Hey guys, I decided to create this new thread because I've been meaning to do this for quite some time now. =) It's an analysis of all that we know of the 4th Album including some of my own views as well.

 

It's a pretty long post, haha, but I hope you find it interesting. =)

 

None of this is confirmed, except where stated.

 

---Release Date & General Info---

 

First up, we know that the release date of this album is 'Early 2008' and that it is currently being mixed by Jon Hopkins.

 

Many of us think that the title for the album is '42'. We also considered other titles such as 'Prospekt' and ' Viva La Vida'.

 

The album's proposed time length is 42 minutes, follwed by the release of 2 other independent songs.

 

Most of these, except the title of course, is pretty much the most concrete information we have on this topic.

 

--Song Style--

 

We know that Brian Eno and Marcus Dravs are working on this album. We do not know if Timbaland is. Personally I don't think he is producing the album (And I hope not) because of one main reason: There has been no official confirmation as of yet.

 

Considering that Brian worked with them for 'Low' (Which, I have to say is a fantastic song to see how high up Chris's vocal range can go) I would expect the songs in this album to be very different from the previous 3.

 

It's suggested to have a Hispanic feel to it.. plus. The drumming is supposed to be leading the song rather than being in the background. Why do I get the feeling we're going to get a 'military/war' type album with loads of drumming and crazy guitar riffs? Haha. But that's just me.

 

If we compile all the info that we have, we may be able to figure out something..

 

-If I'm not wrong, Chris mentioned there will be less piano in this album? But later in one of the news articles, it's said that Chris had let someone hear some of the upcoming songs and there was one with just Chris and his piano, which the person described as 'amazing' (I think, I'll have to check the news archive on this.)

 

-Hispanic feel! Background vocals recorded in churches! =) We do know that there are 'No maracas or castanets, but a vibracy and colourfulness that owes much to the atmospheres of Buenos Aires and Barcelona. The effect is subtle but important. ' (Taken from Prospekt Entry, 24th July 2007). It may also mean we may hear all of the band members singing together (along with Brian Eno! =D) a la 'Fix You' live.

 

-In one of prospekt's entries, it describes the album as followed:

 

"This is the album I always dreamed they would make. It's the sound of a band realizing their own strength. The sound of four men with total confidence in themselves and one another.

It's the sound of a songwriter at the peak of his ability. Lyrically and melodically, Chris seems to have broken through past constraints. There's a new confidence to venture beyond the limit of the known and comfortable. An urge to explore and discover. His energy is electrifying - sometimes intimidating. A manic bundle of love, passion, and rage. A veracious appetite for life, eagerly devouring every minute of every day. He knows that time is short.

Jonny, too, has explored a whole new universe of sounds magicking up a new world for each song. His guitars are all over this album. Will has manipulated, mashed and spliced beats and time signature to produce rhythms that lead rather than follow the song. Guy - always the tastemaker and musical authority of the band - has guided and shaped the whole process always pushing but unafraid to rein things in when necessary.

The four of them together make up a formidable unit, and this is the album people will remember them by.

Prospekt "

 

-If I remember correctly, there was an article saying that it was hinted that Coldplay's 4th album would sound 'electronic'?

 

-Chris has stated that one of the songs in the album has to be heard by everyone before thay die. (Pointing toward a 'Life' theme for the song, perhaps?)

 

I made an observation that many things about the album seem to be referring about 'Life'. The 'Viva La Vida' (Translated as 'Live the life!') from Will's video.. The song that everyone must hear before they die.. Maybe I missed out a few but this album seemingly has to do with how precious life is. I'm kind of expecting most of the songs to be darker and full of energy. Maybe the songs will start out slow and then build and build until the climax (Think of the vibrant hispanic feel).. A bit like 'Fix You', only more Hispanic, maybe?

 

Some songs we do know, however:

 

If you haven't listened to 'Bucket for a crown' (One of the songs that was sung by Chris and is rumoured to be for the 4th album, though it seems unlikely now), do check it out. For those who have, it kind of feels like the song is pretty dark isn't it? And and and. The violin. Piano and violin. It gave me this really eerie but amazing feeling when I was listening to the song, though, of course, it wasn't really completed at the time.

 

I've been searching high and low for 'Mining on the Moon' and 'The Fall of Man' but I haven't been able to find them. If I remember correctly, Chris played 'Mining on the Moon' on a show but later decided to discard it because it resembled closesly to an already existing song. (If anyone has the mp3 file, i'd be glad to take a listen). As for 'the fall of man', I haven't heard anything yet. Haha.

 

There is one more song, titled 'The Butterfly' that Chris announced while on tour. So far it has only been mention and never been played publicly. (At least, that's what I know)

 

--Songs--

 

At first we had the title of the proposed tracklist:

-Lost!

-Cemetries of London

-Violet Hill

-Poppy Fields

-42

-Yes!

-Leftrightleftrightleft

-Rainy Day

 

I'll start of with these first. Despite some people feeling that these titles are rather cheesy/ seemingly pointing that Chris is on drugs (I don't really think so), I have to say that these titles are rather catchy and unique. It gives me the feel that Coldplay is venturing out to new territory.

 

The song title 'Cemetries of London' seem to hint at a 'Life and Death/ Life is precious' theme to it.

 

'Violet Hill' could refer to a violet hill, or it could refer to a person perhaps? haha, I'm not sure. Does anyone have any anologies regarding 'Violet Hill'?

 

Alright. 'Poppy Fields'. Haha. I laughed quite a bit when I heard this title. It's interesting though, from what I've read from several posts on this forum 'Poppy' refers to 'drugs'? Hmm..

 

Rainy Day. Alright, for this you may want to check out the message that Will Champion wrote on the Coldplay myspace (I just realised they updated their banner, haha.):

"

A blog from Will - 23.7.7

Hello,

 

We've just got back from Spain where we've been recording some vocals. It was very hot and very beautiful. We returned to find England under water. Is it just me or does it feel like the world is ending? While we are all still here, there is great music to be listened to: Eugene Francis Jnr. Something to lighten up your day whilst contemplating life in a wet suit.

 

www.myspace.com/eugenefrancisjnr

 

Love,

 

Will"

 

 

 

From what I understand, it was raining really heavily at the time, right? So perhaps this song could be referring the that particular timeframe? Or maybe it is just talking about a 'Rainy Day'.

 

42, the title that sparked off the rumours of it being the name of the album. It has a lot of referrences. Hitchhiker. The 42 songs that were supposedly written for X & Y. The 42 minute time length for the album- A lot of references and possibilities for this one. I tend to think that the song may be talking about the 42 minutes of life that you'd be spending listening to their new album. Haha.

 

Leftrightleftrightleft. It gives you the impression of soldiers marching, doesn't it? This may be the song where Will's drums are supposedly 'leading' the song rather than following it. =D It gives me a very 'war-ish' type feel.

 

'Lost!' and 'Yes!'. Don't really know what to make of those, but really interesting titles. I have a feeling these 2 songs have a lot of focused energy. Maybe really loud vocals from chris, noting the exclamation marks at the titles? OR... Could they be thrash-metal songs that were written as examples in one of Prospekt's entries?

 

There are a few other songs in that tracklist that were 'cancelled' out. I'll try to make out a few over the next few days (You can see a few of the letters if you look hard enough)

 

Later, after the news of Chris's Uncle passing away, 2 songs were announced: 'Famous Old Painters' and 'Glass Of Water'

 

To be really honest, I don't have any idea on these but if you guys do, I really hope you share your views too! =D Perhaps the songs may be about antiques or the lives of famous people? Glass of Water seems to make me think of 'Low'..

 

--Rumours--

 

Okay, so recently there was a release of a few song titles on Wikipedia:

-Double Sunset

-Sleeping on the minefield

-Snow Covered Window

-The Let Out Cry

-Forwards In Time

 

I don't really think that these song titles are genuine because they haven't been confirmed by Prospekt on the Coldplay website yet. However..

 

I have to admit that I may be wrong but I have this feeling that these songs may actually be demos that did not make the cut for the 4th album? OR. Possible candidates for the 2 songs that would be released independently?

 

That's about it for my analysis. Haha. WHOO. Long post. Hope you found it compelling? If you do have your own analysis, I really hope you'll share it with us too. It'd be great =)

 

Now we'll just have to wait for more updates and the new album to arrive =D

 

Cheers.

Nice post dude, just in relation to one thing. I think someone on here edited the picture with the list of songs that had the 2 songs "cancelled" out. It looks as though Famous Old Painters and Glass Of Water fit perfectly into the list.

WOW!

that was a long post dude..

i didn't read it at all

just a few parts..

but i think

i don't think that the album would call "VIVA LA VIDA"

it just a very "incomplete" tittle..

i don't like "Prospekt" either.. and i think the numbers had been used by other artists

WOW!

that was a long post dude..

i didn't read it at all

 

 

i looked at it and decided it was too long, can you give me a summary?

Wow. That saw loooooong!! But I did read it all. Interesting projections.

 

Just to clear up what I seen in the threads about 'Poppy Fields', I think the overall consensus on this forum is that it's probably a war song, not a drug song (Unless you ask Spike,lol).

 

And what ever happened to the theory from this time last year that Railways might be a potential title?

 

THanks for posting and I hope the cramps from all that typing get better soon!:lol:

i looked at it and decided it was too long, can you give me a summary?

I summarize that you are lazy :P

 

 

 

The album will be named after one of the songs, they always use one of the song titles.

 

I never believe any thing Chris says in interviews/live at concerts about this stuff because he's usually bullshitting.

 

Speaking of Railroads.....are we going to get a Christmas message/prezzie this year? A nice family picture of them with all their babies would be most adorable, not gonna happen though.

^while id take a nice picture of them with their babies, im holding out for the christmas gift being some concrete information. namely the date.

 

wow, reading all that makes me want to freaking EXPLODE with anticipation and excitement. but im getting more and more ready to absolutely blow my top each day. this is getting ridiculous.

Long? you guys haven't been on more than one board.. Very nice detailed post.

Haha, speaking of Babies, Awhisper, I get the feeling The Nappies may be returning once again (If the rumour about Jonny having a baby girl is true) Maybe.. Just maybe. =)

 

Hmm, one thing though, I thought that Glass of water and Famous Old Painters were written only after that tracklist was posted?

 

There's one word (sort-of) that I can make out from the last blanked out title, 'far'.. or something like that.

 

Haha, Traciemorgan, I think so too. =)

 

Oh yes, has anyone heard of any pieces of work that Marcus Dravs has worked on before?

 

Thanks =D

A nice family picture of them with all their babies would be most adorable, not gonna happen though.

 

I would frame that... Im getting all hyped up just thinking about it! Jonny gazing lovingly at his daughter, Chris with Apple on his shoulders...

^that would be the best thing ever!!!

but also the most UNLIKELY coldplay prezzie ever. theyre so protective...

 

my ideal christmas gift would be a crazyadorable coldplay song and dance in which the lyrics to the song explain the album title and when the damn thing is going to be released. i think that would make my christmas.

 

anyone remember when the dance video was put up last year? if i remmeber correctly it was at least a week before christmas...does that mean we should have our eyes out SOON?? :D

Long? you guys haven't been on more than one board.. Very nice detailed post.

 

lol. It was long for this forum...but still well worth the read.:) (I think most of us must have short attention spans, myself included!:lol:)

Hey Guys do you think that now that Jonny has had his baby girl (:baby:) maybe the album will take a little bit more to be relased?

Don't say that too loud.A few people on here will go out of their mind if they think there will be any more delays!:lol:

Awright... thorough response time...

 

-If I'm not wrong, Chris mentioned there will be less piano in this album? But later in one of the news articles, it's said that Chris had let someone hear some of the upcoming songs and there was one with just Chris and his piano…

-If I remember correctly, there was an article saying that it was hinted that Coldplay's 4th album would sound 'electronic'?

I think it's possible that Chris couldn't make his mind up as to what style he wanted to pursue and tried one after the other. From the looks of the journal entries, the band has settled for multiple styles instead a blatant choice of genre, which is good in my book.

-Hispanic feel! Background vocals recorded in churches! =) We do know that there are 'No maracas or castanets, but a vibracy and colourfulness that owes much to the atmospheres of Buenos Aires and Barcelona. The effect is subtle but important. ' (Taken from Prospekt Entry, 24th July 2007). It may also mean we may hear all of the band members singing together (along with Brian Eno! =D) a la 'Fix You' live.

I still think that some people are reading into the "Hispanic influence" too much (not to say that you are). I think that they simply drew from the vibrancy of the region as a sort of spiritual fuel.

Will has manipulated, mashed and spliced beats and time signature to produce rhythms that lead rather than follow the song.

This has me very excited. If they throw in some interesting time signatures, I will be a very happy dude. Hopefully the pursuit of this end will not make the songs seem stilted or off-kilter to average listeners.

If you haven't listened to 'Bucket for a crown', do check it out.

I was not aware that there was a recording available. Where can I locate this nugget?

I'll start of with these first. Despite some people feeling that these titles are rather cheesy/ seemingly pointing that Chris is on drugs (I don't really think so), I have to say that these titles are rather catchy and unique. It gives me the feel that Coldplay is venturing out to new territory.

I also am fine with the seemingly weird song titles. God knows that Spoon has made some weird ones, (Try "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" or "My Little Japanese Cigarette Case") but I love them for it. Song titles always make more sense once you actually listen to the song, anyway.

Alright. 'Poppy Fields'. Haha. I laughed quite a bit when I heard this title. It's interesting though, from what I've read from several posts on this forum 'Poppy' refers to 'drugs'?

The title might be intentionally silly in an attempt to be misleading. I can easily imagine "Poppy Fields" being a very dark song with the title adding a dash of irony to the brew.

'Lost!' and 'Yes!'. Don't really know what to make of those, but really interesting titles. I have a feeling these 2 songs have a lot of focused energy. Maybe really loud vocals from chris, noting the exclamation marks at the titles? OR... Could they be thrash-metal songs that were written as examples in one of Prospekt's entries?

These may be the songs with "less piano" or the songs that sound "electronic". There could also be a thematic relation between them; "Yes!" could be a declaration of happiness or excitement from a particular development while "Lost!" may examine the negative side of the same coin.

Just my two cents. Thanks for a very thorough collection of all the information available.

Hey Guys do you think that now that Jonny has had his baby girl (:baby:) maybe the album will take a little bit more to be relased?

 

but arent they supposed to be wrapping up the recording, etc? i know nothing about this sort of thing, but i figure thats the most labor-intensive part and would think that jonny's little girl wouldnt have much to do with the work left to be done because its mostly mixing and technical stuff. besides, they knew months ago that jonny's baby would be born around this time; i figure they made allowances for it. there are three other dads in the band that know what its like to have a kid!!

 

oh, i could be completely wrong. basically im coming up with excuses so that i dont have a breakdown over the possibility of the album being delayed.

Don't say that too loud.A few people on here will go out of their mind if they think there will be any more delays!:lol:

 

Lol. You were one of the people I was thinking of when I made this post, Awhisper21.:lol:

 

But you're right. Mixing is the most labour-intensive part of it, imo. I find it much easier to record an album than to mix it. But difficult as a new baby is in a parent's life, it shouldn't have much impact...I mean you lose a lot of sleep mixing and engineering an album, and you lose a lot of sleep with a new baby, so Jonny would have been awake all night anyway, either way!:laugh3:

For Gabriel,

The link for 'Bucket for a crown' :

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zruYu7Zmvg

 

I have to say that I, too, agree with some points you made =) Pretty exciting! haha

 

Does any one know where to find 'Mining on the moon'? Would be great =)

Thanks for that Cephaus. To be honest, I haven't heard that until then. Prosy was right about a darker sound.

Lol. You were one of the people I was thinking of when I made this post, Awhisper21.:lol:

 

But you're right. Mixing is the most labour-intensive part of it, imo. I find it much easier to record an album than to mix it. But difficult as a new baby is in a parent's life, it shouldn't have much impact...I mean you lose a lot of sleep mixing and engineering an album, and you lose a lot of sleep with a new baby, so Jonny would have been awake all night anyway, either way!:laugh3:

 

haha, i think i may be the most outspokenly impatient person on the board :D

well, its true. and i promise to shut up (or post very minimally) once we've got a date!! :rolleyes:

As reported on the other thread about Coldplay's website, there's now a new star at the 2007 section!

 

It gives us a brief description of things to expect from 'Famous Old Painters'! =D I wonder how the brass band ties into all this, but it certainly sounds like something very unique that Coldplay has done before. Maybe a very classy feel to the song?

 

There's even a bit about the drumming for 'Lost!' and a mention of a new song- 'Prospekt's March'?

 

I may be wrong but perhaps.. this could be one of the 2 separate songs that would be released after the 4th Album?

 

Plus the mention of Chris writing a load of new songs for them to explore is getting me rather excited =D

are the singles supposed to come out after the album? i was kind of really hoping they would before...but im kind of confused on that whole matter. does that mean there wont be any singles off the album at all? thatll make me a bit sad, because i do love b-sides.

 

i think now, after reading today's entry, that this is going to take longer than we expected. :bigcry:

 

oh, and...1000TH POST!!! :dance: :dance:

YAY 1,000!

 

I wouldn't worry about Chris's writing delaying the release. Chris is always writing. He's compulsive that way. And I can't remember if it was on this or the other thread that someone was afraid Coldplay might scrap everything like they did with X&Y, but I wouldn't worry about that either. They scrapped what they recorded last time because they changed producers, and I doubt that's going to happen this time.

I think the words 'Prospekts March'/'Prospekts Mark' ( Personally I believe it to be the first one) may either refer to it being the title of the album, or a song.. I don't really think 'March' is referring to the release date as March.

 

Awhisper, hmm.. I had the impression they were going to release 2 totally new songs that were not on the 4th album independently becasue they didn't fit with the album?

 

It's getting me all excited! Brass Bands, Backup vocal singing in churches, Vibrancy and feels Latin America, it feels like a really really dense and exciting record that may just work =D

 

Edit: Seemingly, after re-reading the entry with the tracklisting, you may be right, Awhisper. Let's hope 2 songs do come out before the Album =D haha.

Okay, so Wikipedia seems to have a few updates (Take all with a pinch of salt!)

 

From wikipedia:

 

"Rainy Day" (featuring Timbaland)

"Prospekt's March"

"Everything Will Be Down" (Duets With Nicole Scherzinger) (Produced by Stargate)

"Lost! (The Neptunes Remix)" (featuring Jay-Z) (Produced by The Neptunes)

 

This.. seems a bit made up to me.. What do you guys think?