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| Coldplay's Viva la Vida | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 18 2008, 03:16 PM (92 Views) | |
| thePhilosopher | Jun 18 2008, 03:16 PM Post #1 |
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All-Star
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Anyone give Coldplay's new album, Viva la Vida, a listen yet? I was really disappointed with X&Y (as was everyone) and thought that A Rush of Blood to the Head had its moments, but did not measure up to Parachutes. I have listened through twice so far, and while it isn't outstanding, it is a solid effort by a band that everyone seems to love to second guess and criticize (you know, since its not fashionable to listen to Coldplay anymore, they are sooo 2001). Viva la Vida, the single, delivers big time. The orchestration is big enough to provide the grandeur of the song, but it isn't over the top. Chris Martin really paints a picture with his lyrics and vocals, and he doesn't try to do too much. I think there's a little bridge or something that seemed to be a little flat, where perhaps a little more could have been done with either the percussion or strings, but it doesn't detract from the song in its entirety. Violet Hill, the first single off of this album, is probably the second or third best song on the album. I like the vocal filter here, and the (predictable?) transition from the heavier sound to the piano and hushed vocals at the end of the song. Nice touches on this one include the simple guitar riff (these guys do more with less better than most bands out there) on the bridge, as well as the percussion sound they have on this track. Strawberry Swing has a nice, summer kind of flow to it. Chinese Sleep Chant (hidden track after the uninspired "Yes") seems to be their best impression of Radiohead, which is actually pretty decent. Life in Technicolor seems to be an unusual choice as the first track on this album, but the instrumental draws the listener in and has some nice layers. You can hear Brian Eno in this track (or at least, I can), and his direction as the producer of the album. You can also hear him in the background, with some of the more ambient effects that might go unnoticed by most. I knew this album couldn't entirely suck with a qualified ear and artistically exceptional individual like Eno at the helm. 42 is a nice track, and if it weren't for the strange choice of guitar effect midway through the song right before it picks up and the second guitar covers it up with more distortion (like 2:10 or something through the track), I think I'd like it more. Lovers in Japan has some nifty guitar riffs and a nice melody. Overall, I'd give it a B. Solid, not outstanding, but certainly worth a listen. |
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| sirbrianwilson | Jun 18 2008, 03:21 PM Post #2 |
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Stemlerite
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i'd rather listen to radiohead. br |
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| thePhilosopher | Jun 18 2008, 03:38 PM Post #3 |
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All-Star
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Me too, but I think this is one of the "bigger" albums of the year. Certainly worth consideration. |
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| sirbrianwilson | Jun 18 2008, 03:56 PM Post #4 |
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Stemlerite
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i just can't see how coldplay is even worthy of being mentioned in the same talent level as portishead (who released an album this year) and Sigur Ros (who will be releasing a new one). no offense to you, but i feel that coldplay contains some of the biggest poseurs in music nowadays. i never really got into them, i don't think they offer anything new, and don't see the fascination. br |
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| thePhilosopher | Jun 18 2008, 06:58 PM Post #5 |
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I never did say that Coldplay is on the same level as a band like Portishead. Coldplay isn't even in my personal top 10 favorite bands. And, if you notice, I did make a lot of critical remarks about their albums, as well as this one. My point is just that they are a huge band, and tend to generate some interesting discussion. And poseurs come from all sorts of musical backgrounds. Sure, every douchebag at college knows Coldplay and puts it on a mix for whatever whore they're trying to impress. But I've met very phony sorts of people who love outstanding music. I'm not sure what you were getting at with that comment. |
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| sirbrianwilson | Jun 18 2008, 09:00 PM Post #6 |
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Stemlerite
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i wasn't talking about the fans being poseurs...i was talking about the band members themselves. they pretend like all their ideas are original yet deny that they drew influence from many. coldplay used to be awesome when they recorded their unreleased demo...very original stuff...then they got signed, changed their sound, became all mainstreamy and think they're the best shit on the planet. don't take what i said as a jab at you. that wasn't my intention. it was solely thrown at the band. br |
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| frankwhite6 | Jun 18 2008, 09:20 PM Post #7 |
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Junior
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I had to read your review a few times, because the first time I didn't understand how in the hell you could come to warrant giving this album a B. I feel like you were a little generous, yet I understand and agree with some of the things you are saying. Particularly with your comments on the fact Eno was behind the production. Knowing of Eno and listening to his own albums and his production of others, I don't think it's possible for this album or any ,for that matter,that he's involved in to be a complete waste of time. But this album gets surprisingly close to that edge at times. If it weren't for "Violet Hill" and "Strawberry Swing," then I think it would be. I tend to judge albums by their ability to move my emotions. Whether it be up or down, it's not hard to feel something from an album that actually has some depth to it, breaks new ground, etc. The thing is I get nothing from this album more so than something. It's almost like Eno is at the production helm to cover up the fact it would be boring without him pushing and amplifying Coldplays sound. Even with the obvious amplified sound(Courtesy of Eno), it struggles to do much more than bore you. Weak C |
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| mongo | Jun 19 2008, 07:38 AM Post #8 |
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Coach
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Why is there an ad for UConn ringtones below? Haven't heard the album. Coldplay has a few songs I like a lot but mostly they're kind of lame. |
![]() "Son, if you really want something in this life you have to work hard for it. Now quiet! They're about to announce the lottery numbers." | |
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| tyler8186 | Jun 19 2008, 07:47 AM Post #9 |
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Junior
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you know how I know you're gay? you like Coldplay ----sorry, had to. |
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| thePhilosopher | Jun 19 2008, 11:30 AM Post #10 |
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All-Star
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That was the funniest part of the 40 year old virgin (to me, at least). Nicely done! |
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9:47 AM Jul 11