The two albums at the top of the album charts this week both evoke memories of bygone horrors. We’ll Meet Again – The Very Best of Vera Lynn was the soundtrack to the Blitz, the invasion of the Soviet Union , the Normandy Landing. The music may be a bit basic but it retains a strong emotional appeal for some.

Muse’s new album Resistance recalls horror of a different sort as these track titles demonstrate:

United States Of Eurasia [+Collateral Damage],

I Belong To You [+Mon Coeur S’Ouvre A Ta Voix]

Exogenesis: Symphony Part 2 [Cross-pollination]

Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3 [Redemption]

As someone who is working his way though a three hour dvd on the development of German music in the 60s and 70s I’m well aware that there is more to life than the three minute pop song, even if it is one of humanity’s greatest cultural artefacts. But time and again listening to Resistance the dreadful vision of Freddy Mercury, Brian May and Queen at their most portentous dances in front of your eyes. Muse throw in strings, big guitars, pianos, hints of vaguely central Asian melodies and words that make no real sense. Just like Queen.

It matters not a jot that We Will Rock You is probably the single most popular tourist attraction for Belgians visiting London and has been running for years in a landmark theatre. Queen was spectacle rock for people who didn’t particularly like music but felt that they should be able to name a band in social situations. Muse are heading the same way.

Chances are that there is a concept behind the album, though despite having listened to it a couple of times, I’m none the wiser. It might have something to do with a dreadful clash of civilisations in which one side is wearing suits made out of aluminium foil and the others dress in sheepskins. The foil clad ones will be the villains. Here’s a sample:

And these wars, they can’t be won
Does anyone know or care how they begun?
They just promise to go on
And on and on
But soon we will see
There can be only one
United States !
United States !
Of…
Eurasia !
… sia!
… sia!
… sia!

Quite.

Muse have always been on the slightly overblown side of modern music and quite good fun if you want something loud, intense and inscrutable. Their live show is quite stunning as well. The trouble is that this current oeuvre is a rummage in a forgotten culture that should stay hidden from the gaze of decent people. There is a case for using the techniques of modern science to recreate extinct animal species. There is no justification whatsoever for resurrecting Queen or Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

I’ve just had an idea for a concept album!