Good idea, iTunes giftcard!

[The Eye in the Sky!]

Well, I've seen people for years talking about how amazing Muse is and I had wanted to check them out but feared spending money on a Radiohead clone until a few days back. I used one of my iTunes giftcards to purchase Black Holes & Revelations and oh my god. I've sat down and listened to the album over a half-dozen times now and it is just incredible in ways I cannot really describe. That was EXACTLY the sound I've been looking for since searching for a band to sit in my collection like Franz Ferdinand (vastly different than the majority of my albums).

Anyway, I have one more giftcard meaning I can get one more album for now and have a few bucks left over for random song samples and was wondering which album to check out next. I was about to buy Absolution but decided to get some opinions on my next step.

Just to say, "Invincible" and "Knights of Cydonia" are just incredible.

And not that I have any reason for it as I've found that they are vastly different, I've decided to give another go at "OK Computer" since if anyone remembers me going on about, I really did not like it for all the hype it gets. Seeing as I'm more into experimental and different styles of music right now, maybe I can see into it for once.

[mr.rpg king]

For my favorite album and a much more darker spin then the rest of your collection, get Superunknown by Soundgarden. Another good one that I know is different then what you're used to would be BloodSugarSexMagik by Red Hot Chili Peppers or Ritual De La Habiutal by Janes Addiction. One is funky as **** and the other is some of the best garagy, prog-rock of the 90s.

Go for it baba-boo.

[Dark Cadence]

If you're getting into experimental type music, I'm gonna recommend Sigur Ros or Explosions in the Sky. Listen to it with an open mind though, as they're vastly different from most other bands.

[Tom]

That album's really Muse's most pop orientated album. It's good but it's my least favourite. Just be aware as you go back it's gonna change somewhat. Going back in order is probably a good idea.

I don't know if OK Computer is something you're going to like. It's not particularly direct, which seems to be a theme with music you like even as diverse as it is. If you are gonna give Radiohead a try go for The Bends first, perhaps. It's interesting just as the genesis of bands like Coldplay (though as an album it's not only better but "more direct" like I mentioned).

Sigur Ros would be a leap too far I reckon, though I'm a fan personally.

Going from Franz Ferdinand, perhaps Bloc Party's first album, Silent Alarm? It's got their spiky guitars but more going on on top compared to them. Do you know it/know of it?

There's not a lot sounds similar to Muse really. Cooper Temple Clause get the odd comparision but they're nowhere near as bombastic and fairly little-known.

[Civil Disobedient]

I was into Muse during the 'Showbiz' era but then I saw them/met them at Leeds Festival in 2000 and was really put off. That was the tail end of my indie days really.

[The_virus]

I was into Muse during the 'Showbiz' era but then I saw them/met them at Leeds Festival in 2000 and was really put off.

That's why I tend not to investigate musicians' personal lives, it's disappointing to find out they're all jerks.

As far as Muse albums go...you can't really go wrong in my opinion, so long as you like them. Absolution or Showbiz are your best candidates I'd say. Listen to the sample for "Stockholm Syndrome" and you'll see it's similar to the sound of the Blackholes... album.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with any Muse album if you liked Blackholes..., but I'd say Absolution holds more inklings to the tracks you mentioned.

Listen to the track "Interlude" and you may recognize the melody from Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings"...pretty neat.

[The Eye in the Sky!]

Alrighty, thanks for the suggestions, I shall continue my journey into the unknown.

[ATRLOGfan]

If you're looking for some good 90's albums, I would suggest Americana, by The Offspring. It's still widely considered their best album and IMO was one of the best, if not the best alternative albums of the 90's.

[Tom]

Let us know what you do in the end. :)

[The Eye in the Sky!]

I'm going to use my other giftcard on Absolution I've decided because I've still been enjoying the other one I have. I can afford one more album as well but I'm going to sample some of the artists in this topic before buying another.

I think there is a Bloc Party song on Guitar Hero that I can check out as well. Franz not putting out a new album in a while has kind of had me in limbo on what to do in the art/pop/dance/rock side of music for a while.

[Kid_A]

If you go for Bloc Party, make sure you start with their first album, Silent Alarm.

And I would certainly suggest you give OK Computer a second chance. It may be one of those 'acquired taste' bands. I've had that happen a few times... M.I.A., Arcade Fire, Alkaline Trio, even Nine Inch Nails. There are just some bands you have to listen to a good 5 to 10 times before you can really appreciate (and maybe even love) them. Let us know what you decide with your purchase, and be sure to let me know (at the very least) what comes of your re-review of OK.

Good luck!

[The Eye in the Sky!]

Well I have been listening to OK Computer sporadically and have to say that a few of the songs are really growing on me. "Paranoid Android", "Let Down," and "Airbag" are the only ones I can name right now but overall it has sounded better. Could be that I've sat here with headphones and letting it flow in my head (all the ambient sound is just amazing).

I've always thought "Karma Police" was the only good song on the album but I'd say those three above are pretty close. I guess I shouldn't be so hasty in my review of it. I mean, Iron Maiden's A Matter of Life and Death took me a few good, focused listens before I really took it in for what it was and now I consider it one of the best pure albums I own.

I'm glad to report that Radiohead now has potential for me. They've been a band I've wanted to like so I am attempting to open my mind to them. Muse may not be like them but it seems that they have lowered my "shield" to this sort of music.

[JoetheShow]

My favorite is probably "Climbing up the Walls" but the whole CD is pretty good.

[The_virus]

Franz not putting out a new album in a while has kind of had me in limbo on what to do in the art/pop/dance/rock side of music for a while.

Might I suggest that you check out some of the bands in the larger art/pop/dance/rock scene?

When it comes to Art/pop/dance I always think of The Pet Shop Boys. They're probably best-known for "West End Girls" but I'd suggest listening to "Flamboyant" first, it has a catchier tune. Another good one is "It's A Sin" or "Domino Dancing", PSB are more synth-heavy than Franz, so they're definitely a leap in the pop-dance direction.

New Order might also appeal to you. These guys also are more of a dance-oriented group. Their 'mentioned-in-the-same-breath' hit is "Blue Monday" but again...I'd recommend something else first. Try "True Faith", it has a stronger driving melody instead of the staccato beats of "Blue Monday". Also check out "Vanishing Point" and "Bizarre Love Triangle".

More in the rock side of things is Devo. They're best known for "Whip It", but I'd go further and try "Mongoloid" and "Race Of Doom" as well.

The closest match to Franz I'd suggest is Hot Hot Heat. Start with "Talk To Me, Dance With Me" and you'll hear some similar elements right away. Also check out "Bandages", "Shame On You", their best-composed song in my opinion is "Elevator" though.

I'm not sure if you've checked out Interpol, Heavens, or She Wants Revenge yet. I can expand on those bands if necessary.

[Kid_A]

Hot Hot Heat. Interpol, or She Wants Revenge.
Seconded!

And I'm so glad you gave Radiohead another chance. Even more glad you're digging it this time around. :) Yay!

[Freakish]

I'm not sure if you've checked out Interpol, Heavens, or She Wants Revenge yet. I can expand on those bands if necessary.

I hope by Heavens you mean the Matt Skiba side-project band. Quite good.

Right now my most listened to dance music band is Los Campesinos. Just a great fun-natured band to listen to with a couple of EPs and an LP coming out soon. Just watch this music video, its hard not to get obsessed with them after seeing it. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Nj6SO_yKMe8

[The Eye in the Sky!]

Well, after careful listening of Absolution, I've decided that Muse is incredible. This album has some even higher moments for me than Black Holes. "Thoughts of a Dying Atheist" is giving me chills but also questioning some things I believe in... which few songs have ever done. It actually makes me reflect on myself whenever it comes on... and the chorus is delivered so intensely. I love this song so much. I have to give nods to "Hysteria" for the kickin' bass line that I will have to learn, "Butterflies and Hurricanes" for just being so moody, and "Stockholm Syndrome" for just rocking.

I'm going to check out a few more bands while listening to these albums more but these have been a great few experiences. I found myself looping "Starlight" over and over in my car this afternoon just because its so catchy. Their singer is just masterful.

[dimmerwit]

Muse are fantastic live, I went to see them last year and they were absoloutely awesome.

[The_virus]

I hope by Heavens you mean the Matt Skiba side-project band. Quite good.

I do indeed mean the Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio) side-project 'Heavens'.

[coheed]

Well, after careful listening of Absolution, I've decided that Muse is incredible. This album has some even higher moments for me than Black Holes. "Thoughts of a Dying Atheist" is giving me chills but also questioning some things I believe in... which few songs have ever done. It actually makes me reflect on myself whenever it comes on... and the chorus is delivered so intensely. I love this song so much. I have to give nods to "Hysteria" for the kickin' bass line that I will have to learn, "Butterflies and Hurricanes" for just being so moody, and "Stockholm Syndrome" for just rocking.

I'm going to check out a few more bands while listening to these albums more but these have been a great few experiences. I found myself looping "Starlight" over and over in my car this afternoon just because its so catchy. Their singer is just masterful.
That album is pretty close to perfect. Even Interlude inspires awe in me. :)

[Civil Disobedient]

I give it 6-12 months before TEITS is listening to thrash or death metal.

[The_virus]

That album is pretty close to perfect. Even Interlude inspires awe in me. :)

"Interlude" is a heavily distorted take on the melody from Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings". If you really like it, I suggest you listen to the whole piece, it's quite moving. Then watch the 1986 film Platoon directed by Oliver Stone and you'll see it used for dramatic effect.

[The Eye in the Sky!]

I give it 6-12 months before TEITS is listening to thrash or death metal.

I doubt it since I have been exposed to a lot of that with my friends and people I go to shows with and I can't stand most of it. The vocals in death metal have always bothered me and I've been heading away from metal for a while now.

[coheed]

"Interlude" is a heavily distorted take on the melody from Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings". If you really like it, I suggest you listen to the whole piece, it's quite moving. Then watch the 1986 film Platoon directed by Oliver Stone and you'll see it used for dramatic effect.
Is that so? I didn't know that, thank you. :)

[Ihsahn]

I've been heading away from metal for a while now.

You should head all the way and indulge in my latest embarrassing obsession of fingerstyle guitar. Hopefully that'll come under your umbrella of 'something different.' Try Craig (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYwp43pkFvc&feature=related) D'Andrea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNTfp7I2om8). He probably isn't on iTunes. I have no idea.