Last week, BBC America launched their own music section, Tunes From the Thames, and they've included several top 10 lists featuring the best of British pop music.
First thing they go and do? Launch a scathing attack on BBC's fellow coutrymen, Coldplay, whilst boringly comparing them with UK compatriots Radiohead. Never been done before, we're sure. Anyway, below is the article that will infuriate many Coldplay fans. Way to go, BBC America! You can discuss this at the Coldplay forum now.
The most potentially controversial list is the Top 10 Current British Artists in the U.S. After much hand-wringing, Coldplay and Radiohead were selected as our top two biggest UK artists. In that order. But that begs the question: should the imitator (Coldplay) really triumph over the originator (Radiohead)?
An argument could be made for Radiohead as No. 1: their longevity, their continued critical success, their hugely popular U.S. tours, and their innovation both musically and economically. Who else could launch an album as a name-your-own-price download online - and still hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 200 for their full-price, in-stores release?
Coldplay, on the other hand, has built a career re-writing Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees" and "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" as sappy indie ballads. Creatively, Coldplay completely fails to measure up to Radiohead. However, commercially, Chris Martin and the boys could be the most successful UK rock group since Duran Duran.
What do you think of this article and the constant Coldplay/Radiohead comparisons? All opinions welcome at the Coldplay forum here onwards...
Photos of Coldplay at Wembley stadium, London, UK (19th September 2009):
Pictures by busybeeburns
Recommended Comments