Don't ask me where I heard or got these songs, but I did. Here are my first impressions of the following songs from the new album, VIVA LA VIDA, OR DEATH AND ALL HIS FRIENDS.

 

'Life in Technicolor'

The opening track on the album, it is a 2-minute plus instrumental. Bearing the influence of it's co-producer Brian Eno with it's spacey ambience, it quickly develops into a jangly, percussion-driven jam that recalls the opening of U2's 'Where the Streets Have No Name'. It's a statement of intent, and promises an adventurous but upbeat collection of songs. The final song on the album, 'Death and All His Friends' is the same instrumental but extended and with lyrics and will bring unity to what promises to be a diverse set.

 

'Viva la Vida'

Alongside the final song in the set ('Death and All His Friends'), this represents the title track. With a sampled string section, Eno synth swells and a resolutely sweet, upbeat tempo, the structure is not what you expect. It's catchy and melodic. but the chorus doesn't soar like Coldplay of old. Which isn't a bad thing...it makes one listen more closely. The lyrics have an inspiring, simple idea...fortune can change on a dime, so enjoy your life for the moment. A sort of companion piece to U2's 'Beautiful Day' then?

 

'Lost! (Acoustic)' (Japan only bonus track)

This is an acoustic piano performance from Chris Martin, an alternate version of the third track on the album. As well as being the bonus track on the Japanese album, it will appear on European singles of 'Violet Hill'. It's a lovely performance, as with all the new songs I have heard, it is not as tuneful as one might have expected. But that does focus more attention on the lyrics, which have definitely improved on this album. That said, Coldplay like to express simple sentiments in a simple way, which does not require Dylanesque poetry. I have to admit that this track is the most underwhelming for me, but I suspect the album version will be the definitive version. And the whole of 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' and 'X & Y' was underwhelming initially for me - now I count them both amongst my most favourite albums, and the initially underwhelming tracks (Daylight, Politik, Swallowed in the Sea, Speed of Sound) shine brightly.

 

'A Spell a Rebel Yell' (B-side to 'Violet Hill' NME 7")

'Violet Hill', the first single from the album, first went on sale in the UK on the A-side of a 7'' single given away with music weekly 'New Musical Express' (NME). This track was on the B-ide and is unlikely to be released anywhere else. It's the most purely experimental thing Coldplay have ever put out. I hear peak-era Stone Roses in Chris's vocals, and the Eno/ U2 link is most definitely there. It's my fave kind of B-side...it shows a different side of a band and the sessions that produced it, and one doesn't have to bemoan it's exclusion from the final tracklisting. It's too weird for that. And that is it's charm. It may be one-note, but it's thrilling.

 

It's worth mentioning the new tracks (including 'Violet Hill') have a lot of religious imagery in the lyrics.

 

My fave? 'Viva la Vida' and 'Life in Technicolor' grabbed me instantly. But 'Violet Hill' has grown on me immensely. The new LP sounds very promising.

Is this a joke? Thanks for taking the effort, but where the hell have you been!

My friend, you are way way late.. yep! We already talked about these songs :p

oooooooh don't worry newbie.. we won't ask you how you found those songs that have been floating on torrents and p2p for the past 2-3 weeks

 

u betta recognize

ahh come on! They were probably excited! But on the other hand, it kinda sucks that they won't share it with us (even though we already have them). I didn't think twice about sharing Harmless...

is harmless an actual song?

yes it is. a pretty song.

 

but i loled when i read the first post here.

someone send it to me! my harmless is obviously fake.. never tried to investigate it

There's a 60 second version and there's a full length version of it. You can check MM. It probably already expired but I'll check in a bit :wink:

 

PS: Can't believe you haven't heard it

i have harmless i just don't know how to put it

i have harmless i just don't know how to put it

 

Don't worry about it, thanks for offering though :wink: :D

the reviewer is one funny guy! he must have thought nobody else would know the songs haha!

most of the can be found on youtube!!

I'm laughing my ass of. well, but I don't thin Lost? and Speed Of Sound were underwhelming. I loved them from the very first listen.

but still, he's a drama queen ("don"t ask where I found them") lol :laugh3::D:lol:

Don't ask me where I heard or got these songs, but I did...

 

Maybe here? :)

:lol:

Liquidsky kindly shared the full version of Harmless with us all :) I'll never forget that, sweety!! :kiss:

reading this thread took me back to ends of April / beggining of May!!!

 

you're late my friend, but thanks anyways!

Dude we've had these songs for over a month now:rolleyes: We appreciate your effort at trying to enlighten us with something you feel we have not heard yet but we've had these songs the moment they were released.:laugh3:

My copy of harmless is 2:46 long and starts off with an interview..and ends with one...is there a more complete version out there?

 

Would someone mind pming me a link to it? =0) Thanks in advance!!!

My copy of harmless is 2:46 long and starts off with an interview..and ends with one...is there a more complete version out there?

 

Would someone mind pming me a link to it? =0) Thanks in advance!!!

 

 

Nevermind found a copy on MM..downloading right now =0) Thanks Liquid for posting the link