Why do I dislike AHFOD so much?

[Nikola]

http://coldplaying.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-positive-etiaw-thread.76999/page-15#post-5392956 hehe

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

http://coldplaying.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-positive-etiaw-thread.76999/page-15#post-5392956 hehe

 

What's your point? Do you not get the difference between good pop and bad pop? Do I need to show you picture cards maybe?? One with Abba on it and the other with your fav Bieber on the other one...(and no - Abba aren't the bad pop example before you say!)When Coldplay did decent pop on Mylo Xyloto, and that's a brilliant synth pop tune. Viva La Vida for instance - best pop song of the last 10 years. OMG - Coldplay have done pop before and in a quality fashion? Would you believe it??!

 

Made no hiding of my love for ETIAW. Not a great album overall but at least that album had plenty of it's moments. Nothing as bad as X Marks The Spot or HFTW on that. Even Princess of China sounds like a lyrical masterpiece compared to a lot of the rubbish on AHFOD.

 

That comment from three years ago proves that here was a band worth arguing for once upon a time and just how far they've fallen. Hell even a few weeks ago I would have fought their corner for them but after listening to that album and seen some cringe inducing stuff from the band ie Chris in the promo for it I cannot be bothered.

 

It's really low grade stuff now and indefensible. There are three songs worth listening to on their new album but the rest is absolutely dreadful and in one particular song it's just hateful.

 

What comes after for the band is simple for me. Either take a long hiatus and come back in 5-10 years time or split up. I'd hate for this band to descend to Nickelback levels of hatred. The real annoyance doesn't come from a belief that they have turned shit. They haven't - they've chosen to be shit. Take Ghost Stories for instance. Always In My Head, Magic, Midnight, Oceans and Fly On are the makings of a fantastic album. Swap A Sky Full Of Stars and Ink or Another's Arms for he brilliant Ghost Story and the beautiful All Your Friends and we would have had an 8/10 album on our hands at least. But they cocked up with A Sky Full Of Stars and a couple of other tracks in there just to cater for a pretty remedial pop sound bringing an album with potential down to average levels. On AHFOD I can't bear to think of the songs that were set aside for the likes of X Marks The Spot, HFTW or Army Of One.

[Nikola]

What's your point? Do you not get the difference between good pop and bad pop? Do I need to show you picture cards maybe?? One with Abba on it and the other with your fav Bieber on the other one...(and no - Abba aren't the bad pop example before you say!)When Coldplay did decent pop on Mylo Xyloto, and that's a brilliant synth pop tune. Viva La Vida for instance - best pop song of the last 10 years. OMG - Coldplay have done pop before and in a quality fashion? Would you believe it??!

 

Made no hiding of my love for ETIAW. Not a great album overall but at least that album had plenty of it's moments. Nothing as bad as X Marks The Spot or HFTW on that. Even Princess of China sounds like a lyrical masterpiece compared to a lot of the rubbish on AHFOD.

 

That comment from three years ago proves that here was a band worth arguing for once upon a time and just how far they've fallen. Hell even a few weeks ago I would have fought their corner for them but after listening to that album and seen some cringe inducing stuff from the band ie Chris in the promo for it I cannot be bothered.

 

It's really low grade stuff now and indefensible. There are three songs worth listening to on their new album but the rest is absolutely dreadful and in one particular song it's just hateful.

 

What comes after for the band is simple for me. Either take a long hiatus and come back in 5-10 years time or split up. I'd hate for this band to descend to Nickelback levels of hatred. The real annoyance doesn't come from a belief that they have turned shit. They haven't - they've chosen to be shit. Take Ghost Stories for instance. Always In My Head, Magic, Midnight, Oceans and Fly On are the makings of a fantastic album. Swap A Sky Full Of Stars and Ink or Another's Arms for he brilliant Ghost Story and the beautiful All Your Friends and we would have had an 8/10 album on our hands at least. But they cocked up with A Sky Full Of Stars and a couple of other tracks in there just to cater for a pretty remedial pop sound bringing an album with potential down to average levels. On AHFOD I can't bear to think of the songs that were set aside for the likes of X Marks The Spot, HFTW or Army Of One.

 

This is you

 

[getithom]

Commercially they aren't....artistically they are.

 

lmfao. You guys are funny.

 

Honestly, why are you so okay with being such a dick to absolute everyone who disagrees with you? You have an attitude problem and no one that's past the age of 15 thinks it's funny or respectable. We've all read your comments and at this point it's just obnoxious. Instead of telling others to grow up, how about you grow up yourself?

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

lmfao. You guys are funny.

 

Honestly, why are you so okay with being such a dick to absolute everyone who disagrees with you? You have an attitude problem and no one that's past the age of 15 thinks it's funny or respectable. We've all read your comments and at this point it's just obnoxious. Instead of telling others to grow up, how about you grow up yourself?

 

Engage with the debate. You're grown up enough not to be butt hurt when someone doesn't like something you do. This is a forum...not a fan club for toddlers. I mean what is this? A musical Mumsnet? I'm not going to go with the flow and put on a fake smile and pretend everything they do is just wonderful because clearly, some people don't think it is.

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

This is you

 

 

Blimey!

[Coldplayfan1294]

I think the OP has a fundamental misunderstanding of the album. I don't really think it is Chris flaunting his lifestyle in his fans' faces. Is he not allowed to experience happiness? To me it sounds like you are not currently happy with the direction your life is trending towards, and for that reason perhaps you're not able to relate to this album like you have other albums in the past. Believe me when I say I am not trying to label you or attempt to say that I think I know who you are and what you are struggling with, but I am trying to put myself in your shoes with what I have been given in your post. Depending on your state of mind, I can see how this album is revolting, but I don't believe that's a reflection on Chris and his lifestyle or how he is feeling currently. So what if Chris lives in Malibu or takes private surf lessons (let's be honest, surf lessons aren't exclusive to stars, I'm pretty sure anybody who lives near a beach can partake in these). I think more than anything Chris deserves his lifestyle and should be rewarded handsomely for the amazing music he has brought to me and countless others.

 

I don't really think this album is "look at me and my lifestyle, and this is why I am happy." I strongly, strongly believe money and materialism do not make people happy. Why can't Chris be genuinely happy with where he is in life, without pulling stardom and all that other bullshit into it? Is he not capable of just being happy because he finds himself in a better place than he was years ago? I think that's the point of this album, and good for him, everybody should have the joy of being at peace with themselves and their situations -- and I hope you find joy and peace in your life as well. I hope I find joy and peace in mine.

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

I think the OP has a fundamental misunderstanding of the album. I don't really think it is Chris flaunting his lifestyle in his fans' faces. Is he not allowed to experience happiness? To me it sounds like you are not currently happy with the direction your life is trending towards, and for that reason perhaps you're not able to relate to this album like you have other albums in the past. Believe me when I say I am not trying to label you or attempt to say that I think I know who you are and what you are struggling with, but I am trying to put myself in your shoes with what I have been given in your post. Depending on your state of mind, I can see how this album is revolting, but I don't believe that's a reflection on Chris and his lifestyle or how he is feeling currently. So what if Chris lives in Malibu or takes private surf lessons (let's be honest, surf lessons aren't exclusive to stars, I'm pretty sure anybody who lives near a beach can partake in these). I think more than anything Chris deserves his lifestyle and should be rewarded handsomely for the amazing music he has brought to me and countless others.

 

I don't really think this album is "look at me and my lifestyle, and this is why I am happy." I strongly, strongly believe money and materialism do not make people happy. Why can't Chris be genuinely happy with where he is in life, without pulling stardom and all that other bullshit into it? Is he not capable of just being happy because he finds himself in a better place than he was years ago? I think that's the point of this album, and good for him, everybody should have the joy of being at peace with themselves and their situations -- and I hope you find joy and peace in your life as well. I hope I find joy and peace in mine.

 

It's nice to see a well thought comment even if I do disagree with it.

 

There is always music out there that will make unhappy people happy. Coldplay did it on Viva with songs like Strawberry Swing l, Reign of Love and Lovers In Japan. They showed flashes on MX with Charlie Brown and ETIAW. No matter how dissatisfied or unhappy I or everyone else has been, those songs show that light can be spread to even the hardest to get places. But the reason why those songs make me and so many others happy is that they are genuinely great, heartfelt songs where the optimism is genuine and life affirming. They liberate even the most restricted souls.

 

On AHFOD however the 'happiness' is exclusive to a certain type. 'Feeling drunk and high' isn't about happiness, it sounds like shoddy, rank hedonistic indulgence. It's a truly awful lyric in more ways than one. And that's what I perceive this album to be - an album of indulgence. Not happiness. The lack of effort put into the lyrics (Amazing Day, Amazing Day, Amazing Day, Amazing Day' or the endless woo hoos) is the sort of feckless, careless attitude that is indicative of the worst excesses of indulgence.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again - AHFOD is the sound of a band having more fun making the album than the public did in listening to it. There's a fine line between the two concepts of happiness and indulgence but the distinction between the two is clear and it's the latter that AHFOD falls into I believe.

[Christa42]

Let's chillax please

[getithom]

Engage with the debate. You're grown up enough not to be butt hurt when someone doesn't like something you do. This is a forum...not a fan club for toddlers. I mean what is this? A musical Mumsnet? I'm not going to go with the flow and put on a fake smile and pretend everything they do is just wonderful because clearly, some people don't think it is.

 

That's not the problem. There are plenty of the people who don't praise everything and yet still have respectful debates and discussions. All we've seen since you first listened to A Head Full of Dreams is how dumb anyone is to like it, how dumb the band is, how dumb everything is (unless it's 'Oldplay' of course!). You aren't adding anything to the topic. If you don't like the album, great, but don't go around calling people retards or trying to insult for no good reason.

 

EDIT: I'm having an awful day, so I'll stop arguing and let it be.

[Jedi Leo]

This is a forum...not a fan club for toddlers. I'm not going to go with the flow and put on a fake smile and pretend everything they do is just wonderful because clearly, some people don't think it is.

 

Hmm sure but its not a general music forum, its actually for Coldplay fans (probably the most ardent Coldplay fan base meets here I think! ), so its not unsurprising that you´ll find a lot of people liking Coldplay output and also recent of course. I mean if I did not like AHFOD, GS or MX, etc I would not bother much being here and I think this applies to a lot of people here I assume. I dont think criticism surprises anyone, its the very harsh tone used and the amount of vitriol which honestly I and probably others Im guessing find quite surprising and baffling.

[Jedi Leo]

EDIT: I'm having an awful day, so I'll stop arguing and let it be.

 

Haha I know how that feels! I just had one of those days recently and I ended up steering clear of any conversation irl or online *LOL* Hope your day gets better soon :)

[Jedi Leo]

There is always music out there that will make unhappy people happy. Coldplay did it on Viva ... But the reason why those songs make me and so many others happy is that they are genuinely great, heartfelt songs where the optimism is genuine and life affirming.

 

On AHFOD however the 'happiness' is exclusive to a certain type. 'Feeling drunk and high' isn't about happiness, it sounds like shoddy, rank hedonistic indulgence. It's a truly awful lyric in more ways than one. And that's what I perceive this album to be - an album of indulgence. Not happiness. The lack of effort put into the lyrics (Amazing Day, Amazing Day, Amazing Day, Amazing Day' or the endless woo hoos) is the sort of feckless, careless attitude that is indicative of the worst excesses of indulgence.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again - AHFOD is the sound of a band having more fun making the album than the public did in listening to it. There's a fine line between the two concepts of happiness and indulgence but the distinction between the two is clear and it's the latter that AHFOD falls into I believe.

 

What makes someone happy is of course subjective, music included. I can sort of get what you´re saying: you think AHFOD is just too exuberant perhaps (which can be perceived as hedonistic indulgence as you phrase it). To me though its where they naturally were progressing towards from MX on (actually from Viva probably). AHFOD is Coldplay fully unrestricted. I disagree with the carelessless: I think Up&UP and Birds, among others, are examples of Chris putting more effort in the lyrics. I think AHFOD lyrics are a blend of some more developed lyrics and metaphors and then some much simpler and straightforward expressions. (birds ending for example)

 

Whether the public will have as much fun listening as the band has had playing it, I guess time will tell :) I can say I am so far :)

[Jedi Leo]

There is always music out there that will make unhappy people happy.

 

You know I kinda thought about your comment here. And I can say I dont think AHFOD is an album that necessarily can make or makes unhappy people happy. So I agree with you in that the feeling and tone is different than even MX (which was joyous but in another way). I dont think AHFOD is less genuine though, but I do think its something that I play when I am already happy and want to full on celebrate, whereas MX or even Viva I could also play when Im feeling down and need a lift. Probable exception could be Up&Up but even that is quite exuberant.

[alisbe]

Why am I here? Because they were a band once capable of producing great music. AROBTTH and VLV are two of the very best albums of the 00s.

 

Also I should 'try and listen to what they have to say'.

 

Ohh I've heard what they have to say. 'My heart goes bo boom boom boom' and 'I'm feeling drunk and high, so high'...well it's hardly Shakespeare is it?

 

Coldplay aren't a football team. You don't support them 'through thick and thin'. You judge them on merit and many of us have judged that they are failures. As I said earlier, many on here merely 'like' their music because they 'like' the band. Kind of like One Direction or Justin Bieber fans.

In the same way some are saying there isn't comparison between Coldplay and U2 I'll say there isn't comparison between one direction fans and the way I look up at Coldplay. If I say I love this band is because of the way they see life. There are a lot of harmful things around us that I can't understand and if there are people saying there is something good among all those awful things I'll believe them because I believe that too. I feel blessed for what I have and I haven't had the perfect life and I'm sure nobody has it. But the way we see life we'll make a difference. I'll always respect Coldplay for sharing hope through their music. Because, behind those woo-hoos I can see the happiness and joy that can't be described with words (Chris has explained that in some interviews).

Ps. My favorite football team (soccer if you're in the USA) is a failure in resent tournaments and I'm not saying them what they should do. And even when they are playing so bad I'll respect its history and I won't support any other team because that would be disloyal.

[Rickulus]

What's an OP? Oldplayers?

[ihaveabono]

That's not the problem. There are plenty of the people who don't praise everything and yet still have respectful debates and discussions. All we've seen since you first listened to A Head Full of Dreams is how dumb anyone is to like it, how dumb the band is, how dumb everything is (unless it's 'Oldplay' of course!). You aren't adding anything to the topic. If you don't like the album, great, but don't go around calling people retards or trying to insult for no good reason.

 

EDIT: I'm having an awful day, so I'll stop arguing and let it be.

 

very well said.

[ihaveabono]

Someone compared U2's Pop to AHFOD?

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

omg! the Joker is here, give my regards to the riddler or even penguin ;)

[ihaveabono]

What's your point? Do you not get the difference between good pop and bad pop? Do I need to show you picture cards maybe?? One with Abba on it and the other with your fav Bieber on the other one...(and no - Abba aren't the bad pop example before you say!)When Coldplay did decent pop on Mylo Xyloto, and that's a brilliant synth pop tune. Viva La Vida for instance - best pop song of the last 10 years. OMG - Coldplay have done pop before and in a quality fashion? Would you believe it??!

 

Made no hiding of my love for ETIAW. Not a great album overall but at least that album had plenty of it's moments. Nothing as bad as X Marks The Spot or HFTW on that. Even Princess of China sounds like a lyrical masterpiece compared to a lot of the rubbish on AHFOD.

 

That comment from three years ago proves that here was a band worth arguing for once upon a time and just how far they've fallen. Hell even a few weeks ago I would have fought their corner for them but after listening to that album and seen some cringe inducing stuff from the band ie Chris in the promo for it I cannot be bothered.

 

It's really low grade stuff now and indefensible. There are three songs worth listening to on their new album but the rest is absolutely dreadful and in one particular song it's just hateful.

 

What comes after for the band is simple for me. Either take a long hiatus and come back in 5-10 years time or split up. I'd hate for this band to descend to Nickelback levels of hatred. The real annoyance doesn't come from a belief that they have turned shit. They haven't - they've chosen to be shit. Take Ghost Stories for instance. Always In My Head, Magic, Midnight, Oceans and Fly On are the makings of a fantastic album. Swap A Sky Full Of Stars and Ink or Another's Arms for he brilliant Ghost Story and the beautiful All Your Friends and we would have had an 8/10 album on our hands at least. But they cocked up with A Sky Full Of Stars and a couple of other tracks in there just to cater for a pretty remedial pop sound bringing an album with potential down to average levels. On AHFOD I can't bear to think of the songs that were set aside for the likes of X Marks The Spot, HFTW or Army Of One.

 

Oh enlighten us, Master Yoda with your musical expertise... teach us, those who do not know the difference between good and bad pop :D :D

 

Yes, show us picture cards, I'm a visual learner anyway.. the force is strong in you, use it to englighten us ;)

[Captain Crieff]

What's an OP? Oldplayers?

original poster

[Rickulus]

original poster

Thank you!:) I was really confused until now.

[gentleparachute]

Engage with the debate. You're grown up enough not to be butt hurt when someone doesn't like something you do. This is a forum...not a fan club for toddlers. I mean what is this? A musical Mumsnet? I'm not going to go with the flow and put on a fake smile and pretend everything they do is just wonderful because clearly, some people don't think it is.

 

1) It's not that people get hurt with not being liked, it's what is implied with those criticisms... Are you saying that when you say 'x song is shit', you don't mean that the band is shit for producing it? Or that other people aren't somehow lesser for disagreeing with that view?

2) It is a forum... For discussion and debate... How about we do so respectfully when putting our points across? And actually debate (i.e. to-and-fro of comments between parties) as opposed to imposing views unto others. There's no debate if the mind's already made up, it's just stating your own view with no engagement

3) No one wants a fake smile here, much less yours... But what's with the constant perpetual sulk? What did Coldplay and / or all the other users here do to you to get such scornful comments?

 

On AHFOD however the 'happiness' is exclusive to a certain type. 'Feeling drunk and high' isn't about happiness, it sounds like shoddy, rank hedonistic indulgence. It's a truly awful lyric in more ways than one. And that's what I perceive this album to be - an album of indulgence. Not happiness. The lack of effort put into the lyrics (Amazing Day, Amazing Day, Amazing Day, Amazing Day' or the endless woo hoos) is the sort of feckless, careless attitude that is indicative of the worst excesses of indulgence.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again - AHFOD is the sound of a band having more fun making the album than the public did in listening to it. There's a fine line between the two concepts of happiness and indulgence but the distinction between the two is clear and it's the latter that AHFOD falls into I believe.

 

So what if it is indulgence? Don't eat the cake if it gives you a stomachache / diarrhoea / vomits... Believe it or not, some of the fans here enjoy a bit of their indulgence... I'm one! I don't want it for all their future albums (if they do continue putting new albums out), but I feel it is a rare special thing that they can indulge in and celebrate their happiness (including CM's corny version), and invite listeners / fans along for the ride... How many bands get to the stage where they can do that, and then invite fans along for the ride? Sit this one out if you like / if it disgusts you / is not worth your time, but imho their 'indulgence' is much deserved... They've worked hard without an extended break (and had to organize their personal lives around this as well) for over 15 years - give them a break, and time to look back and celebrate this achievement with their loved ones...

 

As a fan, I feel it is a nice ending to join them in this celebration after going with them all this way through the years. The reality is of course we all have had to go on the journey by ourselves, but I've always felt this band have been right there with me, and made my journey all the more meaningful by their presence... Yep, we're no longer talking purely about music anymore, but hey, to me they are so much more than just music to listen to, and rate, and compare to whatever arbitrary music standards out there... They are my first long-term dependable, emotional constant - 15 years of striving, earnestness, shared fears / quiet secrets, love, hope - all expressed through music! I'm sure I'm not the only one with such sentiments when it comes to this band... So dammit if I'm going to let something like inoffensive lyrics get in the way of me enjoying this album!

[mayrn43]

omg! the Joker is here, give my regards to the riddler or even penguin ;)

Whoa! Someone knows their Batman supervillans. I admire that.

And omg, you have a bono? Please tell him I say hello. I would love to know when Songs of Experience comes out :D

[gai]

people, this has been mentioned before. play nice!

[EasySuperstition99]

The bottom line:

If you want to have respectful and intelligible discussions about Coldplay's recent output, post away. I don't like every single thing Coldplay has made in the past couple years, but at least I can share my opinion without being disrespectful. Being disrespectul reveals your excessive self-pride (as well as your lack of self control), which should be nonexistent since you probably don't have the talent that Coldplay expresses. So if you're just gonna hate, why bother posting?

You're just corrupting this forum.