Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Muse-A'holic

I will leave studies and get myself completely indulged in music. That's the first thought that came into my mind after hearing Muse and collecting info about their life-stories. It often astounds me when I think, how come people become so certain about their future. I mean it's so unbelievable to imagine that a bunch of 3 people had so much confidence on their talent that they left university and took music as their only job. I don't think Muse would have ever been formed if the members were Indians.

Okay some basic info about the band, the band currently consists of 3 members cum school friends: Matthew Bellamy,  Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard. While Bellamy takes care of the vocals and the lead guitars and occasional piano, Chris and Howard control the Bass and Drums respectively. The formation of band dates back to 1994( the year I was born; no relation of course). During early years, the band was named " Rocket Baby Dolls". Later on they decided to change it to " Muse", inspired by Bellamy's art teacher. They soon got the break and started recording EPs.

That was a formal introduction about the band. Now, let me describe Muse in my own way.

The band is known for their complex cum fusion compositions and their dazzling live performances. They tend to mix certain genres together. Ahh! Time to describe their members. Matthew Bellamy first of all. Well what to say? I recently updated a status on Facebook that says " That Awkward moment when Matthew Bellamy's fingers run faster than Usain Bolt's legs". Matt is considered one of the Greatest guitarists of the current period. I read in an article which says  that Matt is know for the "Supernatural" sound that he produces from his guitar. Well, let me tell you it is indeed supernatural. His guitar skills can't be described in words. He is ranked the best guitarist gig-wise. According to the recent update, he is the 19th best guitarist of all time. Of course, oldies deserve the top spots. No offence. Besides, guitar, his piano skills are worth appreciating. Some notable songs where he glittered with the piano would be "New born", "Survival", "Resistance", " Apocalypse Please", etc. He is known for his "falsetto" voice. He is ranked the 9th best vocalist of all time. He has one of the broadest voice range. He has a charming personality with a world-wide famous laughter. He is quite rightly tagged as the "Jimi Hendrix of this era". He is the soul behind Muse's lyrical and musical compositions.

Note: Matt inscribed his name on the Guinness Book of world Records when he smashed the highest number of guitars on their "Absolution" tour back in 2004 & the number was 140 !!

Dominic Howard was actually the founder of Muse. He suggested Bellamy to join his band. A great musician, an incredible drummer, a true entertainer, he is.

Christopher Wolstenholme, the bassist cum pianist should be credited for the legendary sacrifice he made. He was a drummer originally. But Dominic and Bellamy insisted him to learn the bass leaving the percussion. And with a spirit of sacrifice, he learnt bass and rocks the world these days.

Their live performances are full of energetic vibes. It's so unusual that not much know them. If you think Linkin Park is the only band which produces thrilling alternative compositions, then let me tell you, you surely haven't heard Muse.

It would be a disrespect to Muse if I attempt to put forward my 10 favorite Muse songs. That's the thing about them. Each, mind it, each of their song is better than the best. So no question of bloody comparison.

So lastly, I feel proud to say : " I am a Muser" \m/


















                  Matthew Bellamy
                            
                                                                                                           

                                                                                                              Christopher Wolstenholme
                                                                                                                                     
                       
                                                                                                       

                             Dominic Howard








Thursday, 26 July 2012

Why I love Green Day?

 The very word "Green Day" is enough to drive me out of this world. Surprisingly, I deeply fell in love with Punk Rock after listening to this electrifying band. Well, it's tough for me to elaborate reasons for my affection towards Green Day, but still, I will try my best to extract those reasons from my musical soul.

It often happens that we get to know someone closely and eventually, we get inspired. Something similar happened with me too.


In fact, I started listening to Green Day since May, 2012 & I was completely taken in just a week's time. I began reading each and every article I found about Green Day. I searched about the life stories of all the 3 band members. And, now I can say, I deserve to be a Green Day fan. Isn't it? 
From all the articles I read about the band members, I was greatly inspired by Mr. Billie Joe Armstrong. I found Mr. Bille Joe Armstrong's character quite similar to me. His ideas, policies, love for family & of course the passion for music greatly inspired me. It's generally seen in movies( especially Hindi) how a song suddenly inculcates emotions and totally changes a person's thinking. It's really impossible for me and may be many of you to believe that's true. But Green Day proved it. The very first opening chords of the song 
" Wake me up when September ends" has enough emotions for someone to go tears. Billie Joe dedicated this song to his Dad who died during war. 

I also got to know that, besides Music, Billie Joe is also a noted social activist. Not just Billie, better to say, the whole band works for social causes.The songs " Holiday", "American Idiot", "East Jesus Nowhere" and many more are the burning examples of their campaign against social causes. Armstrong also supported Mr. Barack Obama during the Presidential elections.

The most important thing about Green Day, which I strongly felt, is that their Live concert videos are way better than the Official videos. The energy, vigor and enthusiasm with which they perform, is impossible to imagine.

Green Day remains incomplete without their bassist cum Billie's childhood friend, Mr. Mike Drint and their crazy, lunatic but impossibly talented and energetic drummer Tre Cool . [Stage names]

I would here-by like to list out my top 10 favorites by Green Day although each of their songs are  undoubtedly legendary.

1. Wake me up when September Ends.

# Notice the opening guitar chords and the beautiful lyrics. They would certainly make you aware of the emotions the song contains.

2. 21 Guns.

# The lyrics, the rhythm, the singing of course. Huh! Goosebumps for sure.

3. Boulevard of Broken Dreams.

# Most popular song by them. Revolutionary lyrics and rhythm too. This song has got them the maximum awards.

4. Holiday

In the U.S., it reached number nineteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks and Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. Just hear it.

5. Time of your Life

# Best soft-acoustic song by Green Day yet. Thought provoking lyrics.

6. East Jesus Nowhere

# Amazing punk song!! Loved the guitar and the singing. 

7. American Idiot

# Revolutionary song. This is what Justifies " Green Day".

8. Welcome to Paradise

# Bloody awesome drumming and the guitar riffs.

9. Oh Love

# Latest single by Green Day from their upcoming album:  ¡Uno!. Amazing guitar work.

10. Basket-case

# Punk rock at its best. Funny music video. Must watch.

So, what the hell are you thinking about. Just search "Green Day" and let yourself float in the amazing and electrifying world of Punk-rock. Green Day forever \m/

*Sarthak Mohapatra*









         Mike Drint

                                                                                                           Billie Joe Armstrong

                                                                        Tre Cool