This list of songs is inspired by lists published by radio station KEXP-FM from Seattle in 2010, as well as the latest poll taken in 2021 by Rolling Stone Magazine. For the most part I will faithfully countdown from their lists, starting at Song #500 and going until I reach Song #1. When you see the song title listed as something like: Song #XXX (KEXP)….it means that I am working off of the official KEXP list. Song XXX (RS) means the song is coming from the Rolling Stone list. If I post the song title as being: Song #xxx (KTOM), it means I have gone rogue and am inserting a song choice from my own personal list of tunes I really like. In any case, you are going to get to hear a great song and learn the story behind it. Finally, just so everyone is aware, I am not a music critic nor a musician. I am a music fan and an armchair storyteller. Here is the story behind today’s song. Enjoy.
KTOM: The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History.
Song #401: Uprising by Muse.
Muse is a band out of the UK that consists of singer/guitarist, Matt Bellamy, bass guitarist, Chris Wolstenholme and drummer, Dominic Howard. Muse has been releasing albums since 1999 and has released eight so far, selling over 20 million albums worldwide in the process. Muse tends to produce albums that have a concept or theme running throughout it. As a result, there is a theatrical bent to their albums, as they aim to tell more complex stories over numerous, interconnected songs. Because of the dramatic storytelling narratives at play in their music, Muse have put much energy into their live performances. Therefore, they have become well known for the visual spectacle that is a live Muse show.
As band recognition goes, Muse can be regarded as an under-rated band but in reality, their fanbase is legion and are very devoted (as you will see in the video accompanying this post). The song, “Uprising” came from an album called Resistance. That album explored the themes of autocratic government regimes and the restrictions they place of the lives of ordinary citizens. The song, “Uprising” depicts two young lovers seeking to fulfill their desires in an atmosphere of restrictions and oppression. The chorus is a rousing declaration of defiance from the young lovers:
“They will not force us,
And they will stop degrading us.
They will not control us
And we will be victorious!!!!“
The chorus is usually sung with fervour by lead singer Bellamy and from the entire audience and is accompanied by much fist pumping and arm waving. It is theatre and pageantry on a scale that we don’t often see anymore in modern concerts.
So, buckle up and get ready for quite a show! The crowd is excellent in this video. Matt Bellamy can sure sing! As well, check out the rubber neck on Chris Wolstenholme, the bassist. If I tried to move like he does, I’d be in traction before the song ended. Finally, note that drummer, Dominic Howard is a rare, lefty drummer. His drum kit is built/arranged for left-handed drummers only. If you like songs with vision and broad intentions then, I think you’ll enjoy Muse and, in particular, the song, “Uprising”.
The link to the music video for Uprising by Muse can be found here. ***The lyric version can be found here.
Muse have a wonderful website that can be accessed by clicking on the link here.
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Tom MacInnes, Writer 