tender and sweet. So, I suppose with The Voice, and The Music, the poor little lyrics are in danger of being trampled.
Of course, there are plenty of songs with brilliant lyrics like Unintended or Blackout or even Bliss and Space Dementia. Yes, some are a little bit off (like the line 'stretch it like a butt squeeze' in New Born) but overall... Not too bad.
I hope my free t-shirt fits. It had bloody better, or I'll hack off the interesting bits and sew them onto a plain black one. Who knows, it might even turn out looking all alternative and hot.
posted by Emma @ 12:48 am
9 Comments:
I agree that lyrics aren't Muse's strongest asset... but that's only, IMO, because their musical abilty totally outshines anything else. They're not poets... they're musicians. Their songs are so huge and passionate that you're right, it wouldn't matter what they were actually singing about. But that said, I do think that a lot of their lyrics are fab. The words to 'Butterflies and Hurricanes', for example... awesome. Simple, but awesome.
But then, Skit has a tendency to compare with her own favourite band, who are undoubtedly lyrical geniuses. Although some of REM's stuff makes very little sense, brilliant or not...
What are you talking about? Personally, I think 'butterfly decal, rearview mirror, dogging the scene' makes perfect sense...
Heehee. No, I'm just a big lyrics whore and I know it. And I have no reason to dislike Muse, really. I just...can't seem to get enthusiastic about them. There are 2 or 3 songs of theirs that I definitely like, and I just can't seem to care about the rest. But then, that is true of the vast majority of bands for me - I'm not making Muse a special case.
As to the 'musicians' claim...hmm. I think you could make that claim for pretty much anyone who writes their own stuff. It just depends what sort of music you personally like. The piano in Apocalypse Please may be orgasmic (and I do love it), but for preference give me the joyous twirls of Electrolite any day.
I have had a week without any of my own music. Need REM. Now.
Heh. I had a week like that myself, last week. I've been blaring out Muse and Coldplay and Enigma and Silverchair ever since. *grin*
I understand what you mean about most people who write their own stuff being musicians... but some are more heavily music-oriented than others. Muse are pretty much technically brilliant. Their arrangements, their musical talent, their perfect blend of heavy rock and heavy classical... their musicianship just shines. A lot of bands consist of great musicians... and great lyricists as well. But every so often, you come across a band whose musical abilty is almost overwhelming. I place Pink Floyd and Muse in that bracket, among one or two others. Of course, it all depends on personal taste, but whether or not you like Muse, Floyd, Mozart, or whoever, you can't deny their musical brilliance.
They Might Be Giants are awesome lyricists, I'm sure you'll agree. ;) And while they're obviously musicians as well, I wouldn't rave about the musical ability of their stuff. Their wacky lyrics are their strongpoint.
You're so right about Muse, Sky. Perfect mix of rock and classical. Mmm, Muse.
I guess that's why I like Silverchair, too. I mean, they have the rock/classical/awesome voice thing going, too. But the lyrics are completely nuts. I have no idea what they even say most of the time.
Heh - yes. Silverchair's lyrics are most bizarre. I hadn't listened to them in quite a while, but put the CD on the other day and have been totally hooked again. And even more puzzled by their lyrics. I mean, who starts a song with the line 'You found the key to my dorm, and opened the door to my trust fund' anyway?!
And yet, that is such a brilliant song.
Bah, I clearly can't have a reasoned debate with you two. ;)
What kind of classical music do you listen to anyway?
I was brought up on classical. My dad rarely listened to anything else (apart from Madness, oddly). I don't listen to it that much these days, but every so often I just get a craving for some. I love Beethoven and Mozart and Grieg (Peer Gynt is one of my all-time faves). Rachmaninov is amazing, especially his 2nd concerto. I love choral music - anything with raw passion, really. The heavy classical stuff always gets me. A good burst of Classic FM every so often does the soul good. :)
I was betting 'heavy' with myself, yes...and an option on Classic FM. ;) Because that, I would agree, is the side to which Muse pay homage every once in a while.
Personally I'm a Bach, Palestrina and Tallis sort of girl, with an occasional burst of Howells when I feel the need for some Victorian fervour.
Hmm, I guess I haven't listened to enough proper classical to be able to tell you any of my favourites... I guess just the more popular ones, like the Seasons and such. I listened to a lot of Mozart in year 12.
Oh, and I have terrifying memories of my music teacher playing us 'The Rite of Spring' in year 8. Such intense music!
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