More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)
December 13, 2010 - submitted by Chris, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle, I was listening to the interview that Chris and Jonny gave on XFM. Chris was being very mysterious about the new album, BUT I do remember him joking about February 9th as a release date for Christmas Lights. I'm just wondering if this is a secret coded release of information for us very intrigued fans?? I hope so! :) Thanks, Chris
The Oracle replies:
A couple of people have written in asking why Chris mentioned a February release date in radio interviews on the night Christmas Lights was released. Just to clear this up he was referring to the fact that Christmas Lights isn't a song that you can release at any other time of year, such as February. A few fans got excited thinking he was talking about the album; he wasn't. I guess this would be a good time to answer another question I was asked: "Is Christmas Lights inherently a love song with Christmas context or a Christmas song with love context?" I'd say it's the former and as it wasn't written for the next album it made sense to release it at the start of the festive season - although some shops seem to think that is in October...
December 13, 2010 - submitted by Christina, Cyprus
Q. Dear Oracle, Could you please tell me where I can find the the TOTP gig? Thanx a lot..
The Oracle replies:
It hasn't been aired yet and I gave the first transmission date the other day - Christmas Day - so as you're in Cyprus if you can't access BBC1 or BBC iPlayer I am sure it will be fairly easy to find online after that date.
December 9, 2010 - submitted by Jacob, United States of America
Q. When was Harmless written? The consensus is that it was written in the X & Y era, but then again I've heard that it was written for Parachutes (which seems more likely). Nonetheless it's a fabulous song and I can only wonder why the boys didn't put it on an album! Jacob
The Oracle replies:
Actually neither are right; I recall Harmless first being written during the A Rush of Blood to the Head recording sessions. It was certainly post-Parachutes and pre-X&Y.
December 9, 2010 - submitted by Clarence, Malaysia
Q. Dear Oh Mighty Oracle, Are you annoyed by "Team Oracle"?
The Oracle replies:
It was my idea so not at all. I thought it would be an interesting direction to take and so far I am loving the audience participation. Check back tomorrow for this week's submission...
December 9, 2010 - submitted by Javier M E, Spain
Q. My cousin watched your Christmas Lights video and asked what Elvis had to do with Christmas. Of course I know Elvis Presley sung lots of Christmas songs, but I answered him that it might have been a mistake in the transcription or reading of the video script: Maybe the script writer intended to show THREE ELVES (like Santa's helpers) and someone read THREE ELVIS??
The Oracle replies:
Hahahahaha! That's funny! If you listen to the lyrics of the song - or you can read them here - you will hear (or see) there is actually an Elvis reference in the song so it's no mistake.
December 9, 2010 - submitted by Eman, Lebanon
Q. Dear Oracle, I see in a previous question you clarified that the building in the Final scene in the video of Christmas Lights was St. Paul's Cathedral not a mosque, but what about at 1:14 in the video isn't that a mosque?? Also I'm guessing that Mat Whitecross directed the video of Christmas Light, did I guess right? Thank you, Eman = Faith
The Oracle replies:
The cardboard scenery you mean? Well, I had just thought it was maybe an Arabian skyline with no particular religious leanings at all. The song has no undertones alluding to it.
December 8, 2010 - submitted by Emily, United States of America
Q. Oracle! Who did the art work on the Christmas Lights cover?
The Oracle replies:
It was Yu Matsuoka Pol.
December 8, 2010 - submitted by Kathryn, United States of America
Q. Where was the music video for Christmas Lights filmed? Many thanks! :)
The Oracle replies:
It was filmed at Southbank in London on the River Thames. This also answers other questions asked: The building in the final scene is not a mosque nor is it The White House it is in fact St. Paul's Cathedral.
December 8, 2010 - submitted by Pranav, India
Q. Has the Christmas Lights video been shot in one shot? :)
The Oracle replies:
A few people have asked this and apparently the word on the street is that it was a single shot video. There might have only been one camera (to be confirmed) but I can assure you that the video was not filmed in just one take. They didn't 'wrap' until around 3 in the morning. FYI: For those who wish to know, 'wrap' is the term used when the final filming has taken place. My favourite example of the word being used is at 3 minutes 55 seconds in
December 8, 2010 - submitted by Peter, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle! Why is Ian McCulloch not credited as a producer of A Rush of Blood To The Head?
The Oracle replies:
Erm, not sure why you would think he should be. Ian was present at some sessions at Parr Street Studios during the recording of the album but he didn't produce or co-produce it.
December 7, 2010 - submitted by Steven, United Kingdom
Q. Hey Oracle, I was lucky enough to win tickets for TOTP on Wednesday. Slightly concerned as there is no definite chance of actually getting in to see the show and I am travelling from quite far away. So I wondered how many are actually allowed in the audience? Would be a nightmare if I didn't get in as I'm a massive Coldplay fan! Thanks a lot.
The Oracle replies:
Congratulations. Yes this does seem to be a concern for many fans. It is usual for TV shows to oversubscribe as they like to make sure they have enough audience members; their approach is better to have too many and turn some away than not enough. I am pretty sure that was mentioned at the time of registering for tickets. To be perfectly honest even if you know how many people will be allowed in, it won't help as you don't know what time any other fans are planning on arriving... It is indeed a risky venture but if anyone is planning on getting there very early, please make sure you wrap up as it's bitterly cold.
December 7, 2010 - submitted by Colin, United States of America
Q. Dear Oracle, How and when can we watch Coldplay on TV when they perform at the BBC? Colin
The Oracle replies:
I'm sure Anchorman will announce the times and dates as we get that information. But the first transmission will be at 2pm on Christmas Day BBC1. Last year they actually had two shows over the festive period and repeats so there'll be other chances to catch it.
December 6, 2010 - submitted by Mark, United Kingdom
Q. Hi Oracle, I have tickets for the Coldplay Top of the Pops, I have to travel quite far to get to the BBC. Will the band only be playing Christmas Lights? And is there going to be other acts there? Thanks, Mark
The Oracle replies:
This is the Top of the Pops Christmas special and will feature acts who have had singles out this year. Coldplay obviously weren't releasing this year due to their recording sessions but with the arrival of Christmas Lights came the invitation to perform on the show. So... that's a yes they will only be performing Christmas Lights and yes there will be other acts there.
December 6, 2010 - submitted by Laurene, France
Q. Dear Oracle, I'm going to Top of the Pops with a friend of mine, next Wednesday. I'd like to know if there's a possibility to meet the boys after the show to get dedicates or to take pictures? Thanks a lot :-) Laurene
The Oracle replies:
I'm afraid not Laurene as this is a television show's taping; there will be a lot of activity on the day. It's quite an involved process with hectic goings on co-ordinating all the acts who will be performing. I'm sure you understand that this is a great opportunity to see the boys up close but there will be direction given from the television crew.
December 6, 2010 - submitted by Joseph, United Kingdom
Q. Hey Oracle, Managed to get tickets to the TOTP Coldplay performance of Christmas Lights and was wondering; where can I leave my stuff (mobile, camera etc) before I go in. The BBC website says they can be left "outside" but doesn't seem to indicate what that actually is. Is it a desk to hand them in or something or will I end up leaving on the floor outside the studio door? I'm coming from Devon so I will need to bring certain items with me such as ID and cash. P.s: Did you get tickets? Thanks
The Oracle replies:
Lots of TOTP questions coming in... Whether from Devon or within London I expect everyone will be in the same situation so don't worry about that. I would also guess as with the majority of tv shows there will be a cloakroom system where you can check your belongings. I can assure you that you won't be expected to leave anything randomly lying around. I didn't attempt to get tickets but hey, I'm pretty sure I could go if I tried really hard ;)
December 2, 2010 - submitted by Marie, Czech Republic
Q. Dear Oracle. What does it mean the sign above the curtain in the video Christmas Lights? Thank you.
The Oracle replies:
Ha ha, a few people have been asking this. In the Christmas Lights video the words above the stage curtain say CREDO ELVEM ETIAM VIVERE. This means "I believe Elvis lives" in Latin.
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