Does the release of the 1999-2006 Singles Boxset mean that Coldplay will only release 1 more album with EMI/Parlophone, as the contract is 5 - does the Singles count in this contract? Because Embrace had a 4 album contract with Hut so released Fireworks: The Singles to quickly complete the deal and get another management label...

That isn't considered an album. If that was so, then they'd have to count their singles as albums too.

EMI won't allow Coldplay to leave without a fight, as they are one of their big players.

On the flip side, EMI are desperate. I wouldn't be surprised under the current climate to see the Singles 1999-2006 as a stop gap for a final Coldplay/EMI release in 2008. Stranger things have happened in music.

like the white stripes

Record labels really put me off wanting to be a rock star :P