Coldplay's 'new' direction...

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from NME.com: The material shows a huge progression from the classic Coldplay sound, mixing their trademark anthems with ’70s electronica. David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Brian Eno are all influences, while ‘Talk’ features the riff from Kraftwerk’s ‘Computer Love’.

Stevem On X (blueski), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:35 (nineteen years ago) link

hmm.

peter smith (plsmith), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:37 (nineteen years ago) link

...but they will still have that whiney annoying chris martin vocals to ruin it.

DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:38 (nineteen years ago) link

say 'Coldplay's new direction' fast. then vomit hard.

Haibun (Begs2Differ), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:39 (nineteen years ago) link

Puppet Show
and
Coldplay

57 7th (calstars), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:40 (nineteen years ago) link

mixing their trademark anthems with ’70s electronica

It's like they WANT me to come around and beat them up as well as whatever idiot wrote this phrase.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:46 (nineteen years ago) link

Chris Martin and Q-Tip share MCing duties on the Wu-Tang-influenced 'Cold Like A Killah'

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:54 (nineteen years ago) link

Okay, now I want to beat myself up for living in a universe that allows that sentence to exist.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:57 (nineteen years ago) link

I'm sure it will be a superb piece of...art.

.adam (nordicskilla), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:58 (nineteen years ago) link

After that R.E.M. track you'd think he would've learned.

mrjosh (mrjosh), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:59 (nineteen years ago) link

One track, Skag Rag, features The Libertines' Pete Doherty and samples The Entertainer

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:59 (nineteen years ago) link

Both the Eno influence and the band's new political direction are most evident on NATAL Missile Treaty, a four-minute ambient piece consisting purely of a recording of the inside of pregnant Gwyneth Paltrow's womb

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:02 (nineteen years ago) link

What will truly get the lads and birds buzzing is a new fresh slice of raggamuffin stylee from Martin and his Martinettes, "Where Da Weed Man Fi Go." This tasty morsel of pop deliciousness uses the new Atomic Wedgie riddim that is sweeping the Caribbean, and features old-fashioned cameo toasting from none other than Blythe Danner.

Haibun (Begs2Differ), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:05 (nineteen years ago) link

[I can't tell is Matt DC is kidding]

Miles Finch, Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:06 (nineteen years ago) link

"Yeah, I've been getting into grime recently" - Chris Martin on 'Clock Back', featuring Dizzee Rascal singing along to the chorus of 'Octopus's Garden'

Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:07 (nineteen years ago) link

I'm starting to wonder whether Coldplay are actually an elaborate put-on designed to highlight the fallacy of Radiohead.

Naive Teen Idol (Naive Teen Idol), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:09 (nineteen years ago) link

Matt DC OTM! (I wish)

CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:11 (nineteen years ago) link

"We've really been fucking some shit up," said Martin. "One one track we use a drum machine. On another we use a synth instead of a piano. People are going to be surprised. I don't think we'll match this, like, ever. Even if we tried."

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:11 (nineteen years ago) link

They will probably lose their MC fan-base with this.

RS, Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:15 (nineteen years ago) link

i was *just* about to post this exact thread using that same NME quote. also it says that ralf hutter had this 2 impart about their use of a sample from COMPUTER LOVE :

"it sounded really nice. it was done in a good spirit. it is giving us energy feedback (sic)like DJs from japan or detroit people from the underground scene"

will champion said the band have been driven "to the point of nervous breakdown."

well i'm excited so sod yers.

i can't recall who else on here actually really liked them since the start (The Blue Room E.P.) was it just me?

piscesboy, Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:15 (nineteen years ago) link

I love '70s electronica! BRAVO!

miccio (miccio), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:16 (nineteen years ago) link

"I've been working with Gwyneth to get her caught up," Martin drawls lazily while gulping down some purple liquid he calls 'syrup.' "“She said she thought Hip Hop was only guns and alcohol, I said ‘oh hell naw, but yet it’s that too! You can’t discrimahate because you done read a book or two.' "

Haibun (Begs2Differ), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:16 (nineteen years ago) link

I really liked the Blue Room EP. I had Brothers & Sisters on 7" back in the day. The debut album totally lost me though. I like "Clocks" lots. I'll be interested to hear this.

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:19 (nineteen years ago) link

http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=208

Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:20 (nineteen years ago) link

"I've been working with Gwyneth to get her caught up,"

Yoko alert. Doomed for disaster.

stevie nixed (stevie nixed), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:22 (nineteen years ago) link

Q-Tip should never be allowed to guest on ANY non-hip-hip recording, ever ever ever!

Raymond Cummings (Raymond Cummings), Thursday, 13 January 2005 17:34 (nineteen years ago) link

hip-hop, not hip-hip.

Raymond Cummings (Raymond Cummings), Thursday, 13 January 2005 17:37 (nineteen years ago) link

the funny fake quotes in this thread are totally ruined by people thinking they're real.

Al (sitcom), Thursday, 13 January 2005 19:14 (nineteen years ago) link

Isn't that the whole idea?

Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 13 January 2005 19:16 (nineteen years ago) link

see, you'd think so. but no.

Al (sitcom), Thursday, 13 January 2005 19:16 (nineteen years ago) link

I'm starting to wonder whether Coldplay are actually an elaborate put-on designed to highlight the fallacy of Radiohead.
-- Naive Teen Idol

What is the fallacy of Radiohead?

sleep (sleep), Friday, 14 January 2005 05:17 (nineteen years ago) link

once again, i scratch my head in profound befuddlement over the avid hatred that coldplay inspires in certain ILMers.

and all of this (70s eno/bowie, kraftwerk, and wu-tang stylings) are only making me SALIVATE in anticipation of this thing's release.

Eisbär (llamasfur), Friday, 14 January 2005 05:31 (nineteen years ago) link

yeah, but think about it Eisbar, this is COLDPLAY emulating berlin-era bowie, and the Wu.

I don't think I want to hear Chris Martin doing his version of Joe The Lion.

Disco Nihilist (mjt), Friday, 14 January 2005 05:49 (nineteen years ago) link

not to mention "shame on a nigga" or "gravel pit." but still ...

yeah, but think about it Eisbar, this is COLDPLAY emulating berlin-era bowie, and the Wu.

i KNOW! that's exactly WHY i wanna hear it ... and NOT in a snarky way.

Eisbär (llamasfur), Friday, 14 January 2005 05:52 (nineteen years ago) link

Coldpay's new ambient-drone record sung completely in Polish, featuring guest vocals by Tiny Tim and Wierd Al.

Star Cauliflower (Star Cauliflower), Friday, 14 January 2005 05:53 (nineteen years ago) link

wait a second...is Tiny Tim still alive?

Star Cauliflower (Star Cauliflower), Friday, 14 January 2005 05:53 (nineteen years ago) link

they could always sample his ashes.

Star Cauliflower (Star Cauliflower), Friday, 14 January 2005 05:54 (nineteen years ago) link

I want the Matts to be Coldplay's A&R team! (Blythe Danner - nice!)

David R. (popshots75`), Friday, 14 January 2005 06:00 (nineteen years ago) link

"I've been working with Gwyneth to get her caught up," Martin drawls lazily while gulping down some purple liquid he calls 'syrup.' "“She said she thought Hip Hop was only guns and alcohol, I said ‘oh hell naw, but yet it’s that too! You can’t discrimahate because you done read a book or two.' "

post of the year

Mike O. (Mike Ouderkirk), Friday, 14 January 2005 06:19 (nineteen years ago) link

If they rip off or sample Kraftwerk I will...grrrrrrrrrrrrr....!!!
If I can recognize it's Kraftwerk, that will be the end of Coldplay and me, that will be it NO MORE NO MORE NO MORE NO NO NONONONONONONONONONO. Especially since that's actually my favourite Kraftwerk song ever. It's just not right. Mark my words, I will not tolerate these things. Coldplay have to do rock and roll, and I know they have the capability if one particular b-side is any indication. I want fire and rage and ROCK. I'm not falling for it until they do rock and roll.

NO KRAFTWERK FOR ANY NEW COLDPLAY DAMNIT!!!!! I CAN'T BEAR IT. OUCH.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Friday, 14 January 2005 06:33 (nineteen years ago) link

Chris Martin is tight with Suge and he got an unreleased acapella of Tupac covering It Was All So Simple Then with Tiny Tim doing the backing vocals on the hook.

Disco Nihilist (mjt), Friday, 14 January 2005 06:34 (nineteen years ago) link

I haven't actually read the article but wasn't the wu-tang thing a joke?

deej., Friday, 14 January 2005 06:40 (nineteen years ago) link

designed to highlight the fallacy of Radiohead.

HA HA HAHAH AHA!

Bimble... (Bimble...), Friday, 14 January 2005 06:50 (nineteen years ago) link

Oh man, I think that made my night. Cheers.

-former Radiohead fan

Seriously though, I do think a book should be written entitled The Fallacy of Radiohead.

The Fallacy of Radiohead (Bimble...), Friday, 14 January 2005 06:56 (nineteen years ago) link

My fantasy new direction for Coldplay? Exit, stage left.

mottdeterre (mottdeterre), Friday, 14 January 2005 07:10 (nineteen years ago) link

Radiohead just need to do that Dr. C-described, risky double album influenced by Can, if New Order won't step up to the plate. They covered a Can song, live, you know. It COULD happen. Someday.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Friday, 14 January 2005 07:24 (nineteen years ago) link

no timbaland beats?

titchyschneider (titchyschneider), Friday, 14 January 2005 11:46 (nineteen years ago) link


that ralf quote is real by the way. i know no-one on here reads NME anymore so youse wouldn know either way, but yeah it is.

piscesboy, Friday, 14 January 2005 15:45 (nineteen years ago) link

This is my favorite thread ever

David Allen (David Allen), Friday, 14 January 2005 16:59 (nineteen years ago) link

fuck, i was about to say that too. actually, no, my favourite thread ever was the one about deAgostini doing a fall partwork, which made me cry with laughter. but this is good.

grimly fiendish (grimlord), Friday, 14 January 2005 17:00 (nineteen years ago) link

Regardless of whether "5 zillion people" bought the album, the album and its songs have been incredibly easy too ignore. Inescapable? I beg to differ. Seriously, I must have heard 'A Sky Full Of Stars' unintentionally less than a handful of times. As for 'Magic', I couldn't even tell you how it goes. How does it go again? This is almost 7 months after the album came out, too, and I ain't exactly living some kind of sheltered existence. Compare this with previous albums where it wasn't hard to become familiar with a few of the album's tracks whether one liked it or not, and it's glaringly obvious that, in spite of its sales, the album has become a bit of a damp squib and it's easy to forget that it even came out. And it's not hard to reach the conclusion that nobody has much to say about it, either; this album has probably generated the least amount of discussion of all of their albums.

Welcome To (Turrican), Thursday, 11 December 2014 14:42 (nine years ago) link

"Paradise" was the big one off Mylo Xyloto

― some dude, Thursday, December 11, 2014 9:33 AM (5 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

Ah yeah, I'd completely forgotten about that one. So no, not as memorable as a 'Yellow', a 'Clocks' or a 'Viva La Vida', then.

Welcome To (Turrican), Thursday, 11 December 2014 14:44 (nine years ago) link

i like "magic" a lot, sort of a shame the new album turned out to be half-written garbage

emo canon in twee major (BradNelson), Thursday, 11 December 2014 14:46 (nine years ago) link

but i sort of earnestly love viva la vida

emo canon in twee major (BradNelson), Thursday, 11 December 2014 14:47 (nine years ago) link

I think what happened, maybe, at least in vibe, was that the band went from early U2 to '00 U2, but skipped the "Achtung Baby" stage. Like, "Viva La Vida" was their "Unforgettable Fire" (just in terms of chronology and general gist) but then Mylo Goes to College was their "All That You Can't Leave Behind." And "Ghost Stories" is their whatever the newest U2 album is called. Because I really have no problem with the first four Coldplay albums. I don't listen to them, but it has nothing to do with the band or its music. However, the last ones feel safe and triangulated even for a band that never seemed edgy and kinda aimed for the middle from the beginning. It's like they anxiously got preemptively even more middle before they needed to.

Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 11 December 2014 15:27 (nine years ago) link

New U2 album >>>>>>>>> Ghost Stories. Even the songs that sound like Coldplay are much better Coldplay songs than Coldplay are coming up with right now.

Re-Make/Re-Model, Thursday, 11 December 2014 16:25 (nine years ago) link

two months pass...

but i sort of earnestly love viva la vida

― emo canon in twee major (BradNelson), Thursday, December 11, 2014 7:47 AM (2 months ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

meanwhile i listened to the prospekt's march ep for the first time today and jeez the b-sides for this record are incredible

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACifFO8Rxvw

seven months pass...

Shuffle spat me "Viva la Vida" this morning, and not only was I reminded that it's a pretty good record but that I don't mind the first few Coldplay albums either. If I'm being honest. So looking backwards, it's been this really concerted effort at pop ubiquity that's really brought them down, like they bypassed U2's creative wanderlust and skipped straight to the triangulated nu model. Which does them no favors. Either that or Eno really did do the band a lot of favors.

Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 14 October 2015 13:42 (eight years ago) link

I don't mind the first few Coldplay albums either. If I'm being honest.

And if I'm being honest, I love those records. Especially X+Y.

austinato (Austin), Wednesday, 14 October 2015 17:02 (eight years ago) link

x&y sucks a lot

insufficiently familiar with xgau's work to comment intelligently (BradNelson), Wednesday, 14 October 2015 17:45 (eight years ago) link

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

austinato (Austin), Wednesday, 14 October 2015 17:52 (eight years ago) link

three weeks pass...

it's like a dance mix of "Strawberry Swing"

some dude, Friday, 6 November 2015 14:58 (eight years ago) link

not bad at all, probably the first thing I've heard of their tat I've not been repulsed by in a little while

the naive cockney chorus (Simon H.), Friday, 6 November 2015 15:00 (eight years ago) link

The album, recorded in Malibu, Los Angeles and London, was produced by Norwegian duo Stargate together with the band's long-time collaborator Rik Simpson. It features more guests than any previous Coldplay album, with Beyoncé, Noel Gallagher, Tove Lo and Merry Clayton among those appearing across its 11 tracks (12 in total when the hidden track "X Marks The Spot" is included).

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 6 November 2015 15:25 (eight years ago) link

are there other members of Coldplay

The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 6 November 2015 15:26 (eight years ago) link

tracklisting is kinda saccharine

A Head Full Of Dreams
Birds
Hymn For The Weekend
Everglow
Adventure Of A Lifetime
Fun
Kaleidoscope
Army Of One
Amazing Day
Colour Spectrum
Up&Up

ufo, Friday, 6 November 2015 15:28 (eight years ago) link

Ha, those song titles. Wasn't their last album a Skyful of Stars or something? And this one is A Head Full of Dreams? Which makes me think of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HufrsUMIBA

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 6 November 2015 15:34 (eight years ago) link

gah, why spoil this thread w/greatness

The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 6 November 2015 15:36 (eight years ago) link

Maybe Chris Martin is lurking and will learn something.

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 6 November 2015 15:43 (eight years ago) link

I'm excited for this. New song sounds awesome.

**shamelessly wears Coldplay fan badge**

austinato (Austin), Friday, 6 November 2015 17:47 (eight years ago) link

Coldplay is doing a bit of Daft Punk, never thought i would see the day.

Bee OK, Saturday, 14 November 2015 07:58 (eight years ago) link

Obvious stadium move. Inevitable.

Hey Bob (Scik Mouthy), Saturday, 14 November 2015 08:57 (eight years ago) link

Coldplay going stadium?

That reminds me of this review:


Consumer Guide Reviews:

Psonic Psunspot [Geffen, 1987]
If this is XTC's real psychedelic album, what the hell was Skylarking? So call it their real psychedelic parody--a concept album about acid damage, which I guess they read about somewhere. I was going to complain that the word "precious" isn't in their vocabulary and ought to be when I noticed that the last song is called "Pale and Precious." Then I realized that for all its kaleidoscopic byplay the parody is a little pale as well. But with every other hook intact, "Pale and Precious" is the only track you might miss without the credits. B+

Naive Teen Idol, Saturday, 14 November 2015 15:41 (eight years ago) link

Coldplay is doing a bit of Daft Punk, never thought i would see the day.

please explain.
heard the new track today on the radio and really do not get the connection.
as for the track :
it's ok.
nothing more, nothing less.
summary : mumford and sons vs a drum track.
and for the record, i am not a hater.

mark e, Saturday, 14 November 2015 21:27 (eight years ago) link

I'd be interested to know if the song is knowingly pseudo-tropical house or if that's just a happy coincidence.

Tim F, Sunday, 22 November 2015 10:42 (eight years ago) link

After a few more listens, song is okay. Hopes for the new album are enh.

I'll still buy it though.

Austin, Sunday, 22 November 2015 17:07 (eight years ago) link

two months pass...

So, it would seem that, in spite of them playing at the Superbowl (which I've only really heard about because of the negative publicity) that Coldplay's new album is as easy to ignore as the last one. A quick internet search shows that the album has been out for two months and yet again I have managed to not hear a single cut from the record, unintentionally or otherwise. I also notice that the record got an incredibly mixed reception, and performed absolutely woefully on the album chart pretty much everywhere aside from Norway, so even though it would seem like Mr. Hongro is still buying their records in bulk, it looks like the writing is on the wall, chaps.

The Dave Grohl of ILX (Turrican), Wednesday, 10 February 2016 23:53 (eight years ago) link

It's a pure pop record. Ghost Stories had some substance, but I file the new one next to Mylo Xyloto because it's just going for the stadiums with nothing really substantial in terms of songs. It's nice while it's playing, but nothing memorable whatsoever happens. I'd rate it probably their worst album.

Austin, Thursday, 11 February 2016 00:15 (eight years ago) link

And I say all that as a fan who has found something to be liked on all of their albums.

Austin, Thursday, 11 February 2016 00:17 (eight years ago) link

The problem with the new one is it doesn't have the sad/release dynamic of their best stuff.

nova, Thursday, 11 February 2016 00:51 (eight years ago) link

I did know they had a new one out as I was sick at the weekend, which resulted in me watching bits of the Coldplay documentary on Sky Arts on a diet of Uniflu and hot whiskeys.

The Guns n Roses documentary (The Most Dangerous Band In The World) was on right before it on BBC Four, which made the Coldplay one seem incredibly low-stakes in comparison - I kept waiting for a riot to happen, or Chris Martin to admonish his colleagues onstage for being a bit too fond of 'Mr Brownstone'.

the_ecuador_three, Friday, 12 February 2016 08:21 (eight years ago) link

More like Mylo Zzziloto

✖✖✖ (Moka), Friday, 12 February 2016 09:22 (eight years ago) link

just going for the stadiums

And indeed, Coldplay are touring stadiums this summer in the US, which is like willing themselves into legacy status. Because assuming they fill them, it won't be based on the new music. Or even any music, possibly. I think at this point the idea of Coldplay is more appealing to many than the band itself. People want a big-tent rock band to rouse them while U2 is busy telling stories and trying (I'd argue less successfully than Coldplay!) to stay relevant.

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 12 February 2016 13:10 (eight years ago) link

"Sky Full Of Stars" was a big top 10 hit only a year ago and this album's promo cycle isn't over yet, i wouldn't count them out as far as commercial relevance yet. but i do get the impression that what they're planning to do next is, like, a Greatest Hits album and a breakup/hiatus for a Chris solo album or something.

some dude, Friday, 12 February 2016 14:39 (eight years ago) link

That's my impression too. A Greatest Hits might be the best Coldplay album.

impossible raver (Re-Make/Re-Model), Friday, 12 February 2016 14:48 (eight years ago) link

It's a cracking album, the new one. It's not as easy as it looks, touching people's hearts at the same time as making tunes that are ballsy enough to fill a big venue. I think Coldplay are just about the best proper pop band going right now.

Gaz Is Real, Friday, 12 February 2016 14:48 (eight years ago) link

that lead single really sounds like foals.

jamiesummerz, Friday, 12 February 2016 15:05 (eight years ago) link

xpost Bah. It's really easy to do that. It just takes a certain kind of robotic soullessness to aim for that all the time (see: KLF, "The Manual," plenty of arena country)

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 12 February 2016 15:08 (eight years ago) link

Idea of Coldplay being any sort of go-to stadium band makes me pine for the worst of late 80s Kerr and Bono

Master of Treacle, Friday, 12 February 2016 15:18 (eight years ago) link

Yeah, it's like chain fast food. Do people really go because it tastes good, or just because it's fast, easy and a good value for a ton of calories?

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 12 February 2016 15:23 (eight years ago) link

Hating somebody because they're popular always sounds a bit bitter to me ;-)

Gaz Is Real, Friday, 12 February 2016 15:38 (eight years ago) link

I don't hate Coldplay! I think you'll find me upthread saying I like their first four albums, to degrees. But I really, really don't like the last three, because they are so shameless in their triangulation. They're the Clintons of Rock.

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 12 February 2016 15:42 (eight years ago) link

They're so inoffensive it becomes an easy target. I don't hate them but their fans are very strange, at least the one I've met. I don't know if they don't listen to that much music or everything they listen falls in the same line but they honestly believe they're such a cool, innovative band. Come on, they're pretty much playing dadrock.

✖✖✖ (Moka), Friday, 12 February 2016 15:55 (eight years ago) link

I like dadrock! There's nothing wrong with dadrock. It's the unctuous inoffensiveness that gets under my skin. They're like Maroon 5 with a delay pedal.

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 12 February 2016 15:58 (eight years ago) link

I never said there was anything wrong with dadrock. But dadrock is not innovative, cool music. It takes once innovative cool music, digests it and makes it acceptable for everyone to enjoy in the background.

If there concerts are anything similar to what they did on the superbowl, though. The venue owner would do better selling lattes than beers.

✖✖✖ (Moka), Friday, 12 February 2016 16:03 (eight years ago) link

Their*

✖✖✖ (Moka), Friday, 12 February 2016 16:03 (eight years ago) link

The venue owners would do better selling balloon animals.

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 12 February 2016 16:17 (eight years ago) link

New album's cack. Where's the fuckin' PIANO?

Mr. Snrub, Friday, 12 February 2016 19:51 (eight years ago) link

one year passes...

they did a surprisingly great Radiohead impersonation on recent single All I Can Think About Is You:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnLNG0WnGsI

niels, Sunday, 3 September 2017 19:06 (six years ago) link


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