Queen star May hails Muse album

By Tim Masters Entertainment correspondent, BBC News

May was awarded a CBE in 2006 for his services to music and his charity work

Queen guitarist Brian May has praised the Queen-influenced sound that Muse have incorporated into their recent number one album, The Resistance.

"I love it, I think it's great stuff," May told the BBC.

"I think they're very good boys and extremely talented, and like us they have their tongue in cheek a lot of the time," May said.

One key track on the new Muse album - United States of Eurasia - has drawn comparisons to classic Queen.

Last month, Muse drummer Dom Howard said: "I guess people have thought it sounds a bit like Queen, particularly that big chord and the big harmonies.

"When we did that in the studio we laughed a lot because it was so uplifting. It's a real chest out, hand in the air moment in the song."

May, who gained a doctorate in astronomy in 2007, said he had met Muse a couple of times in the early part of their career.

"They said they liked us and that we've been an influence, which is obviously nice for someone like me to hear," said May.

He described the track United States of Eurasia as "brilliantly done".

"They are extraordinary musicians," May added. "Real virtuosos - much more than I am.

"I like the way they let their madness show through, always a good thing in an artist."

Game plans

May also said he was delighted that he was being portrayed as a figure in a Lego Rock Band game - due out next month.

"It's the ultimate accolade, to be portayed in Lego," he said. "My dreams are all fulfilled now."

And he said there was talk "going on behind the scenes" about a dedicated Queen Rock Band game - like The Beatles version that came out last month.

"Yes we're into it, I think it may happen," he said.

Meanwhile, May is preparing for the launch next week of a book he has co-written - A Village Lost and Found - a collection of 3D photographs from the 1850s.

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