How MUSE wrote a space rock opera

Go to nebulaclasses.c... 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

[@MrWaynealex]

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]

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.

@@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]

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

[@johnmartinez7440]

@@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]

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]

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]

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

[@kana7715]

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]

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

[@Dan-os9kg]

@@mmtasty1889 ha amen

[@garmen-]

Their new stuff is kinda metal and really good

[@lukebradford]

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!

[@themonkeandthesnek9997]

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]

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

[@willyboi99]

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

[@Hikaeme-od3zq]

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

[@alzbetal1499]

@@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]

@@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).

[@ctop]

_Oh yeah, this is the good stuff_

[@liltwizz_07]

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

[@seb9945]

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

[@bloodromance4776]

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

[@JorWat25]

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]

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

[@mikepilot777]

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

[@bernatcomass]

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

[@arminmomeni1474]

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

[@andrewm1994]

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

[@suenodeposadas]

Please, more Muse videos. I love this one

[@FlyingCircles]

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

[@sentidoincomun]

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

[@nicogutholz9399]

Awesome video, Muse are a truly iconic band

[@sdrebels13]

@@matthewcorcoran4718 still are.

[@Hillelfraenkel]

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]

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!

[@alzbetal1499]

New born is a cool song ☺️

[@aggelinakaklamanou9487]

@@alzbetal1499 I adore it!

[@Pshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

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.

[@Irmux6623]

My favourite muse song is "unintended"

[@kirizute]

mine is butterflies and hurricanes

[@madelinefarhani9420]

my favorite song from a no-skip album

[@billtamburelli1665]

yes

[@hiroprotagonist42]

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

[@methoverdose4551]

I love when you talk about Muse

[@shevonponniah2820]

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]

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

[@NormanTiner]

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]

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.

[@galeXia-]

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

[@TheSimulacrumAudio]

Probably Stockholm Syndrome, it's the heaviest they've ever sounded and I love the opening riff

[@MetallicDeviant]

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.

[@echo569]

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

[@joshhore1554]

muse one of the goats

[@ikelos8190]

hey i'd love to see you analize anything from twenty one pilots i leave what up to you i just think it'd be cool to see you talk about them

[@AlexSilva-qi6wp]

Such a good song to eat peanut butter too

[@kirizute]

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

[@schlorpologist705]

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

[@aroomacanvas]

Great analysis but I feel like you HAVE to talk about the music video if you’re going to talk about this song. It’s iconic

[@TonyBH04]

Muse, like Coldplay, had awesome first 4 albums, near masterpieces, the resistance was ok I guess, but after that, they started to "experiment" and I just lost interest in them.

[@29634122]

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]

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]

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

[@madol3728]

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

[@sebastianarizmendi2139]

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

[@AI-mg3hy]

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

[@Ziggyzaggy300]

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.

[@zach_reee5982]

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

[@110ski]

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

[@knightofcydonia2620]

KOC has probably the best music video ever

[@HofTheStage]

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

[@katiecolclough4]

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!

[@droid1008]

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

[@shevonponniah2820]

Citizen erased An easy favourite from muse

[@l_a_i_n]

You should look up how to pronounce Ennio Morricone's last name. Tiny mistakes like these really take away from the charm of your videos

[@Ma1o]

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

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

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

[@willcollier7066]

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!

[@FanTazTiCxD]

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

[@elpagna]

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

[@HeliozSam]

Quality video for a quality band 👌

[@danteuk8024]

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.

[@roneteus]

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

[@nerea4327]

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

[@greggen63]

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.

[@the_emmo]

magnificent song to close a gig

[@loomoo500]

It's disappointing you didn't take a moment to acknowledge Delia Derbyshire for her work. She is the most unacknowledged persons who has contributed so much to electronic music and sound design. It's through her ground breaking work at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop that we owe a lot of our modern day sounds to. Also think Queen plays a big influence to this song as well. The breakdown of "No one is going to take me alive" and subsequent rock guitar solo that follows seems like a direct nod to Bohemian Rhapsody.

[@karla9319]

This is gonna be so good

[@karla9319]

It was good :)

[@schlorpologist705]

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

[@Yankee4ever2]

shoutout my roomatte jacob who put me on Muse, my man :**

[@frfras7]

Dick dales misirlou is inspired from a Greek song broski 5:30 what Jewish??😂😂

[@insidethelyrics]

Your editing is always impressive! Great video!

[@jimmybd2309]

Please do a video on origin of symmetry and whatever people say I am thats what im not

[@JohnEaganMedia]

A suggestion: if you're going to go on at length about the influence of Ennio Morricone, it might be good to learn how to pronounce the man's name. On another note, on the subject of respect for the people whose work you're talking about; not a word about Delia Derbyshire, even while you show film footage of her at work... the person who, while she did not compose the Doctor Who theme, from what I understand, was the one responsible for realizing the original version you're talking about.

[@AnnohaSF]

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

[@Praderanoire]

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.

[@Mattocon757]

bro you repeat yourself a bunch, and it's a 10 minute vid.

[@MetikalMan]

I heard this song for the first time while peaking on LSD laying on grass with my doggo. It’s ingrained in my soul.

[@hoboslayer9000]

Great video, muse is one of my favorite bands. You should check out the band strfkr. It would make a great video.

[@matthewshimek]

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!

[@maartenkos98]

I would love to hear more Muse in a Muse analysis. But I guess copywrite?

[@palemoonlight96]

Please do a grateful dead or NFR ewest albums by Lana Del Rey video

[@bearismagic2608]

Ive actually waited for years for you to make a video on muse, not even exagerating. Wouldve expected to see Supermassive Black Hole but great vid nonetheless

[@art3mis107]

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

[@MrPan-kj9gr]

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

[@Chico50445]

“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]

@@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.

[@MatteMoon48838]

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

[@rossco8222]

Fantastic interpretation, would be fascinating to see if muse agree with it....

[@ikelos8190]

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

[@tiretalks]

Unofficial Steel Ball Run Intro music

[@alzbetal1499]

I love muse

[@recolty]

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

[@certifiedschizophrenic8598]

This song makes me want to go out in a fire fight with the atf, cia, and fbi

[@seanster9735]

You should do a video on a Pink Floyd album, I’d watch that!

[@jonb9439]

He basically updated a song from his fathers band! I won't deny it's a great song, but he wouldn't have had the chance and or inspiration without The Tornadoes song Telstar.

[@nerea4327]

Not really. What makes this song so good is the structure, the blend of genres, the epic feel to it and that ending riff. Yes, there's a nod to Telstar's sound, but that's just one small part of the song.

[@harrylong2796]

Excellent as always

[@irwan86]

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

[@dougstangie7158]

Knights is my favorite Muse song

[@Raresnce]

I've seen them plenty of times (13) and they used Stockholm Syndrome as a closer one time instead of KoC. It was excellent, but something about KoC as the closer makes it grand ❤😍❤😍❤

[@kotimikro69]

I wish Knights of Cydonia was a music genre

[@KevinBelmontLuna]

The Spaghetti western part of Knights of Cydonia got me. I'm sucha sucker for Spaghetti wester Wild West music and theme.

[@Zachliddick]

Awesome vid!!! More muse plz!!

[@lucasoldati4817]

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

[@gautiermilewski4322]

I like how the video implicitly recognised that Muse didn't release any good music after 2nd Law ^^ Also Doctor Whooooeeeeeeoooooo

[@chrominox]

Thanks for making this.

[@galicker]

Huge video and song, thanks!

[@kimchoi11_]

Spaghetti western set in the far reaches of the galaxy is exactly my taste. Maybe that's why I connected to this song on my first listen all those years ago. Thanks Middle 8

[@ghostmoth8617]

Muse are one of the greatest bands of the modern day

[@lizzieolsenwife]

MUSE IS SO GOOD IB MY GIDHEHS

[@kkrsnn5632]

Epic song.