What's The Story?
Muse are perhaps the biggest thing in England since sliced bread (which wasn't invented until after The Beatles, so I'm not blaspheming here). Thoughts of A Dying Atheist is one of the lesser-hyped tunes from their third album, Absolution.
Who's To Blame?
A beer brewer/musician. A brewsician!
Why ♥ It?
Upon first hearing this song years ago, I always thought it would be a good joke track with the vocal just saying something to the effect of "aw, shit". Whether this is actually funny or not, I am glad to report that Muse had much bigger intent for this track.
I try not to harp too much on things like titles and lyrics, because those are by design usually meant to take a backseat to the song proper. That's all well and dandy, but this song gets at least 4.7 times better when the title is kept in mind while listening--whether an atheist or not, it's not hard to imagine the ultimate of uncertainty, and Muse conveys this wonderfully through lyrics and effects in addition to music.
Par exemple, the constant notes on lead guitar in the verse are pensive and chaotic at once. The bass is foreboding while keeping the track moving. The background vocal/synth in the chorus under the powerful vocals of singer Matt Bellamy is a downright creepy one-two punch. The breakdown/solo starting at 2:05 could easily play during a car wreck or a death bed scene alike, over a montage of a life flashing before the eyes.
Thoughts of A Dying Atheist is a pretty abstract thought. All of the musical facets cooperate in almost-disturbing unison to bring that from the realm of the theoretical to make it feel real for 3:11. Needless to say, this tune is an experience.
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