Preamble
In late October, 2001, Muse played 2 live shows at the “Le Zenith” Venue in Paris. The overall performance was so good that they decided to make a 2 CD release. Hullabaloo is this release; it holds all of Muse’s talent while still keeping their trademark raw edge. The first disc is a collection of B-sides recorded between March 1999 and October 2001 and Disc 2 is the live performances at Le Zenith.
The review
Part I
This disc is a collection of B-Sides recorded in the early 1999-late 2001 period. This gives Muse a chance to show us the songs that didn’t quite make it as singles
*.
The music itself is some of the best and most high energy and heavy material that Muse have recorded. Some of the songs on the other hand, are slow, peaceful, melodious tracks which make full use of Matt’s piano and synth skills to create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, other songs are a mix of the 2 previously stated styles.
The CD shows the progression in Muse’s musical approach, with a slightly more adventurous feeling in the later B-Sides. To show this, compare Dead star to Map of your Head, Dead Star is the more adventurous by far, with a riff that would fit into origin of symmetry with a relative ease. Map of Your Head, in contrast, is immediately forgettable. This is where the situation is complicated somewhat. The casual Muse fan will feel betrayed somewhat by this; the CD isn’t one that you can expect to be amazed by straight away. Go into it with that attitude and you will think it’s terrible. Instead, give it time to grow on you, the appreciation and the wow factor will come in soon enough.
good things on this disc
Some instrumental genius
Catchy songs
A lot of experimentation
Shows Muse’s musical progression
Bad things about the disc
Not instantly amazing
Can get repetitive
Not for the casual Muse fan
Pales in comparison to disc 2
3/5
End of Part I
Hullabaloo, Disc 2, Le Zenith Concerts of 28/29th of October 2001
What were you doing on the 28/29th October, 2001? I can’t remember either, but if you ask this question to many Parisian Muse fans, you’ll get an answer along the lines of…
Quote:
|
(Translated) I was at the Muse concert at Le Zenith.
|
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that this wasn’t an immediate “must buy” for me at the time of release. Mainly because I was very narrow-minded musically (I liked *shudders and coughs*Robbie Williams). But as I turned 13 (2 years ago), I was hooked on Muse. That, is when this became a must buy, but unfortunately, I could never find it in stores or when I did, it was at an absurd price. (See around the £30 mark)
Then, on my birthday this year, I decided to purchase it and I’m glad I did. Why? Well, allow me to attempt to put it into words.
The Live disc doesn’t boast a full Muse back catalogue, in fact, the only single which appears on the disc is Muscle Museum. To not include performances of singles was a bold and risky move, it could leave them turning away a whole audience, instead of the singles, the disc boasts fan favourites such as Space Dementia, Micro Cuts and Citizen Erased. What’s the result of this move? Repeat after me, ONE AMAZING CD! That’s right, look at it, and break it down into syllables.
The disc does not fail to amaze, hearing Citizen Erased is, in no uncertain terms, eye-opening. Matt shows his guitar playing skills off without apology, he doesn’t need to, the fans were dropping to their knees in worship as soon as the first note of Dead Star sounded. The fans get what they want in the way of Space Dementia, which has surely cemented its place in the fan base’s hearts; it shows off Matt’s piano skills brilliantly and allows Dom Howard and Chris Wolstenholme to show what they’re made of.
Chris’ bass on the CD is just great, he makes playing the bass sound so effortless and his ability to both put in solid riffs and to carry the song’s melody is the mark of a classic rock bassist.
Dom, on the other hand, is Muse’s weak link in the chain at times; then again, there are times he holds the song together on his own. His drum beat on Showbiz shows him off to the best of its ability.
Good things about this Disc
Matt: excellent guitar work, excellent piano work, makes the previously unbearable Screenager a great song on the disc, vocals aren’t worse than on the album.
Chris: Riffs always 100% amazing, showcases ability to play melody while Matt takes a back seat, compliments songs very well.
Dom: Drumming of a high standard throughout performance(s), fits in some wicked fills.
As A Band: Found that they all sounded like a more energetic version of the Muse in studio, no loss of effects etc. while playing live.
Bad things about this Disc
You can’t really hear the crowd apart from on certain songs.
Dom’s drumming can occasionally get tiresome.
4.5/5
End Of Part II
Overall Summary
The album is definitely a must if you’re a big Muse fan. The live performance is spectacular and the B-Sides show a lot of experimentation on Muse’s part. Unfortunately, the effect on Non-Muse fans is the reverse for Disc 1, the live show will still send shivers down your spine, but the B-sides will be more or less ignored. The second scenario is much the same for casual Muse fan’s, they’ll be disappointed at the lack of singles on the live disc and even more disappointed at the b-side disc.
So, in the interest of keeping an objective viewpoint, I’m going to rate this as a 3. But, as an aside, will include that if you’re a real Muse fan, that this is a must buy. But for everyone else, it’s a 3.
* if I remember correctly, dead star was actually released later as a single.
