How MUSE wrote a space rock opera

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  • Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
  • Go to nebulaclasses.com/middle8 for a class on how to listen to music like a musician. Muse’s track, “Knights of Cydonia” begs for a closer listen. The band describes the track as "40 years of rock history in six minutes" combining: spaghetti westerns, surf rock, and British experimental music into one cohesive sound.
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    #Middle8 #Muse #KnightsofCydonia
    How MUSE Made KNIGHTS OF CYDONIA
    40 Years of Rock History In One MUSE Song
    The Meaning Behind KNIGHTS OF CYDONIA

КОМЕНТАРІ • 246

  • @MrWaynealex
    @MrWaynealex 2 роки тому +786

    It's literally a perfect closer to a Muse gig. I've seen them live three times, and though I don't love them as passionately as I used to, every time the crowd goes WILD during this song and it gives me goosebumps

    • @chloemchll3774
      @chloemchll3774 2 роки тому +6

      This song has definitely become the only right way for them to end a show.
      If I saw them live this tour (which I hope to) and they don’t close with it, I’m a little disappointed. It is meant to close things.

    •  2 роки тому +2

      @@chloemchll3774 I've seen then months and they've closed with KOC... I feel sorry for you. I've been at 10 concerns of them, and the only one that I remember that didn't ended with KOC was my first one, in 2008...
      (I live in Lisbon were very lucky when it comes to Muse tours)

    • @Bee_Borg
      @Bee_Borg 2 роки тому +2

      Still taking the endless ride with Muse, So is my own next generation, they just love them!

    • @johnmartinez7440
      @johnmartinez7440 2 роки тому +2

      @@chloemchll3774 I saw them in June and they still close with it, don't worry. I remember when they used to open with it...

    • @AtomizedSound
      @AtomizedSound 2 роки тому +2

      It’s a fantastic song and Mainstay closer now and my passion for them has never faded. Them defying genre and certain styles making a variety of songs is what makes them great

  • @menikmati789
    @menikmati789 2 роки тому +501

    I was in a massive nightclub in Berlin when the DJ put this song on, starting with The vocal part halfway through.. everyone in the bar stopped in their tracks to Chant along, and when the guitar kicked in, EVERYONE jumped/moshed for two minutes straight, just like they were at a live show. Amazing song.

    • @johnmartinez7440
      @johnmartinez7440 2 роки тому +3

      Nice, I was at a festival where a DJ played a remix of this too. Worked really well.

  • @themonkeandthesnek9997
    @themonkeandthesnek9997 2 роки тому +205

    I think there was a criminally small amount of time dedicated to the geniusness of Dom’s drumming on this track. To have the underlying beat be a gallop is so integral to keeping the western feel to the song

    • @alzbetal1499
      @alzbetal1499 2 роки тому +10

      Honestly Muse should just create longer songs… or symphonies. I would listen

    • @willyboi99
      @willyboi99 2 роки тому +7

      @@alzbetal1499 they did tbf, the ending tracks on The Resistance, the Globalist on Drones etc

    • @Hikaeme-od3zq
      @Hikaeme-od3zq 2 роки тому +13

      @@alzbetal1499 Dude, the Exogenesis Symphony, there's 3 parts too! Also "United States of Eurasia" and "I belong to You" are masterpieces.

    • @alzbetal1499
      @alzbetal1499 2 роки тому +3

      @@Hikaeme-od3zq I know, I like it a lot. I belong to you was one of my favorite songs of theirs for a long long time.

    • @alzbetal1499
      @alzbetal1499 2 роки тому +4

      @@willyboi99 yes, the three parter on resistance is great, however it isn't my favorite album. I love space dementia a lot, that one has the symphonic vibe for me (as in I need to sit down and really listen to it to fully enjoy it).

  • @JorWat25
    @JorWat25 Рік тому +37

    Something to note about the Morricone inspiration is that this song is often preceded with his 'Man With a Harmonica' from _Once Upon a Time in the West_ when Muse does a live show.

    • @ThinWhiteAxe
      @ThinWhiteAxe Рік тому +1

      Yep, that's honestly almost always my favorite part of their shows

    • @mikepilot777
      @mikepilot777 8 місяців тому

      I always enjoyed that part and never knew where it was from. Thanks!

  • @seb9945
    @seb9945 2 роки тому +165

    This is literally my favourite song I clicked so fast when I saw you made a video on it, great as usual.

  • @bernatcomass
    @bernatcomass 2 роки тому +157

    I really don't know what is better from this guy, the great analysis or the astounding editing

  • @kana7715
    @kana7715 2 роки тому +247

    The experience of seeing this song live is like no other, say what you want about new muse but their live shows really know how to entertain. Good video! always love the effort you put in everything.

    • @mmtasty1889
      @mmtasty1889 2 роки тому +11

      I will say what I want about new Muse... Still really good I like their new stuff

    • @Dan-os9kg
      @Dan-os9kg 2 роки тому

      @@mmtasty1889 ha amen

    • @garmen-
      @garmen- 2 роки тому +2

      Their new stuff is kinda metal and really good

    • @lukebradford
      @lukebradford 2 роки тому +9

      Simulation Theory is a masterpiece IMO. It was also my first Muse album, but I listened to Absolution soon after and loved that album as well. It's a damn shame to discover that Muse are another band where the fans have to divide between 'new' and 'old'. Muse is Muse, for goodness' sake!

  • @sentidoincomun
    @sentidoincomun 2 роки тому +80

    This album came out at such a... simple time in my life. A really solid album from start to finish

  • @ctop
    @ctop 2 роки тому +105

    _Oh yeah, this is the good stuff_

    • @liltwizz_07
      @liltwizz_07 Рік тому

      Omg how did you end up here, of all places?

  • @arminmomeni1474
    @arminmomeni1474 2 роки тому +9

    i was waiting for a " what happend to muse?" kind of video but this video it so so good too

  • @madelinefarhani9420
    @madelinefarhani9420 2 роки тому +22

    my favorite song from a no-skip album

  • @suenodeposadas
    @suenodeposadas 2 роки тому +28

    Please, more Muse videos. I love this one

  • @hiroprotagonist42
    @hiroprotagonist42 2 роки тому +56

    Came for "Knights of Cydonia" but stayed for your graphics and editing skills. Amazing content with amazing visuals.

  • @Pshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    @Pshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 2 роки тому +64

    A small correction. Telstar was the second British song that reached No. 1 in the US. The first one was Stranger on the Shore by Mr. Acker Bilk.

  • @methoverdose4551
    @methoverdose4551 2 роки тому +15

    I love when you talk about Muse

  • @Irmux6623
    @Irmux6623 2 роки тому +8

    My favourite muse song is "unintended"

    • @kirizute
      @kirizute 2 роки тому +3

      mine is butterflies and hurricanes

  • @nicogutholz9399
    @nicogutholz9399 2 роки тому +88

    Awesome video, Muse are a truly iconic band

    • @sdrebels13
      @sdrebels13 2 роки тому +8

      @@matthewcorcoran4718 still are.

  • @andrewm1994
    @andrewm1994 2 роки тому +43

    One of the most epic songs I've ever heard.👌🏻

  • @bloodromance4776
    @bloodromance4776 2 роки тому +15

    Unfortunately there is a really really small amount of Muse analysis in UA-cam overall, that's sad

  • @FlyingCircles
    @FlyingCircles Рік тому +22

    As soon as you pointed out the "new" 4 horsemen I finally understood the outfits immediately.
    Paranoia is covered in eyeballs
    Intolerance is wearing blinders with a suit covered in religious symbols
    Narcissism is covered in mirrors
    Greed is wearing a suit of gold
    Wow, I never thought I would actually understand this album's art

  • @Hillelfraenkel
    @Hillelfraenkel 2 роки тому +26

    Thank you so much for making this video. Muse are one of my favorite bands and even though they’re fairly popular I feel like they don’t get the attention they deserve from people who analyze music

  • @aggelinakaklamanou9487
    @aggelinakaklamanou9487 2 роки тому +16

    I recently attended a Muse gig (IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!) and the feeling of listening to Knights of Cydonia live just can't be described, the whole show was a lifetime experience. I was wondering if you 're gonna make a video about Muse, and I was very glad to see this one, it was really great, I didn't know about most of the stuff you presented (hope you're gonna make one about their new album, which is going to be released in a month, too!)! I really love your your work (the analysis, the graphics, the editing and the narration are flawless) and I hope you will keep posting these videos!!!!!
    As for my favourite Muse song, that must be New Born!

  • @29634122
    @29634122 2 роки тому +15

    Muse is my favorite band and KoC is my favorite song of all time. I cried like a baby the first time I saw them live

    • @villencitoHL
      @villencitoHL 2 роки тому

      I'm about to watch them live for the first time ever, in like a month, and I can tell you now, I'm gonna cry like a baby too lmao

    • @brandonhinkson2399
      @brandonhinkson2399 Рік тому

      @@villencitoHL I have to ask now 4 months after your concert, how was it?

  • @MetallicDeviant
    @MetallicDeviant 2 роки тому +8

    This is a fantastic way to break down a song with suave and professionalism with your clever editing. Knights of Cydonia is by far my favourite song they made.

  • @shevonponniah2820
    @shevonponniah2820 2 роки тому +18

    Middle you have no idea how happy I am that you made this video
    I was waiting for some one like you to make a documentary style vid on one of my favourite bands

    • @MonlopoMAN
      @MonlopoMAN Рік тому

      Why don't you do it ? It might never happen

  • @katiecolclough4
    @katiecolclough4 9 місяців тому +2

    You can't mention the radiophonic workshop and the Dr. Who theme without crediting Delia Derbyshire's insane talent. Truly a musical genius and pioneer. thanks for pointing this out though, Muse have been my favourite band for a very long time and I never caught the radiophonic link before. Great video!

  • @galeXia-
    @galeXia- 2 роки тому +10

    Muse is my favorite band ever and this song has to be one of my favs, best notification ever thank you Middle 8

  • @echo569
    @echo569 2 роки тому +18

    I love this song! Great job talking about it. I really hope you put out videos more often

  • @madol3728
    @madol3728 2 роки тому +7

    Oh man, i've been watching your videos for a while and i was waiting A LOT for a Muse related video, thank you !

  • @ginnanchor6438
    @ginnanchor6438 2 роки тому

    One of my favorite YT channels talking about my favorite band, i needed this so, thank you

  • @Praderanoire
    @Praderanoire Рік тому +2

    Its beyond me how I just now came across this channel. Bravo for the excellent investigative and storytelling work. You got yourself a new subscriber for sure.

  • @NormanTiner
    @NormanTiner 2 роки тому +13

    Oh boy. I'm in the process of making a vocal cover of this song. Let me tell you, this has been by far the most complicated thing I've ever attempted musically. These guys are geniuses.
    The first few lines I sang upwards of 100 times trying to get the tone right. The chorus I sang for 3 full days before having something I was happy with.
    Edit: I finally uploaded it. Check it out if you're interested in some random guy's take on it.

    • @Childofbhaal
      @Childofbhaal Рік тому +5

      The fact that Matt basically harmonizes his vocals with his guitar line in parts is just absolutely insane. His mind works on a different musical level than most.

  • @insidethelyrics
    @insidethelyrics 2 роки тому +4

    Your editing is always impressive! Great video!

  • @elpagna
    @elpagna 2 роки тому +5

    I've always loved this song! It's so epic and original! Awesome video!

  • @schlorpologist705
    @schlorpologist705 2 роки тому +3

    I love muse and knights of cydonia so much! This video was sooo good

  • @AnnohaSF
    @AnnohaSF 2 роки тому +3

    Bro you finally made a video on my favourite band. Love it

  • @saudade347
    @saudade347 5 місяців тому

    Perhaps the best music channel I've yet to discover on UA-cam, incredibly well done, presented and researched.

  • @Ziggyzaggy300
    @Ziggyzaggy300 2 роки тому +7

    I'm so happy that so many people love this lil band 🙂
    Looking at the comments I see so many incredible stories about this song and band.

  • @matthewshimek
    @matthewshimek Рік тому +2

    Nice video essay! Very well formed and informative! It's nice to hear about all of the influences the band used for a song that highly influences me. I found the influence from Revelation pretty interesting! Great video, all-in-all!

  • @Tommo2023
    @Tommo2023 Рік тому

    I knew you'd make a Muse video eventually. Absolutely love it, they're my favourite band. Definitely staying for more stuff like this! Those visuals and the editing is absolutely amazing!

  • @the_emmo
    @the_emmo 2 роки тому +4

    magnificent song to close a gig

  • @HofTheStage
    @HofTheStage 3 місяці тому

    A perfect Muse video! Amazing work. Love Muse, love this song, and this video is as well structured as the song itself

  • @recolty
    @recolty Рік тому +1

    I saw them live last month and damn they're so good!!! I fell in love all over again with them and their music.

  • @art3mis107
    @art3mis107 Рік тому +2

    I already love there biggest hits, and I feel once I start doing a discography dive I’m gonna fall in love even more with there music

  • @lanimeyl
    @lanimeyl Рік тому

    fascinating. the video is so well done, thanks for your time !

  • @schlorpologist705
    @schlorpologist705 2 роки тому +6

    You should totally do a video on how the suburbs won arcade fire a grammy

  • @willrobins
    @willrobins 2 роки тому +1

    so happy you made a muse vid!

  • @simon_wicht
    @simon_wicht 2 роки тому

    The needed work to get this video together O.o thx !

  • @danteuk8024
    @danteuk8024 2 роки тому +3

    I remember Telstar as a 8-9 year old, loved it, no idea why my mum bought it but I found it in her box of singles. Almost 30 years later I hear this song and I remember Telstar by the Tornados. It's a great live song too, saw them play it at the Emirates stadium during the 2nd Law tour.

  • @reecebennett2083
    @reecebennett2083 2 роки тому +1

    Great video! I recognized all of the musical influences blended here. The only one I thought you left out was Queen. The vocal harmonies are totally reminiscent of them.

  • @galicker
    @galicker 2 роки тому +2

    Huge video and song, thanks!

  • @MEKA2777
    @MEKA2777 2 роки тому

    This is myfavourite Muse song, seeing the effort and thinking behind the song, I am proud that this is my favourite Muse song

  • @harrylong2796
    @harrylong2796 2 роки тому +3

    Excellent as always

  • @AtomizedSound
    @AtomizedSound 2 роки тому

    Great video on one of my favorite bands!

  • @MatteMoon48838
    @MatteMoon48838 2 роки тому +2

    You should do more videos about Muse. This was a great video. Good job👍

  • @liquidsolids9415
    @liquidsolids9415 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the cool history lesson. Well done!

  • @greggen63
    @greggen63 2 роки тому +3

    Superb video. I knew all the influences you mention, would never have linked them to Knights, but as soon as you put them side by side..._of course!_
    Really enjoyed this, thank you.

  • @chrominox
    @chrominox 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks for making this.

  • @FanTazTiCxD
    @FanTazTiCxD 21 день тому

    The melodic structure is genius:
    Intro
    Vers 1 (instrumental) finishes on +4 semitones from previously
    Vers 2 (instrumental) starts on +4 but follows the same progression. Ends on +8
    Vers 3 (with lyrics) starts on +8 and ends on +12 thus making it a full octave
    Intro (same as beginning) "+0"
    Then comes the acapella B section followed by the climactic B section "No one's gonna..." Etc.
    No chorus. But three verses that sneakily key changes by +4 each time until it has made a complete transposing loop, then followed by the climax of the song. Amazing

  • @dylan.t180
    @dylan.t180 2 роки тому +1

    Fantastic breakdown of a classic

  • @karla9319
    @karla9319 2 роки тому +7

    This is gonna be so good

  • @AI-mg3hy
    @AI-mg3hy 2 роки тому +3

    Speaking of Muse and Doctor Who, Uprising is basically Doctorin' the Tardis with different lyrics.

  • @roneteus
    @roneteus 2 роки тому +3

    Peak Muse. I remember wanting a feature length Knights of Cydonia film.

  • @ikelos8190
    @ikelos8190 2 роки тому +3

    i love this song, now i know why thank you!!

  • @ArkansasGamer
    @ArkansasGamer Рік тому

    Excellent analysis, thank you so much 🥰

  • @Zachliddick
    @Zachliddick 2 роки тому +2

    Awesome vid!!! More muse plz!!

  • @Busiless
    @Busiless Рік тому

    Awesome information and beautifully made video! Thanks and congrats 🤘😎

    • @Busiless
      @Busiless Рік тому

      Though I'm pretty sure the god fell asleep on the throne not on the job 🤪

  • @haralabospap7091
    @haralabospap7091 2 роки тому

    Incredible analysis for an incredible song!

  • @Ma1o
    @Ma1o Рік тому +1

    When performing this song live they start by playing Man with a Harmonica by Morricone, sounds so good when it transitions to KoC

    • @ThinWhiteAxe
      @ThinWhiteAxe Рік тому

      It's my favorite part every time they play it live 🧡🧡🧡

  • @maggie1432
    @maggie1432 2 роки тому

    seeing this song live is an amazing experience

  • @zach_reee5982
    @zach_reee5982 2 роки тому +5

    I love muse what a banger this song is. New album is gonna be sick

  • @liamis2kool
    @liamis2kool 2 роки тому +2

    always a good day when middle 8 uploads

  • @sebastianarizmendi2139
    @sebastianarizmendi2139 2 роки тому +13

    Puedes hacer uno sobre el disco Absolution y Origin of symmetry, es que ambos son obras maestras

  • @MrPan-kj9gr
    @MrPan-kj9gr 2 роки тому +3

    Supremacy comes close to his song, I receive the same goosebumps, can't wait to see them live next year. 🖤

    • @Chico50445
      @Chico50445 2 роки тому +2

      “Naw man naw you can’t enjoy anything from The 2nd Law”
      In all seriousness though that song is amazing and that album deserves more appreciation from muse fans

    • @MrPan-kj9gr
      @MrPan-kj9gr 2 роки тому +2

      @@Chico50445 2nd law is amazing, people just aren't used to listen to different muse if you get what I mean. Cause the 2nd law reminds me off what the floyds used to do as well as Radiohead as well.

  • @110ski
    @110ski 2 роки тому +2

    Lovely content.I'm surprised you didn't mention that they usually precede this song in gigs by Man With Harmonica, from Ennio Morricone.

  • @lucasoldati4817
    @lucasoldati4817 2 роки тому +1

    I've waited a long time for you to cover MUSE! Thank you very much! Maybe in the future you could review Absolution, which I think is their best album and probably the most cohesive and interesting one. It is also about apocalyse and revolutions just like many other of their songs and albums

  • @alexkellagher6774
    @alexkellagher6774 2 роки тому

    Love what you did at 0:44

  • @laserfloyd
    @laserfloyd Рік тому

    I'll never forget the first time I heard this song. It was July 2nd, 2006. My wife and I were headed to Florida to see the Space Shuttle launch. We're in Georgia so it's a relatively short drive.
    Anyway, I was at a red light shortly after getting on the road and this song comes on the radio. I had never heard anything like it. I wasn't sure how I felt about it as it was so different from the "normal" radio songs. Especially the middle part of the song. It just burrowed into my brain and I had the song stuck in my head for the entire 18-hour round trip to Florida and back. 18-hour round trip because the launch was scrubbed 30 minutes prior to our arrival. **shakes fist** I digress!
    Upon arriving home, I promptly found somewhere to stream the song and I've never stopped listening to it. It's a work of art.

  • @HeliozSam
    @HeliozSam 2 роки тому +6

    Quality video for a quality band 👌

  • @eyoelgashaw5089
    @eyoelgashaw5089 Рік тому +1

    I wish you were my friend man. you are poetic. Love your review as always

  • @dapidapidap
    @dapidapidap Рік тому

    the graphic on this video is superb!

  • @AlexSilva-qi6wp
    @AlexSilva-qi6wp 2 роки тому +5

    Such a good song to eat peanut butter too

    • @kirizute
      @kirizute 2 роки тому +1

      can you please explain that joke i’ve never understood it 😂

  • @michaelbloomer451
    @michaelbloomer451 Рік тому

    Everything I learn about this makes me love it even more!

  • @timkirsten6184
    @timkirsten6184 2 роки тому +1

    Man your graphics for this video are out of this world

  • @SteventheThorn
    @SteventheThorn Рік тому

    Well done. A story that needed to be told.

  • @th.nd.r
    @th.nd.r Рік тому

    Great video!!! My fav Muse song might be Ruled by Secrecy.

  • @Mr.HotDogShirtGuy
    @Mr.HotDogShirtGuy Рік тому +1

    My favorite song of all time. Makes me feel like I could take on the whole world.

  • @willcollier7066
    @willcollier7066 Рік тому +2

    Big fan of your vids man, you got me into Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Everything Everything. Might I suggest you (and everyone reading this) listen to I Monster. I think they would make a good video!

  • @Anita___Y
    @Anita___Y Рік тому

    Such a great video

  • @sahraexplorer9305
    @sahraexplorer9305 2 роки тому +1

    damnnnn dudeee amazing video!!!

  • @droid1008
    @droid1008 2 роки тому +2

    MIDDLE 8 MUSE VIDEO LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    also, Map Of The Problematique is my favourite

  • @furonet138
    @furonet138 2 роки тому

    Was starting to wonder if you’d ever cover Muse. Good job

  • @gabrieleterlizzi3396
    @gabrieleterlizzi3396 2 роки тому

    Great video ✈️

  • @MortanAMrk
    @MortanAMrk 2 роки тому +1

    the song just sounds cool, which is a great feel

  • @ELI8T
    @ELI8T Рік тому

    Amazing video

  • @nerea4327
    @nerea4327 9 місяців тому +1

    Just when I thought I couldn't love this song any more.

  • @irwan86
    @irwan86 2 роки тому +2

    Matt is soo...good, so god damn good in making music

  • @alzbetal1499
    @alzbetal1499 2 роки тому +2

    I love muse

  • @joshhore1554
    @joshhore1554 2 роки тому +7

    muse one of the goats

  • @sieben710
    @sieben710 2 роки тому +1

    Seeing them in October. Im gonna pass out when they play this.