12 Coldplay Months of 2011: October Review (Coldplay in Paradise and the release of MX)

[Fairycat101]

October saw Coldplay visit new countries, ride unicycles, and of course release their highly anticipated fifth album: Mylo Xyloto.

 

 

October 1: Rock in Rio festival

 

Coldplay kicked-off October with a bang, as one of the headlining acts at Brazil’s Rock in Rio Festival. The band played a mix of new and old songs, against a background of the bright colours which are now characteristic of the Mylo Xyloto era. A highlight for many people in the crowd, was Chris spray-painting the word ‘RIO’ on the backdrop, during the show. During a pre-show meet and greet, fans presented the band with Brazillian flags and Mylo Xyloto-inspired artwork. This crowd also became the first to sing along to new song, Paradise.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8SrKTpQApQ]Rio fans (Roadie #42, Blog #148) - YouTube[/ame]

watch Brazillian fans sing Paradise outside the venue.

 

 

October 5-7: Cape Town Show and Paradise video shoot

The excitement for Coldplay’s first South African tour had been building since May, and the 47 000 Capetonians who witnessed the show were not disappointed- nor were the band. After wondering whether anyone in the audience would even be “into it”, the band seemed delighted to hear the entire crowd sing along to the likes of The Scientist. After witnessing the beauty of Cape Town, the band ordered director Mat Whitecross – along with a unicycle and four elephant costumes- onto the next plane to Cape Town, so that they could begin filming the video for Paradise.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hoIGM_ECxg]The Scientist - Cape Town 2011 - YouTube[/ame]

The 47000-strong Cape Town crowd sings The Scientist.

 

October 8: Johannesburg burg Show and Paradise video shoot

Coldplay’s short South African tour concluded in Johannesburg, in an explosion of beach balls, giant balloons, fireworks and MX-shaped confetti. Fans lost count of the number of reviewers who called Coldplay’s show better than U2’s show at the same venue earlier in the year. 62 000 South Africans are now lucky enough to be able to say “I was in the Paradise video”, after the band decided to film the last minute or so of the video at the Joburg concert.

 

 

 

October 17: Mylo Xyloto leaked online!

 

I know some people wanted it to leak, but I really hoped that it wouldn’t! Only a week away from being the second album to not have leaked on the internet (the first being Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch The Throne), this leak started when an unknown internet source leaked Princess of China. It was then followed by the leak of the entire album by someone who called him/herself ‘BriBerY’.

The first-hand reviews of the album were actually generally good, around 700 out of 900 people gave the album 7-10.

 

Some Coldplayer reviews of the album follow:

 

After one complete listen the tracks which stood out for me were 'Charlie Brown', 'Princess of China', 'Up in Flames' and 'Don't let it break your heart'. I've (obviously) heard 'Us against the world' and 'Major Minus' before, but in the context of the album they seem different somehow, and I think they'll grow on me. The only track (of the "proper" ones anyway) that i'm slightly indifferent to at the moment is "U.F.O", but it may improve with repeat listens. The only disappointment for me is "Hurts like Heaven". The vocals at the start are wimpy and "thin" sounding, yes, it does build up slightly, but it lacks the immediate "punch" the live version seems to have. But apart from that, I think it's a pretty brilliant album. - Xyloto

 

But I have to say, I find MX to be really disappointing on my first two listens. I just don't like the pacing of the songs (the random acoustic tracks that don't really add to the album, and clash with the overall musical style). The production is overdone and compressed. And well, I just don't find most of the songs to be all that impressive from a writing point of view. I really hate being negative. I'm one of those people that loved Viva La Vida, and have praised the band for continuing to grow and evolve. But this feels like a misstep. Then again, I need to listen more. So that's why I'm holding off on scoring. -Letterbomb

 

So, now I listened also. And all I have to say: MIND-BLOWING! I would't have any problem to say that it is a shit album but I can clearly say that this is a masterpiece. Its up there with Viva and AROBTTH maybe also a bit better but its too soon to consider it. Mastepiece! I love it! Thanks Coldplay, thanks Brian Eno (for the lovely vocal effects which are always in the right order and fitting the topic well). - Major_Love

 

Love it!!! full review to come - but man - it really is an amazing album, they truly are a blessing and a gift from nature/god/etc. - viva la Coldplay! Love MX/HLH (like it live though more than studio at present, mix off for some reason), Paradise, CB (wow!!), UATW (so glorious/grand), MMIX into ETIAW (what beauty), MM, UFO (parachutes homage), POC (amazing!), UIF (one of my new favorites, didn't like initially), AHT (beautiful interlude), i'll be honest DLIBY hasn't caught me fully yet (feel like it's x&y esque and trying to be a bit like the 2nd half of Death and all his friends for some reason), UATB (interesting, still digesting it, but like it). But overall - amazing album, love the evolution of coldplay. -bdevil89

 

Charlie Brown <3 DLIBYH <3 Had the album on repeat for the past few hours and I have to say I like it a lot! Am agreeing about PoC, Rihanna has too much lines in it. If the 'couldve been a princess' would be sung by Chris it would be a lot better I think. A Hopeful Transmission mesmerizes me for some reason and it fits perfectly with DLIBYH. HLH is slightly disappointing, thanks to the production. This album is in my opinion a better cohesive album then VLV, although I loved that album as well. For now I ain't able to say that I don't like any of the songs. It scores a 9/10 to me =) -LoversInJapan

 

There are pros and cons for me. This is a solid album with some truly beautiful songs but too much electronic going on, we dont hear Chris's voice enough.. They should have sticked to an acoustic album, not over produced songs.. And last but not least: Moving To Mars SHOULD HAVE been on that album. Period. -vitaamine

 

October 19: Paradise video release

 

On the 19th of October, Coldplay fans were treated to the very unique sight of the four band members prancing around both South Africa and London dressed as elephants. Whilst this may not have worked for some bands, the video for Paradise was an instant hit, racking up in excess of 37 million views on Youtube since its release. The video follows an elephant (Chris) as it escapes from a London zoo, hops on a plane to Cape Town, heads off into the desert on a unicycle, and meets up with its elephant friends (Jonny, Guy and Will) before the four of them realize their dream of playing to a packed stadium. Coldplay fans called the video ‘Elephantastic’, and media reviews were also favourable, calling the video everything from ‘profound’ to ‘eccentric’.

 

 

October 24: Mylo Xyloto release

 

After an internet leak on the 17th, Coldplay’s fifth, and highly anticipated album, Mylo Xyloto, was released on the 19th of October in Japan, and on the 24th of October worldwide. The album was produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green, Rik Simpson and Brian Eno, and consists of 14 tracks. Mylo Xyloto, although in some ways very different to Coldplay’s previous albums, produced sales which were through the roof, being declared the fast-selling digital album ever by the UK Official Charts Company. The album sold 83 000 digital copies in its first week, and was soon the top-selling album in all 35 iTunes stores all over the world. Mylo Xyloto also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in the USA, with sales of 447 000 in its first week.

 

 

October 26: AMEX Unstaged, Live @ Plaza de Tores de las Ventas

 

Hurts Like Heaven (Madrid dressing room)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1g6lnuUFNA]Hurts Like Heaven (Madrid dressing room) - Coldplay - YouTube[/ame]

 

The first concert after the release of their long- awaited album, was held in Madrid. Directed by photographer and film-maker, Anton Corbjin, the Unstaged concert was streamed in selected countries.

Setlist (confirmed):

 

Mylo Xyloto

Hurts Like Heaven

Yellow

In My Place

Major Minus

Lost!

The Scientist

Violet Hill

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Paradise

Up In Flames

'Til Kingdom Come

Politik

Viva La Vida

Charlie Brown

Life Is For Living

---------

Clocks

Fix You (Amy Winehouse - Rehab cover intro)

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

 

Coldplayer opinions of this concert follow:

This was really great, awesome. The crowd, some improvisations from Jonny, little mistakes (I like them), the weather, Up In Flames, Till Kingdome Come the way they played it in the Twisted Logic tour, the X-stage (dont know how to call it) and the fireworks who didnt look to go well haha. And the Ole-part from Chris was great! For a moment I was expecting Don Quixote! I think it was a great show and I can't wait to see them here in Holland! -sjors93

I think it's normal they didn't play a lot of MX songs. Most people have only been listening to it since Monday/Tuesday in Spain so the crowd didn't know the new songs yet. And since it was broadcasted worldwide, and probably recorded for a DVD or something, I guess they didn't want to risk it too much. I would like to hear new songs at Norwich, though. -isrlns

 

I was a bit disappointed actually. I really thought they would add more new songs. They even skipped UATW! I really love Til Kingdom Come, but why play an oldie like that when you have a new record with a track like UATW? I still think the setlist is too short for a proper concert. How long did they play? 75 minutes, 80 minutes max? Thats way too short for a band like Coldplay. During the festival gigs it's explainable, but not for a real concert for the real fans. And I think I've seen too many shows this year so far because there aren't really any surprises left for me during the gig. I know when Chris finishes Politik he's gonna play a Viva intro on the piano and when the crowd recognizes is as VLV the song starts. I know when In My Place is finished Chris is going to talk to the crowd in their language and excusing himself 'because his [put in language of the country] is fucking terrible'. And why still play the Amy tribute? And so on. I was really happy with the atmosphere though. The venue looked amazing and Anton Corbijn did an excellent job. Some shots (especially aerial shots) were amazing. I also laughed when Chris smashed down his guitar after GPASUYF.

Conclusion: an average Coldplay concert, with a bit more mistakes than we're used to actually. I'm really hoping for a new setlist for the coming European tour, because there is just no surprise left for me. And it has to be longer, come on guys, you're not playing festival gigs anymore! -R23

 

 

 

 

 

October 27: Radio 1 Student Tour, Live @ UAE, Norwich

To start the day off, Coldplay performed a 3-song set at the BBC Live Lounge. They played Hurts Like Heaven, Rihanna’s We Found Love and Paradise.

 

In case you haven’t seen it, here is Coldplay’s cover of Rihanna’s We Found Love: (watch it! I absolutely love this cover!)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igMoAFDj2-Q]Coldplay Rihanna We Found Love Radio 1 Live Lounge Student Tour 2011 - YouTube[/ame]

 

After Chris had an interview with some college students, Coldplay held a concert at the University of east Anglea and was streamed on Radio 1 worldwide. This is the first time back in UAE since 2000.

 

Setlist (confirmed):

 

Mylo Xyloto

Hurts Like Heaven

Yellow

In My Place

Major Minus

The Scientist

Violet Hill

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

Paradise

Up In Flames

Viva La Vida

Charlie Brown

Clocks

Fix You (Amy Winehouse - Rehab cover intro)

Every Teardrop is A Waterfall

 

Parachutes (beginning of and was not aired on R1)

Shiver (not aired on R1)

Us Against The World (not aired on R1)

 

From this concert, we get the famous line about Shiver: “This is a very special song. We wrote this in Jonny’s bedroom” (hahahah!)

 

Even if it wasn’t aired on R1, being Coldplayers, you get these:

 

Coldplay- Green Eyes

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is7Z_HCERYo]Coldplay: Green Eyes / UEA Norwich / 27.10.2011 - YouTube[/ame]

 

Coldplay: Shiver

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POPXhPLCMcE]Coldplay - Shiver Live - UEA Norwich BBC Radio 1 Student Tour - YouTube[/ame]

 

Coldplay: Us Against The World

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UlAWnhgLa8&feature=related]Coldplay - Us Against The World Live - UEA Norwich BBC Radio 1 Student Tour - YouTube[/ame]

 

Here are some pictures from the live blog:

 

 

 

 

 

October 30: MX GOES STRAIGHT TO NUMBER 1!

Our wonderful boys went straight to number 1 in the UK with 208,000 copies in the first week! The number of albums MX sold within its first week was actually more than the rest of the Top 5 put together. This put them right behind Lady Gaga for the highest number of first week sales.

 

 

(review by ColdplayFanatic16 and Fairycat101)

[nancyk58]

Thanks for an elephantastic review. :thumbsup: :elephant:

[filiprasmusson]

great, thanks!

[LFDianne]

Nice review, but you forgot a few important performances.

 

On October 17, Coldplay appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show for the first time in Los Angeles. Here is an excerpt of the interview as well as their two televised performances and a rehearsal video of ETIAW.

 

[ame=

]

[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htKAYiMG-RM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htKAYiMG-RM[/ame]

 

Chris and Jonny were interviewed by Ellen.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKELIx9LETQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKELIx9LETQ[/ame]

 

They performed five songs, and those videos are available on youtube.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPdjGuG1Fp0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPdjGuG1Fp0[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhDEB0F-EAo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhDEB0F-EAo[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO2Dv0TpLew]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO2Dv0TpLew[/ame]

 

The following day, October 18, Coldplay made an appearance at the Red Bull Sound Stage for Breakfast with Coldplay on the Kevin and Bean show. There were only 75 people in the audience, which was webcast on the Los Angeles radio station, KROQ.

 

Roadie #42 was there. http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=825&page=60

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-fkWAnftBw&list=PL6C781E0F2ADF820D&index=2&feature=plpp_video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-fkWAnftBw&list=PL6C781E0F2ADF820D&index=2&feature=plpp_video[/ame]

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EhidkpoR-w&list=PL6C781E0F2ADF820D&index=4&feature=plpp_video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EhidkpoR-w&list=PL6C781E0F2ADF820D&index=4&feature=plpp_video[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwmvA-YVj4&list=PL6C781E0F2ADF820D&index=3&feature=plpp_video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwmvA-YVj4&list=PL6C781E0F2ADF820D&index=3&feature=plpp_video[/ame]

 

The entire show is also a podcast at the Kevin and Bean channel on iTunes.

 

http://kroq.radio.com/2011/10/18/coldplay-is-not-too-yellow-to-answer-kevin-beans-questions-give-amazing-performance-at-the-redbull-sound-space/

 

The following day, October 19, Coldplay performed at Steve Jobs memorial service at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, CA. They played Yellow, Viva la Vida and Fix You.

 

And finally, on October 21, Coldplay performed for The Today Show in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. The videos were shared on coldplay.com. http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=829&page=60

 

Roadie #42 summed up their insanely busy week quite nicely.

http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=836&page=0

[busybeeburns]

thanks all for the reviews! :D

(This was one of the busiest months! :sweatdrop: : ))

[Raphaele]

thanks

[zabardas]

nice review

[anasimp00]

Thanks for uploading the videos. Coldplay ROCKXXX