I bought my CMC-2s in 2002, and have used them to record 300+ shows. I am extremely happy with them, and continue to use them for around 1/4 of the stuff I tape.
They have a higher SPL (sound pressure level) with battery box than either of the SP mics mentioned above, and I have never heard any distortion (other than was already there in the mix!), even at the loudest London clubs.
If I was recording Muse, I would use the AT853 Hyper caps and three wire battery box, but that's probably beyond your budget at the mo. CMC-2s are closest to this.