I remember driving around sometime in early 2007 listening to the radio and hearing the latest news that Coldplay had decided to take a hiatus. It was one of those "spend time with family" things so I couldn't be mad, but I was hurt. In the past couple years, I had heavily gotten into Coldplay. I would go into it, but let's just say this isn't the only time you will see this band on the countdown (trivia: only three other bands appear more than once).So imagine my excitement in early 2008 when I am again driving and listening to the radio and they report that a new Coldplay album would be out that year. I think I got so pumped I called my friend at the time who I had converted into a Coldplay fan. After two singles ("Violet Hill" then the hugely popular title track), the album finally dropped in June of 2008 and I ultimately picked up three copies. I am a sucker for exclusives and I picked up the iTunes pre-order so I could get some acoustic tracks, I purchased the vinyl for obvious reasons and because I am a super-fan I bought the actual cd so I could get the artwork and everything that goes with it.
I would like to say it was perfect, but there is a reason Coldplay's first appearance on this countdown is so early. Actually two. One is that I felt this album was too short. Take away the intro and outro tracks and you basically have 8 songs. And this album lacked what made other cd's great -- those deep, make you think about life songs.
So why is it still on here? Because by itself, it was still amazing. The experimentation they did with instruments was incredible and one thing I love about cds is when artists fade or mix songs together and a few times certain songs will give way to a couple bonus minutes within the track.
It also helps that I saw them live in November of the year the cd came out and they played almost every track off of VLV, so whenever I listen to it I am reminded of that magical night. Enjoy some for yourself.
The following are from Viva La Vida, but they were edited for the bonus EP, Prospekt's March
And just a sample of the awesomeness that was our night with Coldplay:
Ummmm, number 47?!?! hahah, jk. Although I LOVE the album, Viva La Vida is definitely my least favorite Coldplay album. The band had a unique sound on this one-- very different from their usual stuff. Parachutes is my fav I think, and A Rush of Blood to the Head/X&Y are tied.
ReplyDeleteVery jealous that you saw them in concert. I have been a fan from the very beginning, but there has always been some reason I couldn't go to one of their concerts (money, schedule, etc.)..ONE DAY!
Alright, I love Coldplay as much as the next person, but I definitely some of their older stuff better. I think I got caught up on the fact that this one had that crazy "Coldplay stealing a song" drama and I never got super into this cd.
ReplyDeleteBut I can see why this would make a list. :)
Damn you for seeing Coldplay. Damn you. Just kidding- you're still awesome in my book, I'm just mad jealous about it. ;) You know, I didn't dig this album much and I have to say--totally pawned it. I burned the title track and that was it. But my favorite cp song is "yellow". It still is after everything they have put out and done- yellow is perfect. I remember seeing that video and thinking "WTF? Is this guy disabled or something?" but that right there was enough to make me a cp fan. ;)
ReplyDelete@Lisa:
ReplyDeleteYour first couple sentences reflect my views identically. I'm glad we are on the same level
@jeanette:
yea, i actually skip that song cuz I'm tired of it. And Violet Hill has a crazy long intro, so really that's like 6 songs. But I'm glad you still recognize that it's list worthy
@Sara:
I don't think you realize the power of what you just said. "Yellow" is not only my favorite Coldplay song, but my favorite song by any artist. We should be best friends.
@Mr O- I heart you. "Your skin
ReplyDeleteOh yeah your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know for you i bleed myself dry
For you i bleed myself dry"...that song- is the definition of what I want in life. That and "in my place". But yellow still holds the title. We can be best friends. ;)
Like everyone else i reckon the older albums are the best. I was really excited when i heard Violet hill and Viva la vida but the rest of the album left me disappointed.
ReplyDeleteHoly wow... I've never heard that mashup w/ Jay-Z before... I really like it!
ReplyDelete