Origin of Symmetry

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Origin of Symmetry
White ground with grayish sticks and an orange sky. The stick's shadows are seen along with the image. A rectangle is seen in the image, which shows the band's name and the album's title colored black.
Each physical release of the album includes its respective catalog number inside the white box; this cover art is for the digital release.
Studio album by
Muse
Released18 June 2001 (2001-06-18)
RecordedSeptember 2000 – February 2001
Studio
Genre
Length51:41
Label
Producer
Muse chronology
Random 1–8
(2000) 		Origin of Symmetry
(2001) 		Hullabaloo Soundtrack
(2002)
XX Anniversary RemiXX cover
Muse Origin of Symmetry XX Anniversary RemiXX Cover Art.jpeg
Singles from Origin of Symmetry
  1. "Plug In Baby"
    Released: 5 March 2001
  2. "New Born"
    Released: 4 June 2001
  3. "Bliss"
    Released: 20 August 2001
  4. "Hyper Music" / "Feeling Good"
    Released: 19 November 2001

Origin of Symmetry is the second studio album by English rock band Muse, released on 18 June 2001 through Mushroom Records and Taste Media.

Origin of Symmetry peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart[1] and was certified platinum.[2] Four singles were released from the album: "Plug In Baby", "New Born", "Bliss", and "Hyper Music" / "Feeling Good". Muse released a remixed and remastered version, Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX, for the album's 20th anniversary on June 18, 2021.

Background[]

Muse developed Origin of Symmetry during their tour for their debut album Showbiz. "Feeling Good", a cover, was written for Broadway by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse in 1964, and first recorded by Nina Simone for her 1965 album I Put a Spell on You.[3]

The title derives from the 1994 book Hyperspace by theoretical physicist Michio Kaku, which suggests the title The Origin of Symmetry for a future book about the discovery of supersymmetry, a reference to On the Origin of Species. According to songwriter Matt Bellamy: "Everyone's been writing about the origin of life so now they'll start looking at the origin of symmetry; there's a certain amount of stability in the universe and to find out where it originates from would be to find out if God exists."[4]

Recording[]

After completing the Showbiz tour, Muse recorded "Plug in Baby", "Bliss", "New Born" and "Darkshines" with Tool producer David Bottrill, forming the "backbone" of Origin of Symmetry. To capture their live energy, Muse recorded their tracks together as a band, with some overdubs.[5] After Bottrill departed to work on Tool's album Lateralus, Muse enlisted John Leckie, who had produced Showbiz.[5] The group recorded in Sawmills in Fowey, Cornwall, Ridge Farm Studio in Surrey, Real World Studios in Box, Wiltshire, and David Gilmour's Astoria houseboat studio on the Thames.[5] While the band were working in Real World Studios, they went to a church in Bath to record a church organ for "Megalomania".[5]

Having mainly recorded Showbiz with a Gibson Les Paul guitar, Bellamy recorded Origin of Symmetry using a new custom guitar designed with Manson Guitars equipped with a built-in Z.Vex Fuzz Factory, a fuzz distortion effect.[5] It was the first in a series of collaborations between Bellamy in Manson, which he purchased a majority share of in 2019.[5] Bellamy used the Fuzz Factory effect on many of the riffs on the album.[5]

Composition[]

Origin of Symmetry has been described as alternative rock,[6] progressive rock,[7] hard rock,[8] and space rock.[9] It saw the band experimenting with new instruments and dynamics. Dominic Howard expanded the standard rock drum kit with items including a balaphone and animal bones on "Screenager".[citation needed] Whereas the Showbiz lyrics had "wallowed in heartbroken angst", Bellamy's lyrics moved to "sci-fi surrealism".[5]

Release[]

Origin of Symmetry was first released on 18 June 2001.[10] It was originally scheduled for release in the United States through Maverick Records, who had also released Showbiz. However, Muse left Maverick when Maverick demanded Bellamy rerecord the album with less falsetto. The album was not released in the US until 2005.[11]

Origin of Symmetry was remastered and reissued as part of the Origin of Muse boxset, alongside Showbiz, demos, live performances and other material. The box set was released on 6 December 2019.[12]

Critical reception[]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic4/5 stars[13]
Drowned in Sound10/10[14]
Hot Press8/12[15]
The Independent3/5 stars[16]
The List4/5[17]
NME9/10[18]
Pitchfork8.3/10[19]
Q5/5 stars[20]
Stylus MagazineC[21]
Sunday Herald3/5 stars[22]

Origin of Symmetry received mainly positive reviews. Roy Wilkinson of Q praised it as an "astonishing record... where extra-terrestrial fascinations meet the classical world's more unhinged impulses", adding that "comparisons with Radiohead that dogged Muse's early career now seem all but obsolete".[20] Roger Morton of NME called it a "reinvention of grunge as a neo-classical, high gothic future rock, full of flambéed pianolas and white-knuckle electric camp ... It's apparent that Muse can handle their brutal arias."[18] Q named Origin of Symmetry one of the best 50 albums of 2001,[23] while Kerrang! named it the ninth-best.[24]

The Guardian's Betty Clarke, however, panned Origin of Symmetry as "unbelievably overblown, self-important and horrible".[25] Stylus critic Tyler Martin conceded that Muse "are very good at their craft", but felt that "the constant overplaying of everything waters it all down immensely".[21]

Legacy[]

Origin of Symmetry has made appearances on lists of the greatest rock albums of the 2000s, both poll-based and on publication lists. In 2006, Q named it the 74th greatest album of all time,[26] and in 2008 Q readers voted it the 28th best British album. Kerrang! named it the 20th Best British rock album and the 13th best album of the 21st century.[27] According to the review aggregator website Acclaimed Music, Origin of Symmetry is the 1,247th best-reviewed album of all time.[28]

In a retrospective review, Natalie Shaw of BBC Music wrote that Origin of Symmetry "shows a band with the drive and unfettered ambition to create a standalone marvel which not only awakens the ghosts and clichés from prog's pompous past, but entirely adds its own voice", adding that many elements of the band's later sound on albums such as Black Holes and Revelations (2006) could be traced back to the album.[29] Author Amy Britton argued that on Origin of Symmetry Bellamy "progressed [his band]'s sound so much that he earned a new title – this generation's guitar hero," highlighting "Plug In Baby" and "New Born".[30]

On 26 and 28 August 2011, Muse designed and performed a special set at the Reading and Leeds Festivals to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Origin of Symmetry.[31] They performed the album from start to finish, marking the first time songs such as "Darkshines", "Hyper Music" and "Screenager" had been played for several years.[32]

Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX[]

For the album's 20th anniversary, Muse announced a remixed and remastered version, Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX, released digitally on 18 June 2021 with a vinyl release forthcoming on 9 July.[33] A collaboration with producer Rich Costey, who has worked on several previous Muse albums, it features a "more open, dynamic and less crushed sound" compared to the original release.[34] The new mixes also highlight elements that were originally buried or muted in the mix, such as string sections on "Space Dementia", "Citizen Erased" and "Megalomania", and a harpsichord on "Micro Cuts". The album features new cover artwork by Sujin Kim.[33]

Track listing[]

All tracks are written by Matthew Bellamy, except "Feeling Good" by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

Original release
No.TitleLength
1."New Born"6:03
2."Bliss"4:11
3."Space Dementia"6:20
4."Hyper Music"3:21
5."Plug In Baby"3:38
6."Citizen Erased"7:21
7."Micro Cuts"3:38
8."Screenager"4:20
9."Darkshines"4:46
10."Feeling Good"3:18
11."Megalomania"4:39
Total length:51:35
Japanese and XX Anniversary RemiXX editions
No.TitleLength
11."Futurism"3:26
12."Megalomania"4:39
Total length:55:01

Personnel[]

Guest musicians

  • Jacqueline Norrie – violin
  • Sara Herbert – violin
  • Clare Finnimore – viola
  • Caroline Lavelle – cello

Additional personnel

  • David Bottrill – production and engineering on "New Born", "Bliss", "Plug In Baby" and "Darkshines"
  • John Leckie – production and engineering on tracks "Space Dementia", "Hyper Music", "Citizen Erased", "Micro Cuts", "Screenager", "Feeling Good" and "Megalomania"
  • Ric Peet – engineering on tracks "Space Dementia", "Hyper Music", "Citizen Erased", "Micro Cuts", "Screenager", "Feeling Good" and "Megalomania"
  • Steve Cooper – additional engineering on "New Born", "Bliss", "Plug In Baby" and "Darkshines"
  • Chris Brown – additional engineering and programming on tracks "Space Dementia", "Hyper Music", "Citizen Erased", "Micro Cuts", "Screenager", "Feeling Good" and "Megalomania"
  • Mark Thomas – assistant engineering on tracks "Bliss", "Hyper Music", "Plug In Baby" and "Micro Cuts"
  • Claire Lewis – assistant engineering on tracks "Space Dementia", "Hyper Music", "Citizen Erased", "Micro Cuts", "Screenager", "Feeling Good" and "Megalomania"
  • Damon Iddins – assistant engineering
  • Mirek Styles – assistant engineering
  • John Cornfield – mixing
  • Ray Staff – mastering
  • William Eagar – artwork

Charts and certifications[]

Notes and references[]

Notes

  1. ^ Additional recording at Astoria in Richmond, Abbey Road in London, Sawmills in Fowey, and St. Mary's Church in Bathwick.

References

  1. ^ "The Official Charts Company – Muse". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  2. ^ "Platinum Awards Content". British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 12 October 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  3. ^ Allen, Jeremy (2 March 2016). "Nina Simone – 10 of the best". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  4. ^ "English Articles". archive.is. Archived from the original on 24 March 2002.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h Price, Andy (21 April 2021). "The Genius Of… Origin of Symmetry by Muse". Guitar.com. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  6. ^ Lauren Vinyard (2013). "Muse – Origin of Symmetry". puluche. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  7. ^ Philip, Tom (19 December 2018). "Muse Found Solace in Escaping Reality on Their New Record". GQ. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  8. ^ Raper, Dan (19 July 2006). "Muse: Black Holes & Revelations". PopMatters. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  9. ^ Trendell, Andrew (17 July 2014). "Happy Birthday Muse's Origin Of Symmetry: The Tracks Ranked". Gigwise. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b "Ultratop.be – Muse – Origin of Symmetry" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.
  11. ^ Spin Sep 2009. September 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  12. ^ Kreps, Daniel (7 September 2019). "Muse Mark 20th Anniversary of 'Showbiz' With 'Origin of Muse' Box Set". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  13. ^ Carlson, Dean. "Origin of Symmetry – Muse". AllMusic. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  14. ^ Adams, Sean (19 May 2001). "Album Review: Muse – Origin of Symmetry". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  15. ^ Tyaransen, Olaf (21 June 2001). "Origin Of Symmetry". Hot Press. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  16. ^ Price, Simon (17 June 2001). "Muse: Origin of Symmetry (Taste)". The Independent.
  17. ^ Northmore, Henry (7 June 2001). "Muse: Origin Of Symmetry (Mushroom)". The List (415): 112. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b Morton, Roger (12 June 2001). "Muse : Origin Of Symmetry". NME. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  19. ^ Monroe, Jazz (11 July 2021). "Muse: Origin of Symmetry Album Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b Wilkinson, Roy (August 2001). "Muse: Origin of Symmetry". Q (179).
  21. ^ Jump up to: a b Martin, Tyler (1 September 2003). "Muse – Origin of Symmetry – Review". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2016.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  22. ^ Waters, Colin (17 June 2001). "Muse: Origin Of Symmetry (Mushroom)". Sunday Herald. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  23. ^ "The Best 50 Albums of 2001". Q (185): 60–65. December 2001.
  24. ^ "Kerrang! Lists". Kerrang!. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  25. ^ Clarke, Betty (15 June 2001). "Muse: Origin of Symmetry (Taste Media/Mushroom Records)". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 May 2008. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  26. ^ "Q Greatest Albums of All Time". Archived from the original on 20 October 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  27. ^ "Muse Message Board Lists". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 29 March 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  28. ^ "Muse". Acclaimed Music. 14 December 2009. Archived from the original on 6 September 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  29. ^ "Review of Muse – Origin of Symmetry". BBC Music. 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  30. ^ Britton, Amy (2011). Revolution Rock: The Albums Which Defined Two Ages. AuthorHouse. p. 306.
  31. ^ "Muse to play 'Origin Of Symmetry' in full at Reading And Leeds Festivals". NME.
  32. ^ "Muse Concert Setlist at Reading Festival 2011 on August 28, 2011 - setlist.fm". setlist.fm.
  33. ^ Jump up to: a b "ORIGIN OF SYMMETRY: XX ANNIVERSARY REMIXX". Accessed in June 5, 2021.
  34. ^ "Muse announce 20th anniversary 'Origin Of Symmetry' remix album". NME. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  35. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Muse – Origin of Symmetry". Hung Medien.
  36. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Muse – Origin of Symmetry" (in German). Hung Medien.
  37. ^ "Ultratop.be – Muse – Origin of Symmetry" (in French). Hung Medien.
  38. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Muse – Origin of Symmetry" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.
  39. ^ "Muse: Origin of Symmetry" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
  40. ^ "Lescharts.com – Muse – Origin of Symmetry". Hung Medien.
  41. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Muse – Origin of Symmetry" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  42. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2021. 28. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ.
  43. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Muse". Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  44. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Muse – Origin of Symmetry". Hung Medien.
  45. ^ "Charts.nz – Muse – Origin of Symmetry". Hung Medien.
  46. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Muse – Origin of Symmetry". Hung Medien.
  47. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  48. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Muse – Origin of Symmetry". Hung Medien.
  49. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  50. ^ "Muse Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  51. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2001". Ultratop. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  52. ^ "Rapports Annuels 2001". Ultratop. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  53. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2001". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  54. ^ "Year in Review – European Top 100 Albums 2001" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19 no. 52. 22 December 2001. p. 15. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
  55. ^ "Top de l'année Top Albums 2001" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  56. ^ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2001". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  57. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2010 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  58. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2001". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
  59. ^ "Italian album certifications – Muse – Origin of Symmetry" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 10 December 2018. Select "2016" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Select "Origin of Symmetry" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Album e Compilation" under "Sezione".
  60. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Muse – Origin of Symmetry" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Enter Origin of Symmetry in the "Artiest of titel" box.
  61. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Muse; 'Origin of Symmetry')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  62. ^ "British album certifications – Muse – Origin of Symmetry". British Phonographic Industry.Select albums in the Format field. Select Platinum in the Certification field. Type Origin of Symmetry in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.

External links[]

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