Coldplay, Vida la Vida, Progiest Album of the Year
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Topic: Coldplay, Vida la Vida, Progiest Album of the Year
Posted By: The Whistler
Subject: Coldplay, Vida la Vida, Progiest Album of the Year
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 03:58
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Let me tell you all a little story. It’s about a man whose car broke down on the highway, so he stopped at a farmer’s house. The farmer tells him he can stay over, but not to go near his daughter... Wait, no, that’s not right. Aha. This story is about me ‘n my friend. We’re sorta funny in that we both hate each other’s music (aka, “don’t really mind each other’s music, but don’t particularly love it, and occasionally like something and grudgingly admit that it’s ‘okay’”). You know the score. Anyways, I learned something from her. Namely, that I will always, always, always (most of the time) go for something artsier when it’s offered to me, even when I don’t realize it. Case in point: I “grudgingly admitted” that I liked the band My Chemical Romance. A little research, however, showed that the songs of theirs that I liked all seemed to come off this one album. And it was a rock opera. Oh yeah. You know the one; Queen covers The Wall? It’s pretty sweet. The other amusing anecdote was Radiohead. Radiohead, Radiohead, Radiohead. Whenever I liked one of “her” songs, it turned out to be...crap, Radiohead. “Talk Show Host.” “Karma Police.” Whatever. When I heard a song that I liked, I stopped asking who it was, and just hung my head low and said, “Yeah...it’s Radiohead, idn’t it?” Basically, I don’t know if I’m unconsciously trying to keep my snooty reputation, or maybe I actually LIKE this crap (believe it or not), but what the crap does this have to do with the title of the damn thread? Oh yeah, Coldplay, right...what’s a “Coldplay” anyway? Is it like a cold read in radio? For the past so many years, I have actively disliked and/or ignored Coldplay. Their brand of arena-piano pop has never struck me as all that “good.” So when I heard the single “Violet Hill” off Viva la Vida, I was pleasantly shocked. The lyrics were clever, the sound was grittier, and the video wasn’t bad at all. So I bought the album, and guess what? It’s pretty damn decent! I mean, it ain’t ALL gold or nothin’, but I think it’s a bit deeper and more intelligent than their usual stuff, so I’m sold. Lo and behold a couple days later, I read in a newspaper article (LA Times, wish I’d kept it) that the album was produced by Brian Eno, who had “tricked Coldplay into thinking they were creating classic art rock.” (sic) Crap. I did it again, huh? All Coldplay had to do was get pretentious, and let Brian f**kin’ Eno produce their album, and suddenly I like the damn band. Now, what does this have to do with anything? Nothing really. It’s just that whenever people (here particularly) think that prog rock is dying, they seem to be missing the point. Prog isn’t a sound; it’s a way of doing things. Or rather, it’s an ideal. Recently, Death Cab For Cutie (a band I’ve always liked, even BEFORE I knew that they were butt buddies with The Decemberists (they was in thu “Sixteen Milit’ry Wives” VIDEYO!!!)) released the single “I Will Possess Your Heart.” Of course, the damn thing had to be “edited for the radio,” since the album version is, like, nine minutes long. It’s still a fairly standard pop song (by Death Cab standards at least), but when it’s chopped in half, you lose this slow, moody build that’s very nice. Damn radio. Similarly, Panic! (At the Disco) (dunno if that’s the EXACT band name, but it’s a Ween-esque take, and that’s good enough for me) recently did a Sgt. Pepper rip off (it’s a tradition), and one of the tracks, “Nine in the Afternoon,” got snipped for radio play; which meant that a lovely little orchestral coda was castrated. Poor thing. Uh...don’t ask me how I know that one. Now, I’m not suggesting that any of these bands are the new Emerson, Lake, or even Palmer, and that they should be admitted to the archives posthaste, oh no...except for Ween, go Ween...but barring THAT, I’m sort of rambling, and sort of trying to prove a point. And I guess what that point is, is that as long as people in popular music are trying to be musically deep, or lyrically intellectual, or get produced by Brian Eno, or have to be chopped up by coke-stained radio execs, there will always be some form of progression in music. It might not have the pipe organs and flute solos and twelve minute guitar/sax jams of the golden past, but it’s still the same in spirit. So the rules have changed a little, and the game is “art-pop” instead of “prog-rock” some of the time. So what? It’s still music that seeks to break beyond the two-minute pop standard, or move away from chicks and cars just a bit. In other words, it’s music that CHALLENGES; challenges the artist, and challengers the listener. And that’s all that matters to me...oh yeah, and melody and stuff. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Replies:
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 05:58
Nice blog, sir.. 
I like the single. It's pretty good. What I've read about the album both here on these forums, and elsewhere also sounds promising. However, for me, a pattern has emerged with Coldplay. I have liked all their singles. I thought 'In my place' 'Clocks' and 'Yellow' were absolute pop classics. When I bought their respective albums, I was just left yawning by the end of it all. As far as all things commercial go, Coldplay aren't bad, but the principle of their musical template remianed basically unchanged for three albums IMO. I'm sure Eno has helped them do something different with Viva La Vida, and I do find it promising that the critics on BBC Newsnight review disliked the album BECAUSE of the Eno influence (if I ever needed a stamp of approval on music, it would be that those self important kn0bheads on Newsnight hate it!) so I'll probably give it a go. But it''s quite away down on my albums list, behind all the prog stuff that simply must priority, as I'm sure you'll understand. With regard to 'Art Pop' well, I'm all for it of course, but these artists need to keep their heads screwed on and not lose their sense of 'cool' and accessability. A band like Coldplay can make a decent 'Art pop' album in a few months, but a handful of sadistic clueless music journos could undo all their hardwork with one swift lash of their pomposity pen! |
Posted By: SilverAnubis
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 06:42
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Coldplay are good! I think they are "Prog Related" some time ago. On radio never put the other material of the band...  |
Posted By: Priamus
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 09:06
I really like the new album. Hell, it gonna be my favourite record this year  .
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Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 09:19
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Viva La Vida is the best album of the year, IMO. E ------------- 
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Posted By: moreitsythanyou
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 13:18
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I like the Art Pop idea. Generally a good set of bands making worthwhile music. Except MCR, they're dreadful. A well written entry -------------  <font color=white>butts, lol[/COLOR] |
Posted By: King Crimson776
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 16:34
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Haha, that was pretty good, I love the Radiohead bit. Although I wouldn't say that a band adding orchestral codas and ripping off Sgt. Peppers and getting produced by Brian Eno and "trying to be arty" means that there is still progression going on in music, it just means that bands are trying to put out that image.
Btw, I think Coldplay's old stuff is way catchier, Clocks owns the new stuff. |
Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 16:54
Great post sir!  As a fan of the band I've always found some of their songs to be very "artsy" specially the ones on their debut. Spies is my favorite song from them, they reminded me about those shoegaze, dream pop artists on their debut. But when you look at their first single from that album, Yellow, it sound as if it was cleansed from all the things that made the album good just so it could be fit for the radio. Their second album was bit colder (no pun intended) because of the clearer production and there were even more of those radio friendly songs. But apart from it their sound was still quite epic like the opener and A Rush Of Blood To The Head. Their third album was horrible. Too generic and clean. The music sounded formulaic too. Even their first single for the album had the same chord progression as Clocks! Viva La Vida was a pleasant surprise! Ever since I saw that Eno was going to produce their album I had high expectations for it. The music on it sounds well elaborated and very different from what you would normally hear on the radio or even on their past albums. The songs reminded me of a "lite" or a "diet" version of prog with all the string arrangements, song structure, shifting time sigs and all, but less prominent and poppier. And even then you can hear them going all at it in songs like 42, Death And All His Friends, and Yes. I applaud Coldplay for making such a wonderful and highly enjoyable album while at the same time trying to move pop music one step farther from conventionalism. (not saying good = prog, by the way) Coldplay isn't the only band like this. You mentioned a few of them and I could also add 30 Seconds To Mars to it from my personal experience.
So far it's one of my favorite album of the year for me. A top 3 for sure! ------------- 
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E-Dub wrote:Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 17:02
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I like very much X&Y to sleep or also Rush of Blood to the Head(?). Parachuttes leaves me cold with some boring stuff.
Viva la Vida seems very different. The cover, the name of the album, etc. I've no respect to the band now, since I read an article(interview) with the band that they said that they took ideas from bands and then turned them into their own songs, kinda of rippers. |
Posted By: Rivertree
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 17:45
Yes, I like their first album too - and 'Spies' is my favourite - much proggieness and melancholy  Have to check out the new one in any case ... ------------- https://awesomeprog.com/users/Rivertree" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: ClassicRocker
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 18:02
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Great blog! You definitely informed me about Panic! and Death Cab (both of which I've always been very opposed to); it's nice to hear that some bands I thought were the 2-3 min pop standard have some lengthier/(at least a little bit) different songs. In the vein of the "challenging art pop" that you characterize as some of today's modern music, do you have any comment on Animal Collective or Flaming Lips (I think my spam count for them is up to the double-digits by now  ). Those two bands define "challenging art pop" for me in the last decade (ok, well in the case of the Flaming Lips... not so challenging) and really stand out as something special. I'd consider them more interesting and original than other "modern prog" bands, such as Porcupine Tree, TFK , etc...------------- 
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Posted By: Moatilliatta
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 18:06
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I like Coldplay a lot. Parachutes in particular is one of my favorite albums. I was pleasantly surprised by the new album as well.
Way to point out that progressive isn't a sound. That's something I say all of the time. It's true.
About those other bands you named. I like Death Cab a lot, but I didn't get into the new album too much, surpringly. I like that they were trying out some new ideas, but as a whole the album lacks the emotional power of their previous album. It is a transitional album to be sure, and the next one should be great.
Panic, as I see it, is a pretentious Fall Out Boy. But it's empty pretension. They try too hard to make their music sound sophisticated after they write the songs. The songs, when you shed all of the studio fluorishes are mediocre pop songs with lyrics that try too hard to be clever. I'll be darned if some of their melodies aren't catchy, but Fall Out Boy manages to be more catchy, emotional and sophisticated without all of the pomp. They're both pop bands without exception, and their songs reflect that, what with the formulaic structures and simple music, so I can't listen to much of them, but I can enjoy some songs on occasion. ------------- www.last.fm/user/ThisCenotaph  
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Posted By: el böthy
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 20:53
Ok, what twilight reality is this and what has become of ProgArchives...? ...but I think I will check the album out... ------------- "You want me to play what, Robert?" 
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Posted By: peskypesky
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 21:51
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I totally agree with you. I never cared for Coldplay before. In fact, I kind of actively disliked them. But then I heard a song off "Viva La Vida" and I was like, "Whoa, that is pretty damn good." So I decide to take a chance and get the album, and guess what? The whole album is pretty damn good! I'm finding myself in this weird position now where I'm the one raving about Coldplay and trying to get people to listen to it.
Is Eno really that good of a producer? I mean, I know he's a great producer, but how did he turn Coldplay into this? It's freaking alchemy. |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 21:58
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Interesting.
I love coldplays "A Rush Of Blood To The Head". Excellent album almost all the way through. Got their debut was disappointed. Some good, some bad. X&Y was really a let down for me and I really haven't listened to them since.
Maybe, just maybe, if I find it for cheap I'll have a looksie...or a listensie. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: 1800iareyay
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 22:04
| I have to agree with those calling the album of the year. I've been so disappointed with the prog releases this year. Watershed, Trisector, Ayreon's new album (haven't picked up the new Kayo Dot or Sigur Ros yet) were all letdowns, and yet Coldplay, a band I've erstwhile loathed, put out an album I can not only stomach, but love. This has been a strange year. |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: June 23 2008 at 22:35
Not my thread, so why single out my one and only post? E -------------
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Posted By: Yorkie X
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 01:38
I thought it was just OK nothing special. 
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Posted By: SilverAnubis
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 04:23
| Add Coldplay to PA? buffff... If it happens, after having added David Bowie, all people kills everyone xD |
Posted By: VariousArtist
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 13:05
Great post! I do believe that I completely get what you are saying...
The old sounds of early Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes, are forever ingrained in me, but there's a lot of music out there that I like that goes beyond that stuff too. And when I examine these other songs from other genres I, too, find that there is a common theme -- and it's definitely something "progressive", even if not really "progressive rock".
I could name a number of artists that have done songs that I feel have some merit, but that would make many fellow progressive rock fans run for the hills. I would try to say that it's not the artist that I care for, but rather a particular song that is something out of the ordinairy -- and invariably I discover later that there was a different producer or musician or writer involved. Unfortunately many of us can't get past accepting a certain artist and will therefore not listen to anything by them with open ears.
And as much as I love Genesis, i think we'd all agree that they've done the opposite to us on occasion (for me, it's a song like "Anything She Does") where they fell short of using their aptitude for something more interesting and...progressive. So the converse argument applies too. And sometimes I find that even stuff that is characterized as true progressive rock leaves me wanting -- I'm sure others feel the same way too.
My band, Evolve IV, has a real progressive rock heritage and there's no doubt that we like to write and play in that vein, sometimes with longer pieces. Often though we'll have a shorter song but we inevitably and unwittingly will throw quirks in there that make it something more than just your ordinairy short song.
And don't underestimate the power of production in all of this -- just as the original post alluded to, a different producer can totally re-shape the sound in ways that can pull in your progressive rock sensabilities even if the material would not normally be thought of in that genre...
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Posted By: Froth
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 13:12
| i have only heard the single so i cant really comment. cold play to me though are a relic of a bygone era,and this new record is an attempt to look hip and experimental. there are other groups in england like late of the pier and foals that are experimental in ways cold play couldnt even imagen.the're also far more enjoyable. |
Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 13:25
"Violet Hill" is amazing song (and video too). It owns my last week's LastFM top actually. Haven't heard the album yet, but now going to
I thought I was the one to notice Speed of Sound is Clocks' (self)rip-off
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Posted By: SoundsofSeasons
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 14:08
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Um guys, if your curious about 'Viva La Vida', you can listen to the whole album in its entirety on last.fm.com if you didn't know that already. Thats what i did, and usually do if its available, instead of buying an album and ending up hating it.
As for the album, i listened to the whole thing last night and although im not exactly sure if i liked it, it was definintely high-quality pop music. There weren't as many songs that stuck with me, its not really that kind of album, but the atmosphere and the production was really nice.
A few other albums available in their entirety on Last.fm that i know of:
Porcupine Tree- In Absentia, Deadwing
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum- Natural History
Unexpect- In a Flesh Aquarium
Riverside- Out of Myself
*edit*- (oh and) Opeth- Still Life
 ... and the special edition with 5.1 surround sound just came out so if you end up liking it, you can get that and a re-mastered version of the album for a regular album price.... and for sure there are more, but those are the ones from bands ive taken the time to search for so far.
Alright good luck guys! Keep.... Art-poppin'?!?!?!.....
------------- 1 Chronicles 13:7-9 Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets. |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 15:07
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Crap, you go get wasted off your ass ONE NIGHT, and this is what happens...stupid threads that people actually post in...
Okay, some notes on the posts, as best I can. First off, if Panic is a pretentious Fall Out, then My Chem is a pretentious those dudes. I think of the lot of 'em (and they hate being lumped together, but everyone does it), MCR is the most talented.
I don't really know too much about 30 Seconds to Mars, other than they had a killer music video (if memory serves) of the boys in the band kung fu fighting in samurai gear.
I think it's pretty interesting that so many proggers are rallying behind Vida (and, yes, I DO think that Brian Eno is THAT good of a producer (the man wrote "Backwater," remember? He must be a genius). Coldplay definitely had talent before (I say this only knowing the stuff on the radio), but they just needed an extra...oomph, ya know? Eno got 'em into the right mood to make radio singles about lost love and fallen empires, rather than how much they dig this chick).
Classic Rocker: I don't know too much The Flaming Lips or Animal Collective, but the Lips is a band that I've meant to get into for a while now. I think you've given me my next conquest.
Moatilliatta: That sounds pretty good then, your prediciton about the new Death Cab album, but one thing that I liked about "I Will Possess Your Heart" is that it has that early art rock feel, where it's just a band in a studio trying to just jam their way into prog rock, without any tricks or gimicks (albums like The Yes Album, Strange Days and Minstrel in the Gallery all fall under this category, although I think on the latter two that was intentional. To a certain extent, some of the Decemberists stuff sounds like this too).
I really like that sound; the MCR album (The Black Parade) and the Coldplay album both fail the mark for that sound, just because Coldplay has Brian Eno, who instantly makes 'em sound professional; MCR sounds a little more like it, but they actually know how to play their instruments, so they can sort of skip that stage and sound fairly professional. I don't mean that they're the Mars Volta or nothin', but they know their way around a weird song well enough not to sound like kids in the studio. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: peskypesky
Date Posted: June 24 2008 at 22:22
I highly recommend the Flaming Lips' "Soft Bulletin" : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_Bulletin You might also want to check out Sufan Stevens: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufjan_Stevens especially this album: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come_on_Feel_the_Illinoise Both of these albums have some very prog traits. And they're both great. |
Posted By: Yorkie X
Date Posted: June 25 2008 at 01:25
hmmm just makes you think .... prog can be anything we trick ourselves into believing  |
Posted By: moreitsythanyou
Date Posted: June 25 2008 at 01:30
These two albums are amazing. For Animal Collective, you should probably start with Feels. I think it suits your tastes best. ------------- <font color=white>butts, lol[/COLOR] |
Posted By: Leningrad
Date Posted: June 25 2008 at 01:39
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'Computer Love' is still better than 'Talk'.
I'm pretty sure that's the only Coldplay discussion we're allowed to have at Prog Archives.
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Posted By: mystic fred
Date Posted: June 25 2008 at 02:46
Very good post, Mr. W ! ...though i was amazed at seeing the "big C" mentioned in PA at all, let alone an album review! i can now admit to being a long time fan of the band, backed up by what is being vaunted as the album of the year in pop land - the moody members of Coldplay certainly interest many genres of music lovers, well done guys! 
Coldplay could never be included in PA listings, i fear, if only for the reason that you can buy their albums in Tescos!
 -------------  Prog Archives Tour Van 
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Posted By: jimmy_row
Date Posted: June 25 2008 at 11:09
 ------------- Signature Writers Guild on strike |
Posted By: The T
Date Posted: June 25 2008 at 14:53
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Very good album.. I must say... "proggiest of the year?" ...that's a bit of a stretch.... ------------- 
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Posted By: Darklord55
Date Posted: June 26 2008 at 11:28
My daughter bought this album a few days ago. Because of your post Mr. Whistler I decided to give it a listen. I too have never been excited with their music. However, I liked this one. It was an entertaining and enjoyable listen. So I put it on my iPod. I wouldn't call it the proggiest album of the year either but it has some proggy moments. A  album to say the least!!
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Posted By: Zitro
Date Posted: June 26 2008 at 23:13
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I never liked coldplay, but this disc was quite enjoyable (I heard it on lastfm except for Sleeping giant). I would give it somewhere from 2.5 - 3 star based on what I have heard and the climax of the last song is actually beautiful. The title track, the closer, and a somewhat ethnic/symphonic song I don't remember its name are my favorites (tho I didn't hear Sleeping Giant which appears to be among the more adventurous tracks). I don't think it has much to do with prog IMO, but it has a nice airy atmosphere (the production is fabulous, thanks Eno) and is more musically interesting than their previous stuff. |
Posted By: Uncle Spooky
Date Posted: June 29 2008 at 05:35
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I am aghast. I come to Prog Archives to take refuge from the annoying affected whining vocals of Chris Martin and "popular" bands like Coldplay. And what do I find? Discussions about Coldplay and how they might be proggy! ARGHH!! Granted, 2008 has been a slow year for prog releases but even so, this is one desperate slippery slope towards Prog Archives being a useless and pointless site if *any* band can be argued to have prog tendencies. The definition of prog will become so vague as to be completely pointless... Shame on you all  Mark ------------- http://last.fm/user/Mark_H" rel="nofollow - http://last.fm/user/Mark_H |
Posted By: jimmy_row
Date Posted: June 29 2008 at 11:02
^ then go to the "prog music lounge" where we talk about PROG. ------------- Signature Writers Guild on strike |
Posted By: peskypesky
Date Posted: June 30 2008 at 15:23
| As much as I like the new Coldplay, it ain't prog. It's not even art-rock, IMO. |
Posted By: Unknown
Date Posted: June 30 2008 at 22:56
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First of all, great blog.. I'm a fan of Coldplay since their first album, although the last one, X&Y, was very repetitive and boring, with the exception of songs like Fix You and The Hardest Part. So this band was dead for me, i didn't expect anything new from them...but i was wrong. It seems like they realised that too. Brian Eno made a very good work with this guys and they brought a great new album. It's not perfect, but it realy good if we listen to all the crap that is released in this days. It's only a way of talking. For all the people that say that this isn't a band that deserve some discussion in this site, i say open your mind and get of the closet. If we stay attached to the root of prog and if we listen only prog, we will be like the people that only listen metal or techno. I try to listen some other stuff that is not prog. With this I discovered Opeth, Spitz (an alternative pop-rock japanese band that some times resemble Beatles) and other bands. If you don't know give it a try..  From this album there are 3 or 4 main songs: 42, Yes (it's actually a two-in-one song), Violet Hill and Strawberry Swing. 42 is probably the most prog song from the album, but the end of Violet Hill is absolutely fantastic..it's 34 seconds of great musical sense. Maybe it's a return to the prog ideal..i hope so.. Sorry if i write too much and say nothing..and for my english too.. ------------- Unknown |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: July 07 2008 at 03:50
Well, that MIGHT have been a slight exaggeration...or "hook" as they say in the industry. Heh.
(Yeah, that's right objectors. No one saying that Coldplay is the new Gentle Giant. Just that intelligence ain't dead in popular music; seriously, did you read the post at all, or just go based on the title?)
Hey, MoreIt'sMe, I doubt you're still reading, but what do you mean the Animal Collective album is best suited for my tastes? I'm curious now...
(Oh, and, I'm downloading some random Flaming Lips tracks. If'n anyone cares.) ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: July 07 2008 at 04:16
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GREAT blog my friend, sorry I didn't read it thoroughly the first time.. someday you'll be the one writing the album notes we all read (now that would be a good gig..) |
Posted By: ClassicRocker
Date Posted: July 07 2008 at 14:05
Cool Stuff. Since you appear to be interested in these bands, I'd say with Animal Collective try out Moreitsy's recommendation Feels or their newest album Strawberry Jam (the latter is what got me into them, and I still prefer it above the others). If you are liking the Flaming Lips' style, I'd strongly recommend Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots and as someone else suggested The Soft Bulletin. I got At War With The Mystics recently, but it's not as good as the other two. From their pre-"commercial" (read: pre-soft bulletin) period, I've only heard one album (when grunge was still the rage; you can hear the influence). The track from it "She Don't Use Jelly" is always good for a laugh with it's off-beat lyrics, and the tune isn't bad either. - Happy searching -------------
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Posted By: BroSpence
Date Posted: July 07 2008 at 22:56
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I can't stand Coldplay. They come off as wannabes and write sh*tty repetitive songs with lyrics that could apply to friggin anything.
That being said, their new album is certainly a change of pace, however that is all due in part to MR. Eno. The man that told them their old material sucked (in more precise words), and that "prog is making a come back and they should try it out". If you read the new interview in Rolling Stone with Chris Martin you can find out all about how Martin is kind of dumb and washed up and Eno outshines his band by 3094823049238403 light years with one production job and one line of lyric. Apparently, Martin believes that the whole word should vote on who the next U.S. president should be too since "it effects everyone". Ugh. I can't wait until that band goes away. |
Posted By: Demonoid
Date Posted: July 08 2008 at 16:17
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Coldplay are meh imo. You can compare them to Oasis. They have some good songs here and there but thats about it. The albums are inconsistent with filler/mediocre songs in between and it gets repetitive very often. To tell the truth though, i liked 'viva la vida' more than their previous works. It sounded quite different. If you guys want a prog. album in the sense, a different album from a pop band, then check out Narrow Stairs by Death Cab For Cutie. Sounds a lot different from the 'Indie-pop' they are known for. Theres just something progressive about that album. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/dem0n0id/?chartstyle=LivejournalColors"> 
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: July 08 2008 at 17:40
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They were on The Daily Show last night, didn't seem too bad, but that's really all I know of them.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Posted By: ClassicRocker
Date Posted: July 09 2008 at 22:59
Yeah, i saw that episode too. Not a bad set of songs, but i wasn't crazy about the sound on the show... compared to the CD versions it wasn't as good. -------------
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Posted By: ShipOfFools
Date Posted: July 13 2008 at 00:33
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Coldplay are excellent. I've been a fan since A Rush, and I have all their albums. X&Y is very uneven and inconsistent, but it's still pretty good (much better than 99% of what else is out there.) The new album is also amazing. It's quite possibly my favorite release of the year (I'll have to wait and see what else comes out this year before I give a definite answer.) ------------- 
"Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace" - Buddha |
Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: July 13 2008 at 00:44
------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: Avantgardehead
Date Posted: July 13 2008 at 23:24
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Alt. rock!
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Avantgardian |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: July 15 2008 at 04:29
Really now? I've only downloaded the album version of "I Will Possess Your Heart," but then again, I jumped on the Death Cab bandwagon with everyone else and that stupid Plans album. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Starette
Date Posted: July 18 2008 at 05:43
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Coldplay was the band that lifted me out of my dreary days of being surROUNDed by idotic girls listening to generic-music in my teenage years.
And I know that they're wannabes, and I know that they plagarise, and I know that Chris Martin is rather pretentious....
But who cares. Their first album, Parachutes, was beautiful to mine ears and they slowly got poppier after that but I still kept a sentimental and honest love of them. Most of their songs anyway. The chordal progression of the song X & Y on the album of the same name is of note. And yes- it's proggy.
They're latest album I don't have.
But eeeeveryone's going on about their latest album.
Sure Violet Hill sounds a bit more rocky than they're usual tone but it doesn't really strike me as such...
but maybe I should get into it because curiosity kills my cat. ------------- 50 tonne angel falls to the earth... |
Posted By: Starette
Date Posted: July 18 2008 at 05:44
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Oh dear- Kill me now....for spelling two words in that last post wrongly. ------------- 50 tonne angel falls to the earth... |
Posted By: Abstrakt
Date Posted: July 18 2008 at 06:37
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I kinda like their songs from their new album. Alt. rock is cool!
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Posted By: SilverAnubis
Date Posted: July 18 2008 at 08:04
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The single, Violet Hill, remembers me Porcupine Tree, I know, I'm crazy...
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Posted By: ProgShine
Date Posted: July 22 2008 at 00:59
Definitelly, Coldplay is such a good band, the material (not the singles, they're not bad, but they have such better material) are all great, a mellon collie (hehe) is in all tracks most ------------- https://progshinerecords.bandcamp.com 
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Posted By: bryantm3
Date Posted: January 22 2009 at 18:11
i can personally vouch that this album beats the hell out of all their others. 'a rush of blood to the head' was one of the most disappointing, boring albums that i've ever heard. you remember how 'your own special way' was the big single off of 'wind and wuthering', but it was the worst song on the album? well, violet hill is the worst song on this album. it's not genesis or anything, but it's pretty proggy. my favourite song on it is probably "yes", it sounds celtic, like 'in that quiet earth' but in a different way. you'll enjoy it. |
Posted By: SgtPepper67
Date Posted: January 23 2009 at 20:51
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Your post is too long and I only read half of it ;) but anyway, I think Viva la vida is a pretty good album, one of my favourite last year. I wasn't a big fan of Coldplay. I liked their first album, and I was very much into britpop back then (I'm still are actually) so it's no surprise. The 2nd was ok but I got bored of it very quickly, and then I hated the X&Gay album, maybe in part because they were completely overrated and completely overplayed by the media, but I also thought thir music wasn't that interesting really. Then, I downloaded Viva la vida last year with very low expectations, even knowing that Eno produced but I liked it a lot. I can't tell exactly why, probably the production helps a lot to make the song more interesting, but also the melodies and arrangements are better in my opinion. I also think Chris Martin don't overuse his annoying falsetto that much on this one, wich is probably what makes it more listenable for me. ------------- 
In the end the love you take is equal to the love you made... |
Posted By: angelmk
Date Posted: January 25 2009 at 12:15
| oh no, oh no, not coldplay, that music makes me feel sleepy, disapointed , sadness, that chris martin ,that voice i cannot stand |
Posted By: ProgShine
Date Posted: February 17 2009 at 09:22
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There's ALWAYS prog influence in all the smart bands, they just don't talk about it (unless it's Pink Floyd this one you could talk about always, even if you don't get ANY closer of their sound, always a influence) because it's 'a shame' to like the 70's excess in nowadays. Silverchair it's a damn good point in this case. And in the end... yeah, i like Coldplay, even if i listen to theis music too little (my sister use to listen so, I kinda 'listen it too much' hehehe) ------------- https://progshinerecords.bandcamp.com
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Posted By: Jimbo
Date Posted: February 17 2009 at 15:19
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Say what you will, I thought Parachutes was considerably stronger than Viva la Vida - as far as songwriting is concerned. Having said that, neither is exactly my cuppa tea, but I do think they're one of the better mainstream rock bands out there. I'm a bit baffled as to the prog aspect of Viva la Vida - I seem to have missed it completely. ------------- 
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Posted By: Moatilliatta
Date Posted: February 17 2009 at 20:00
Hey now! I got into Death Cab around the time of The Photo Album, and today I still think Plans and Transatlanticism are pretty good, though I rarely listen to them. I thought their new album was pretty boring.
I still adore Parachutesm and I agree that it's their strongest. There are only minor traces of prog elements in the arrangements and what not. So minor I wouldn't even use the term when describing it. However, for altering their sound and scope considerably, they are definitely resembling a progressive band in that regard. ------------- www.last.fm/user/ThisCenotaph
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Posted By: pianoman
Date Posted: February 20 2009 at 22:06
| I love Viva La Vida because it shows how art rock is starting to make a comeback. Other prime examples would be other modern giants such as Sigur Ros and Radiohead. Winning a grammy for music that sounds this experimental is a good sign, not a bad one. Viva La Vida is a very big step in bringing back art rock, even if it dosent sound the same as 30+ years ago. Progressive music does not have a specific sound, but it is a term used for musicians who step outside the boundaries and experiment with old ideas to combinde them and make new ones. |
Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: March 02 2009 at 04:34
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im pretty sure cold play are NOT prog rock. They are boring and bleak, and unoriginal, evident in thier clockwork drumming and ripoff of Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly" ------------- 
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Posted By: keiser willhelm
Date Posted: March 02 2009 at 04:52
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did you read the original post? ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/KeiserWillhelm" rel="nofollow - What im listening to |
Posted By: lextruther
Date Posted: March 02 2009 at 16:50
| I love Cold Play.. I only liked Vida La Vida on the latest album |
Posted By: Prospero
Date Posted: March 15 2009 at 22:51
Anyone mentioned they plagiarized the great Satch? You just don't do this kind of thing. Personally, I don't like Coldplay. I was not surprised to learn they were being sued by Joe Satriani. I was not surprised to learn they had won the Grammy for album of the year (Springsteen has 19 of them Grammys). Brian Eno? I was never impressed with his "production" skills either. I always enjoy the albums from a band (Talking Heads, Roxy Music) before Brian Eno and after. That's my own "before and after science". I mean, Fear of Music, what kind of a boring album is that!? Anyhow, I do like his solo projects (and *cough* Remain in Light *cough*). In conclusion, I hope we all forget Coldplay ever existed in 20 years while Rhino records will desperately be trying to re-release their discography with 67 bonus tracks. |
Posted By: docsolar
Date Posted: April 27 2009 at 15:17
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Excellent post, Whistler. I agree with the love the band/hate the t-shirt sentiment I presume you share with me regarding bands like My Chem and Panic at the Disco. I think being proggy had to become "OK" again for popular consumption (after the 80's and the grunge movement), and if a popular band perpetuates the sentiment, it's still good music, even if people like it. ------------- 
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Posted By: Lucent
Date Posted: May 03 2009 at 10:40
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There's nothing progressive about stealing music from Joe Satriani.
And for that reason alone, Coldplay can go die of a slow, torturous, horrible death, to the point of where description would make many throw up. |
Posted By: Avantgardehead
Date Posted: May 04 2009 at 05:07
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Coldplay is some of the most draining, insipid music I've ever heard.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Avantgardian |
Posted By: lucas
Date Posted: May 09 2009 at 11:09
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Coldpaly sound like a "shoegaze" band (shoegaze being a sub-genre of alternative rock, also called "dream pop") with hints of BritPop. Their music is not bad but can bore you to death...
If you are looking for real art-pop then listen to Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, 10CC, Roxy Music, Dalbello... ------------- "Magma was the very first gothic rock band" (Didier Lockwood) |
Posted By: Prospero
Date Posted: May 10 2009 at 09:59
Let's solve the mystery. Of course, the band probably sounds "Shoegaze" (never liked that appellation) at times, just like they sometimes sound like Satriani or U2. It's because they lack authenticity. Like 95% of those new alternative artists out there, they just pick and choose what they liked (probably what they've been told to like) in 80's music and repackage it. It's a shame. Radiohead (you can't deny that) + What critics liked in 80's alternative + A touch of "adult contemporary" mood + U2 veneration + Predictable and/or stolen melodies + "Newly added" Brian Eno's ball sack = Coldplay* *sh*t |
Posted By: TheLastBaron
Date Posted: June 17 2009 at 01:15
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I am unaware of the similarities that exist between coldplays new album and joe satrianis but I do enjoy Coldplays new album quit a bit. It has a very engaging atmosphere. Brian Eno has been known for helping bands create "musical landscapes", now I'm not saying he's the best producer but he did a good job of helping coldplay create a engaging musical landscape. I also found myself liking that My Chemical Romance album you mentioned. A friend recommended it to me due to my love of Queen and Pink Floyd. He pretty much said the same thing you did, "Its Queen and the wall mixed into one, not as good and mixed with emo." I found a cheap copy and decided what the hell, if it sucks I'll give to some emo kid. It surprised me. Its not great but every now and than I'll put it on and enjoy it. ------------- " Men are not prisoners of fate, but prisoners of their own minds." - FDR |
Posted By: Hyardacil
Date Posted: August 05 2009 at 05:44
I was a huge fan of Coldplay some time ago. (Forgive me, I was young and stupid.... Well I still am young. .... and pretty stupid.... But at least I'm not a huge fan of Coldplay any longer. ) Even though I don't get high over then anymore, I still don't think that their music is totally uninspired or bland or stupid. They are a bit pretentious. And that's a good thing, if it leads somewhere. In the case of X&Y, it didn't. That and their second album are not very good. Parachutes is lovely though and I think Viva... is their best album so far. Definitely proggy. 42 is a purely prog song, I would say. My favorite song from the year. And there are some other moments that shine, too. It even has 2 instrumental-ish thingy's in it, after all. I don't think one should be ashamed of liking that particular album. Oh, and regarding the law suing because of the similarities between a Satrianis piece and Coldplay's hit. I don't think they ripped it off directly from him or consciously . This debate has spawned tens of youtube videos I made acquaintance with one boring day and quriously enough, there are actually MORE old pop songs with the EXACT same melody. I'm not kidding. That melody has travelled through pop history for quite some time now. I guess it's just such an universal one. So I'm surprised the whole thing has thus far ended with only law sue as there is potential for money for many other artists also. Besides, using this as an argument againgst Coldplay's musical quality is stupid. Even classical composers borrowed melodies from each other. And there certainly are melodies that travel through time and our subconciousness and do appear again and again in new compositions. ------------- "I am sitting in your eyes..." |
Posted By: pianoman
Date Posted: August 05 2009 at 08:33
Death and all of his Friends is very proggy to my ears as well as 42. |
Posted By: Lost Follower
Date Posted: August 05 2009 at 18:19
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Anything with Coldplay involved is cack.
------------- ~Jump you f**ker jump~ |
Posted By: Prospero
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 02:07
Bravo, well put! |
Posted By: Conor Fynes
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 04:49
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Loved that Cd
also loved Rush of blood to the head, which is a masterpiece.
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Posted By: dante89
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 13:10
| Very good album. But Of the year? Not quite sure. we've still got a few more months so let's see. |
Posted By: mystic fred
Date Posted: August 19 2009 at 01:47
very strange about Coldplay, they have had phenomemal album sales over the last few years but i can't find anyone, even over the net, that like them or at least hardly admit to buying an album! where are all these albums? maybe everybody has them stuffed away in a cupboard or hiding under the bed...
i can't hide my Coldplay collection - i have all their albums on vinyl
 ------------- Prog Archives Tour Van
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Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: August 19 2009 at 02:51
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I know two people who are Coldplay fans and possess several of their works, and I myself (obviously) have the Viva La Vida album. Can't be helped really. I suppose this is the guilty pleasure of this generation (or some such).
Er...did I write this prog-blog this year? I can't quite recall... ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Any Colour You Like
Date Posted: August 19 2009 at 03:06
 Sorry if this has been posted already, but I had too. I don't actually think they are that bad, bland maybe, uninspiring perhaps... but I can think of worse. |
Posted By: Little Sir John
Date Posted: August 21 2009 at 19:45
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Goodness gracious. How is this thread still going on.... Anyway, I'd just like to say one thing, even though I know there are plenty of people who will hate me for it. I absolutely loved Viva la Vida. No joke, it is one of the most amazing albums I've ever heard.... maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it is so great. Death and All His Friends is spectacular, especially when you add in The Escapist at the end so it all sounds like one amazing art rock song. It progresses so nicely. Strawberry Swings is so beautiful. It's such a great love song. The title track is okay, Violet Hill okay. Lost is fun, I love the Latin percussion. Lovers in Japan is also great and Yes which is also very art rock. 42 is another strong art rock song. Oh, and who could forget Life in Technicolor. Who does instrumentals anymore? It really is a pretty simple instrumental, but Prospekt's March's Life in Techincolor ii is powerful and amazing. The rest of the stuff on Prospekt's March is really strong too, but not quite as art rock as Death and All His Friends. I honestly don't know why I love this album so much, but I do. I like older Coldplay, but it's just not the same. Mr. Eno is an amazing man. I don't mean to say it's prog. It's not. Art rock though I really think so. I think we'll have to wait and see what they do with their next real album though. I really hope they keep on moving in this direction. I think one of the reasons I'm so satisfied with this album is because it's one of the fewmusical tastes I share with most of the people around me. I like the sense of community that I get from my love of Coldplay. If only my friends would start listening to Close to the Edge.... ------------- "I just felt we were capable of breaking new ground... with a vengeance." ~Jon Anderson |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: August 22 2009 at 22:44
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Not to keep kicking my old thread to life, but...
This picture has inspired me to listen to more Porcupine Tree lately. Thank you. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: August 22 2009 at 23:06
Best picture I've ever seen -------------
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Posted By: SergiUriah
Date Posted: September 02 2009 at 08:40
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COLDPLAY?
VIVA LA VIDA?
PROGIEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR?
Incredible and terrific winds of change are shakin´ the progger mind....
I think it´ll be better for me to stay swimming inside the classic seas.
 ------------- http://img229.imageshack.us/i/bonfirma.jpg/"> 
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Posted By: MaxerJ
Date Posted: October 07 2009 at 02:12
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No, Coldplay are not prog. No, Viva La Vida is not prog. But. It has the beginnings of prog. (eg. recurring riffs, slightly longer songs) Like Rubber Soul/Revolver era Beatles, they are probably bored with the generic pop song form, and they are trying to escape. Sure, right now they are just copying other bands ideas, but no one said progressive was an overnight sensation. So, I agree that Coldplay should not be on here - none of the stuff they have made yet is progressive. But I think they will make something progressive, and I think it will be soon... And then I think we will look back and see the beginnings in Viva La Vida. ------------- Godspeed, You Bolero Enthusiasts  'Prog is all about leaving home...' - Moshkito
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Posted By: Tarquin Underspoon
Date Posted: October 08 2009 at 16:19
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I totally love Coldplay, Viva la Vida in particular, and I think they have every bit as much ofa place here as, say, David Bowie.
Just my (probably unwelcome) 2 cents ------------- "WAAAAAAOOOOOUGH! WAAAAAAAUUUUGGHHHH!! WAAAAAOOOO!!!" -The Great Gig in the Sky |
Posted By: jampa17
Date Posted: October 13 2009 at 16:00
Same here... is disgusting to see so many prog fans talking about Coldplay been prog... no... NO..!!! The guy that start this thread say that he was curious in what you thought about them... nothing to do with if they were prog... chris martin... the worst singer ever... and, as Liam Gallagher said... On Coldplay and Radiohead: “I don't hate them, I don't wish they had accidents. I think their fans are boring and ugly and don't look like they're having a good time.” (The Guardian, August 2008). priceless..!!! ------------- |