September 7, 200520 yr September 07, 2005 Artists of note or the most insufferable of bands? By Adam Sherwin IT SHOULD have been the crowning moment for Britain’s globe-conquering rock band. But last night Coldplay entered Madison Square Garden smarting after being dismissed as “fake” by America’s most influential critics. Their X&Y album is No 1 in 29 countries, including the United States, taking their career record sales to 25 million. EMI has rescinded a profits warning in the light of its success. But every millionaire rocker craves critical approval and Chris Martin, the band’s sensitive singer, exploded after his group were derided as a cynical machine delivering puffed-up ballads to the masses. The New York Times led the assault, calling Coldplay “the most insufferable band of the decade”. Martin’s voice was “a sound somewhere between a yodel and a hiccup”. Rolling Stone magazine, America’s rock bible, weighed in attacking a “blown-up band trying not to deflate”. Spin, an influential alternative rock magazine, was the most cutting. It said: “Coldplay manufacture fake love as frenetically as Ford Motor Company manufactures Mustangs.” The attacks did not prevent Coldplay’s concerts at “The Garden”, selling out in minutes. But, having initially denied that the criticism had affected the band, Martin, 28, rang the New York Post and admitted that the group were devastated. The American press assault “knocked us sideways” he said. “I thought, there is no harm in admitting you are human and that these things bring you down.” The group was “having trouble knowing how to answer” the critics and confidence had been rocked. Martin acknowledged that the band would always have its critics, but he added: “That divide of opinion, it’s healthy, that’s democracy. You can’t quit because one town turns against you.” X&Y divided British critics, too, but Simon Frith, chairman of the Mercury Music Prize judges, said: “Coldplay are still making music that’s interesting. It reminds me of what Pink Floyd managed to do in terms of filling a space.” Industry sources blamed the US reaction on innate musical nationalism. One said: “They don’t like it when one of our groups sells one million albums in a week.” Martin, whose marriage to the actress Gwyneth Paltrow transformed him into an A-list star, has shown that he is vulnerable to pressure. Told that EMI had issued a profits warning after his album was delivered late, he snapped: “I don’t really care about EMI. I think shareholders are the greatest evil of this modern world.” X&Y has sold six million copies in just three months and EMI is expecting it to reach 12 million by the time that the promotional campaign ends next year. From Timesonline Can't imagine Chris devastation, this time :embarrased:
September 7, 200520 yr Can't imagine Chris devastation, this time :embarrased: That's why he needs to visit fansites like this one once in awhile... Many loyal-to-nuts fans but also many more moderate fans willing to be fair and give constructive criticism as well. Plus, we know our music as well :D
September 7, 200520 yr Those reviews are couple of months old, and they rehash them in a new article when the guys come to town? Man, talk about lazy. How about going to the concert and giving us your review/opinion you lazy turd. This Adam Sherwin guy should be fired and sent back to the greeter job he had last week at Walmart. :rolleyes:
September 7, 200520 yr Those reviews are couple of months old' date=' and they rehash them in a new article when the guys come to town? Man, talk about lazy. How about going to the concert and giving us your review/opinion you lazy turd. This Adam Sherwin guy should be fired and sent back to the greeter job he had last week at Walmart. :rolleyes:[/quote'] agreed :lol:
September 7, 200520 yr Exactly! I know that iut's human nature to care a lot more about being liked by people who don't like you, but still they shouldn't remember us fans! It is after all us who buy the records, go to concerts and really love the music. Not the critics, they get them for free therefore don't appreciate what they have ;) :) So hang in there Chris! :D
September 7, 200520 yr ~*Maria*~ kind words..., chris please listen to us fans.... we love you!!!!!!! no matter what!!!!!!!! love your avi by the way :cool:
September 7, 200520 yr Thanks! :D Yours is brilliant as well!!! NEver seen Guy so close to the camera hahaha :lol: :lol: :lol:
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