Ask the Oracle on Coldplay.com (Now in session!)

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> needs you! Fer feels like a loser. Can we help him? Send your answers by midnight 23 Jan, via: <a href="http://t.co/byk0DE5502">http://t.co/byk0DE5502</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/425359700818157568">January 20, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

January 21, 2014 - submitted by Eelco , Netherlands

 

Q. Hi,

 

Today you said that January 16th isn't Coldplay's birthday, but an anniversary of their first gig. What do you guys consider as Coldplay's birthday??

 

Greets,

Eelco

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

We don't have an official (or unofficial) birthday hence the 16th January being adopted by fans as a date to celebrate / commemorate.

I have my own date that means something significant to me. Maybe there's a personal special date for every fan?

[Tash]

January 21, 2014 - submitted by Samuel, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I am planning to ask my family for the Saftey EP for my 16th birthday. Do you know of anyone selling a 100% real copy of the Safety EP? I was looking on a few websites including this. I didn't know if they were real or not and I didn't want to take my chances.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There is no real way of guaranteeing the two copies on that site for sale are genuine but I expect them to be - as of course one would.

The images for both copies are clearly of the authentic original but not photos of the items for sale.

I would ask the seller(s) for some background history of the CDs. How did they come by them? etc.

I would also suggest for a transaction of this size, to ask for a Skype chat where you could inspect the CD remotely.

If you want Safety to complete a collection, I understand. If you want it as an investment, I understand. If you want it to listen to, I don't understand.

As I have said before, all the tracks feature on other releases in their original recording form.

£1000 (the going rate) is lot of money so I'd certainly advise anyone to consider carefully before making this purchase.

[Tash]

January 21, 2014 - submitted by Ross, United Kingdom

 

Q. Is there perhaps a Greatest Hits album coming soon? I've noticed that several older songs have been posted recently (Talk on Twitter, Shiver on Facebook and Don't Panic has been the video on the homepage of the website for a few weeks now).

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Absolutely not. I can see why you have put 2 and 2 together and come up with 5 but I assure you there is no correlation between the videos and a Greatest Hits album.

It's more a random selection of older songs while there's nothing much else going on but no other reason.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Can u help Fer feel less like a loser? Send your answers by midnight 23 Jan, via: <a href="http://t.co/byk0DE5502">http://t.co/byk0DE5502</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/425652799410831360">January 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Eelco asked when the band's birthday (not anniversary) is: <a href="http://t.co/nRx7uPlEip">http://t.co/nRx7uPlEip</a> Send yours in via twitter or website.</p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/425679983336386560">January 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Samuel asked about Safety EP authenticity here: <a href="http://t.co/ZECW8N9zZT">http://t.co/ZECW8N9zZT</a> Send yours in via twitter or website.</p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/425680423440502784">January 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Ross (wrongly) speculated about a Greatest Hits album here: <a href="http://t.co/1iUmtj6JDy">http://t.co/1iUmtj6JDy</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/425681449178509312">January 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Thanks for Team Oracle question retweets but they are time specific so please check you're tweeting current the one: <a href="http://t.co/JjolepLJ9w">http://t.co/JjolepLJ9w</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/425708360042704896">January 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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January 22, 2014 - submitted by SaakshiPuri , United Kingdom

 

Q. Via @SaakshiPuri on twitter:

 

What according to you is a day well spent?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Productivity! If I get to the end of a day and feel it was wasted, I get a wee bit cross. I like to think that something has been accomplished - whether that is a work or personal project.

There are weekend days or days off that I really want to do nothing more than lounge around and watch a film. Life is for living so as long as I get something out of my day, I'm happy.

If I spend it doing something, that makes me feel a sense of achievement.

I'm sure some would say a day well spent is one doing fun things with people you love. There's room for that too - that still leaves me satisfied.

That's my key to a day well spent.

[Tash]

January 22, 2014 - submitted by Mollie, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle.

Does Coldplay actually play in their music videos or are they lip singing?

THANKS!

Mollie U.S.A

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The band are miming playing their instruments when they perform in a video. They're using guide tracks. Miming or lip syncing - not singing - is common practice. That's why you sometimes see a delay.

Live videos are matched up with the recorded music. Ooh this isn't the case for live DVDs of course - those performances are 100% live.

[Tash]

January 22, 2014 - submitted by Bri, United States of America

 

Q. Which Coldplay music video required the "most" work to shoot?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There are so many elements to some music videos that the work behind the scenes in terms of preparation, filming and editing is longer than you may think.

For example(s), The Hardest Part involved splicing past and present footage, Paradise involved different locations, LiTii required the making of puppets, ETIAW featured graffiti that once created had to be removed and so on.

I'd say that Strawberry Swing required the "most" work to shoot due to its elaborate chalk drawings. Some assume them to be effects but they were real.

When Shynola was asked how long it took, he replied, "far too long"

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> is open to all. Fer needs our help. Send your answer to this week's question by midnight 23 Jan, via: <a href="http://t.co/byk0DE5502">http://t.co/byk0DE5502</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/426025353594040320">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? <a href="https://twitter.com/SaakshiPuri">@SaakshiPuri</a> asked what is a day well spent. Find out what I think here: <a href="http://t.co/78IcuxM90d">http://t.co/78IcuxM90d</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/426084815801044992">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Bri & Mollie both asked about videos. Bri's Q here: <a href="http://t.co/DifsAWU2L7">http://t.co/DifsAWU2L7</a>

& Mollie's here: <a href="http://t.co/p8zcXMsX9W">http://t.co/p8zcXMsX9W</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/426085335961833472">January 22, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

January 23, 2014 - submitted by Laura, Germany

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

You answered to another question that there isn't a greatest hits album yet, but on Amazon I found one. So my question is if this is an official CD by Coldplay or just songs by Coldplay thrown on a CD?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The latter. I'm sorry but it matters not what you found or where - if it isn't in this official site's Recordings section it's not a legitimate release.

There is no bona fide Coldplay Greatest Hits album.

[Tash]

January 23, 2014 - submitted by Chloe C, United States of America

 

Q. My school has a talent show every year (as most do) and I have a terrible predicament on the topic. I don't know whether I should cover or write a song. The main reason I would want to write a song would be to try to let my crush know how I feel in a really sweet and cute way, where covering a song wouldn't draw out the same emotion. However, covering a song would probably be easier and slightly more impressive as I would play it on the piano and sing instead of just strumming chords on a guitar and singing. What should I do?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

If you want to make it easier - because of nerves, time or whatever - try finding a song that says what you would say to the person you like. Love is a universal feeling so there very well could be the perfect song already out there.

If you are talented enough to write songs then I would say that is far more impressive than covering a song. Write it!

[Tash]

January 23, 2014 - submitted by Chris, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle! What happened in the ending of

? Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Many musicians use click tracks to help keep time and synchronize - especially at live shows. Much like a metronome they click - hence the name - and give precise indications. In the video, Chris has come in too early so he & Will discuss how many clicks it is before his cue to sing/play.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Chloe asked about her talent show performance choices here: <a href="http://t.co/UkMeYfodxn">http://t.co/UkMeYfodxn</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/426436672780132352">January 23, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Chris asked what was going on at the end of a Christmas Lights sound check video, here: <a href="http://t.co/5XcXJznSBv">http://t.co/5XcXJznSBv</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/426436917459025920">January 23, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

January 24, 2014 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

 

As you may know, we have a weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday we open questions of a personal nature to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

 

ANYONE can join in so, if you'd like to, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 250 words, to [email protected] before midnight Thursday 30th January.

 

I feel completely lost. My friends all like each other better than they like me. I used to be the glue, holding everyone together. Organising meet ups, a shoulder to cry on and sorting out disagreements. Now, they seek each other, looking for comfort, advice or a laugh amongst themselves. I haven't been cut out, but they simply do not care about me as much. How do you cope with a realisation like that? What changed? Confused and disappointed, Mindy, Australia.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

 

The Oracle.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

Including your twitter address may result in a follow back.

[Tash]

January 24, 2014 - submitted by Fer, Spain

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #153

I have been feeling like a... loser, that's the word, lately. The reason? I'm 19 and I've never kissed a girl or gone on a date with any, no question there's never been anything further than that either.

I am really self confident, and I do think I'm really good looking but there's something that stops me when it comes to girls, I don't know why.

Also, I don't know if maybe I'm waiting for a Hollywood movie kind of love/girl but those don't really exist.

What can you say about the situation in general? Any advice?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I can understand there's a lot of pressure to have done certain things by a certain age but as it's not a competition you can't possibly be a loser ;-)

Forget what others are doing - or saying they're doing - and spend less time worrying. Worry never helps a situation. Approach this as a marathon rather than a sprint.

Youngsters are all too keen to give their love away and reach certain goals by a certain age but you've plenty of time to make sure it's the right time with the right person. Better to wait and get that right than rush into anything.

 

It's funny isn't it because making friends and subsequent plans with said friends doesn't seem quite so daunting yet throw in the opposite sex and attraction and fear can set in. Fear of rejection.

If there are girls you like, spend time with them and get to know them but try not to think about taking things further. Slow and steady wins the race - remember The Tortoise and the Hare? 19 may seem really late but it's not, not for you.

I knew someone who also at 19 was self-assured, good looking, popular and had many friends who were girls but hadn't had a girl friend. It was all down to a different kind of confidence. To me it seems that the confidence in every day life is separate to the one required for talking to girls. Nerves can play a part in preventing things going further.

Indeed love isn't always like a Hollywood film but when you find the right girl and the right time it may feel like one! I'm sure it will feel quite natural and just happen.

Dating is hard enough without you putting pressure on yourself. There are no rules or deadlines so don't impose any upon yourself.

Valentine's day is coming up, maybe you could ask someone out on a date and take it from there.

Over to you.

 

If you really want someone to share your life with, you should go to clubs or something from your hobbies. If you like reading, for example, spent some time in the library. Maybe you meet someone there. Talk with girls who appeal to you. About the book they read, or what they're searching for, something like that.

If you are nervous when you want to ask someone for a date, that's a good sign. If you just ask her for a date, I don't think she'll like that.

I'm afraid that's all the advice I, and most of the others, can give you. You can't just search love. It's chemical, it just happens.

Goodluck. Isabelle.

 

You're not alone in this. I felt the exact same thing as you when I turned 18 last summer and asked myself if there was something wrong with me. Because boys never took any contact with me, I had never had a boyfriend. But suddenly a few weeks later I was kissing a boy on a party and at the end of the summer, after a couple times out on nightclubs I got total confidence that it was nothing wrong with me, I had just met the wrong guys before.

Also, I think maybe you and me are alike in that matter that we wait for the other one to make the first move? If I'm right I don’t know how to change that. The fear of getting turned down is the main issue.

I’ll give you one advice, and promise to be better at it myself; take contact with girls, start talking to them, say that they look nice and if they don’t respond, well then they're not good enough for you! Mainly, there will by no doubt be other people around you who has never kissed anyone just like you, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. You'll kiss someone before you know it, and with that special someone it might be a movie-like kiss?

Hanna, Sweden

 

It is really no wonder you feel as you do, we live in a world saturated by sex and love and the need to have a perfect type of love. You are probably quite shy, so you need to go at your own pace with this whole thing. You are not alone, many people are 'late bloomers' and only find love later in life. You need to figure out what is stopping you when it comes to girls. Whatever the issue is, you need to be honest with yourself. Love comes in many forms, so don't be afraid if you feel something that scares you initially. I wish you success on your journey to love and self discovery, Laurie.

 

Nobody's perfect. Everyone has their flaws and even the Hollywood movie girls you mentioned aren't perfect. I don't think you are a loser at all. Some people have their first kiss when they're 13, others when they're 30, so don't worry about it. You're only 19, you've still got plenty of time to go out on dates and stuff, don't rush anything. Being self confident is good, but to someone who doesn't know you it may come across like you're being selfish and egotistical. So when first approaching a girl, try to tone it down a little. Stop looking for a perfect girl who doesn't exist. You have flaws, the girl you'll fall in love with has flaws, but when you truly love each other, you'll be a perfectly happy couple. Amanda.

 

There is no need to feel like a loser. Maybe you are a little shy? A lot of girls don’t like to approach guys and wait for them do make the move. Sometimes, you have to wait for the right person, there is going to be one girl who grabs your attention like no other and you are going to be able to go up to her and say hello. On the plus side, it is good you are self confident which is hard to find in most people. Every one wants to have that Hollywood type of partner from the movies but I think the reason why they make the movies is because no one really gets it and basically a dream come true if it does. Movies are made to make you feel like it can be reality because some writers can even make you feel like you are in the book. One day you will find someone right for you, and they will feel like a Hollywood girl just for you. My advice to you is to never give up, there is someone for you and that someone will make you the happiest man alive. If you are shy, most girls will find it cute and attractive, just tell them before hand. If you do see a girl in the street and you think they are beautiful, give them a smile and be confident with the smile. You never know, she might smile back.

Angeline, United States Of America

 

Well, first of all the situation is f****d (sorry my words are too honest for any kind of websites), because I lived a life, abiding logic. Is there such thing a perfect mate for you? If there is, the world would be against it as logic suggests. I'm in love with the most perfect man for me as I suggest it myself, but hell, I am just a girl. An ordinary one I might add. Hope is a good word. Hope is a word that is misjudged most of the time. But, I do believe in hope. In general everyone has to have hope in life. Love. hope to love and being love.

Sofia A.

 

I think everybody deserves his own Hollywood kind of love and hopefully will find it, in a sense of true love that makes both feel happy. Sure, if you have a list in your head of your perfect girl, what she has to look like, what her interests should be, if there’s too much prepared in your imagination, then for someone who really wanted to get to know you - it might be difficult for her to get a chance at all. So even if there is love at first sight sometimes it is not wrong to look twice. But then again don’t expect too much from any first dates, let both sides explore each other and find out successively if there can be more.

Don’t worry about your age, those who made their first experiences earlier were not always ending up as winners. Some of your friends might brag with being advanced in this issue, but usually that means they had more errors or break ups, they don’t need to be proud for that. There is no reason for you for feeling like a looser, if your heart is not ready for love, then wait. The one who is meant to be yours will love you for what you are and not for what you could be. Good luck! L.Q.

 

Thanks to all those who replied to this week’s question. Remember, Team Oracle is open to anyone so if you fancy replying, click to read this week's, and send us your answer.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Mindy is feeling outcast by her friends. Send your replies by midnight 30 Jan, via: <a href="http://t.co/ltPH6daTxv">http://t.co/ltPH6daTxv</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/426696396134051840">January 24, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Thanks for helping Fer to overcome his "loser" feelings. This week's <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> replies are here : <a href="http://t.co/MjbSjsFdwt">http://t.co/MjbSjsFdwt</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/426696847378235393">January 24, 2014</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

January 27, 2014 - submitted by Varsha , India

 

Q. For the past two years I've had a crush on a guy, who (if I consider his personality would be the last person I'd prefer ending up with). I just can't get him over my head nor think of anyone else. He's the first crush I've ever had.

I keep on daydreaming that one day he'll ask me out for a date and things like that. Am I really stupid? Please advise.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Attraction is a funny thing. They do say opposites attract. We can find ourselves drawn to someone who annoys us or as you say is everything you'd prefer not to have in a partner. Who can say for sure what it is about someone. It may be chemical (pheromones), physical (appearance) or spiritual (auras) not to mention good old astrological signs. Whatever it is, ask yourself what would you say if he did ask you out? Would you say "yes"? If so, ask him out!

You could be missing out on finding out why you have a crush - he may not be what he seems so perhaps don't judge him. Get to know him better and you may see a different side to him.