Miles Leonard [pictured], the president of Parlophone (EMI) and A&R for Coldplay amongst other artists, has been talking to Hit Quarters website about the latest news on some of the label's artists. The low key article (so low key that it has been available for a week before we found it) talks about Coldplay's fifth album release - more specifically when we can expect it and how the global campaign for promoting LP5 is shaping up. The relevant excerpts are below... [comments/discussion]

Who have you been in the studio with recently?

Tinie [Tempah]. I’ve spent time in the studio with Gorillaz, Kylie [Minogue] on her album, Eliza [Doolittle], and at the moment we also have Coldplay working hard in the studio on their next record.

Are you involved in the creation of Coldplay’s upcoming album?

The band create the album, not the A&R man.

What is your involvement with the band [Coldplay] at this point?

At this time it’s really working closely with the management to make sure we start setting up the global campaign for this album. The band are at a stage now where they don’t need real hands on A&R. The skill of any A&R man is really knowing when to be in the studio and when not. Right now they’re in their recording stage and know what record they want to make and are very busy in the studio making that. Down the line, once we start forming the album or looking at mixes and finalising the record, that’s when the A&R attention to detail is really necessary.

When can we expect it?

Towards the autumn of this year.

You’re well known for guiding Coldplay to success not only in the UK but internationally. What was key to breaking them globally?

We all ask, ‘What is that bit of magic that sets you apart from just being a great UK or European rock act to a global one?’ Those things are sometimes very hard to define. They have a sound and lyrics that touch people and they also worked very, very hard to go out and support their music in America. But if you haven’t got the music that eventually connects with that audience it doesn’t matter how many times you tour America. So, the two are very important but the music always has to come first. Chris [Martin] is also a very charismatic and engaging front man, and they never felt like a parochial UK artist; some bands are very proud to be British, but sometimes come across as being very ‘British’. Coldplay never aspire to that; on one hand they sound British but on the other they sound like a huge global artist. What was the magic of U2 that made people connect with them?

New pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Beehive (31st January - 3rd February 2011): [thanks to bRITAnka & fauo_1995]

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 17, 2011 - submitted by Asger, Denmark

Q. Dear Oracle, How could Jonny possibly sell his cap?! His cap! :O Thank you for your time.

The Oracle replies:

One of his caps, ONE of his caps! Thank you for yours...

February 16, 2011 - submitted by Arthur, Paraguay

Q. I want to paint my guitar like Chris's Gibson blues king spare one, is that painted over the guitar or painted over something and then stuck to the guitar? And what kind of paint did Vicki Taylor used? And one last thing, can I have a nice and clear picture of the guitar so I can paint mine? Thanks a lot mate.

The Oracle replies:

Vicki used acrylics which were painted straight onto the instruments. For close-up photos of the guitar in question, see page 40 of the End of Decade Clearout Sale Kids Company Auction catalogue.

February 16, 2011 - submitted by Christine, Mexico

Q. If I broke up with him, he will say my darkest secret to my best friend... But, if I don't... I will be so unhappy... I don't love him any more!

The Oracle replies:

Christine, leave him! Don't stay with someone because they are blackmailing you. You can either tell your friend yourself or wait and see what your soon to be ex-boyfriend does; he may be calling your bluff and might not tell her anything. If your friend really is a true friend she will understand and support you whatever your dark secret is.

February 16, 2011 - submitted by Priscilla, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, A few months ago I told this guy I have I crush on that he was cute (I may have flatteringly compared him to Guy). He knew about Coldplay but the conversation didn't go further. It was random on my part and awkward on both our parts. I see him every day. How do I get over my humiliation? Wait. WILL I get over my humiliation? Sincerely, Priscilla

The Oracle replies:

Well firstly try to stop seeing it as humiliation but rather a kind gesture of offering someone a compliment. Imagine that someone had come up to you and said they think you're cute, I suspect you'd see that as a positive thing. Even if it was awkward I'm sure you wouldn't want that person to feel humiliated months later. Just as I am sure the guy you flattered does not want that for you either so put it down to experience and forget about it.

February 15, 2011 - submitted by Billy, United States of America

Q. Did Phil Harvey, the fifth member of Coldplay, post this picture in the exhibition room?

The Oracle replies:

A few people have asked if was our Phil and yes he did indeed take and submit that photograph. Just to give you a little more information... On Saturday Phil posted the picture on Twitter with the caption "where me and Chris went climbing today". The more eagle-eyed of you may have worked out from it they were in fact at Worthy Farm, the site of Glastonbury music festival; hence the name of the photo being Fields of Avalon.

February 15, 2011 - submitted by Frisby, United States of America

Q. All I've got to say is

The Oracle replies:

All I've got to say is what on earth does lolwut mean? Actually, don't answer that I really do not wish to know... Anyway, what's there to explain? You must have missed this alternative video when the single was released. Two were made and this one was directed by Mat Whitecross - long time friend and collaborator.

February 14, 2011 - submitted by Alejandra, Peru

Q. Dear Oracle: I know that in the Timeline in the year 2007 where Guy wrote something about Buenos Aires there is a video. In that version of 'Til Kingdom Come I can swear it's Guy singing, is he singing or Chris?

The Oracle replies:

Chris does sound a little different in the verses - a little deeper perhaps - but it is Chris with Will doing backing vocals. Guy is on harmonica as was usual during this song.

February 14, 2011 - submitted by Tepu, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, How do you and the band feel about Arcade Fire's big win at the Grammys? Thank you Oracle!!!

The Oracle replies:

It's great news!

February 14, 2011 - submitted by A girl from London, United Kingdom

Q. Q.Dear Oracle, Valentines Day is nearly here. What I want to ask is do you have a valentine this year? And if you like someone, and that person likes you does it mean that you have to date? I hope you enjoy the day! Bye!

The Oracle replies:

Bah humbug and all that. It's here and as far as I care the sooner it is over the better. I do not have a valentine this year and that has saved me a fortune so I can't complain. I got a rather nice message that made me smile and I reciprocated but there will be no dating there so I guess that answers your second question - you don't necessarily have to date someone even with mutual feelings; doesn't always mean it's a relationship in the making. I hate to be negative but sometimes the person you like who likes you may be with someone else so it's not always advisable or possible to date them. Happy Valentine's Day to all lovers and singletons the world over. I love you all...

February 10, 2011 - submitted by Ollie, United Kingdom

Q. After the question about the alternative version of Talk, I began to wonder whether practically all the songs have different sets of lyrics that were not used for the released version, or if it's only a few. Also, how do unreleased songs/versions get into people's hands in the first place? Thank you :)

The Oracle replies:

It's not really a quantifiable answer. It really is just a simple matter of a song evolving during the writing/recording or performing stages. For instance some tracks don't actually have any lyrics so Chris may make some up on the spot when doing a demo of it; some of those lyrics may then stick. Other times a song can appear as if by divine intervention and present itself practically complete. It's not a set in stone process and so there are varying degrees of an odd word change to entire verses and choruses being re-written - as with How You See the World no. 2. I don't want to accuse anyone but how songs are leaked depends very much on the quality of recording we're talking about so without pointing the finger (they know who they are...) it can be a somewhat inside job, misplaced carelessness or live bootlegging. If there's one copy of an unreleased track that can soon multiply and with the Internet it's pretty viral.

Coldplaying TV is now live!

Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis has been talking to the official Glastonbury Festival website about the recent headliner announcements including Coldplay today and how preparations for this year's Festival are coming along. You can read the full interview at the website; below are the Coldplay exerpts...

Then, of course, you confirmed Coldplay as Saturday's headliners today.

Yes, we were really lucky to get them. It's been a while since they came and played here, so I think this will be a big one. They're one of the great Glastonbury bands, that really get what we're about and that have supported us through some tricky times...

As your dad said, they really have grown up with the Festival.

Yeah, they started on the John Peel tent in 1999, then moved to the Other Stage in 2000 [pic, left], before making a huge jump to Pyramid headliners 2002. There aren't many bands that rise that fast. They are loved here, and deliver such powerful live shows - it will be awesome.

And we gather from Coldplay's Twitter page that Chris Martin was down at the farm at the weekend?

Yes, they came to look at the farm and the field to start planning their show.

Michael and Emily Eavis with Chris Martin and Will Champion back in 2000

As we expected over the past couple of weeks, Coldplay have today announced yet another festival headline slot of 2011 with the news that they will headline this year's Glastonbury Festival on Saturday June 25th. Catch all the latest discussion and previews to this new festival date at the Coldplay Live forum now. [thanks AnnaElisabeth]

It was announced earlier today via the Glastonbury Festivals website and Coldplay.com. This will be the Coldplay's first appearance at the legendary festival since 2005. Tickets for the Festival sold out months ago, but a limited resale of cancelled tickets is expected in April (though you do need to be registered in order to buy tickets).

This brings the total number of 2011 festivals that Coldplay will play thus far to TWELVE. The confirmed festivals are spread two continents and eleven countries (Germany, Italy, Netherlands, England, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain and Brazil!)

Coldplay announced as Saturday night headliners: official announcement from Glastonbury Festivals website:

We're very pleased to confirm that Coldplay will be the Saturday night Pyramid Stage headliners at this year's Glastonbury Festival. This will be the world-conquering group's first Glastonbury show since their triumphant 2005 performance. In 1999, Coldplay made their Glastonbury debut in the New Bands Tent, weeks after signing their record deal. Just three years later, they made their first appearance as Pyramid Stage headliners, shortly before the release of their Rush Of Blood To The Head album propelled them to global success. We can't wait to welcome them back again.

"Coldplay have played such a major part in the Festival over the last 10 years or so," said Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis. "As their popularity grew around the world I was so proud of them. This is the triumphant return of a band that everyone here feels part of. They're one of the greatest phenomena to grow from these fields."

The latest R#42 blog has sparked media interest this week with the news that Ash frontman Tim Wheeler joined Coldplay's recording sessions, as well as news on their 'metal band' approach to songwriting which was also included in the latest blog...

The TourDates website followed the storyline that Coldplay had been approaching new songs "as though they are a metal band" and experimented with playing sessions in different ways, with often surprising results: "Chris suggests playing a gorgeous melody as though they are a metal band. The first stab at this is predictably (and intentionally) comedic. They pursue it though, playing one section over and over in a loop, varying the dynamic from pin drop quiet to aggressive and bolshy. They move through the transitions as one unit, as though someone is pressing their foot smoothly on some huge gas pedal somewhere."

And Ash frontman Tim Wheeler has been working with Coldplay, writes The Sun on an as-yet unnamed track; They say: "Coldplay have been labouring intensely in their north London HQ on the follow-up to their hugely successful 2009 collection Viva La Vida since last summer. And their efforts have recently been bolstered by the axeman from Northern Ireland. A source said: 'Chris has always had a soft spot for Ash. They were quite close in the early days and have shared a number of bills over the years. He admires Tim as a songwriter, especially his brilliant way with melodies, so he didn't think twice about asking him to get involved.'"

Ash had a string of hits in the mid to late Nineties with tracks including Girl From Mars and Kung Fu. They've failed to do much in the charts since but have still been plugging away. With arch experimenter Brian Eno still supervising Coldplay sessions and Wheeler on board, it's anyone's guess what the new tracks will sound like.

R#42 explained: "Tim straps on a guitar and jumps into the day's tune. He's fiddling around at the top of the neck, looking for melodies, just throwing out streams of notes. Chris starts to call over the mic 'What was that?'. He sings a tiny snippet of something that Tim played only once - almost as something to just get his fingers moving. It's such a tiny cluster of notes that for a while it's unclear where they should fall in the chord sequence until finally they drop into place and twinkle like they've been there all along, just waiting to be discovered."

New pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Beehive (31st January - 3rd February 2011): [thanks to bRITAnka & fauo_1995]

Coldplay added fuel to their own rumour-mill fire by tweeting a photograph from alongside the pyramid stage at Glastonbury. Phil Harvey sent the photograph along with the comment, "where me and chris went climbing today pH." The picture shows fields from Worthy farm with the Pyramid stage, currently under construction, casting a shadow in the foreground.

This all but confirms Coldplay's headline appearance at the 2011 festival on Saturday 25th of June. There has been no official word on the festival date but once it is announced it will be Coldplay's 12th festival date of the year. Coldplay are the only headlining act not yet to officially confirm their place at Glastonbury but we anticipate a Coldplay.com announcement on the world's worst kept secret very soon.

You can see the picture again after the jump, and you can discuss this developing Coldplay live news now at the messageboard [thanks NumbersGirl]

where me and chris went climbing today pH

Check out coldplay.com for a new blog entry: #42 and the first week back in the studio

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks jeremyy]

Can we already be a week into February? Time, tide and fifth albums it seems, wait for no man... The sudden spurt of "out of the studio" activity that the Christmas Lights release brought, subsided into an eerie silence for much of January. In the studio calendar, January had been pencilled as a month off. It will come as a surprise to absolutely nobody, that Chris was back at it less than a week into the new year. Jonny also came in to do some guitar experimentation for a while, making a wonderful mess of the Bakery with the whole toy box spread out and plugged in everywhere you looked...

Despite now having two buildings, both Bakery and Beehive were positively bursting at the seams by Christmas. Every room had some kind of writing or recording setup on the go - you even had to time your use of the kettle carefully, as a laptop and speakers had been set up in the kitchen and Jonny was in there working on his epic lead for MTM. So, by comparison, the first few weeks of the year felt like a ghost town.

Suddenly though, the return of the full band was imminent and the vibe became more akin to that of a town preparing for an approaching storm. Folks were running about battening down the hatches with extra microphone cables. Drums were being tuned, headphones checked and mics "one two"-ed. Add to the approaching band the fact that Brian was to be in for a week and there was very much a sense that pretty much anything could happen.

It's a strange thing to witness, when the band are working with Brian. Just his presence affects the way that they play. And even more than that, it affects the way that the band listen. For starters, the volume goes way down, which you would expect to take all of the excitement out of things. It very definitely has the opposite effect, though. Suddenly, every tiny sound, every nuance in the timing of the notes becomes audible and begins to burst with possibilities. It's a little as though he encourages everyone's antennae to open up higher and wider.

Brian also treads a careful line between being almost allergic in his opposition to the obvious ("Well, it's in three four time, so the natural thing is to try to put the emphasis on this beat and that one - we should do a run through without being allowed to even play there") and, on the other hand, supporting simplicity ("It's absolutely beautiful as it is and we shouldn't be afraid of just having a beautiful song"). I guess it all boils down to exploration.

Chris suggests playing the aforementioned gorgeous melody as though they are a metal band. The first stab at this is predictably (and intentionally) comedic. They pursue it though, playing one section over and over in a loop, varying the dynamic from pin drop quiet to aggressive and bolshy. They move through the transitions as one unit, as though someone is pressing their foot smoothly on some huge gas pedal somewhere.

Often, when talking about working in studios, people say "God, I couldn't stand it, listening to people playing the same bit of music over and over and over again all day". In reality, when you're amongst it and privy to the "Why don't we try..?" conversations, it becomes nothing like that. The best way I can describe it, is to compare it to one of those montage sequences in an eighties movie where the main character is taken clothes shopping. In the montage, you'd see the star emerging time after time from the changing room in radically different outfits, pulling faces, striking poses. Here of course, the song is the star and the outfit is the arrangement, the sound, the instrumentation. The song will eventually emerge with a stunning and perfectly stylish outfit that will define it forever.

They're also joined for an afternoon by Mr Tim Wheeler from Ash. He straps on a guitar and jumps into the day's tune. The raised antennae pretty quickly catch a signal. He's fiddling around at the top of the neck, looking for melodies, just throwing out streams of notes. Chris starts to call over the mic "What was that?". He sings a tiny snippet of something that Tim played only once - almost as something to just get his fingers moving. It's such a tiny cluster of notes that for a while it's unclear where they should fall in the chord sequence until finally they drop into place and twinkle like they've been there all along, just waiting to be discovered.

All of these gems of course, don't come without trying on a lot of very ill-fitting and unsuitable outfits first. In a rather lovely role reversal, Brian becomes artist and Chris the producer. After some considerable time experimenting with right hand rhythms on his acoustic guitar, Brian has successfully avoided the obvious, whilst not quite landing on anything desirable to replace it. Chris sits listening and allows Brian time to try a few things out before finally pondering, "I'm not sure this is going anywhere - how about trying that chaotic birdcall generator you had? That might be perfect here...." Brian actually seems to revel in being given direction from the artist he's supposedly producing. And for the record, the chaotic birdcall generator was indeed just the ticket.

By the end of the week, the antennae are expanded to their full and highly tuned. Guy fiddles around with an acoustic instrument called the "inspiration". It's part banjo and part mandolin. He's playing it in a most peculiar way though, through his bass rig and foot pedals. The sound kicks off a jam that levitates the room by several feet. It's almost symphonic, despite being almost entirely played by abusing regular rock instruments. It's come from nowhere, yet will doubtless become a major part of the track in question from this point forwards.

Markus, meanwhile, is almost like a personal trainer. Every day, he is putting the songs through their paces - getting them into peak condition. He makes them sweat and often has to play the bad guy - but they end up without an ounce of fat and enough muscle to take on the world. These specimens then get shown a thing or two about heading out into the world with the Eno sense of style. The band of course, are in the song's very genes. They've given birth to them, nurtured and encouraged them - they are their very own flesh and blood. They just look to their collaborators to help them become their best selves.

Brian says his goodbyes and heads off into the Friday evening, leaving a set of songs very well dressed and looking a good deal sharper than when he arrived. Almost as soon as he's left the room, there's an almightily silly jam session to conclude the week. Exactly the kind that every single band in the world has when they're just goofing off. There's ridiculous jazz, there are heavy metal riffs played in a funk style and there are beaming faces all round. It's a huge release - almost as though in the days being in a heightened state, everyone had forgotten to exhale.

So that's the first official week back of the year. Judging by what they got done, 2011 is shaping up rather well…

R42

Coldplay have today announced yet another festival headline slot of 2011 with the news that they are to play this year's Heineken Jammin' Festival in San Giuliano Park, Venice, Italy on June 9th. Catch all the latest discussion and previews to this new festival date at the Coldplay Live forum now.

This brings the total number of 2011 festivals that Coldplay will play thus far to ELEVEN, still with a possible confirmation of Glastonbury to come. The confirmed festivals are spread two continents and ten countries (Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain and Brazil!)

Here's what Anchorman had to say earlier: We're pleased to announce that Coldplay are returning to Italy to headline this year's Heineken Jammin' Festival on Thursday 9th June. The festival takes place in Venice's San Giuliano Park. Tickets cost 55 Euros for one day or 150 Euros for the full three days. They go on sale on Thursday 17th February from ticketone.it. For more info on the festival, check out the Jammin' website.

Coldplay's producer Markus Dravs has been presented with an early Brit award by Chris Martin. Dravs, who is currently co-producing Coldplay's fifth album, was named producer of the year ahead of next week's Brit ceremony. Full discussion on this news is at the Coldplay forum now [thanks mimixxx]

He was nominated for his work on Mumford and Sons' album Sigh No More and Arcade Fire's The Suburbs. The prize was presented at the Music Producers Guild awards at the Cafe de Paris in central London. Dravs told BBC 6 Music he joined the Mumford and Sons project because he was 'moved by the spirituality'. "You could hear it in the lyrics and in the commitment in the demos," he said. "I really wanted to get involved and see if I could help make the record."

Unlike most winners the best producer prize is announced ahead of the Brits, which will take place at the O2 arena on 15 February. Sound of 2011 winner Jessie J was named the recipient of the Critics' Choice award in December. Tinie Tempah leads the charge at this year's awards with four nominations, including best British male and album of the year.

Other winners at the Music Producers Guild awards included Mute Records founder Daniel Miller, who took home the outstanding contribution prize. Alison Goldfrapp, who presented Miller with his award, said producers were all-important despite their behind the scenes role. "They all contribute greatly to the sound," she said. "They can be so many different things. It's like making a film - so many different people contribute and they're all very important."

Producer Tony Visconti, known for his work with David Bowie and T Rex, beat Bjork and Trevor Horn to win the award for innovation in production.

Chris Martin presented the prize at the Music Producers Guild Awards

According to The Sun this weekend, Coldplay have been confirmed as headliners for the Saturday night (25th June) at this year's Glastonbury, although it has yet to be officially announced. We wait with baited breath for the nod from Coldplay.com. Below is The Sun's report, in which they also confirm that The Rolling Stones will not be playing as was previously rumoured. You can discuss this exclusive Coldplay live news now at the messageboard [thanks Blazing_Javelin]

Coldplay will headline Glastonbury's top Saturday night slot this year. It's their first pilgrimage to Worthy Farm since 2005 - when they went down a storm. Glasto guru Michael Eavis and his event organisers have been chasing Chris Martin and the lads to make a return - as Bizarre revealed in October.

And this week the rockers finally put pen to paper on the deal. One massive outfit who will not be performing in Pilton are the Rolling Stones. Bash bosses had tabled a huge offer for Mick Jagger's gang to make their festival debut at Glasto, which kicks off on June 22. But after mulling over the deal for the past three months, the veterans have turned down the chance.

A source said: "Getting the Stones to Glastonbury has been high on Michael Eavis's list of priorities for a long time. He came really really close this time round. He came up with an incredibly tempting offer and Mick and the rest of the band were considering it closely but they ultimately decided to turn it down."

Still, Coldplay aren't too much of a shonky replacement. Their back catalogue is filled with anthems perfect for the Pyramid Stage. And they're bound to get a massive welcome. UK crowds don't get much bigger than the 200,000 or so who squeeze into the Somerset site for the huge bash.

New pictures of Coldplay with fans at the Beehive (31st January - 3rd February 2011): [thanks to bRITAnka & fauo_1995]

Pop, Rock and R&B artiste, Jon Germain has confirmed to Hitz Entertainment News that Coldplay's Chris Martin has contacted him several times indicating his profound love for his Quiver song. Catch all the latest discussion on this article at the Coldplay forum now.

He said Chris texted him several times about a week ago expressing his love for the song, saying he could not stop listening to it. "He did. It went on and on. It’s like a whole text message about two pages full. He went on and on about the Quiver song and how he likes the song and all that, how he loves it and he can’t stop listening to it.

Jon Germain recalled Chris Martin singing 'What ever it takes, What ever it takes,' lines from In My Head, but Germain said it was clear he (Chris) was listening to two of his songs but apparently in love with Quiver. Jon Germain indicated that, this is a huge endorsement for him and that he has been overwhelmed by Chris Martin’s message adding, "…the fact he says he loves my music, that’s serious, that’s crazy."

He revealed that before the text messages, they had been communicating for a while, hoping to record a song with him. "Working on a song together is something I told him about probably about a year ago but it sounded kind of funny to him because then he hadn’t heard my songs so when I told him I would want us to work on a song together he said 'really, ok cool'… but after he heard my song he said we could talk…" he said.

Coldplaying TV is now live!

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 3, 2011 - submitted by Helmut, Austria

Q. Hi Oracle, nice reading you can speak a spot of German. Still, I continue writing in English ;-) Btw. did you hear The White Stripes broke up? Sad isn't it?! Regards, Helmut

The Oracle replies:

To be honest I wouldn't have noticed if they hadn't made an official announcement. It's so long since they did anything together and The Raconteurs more than held my attention being as I am such a big Brendan Benson fan. With Jack doing the Bond theme without Meg and creating The Dead Weather... I wasn't shocked or saddened. I hope I don't get hit by a thunderbolt for this but I never rated Meg as a drummer anyway. OUCH!

February 3, 2011 - submitted by Mariano, Venezuela

Q. What did Roadie 42 tell you today?

The Oracle replies:

Nothing yet... the day is not over.

February 3, 2011 - submitted by Marce, Argentina

Q. Dear Oracle, someone said this was Chris, is it right?

The Oracle replies:

Ha ha ha I LOVE you guys. No, this is not Chris. Well it may be a Chris, but it's certainly not "our" Chris! I wonder who it is...?

February 3, 2011 - submitted by Diana, Colombia

Q. How's Chris about all this situation?

The Oracle replies:

I know I have a reputation to know everything but give us a clue love...

February 2, 2011 - submitted by Ayesha, United States of America

Q. How many languages do you speak?

The Oracle replies:

I speak two languages fluently; English and the universal language of love. (Un peu de Francais aussi, un poco de Espanol und Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch).

February 2, 2011 - submitted by Joshua, United States of America

Q. Where in the heck has Roadie 42 been? I need some updates on the band and upcoming album...

The Oracle replies:

I shall be able to find that out tomorrow as #42 and I will be crossing paths.

February 2, 2011 - submitted by Kate, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, Please help me! I'm 19 years old and I have a brother who is 25 and a sister who is 27. We live just outside of New York City and the prices of apartments are very high so my siblings still live at home. Recently, my brother has been dating a 33 year old woman who sends him gifts in the mail and is always at my house! My brother has never had a girlfriend, is very shy, quiet and sweet. Me and my sister are afraid that this woman is using him because he's young, has a good job, and comes from a good family. We told him how we feel but he continues to bring her to our house. Please tell me what you think and what I can do to stop this. We want to stop it before things get too serious. Love, Kate

The Oracle replies:

Forgive me Kate for my bluntness but you say you "want" to stop this... what about what your brother wants? Quite frankly you both need to butt out of his love life. I understand feelings of protectiveness when someone is being hurt but you don't mention if he is. Your brother is not a child & he doesn't need protecting from a 33 year old woman. You make the age gap between them sound like a problem yet it isn't that big - not much more than between you and him. What makes you think she is using him? Have you ever considered that she may actually love your brother? How would you feel if your siblings were saying these things to you about someone you care for? Those are questions to ask yourself. Personally I would be happy that my brother had found someone he wanted to be with with who buys him gifts so I'm not sure why you don't feel the same but one could argue there are possibly some jealousy or possessiveness issues that need addressing.

February 1, 2011 - submitted by Jordan, Netherlands

Q. Dear Oracle, I was just listening to Coldplay's B-side The Goldrush and I know Will sings in the beginning of the song but who is singing round 1:21 till 1:39 my guess though is Jonny. Would you be able to enlighten me? JJ

The Oracle replies:

There's so much going on in that song. Around the 1'21 mark it sounds more like Jonny to me but it's not that easy to tell as you can hear Brian Eno as well as Chris & Jonny talking, laughing and singing.

February 1, 2011 - submitted by Gunilla, Sweden

Q. Dear Oracle! I want to go to a festival to see Coldplay this summer. I've been at two Coldplay shows, and I loved it! Amazing! But I feel somewhat awkward being the only person over 50 at a festival... Please what shall I do?

The Oracle replies:

What makes you think you'd be the only person over 50 at a festival? All I can say is that you probably won't be but if you are, don't feel awkward; music isn't ageist even if you think that people are...

January 31, 2011 - submitted by Mathieu, France

Q. Do the band have any view on the death of John Barry?

The Oracle replies:

It is very sad news indeed that John Barry died. There's a link in Hypnofeed to a clip of one of his songs. I had been listening to his compositions quite a lot recently as I am such a fan of his work; as are the band who went to see him back in 1999 at the Royal Albert Hall. They were taken by their music publishers BMG (now Universal) during their courtship prior to signing.

January 31, 2011 - submitted by Michael, United States of America

Q. If I want to submit an original compositon for Coldplay, who should I contact and where should I send it to?

The Oracle replies:

I'm afraid the band don't accept work by other artists. If as a songwriter you were considering sending any material to anyone else bear in mind that unsolicited work is not generally accepted. There are routes you could try; perhaps music publishers or performers who do not write their own songs.

January 27, 2011 - submitted by Danijel, Croatia

Q. Hi. I found

The Oracle replies:

As previously mentioned that was a show performed at the Round Chapel, Hackney on 19th April 2005. There doesn't appear to be one link to In My Place though...However it was broadcast on MTV 6th June 2005.

January 27, 2011 - submitted by Ivan, Mexico

Q. Hi Oracle... What's the name of the first song that sing Chris and Gary in Gary's Birthday? Thanks, Saludos de Mexico

The Oracle replies:

They only duetted on one song - Take That's Back for Good.

January 27, 2011 - submitted by Billy, United States of America

Q. Greetings Oracle, I'm having some relationship issues and I need some advice. My ex broke up with me like 2 days after our 6 month anniversary and it's been hard on me. I've been looping Christmas Lights and Fix You on my iPod for the past 3 weeks to no avail. We still talk and I miss her a lot and she says she misses me but at times I feel as if I loved her for nothing. She asked me out a day before my birthday and she broke up with me after our 6th month together. I'm kinda lost now and I hope you reply. Billy

The Oracle replies:

The majority of break-ups are hard so it's no wonder you're suffering Billy. You say that you've been looping those two songs "for 3 weeks to no avail", well I don't know what miracle you were expecting but that is only going to make it worse.

My advice is to stop listening to those songs right now and any others that remind you of her or make you miss her even more. I'd also suggest you cut all contact with her. It may feel like it's helping but trust me, in the long run it isn't. A clean break will help YOU move on with your life. There may be a time in the future where you can be friends but now, while you are hurting is not the time. It's difficult not to relate everything to the significant dates of your birthday and anniversary but tell yourself it's actually irrelevant, the pain would be the same if it had been a random Tuesday. The worst part of all this is that no-one can make it better so it really is a case of having to ride that wave or sit it out; but either way it's going nowhere. Time will make the pain ease but be prepared, it could take a long time. You will have good days and bad. Do what you can to help yourself. Surround yourself with friends and do things that you like doing. Don't spend too much time wallowing in your sadness. Be sad - of course - but don't be consumed. It's a grieving process so I am not suggesting you ignore it or try and rush through but there is no quick fix. It may feel way too soon to hear me say that you will get over this but... you will. Hang in there, you're not alone. It's something that so many of us can relate to and we're here to tell the tales.

Coldplaying TV is now live!

Chris Martin is devastated after the end of his parents’ 30-year marriage, report The Mirror this morning. Friends of the 33-year-old singer say he has found it "incredibly difficult ­emotionally" after his mum Alison decided to leave the family home.

Martin’s father Anthony, 69, a millionaire retired accountant and magistrate, has now begun a new relationship. He has put the family’s £1.25million home near Exeter, Devon, on the market. The eight-acre grounds of the Grade 2 listed Georgian home include a horse paddock and tennis court. The family moved there in 1978 when Chris – eldest of five kids – was just a baby.

His mum, Alison, 57, is now renting a small flat in London where she is working as a music therapy teacher. Friends of the family have suggested her devout religious beliefs may have contributed to the break-up. A source said: “Chris has always been extremely close to his father, while some of his sisters have had very strong relationships with their mother. "But watching his parents split has been heartbreaking for him, and he’s desperate to stay close and in regular contact with both of them. Chris and Gwyneth have been regular visitors to the area while seeing his parents. They often visit the Royal Oak pub nearby, and Gwyneth has been seen at a small local theatre watching Chris’s sisters in an amateur performance.

“Chris visited his mum’s new place in London around a week ago, which was a strain for him emotionally. One of the most upsetting aspects of the break-up has been their decision to sell their family home. He was less than one year old when his parents moved in, and the house holds a lot of memories for him.”

Chris’s father, a Tory fundraiser, regularly accompanies Coldplay on tour and his son always jokes he’s the biggest party animal of all. "People think having your father on tour would cramp your style, but he’s got all the right moves," the singer once said. "He’s living the dream. I have to check he hasn’t trashed the hotel room before we leave each city."

The Martin family are distant relatives of Sir Winston Churchill, and neighbours describe dad Anthony as “very polite, and very proper”. Their substantial family fortune was dramatically increased in 1999 when Anthony sold a caravan company founded in 1929 by Chris’s grandfather for £8.8million.

Last night a spokesman for the Chris Martin said he was unavailable for comment.

[20/01/2011] Chris Martin performing at Gary Barlow 40th birthday gig:

Apparatjik, Guy Berryman's side project with Magne from A-Ha, Jonas from Mew and Martin Terefe from Kensaltown Records has announced three live performances in March, due to take place in Berlin. Below is their press release provided to us by their Creative Director... [thanks Ed]. More discussion on this latest Apparatjik news is at the World of Music forum here onwards.

The Apparatjik Light Space Modulator

Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin

Exhibition: March 13–27, 2011

Mon Closed, Tue, Wed, Fri 10am – 6pm, Thu 10am-10pm, Sat, Sun 11am -6pm

Performances at 9pm, March 12, March 26, and March 27, 2011

Apparatjik has been invited by the Nationalgalerie Berlin to present the collective's first large-scale project in Germany in March 2011. Apparatjik is a transdisciplinary working collective founded in 2008 by four world-renowned musicians: Guy Berryman (London), Jonas Bjerre (Copenhagen), Magne Furuholmen (Oslo), and Martin Terefe (London). Apparatjik functions as an experimental platform and collaborates with a pool of artists, media technicians, and designers, as well as scientists such as M.I.T. Astrophysics Professor Max Tegmark and curator Ute Meta Bauer, Head of the M.I.T. Program in Art, Culture and Technology...

The Apparatjik Light Space Modulator is presented as a twofold project: during two weeks the installation can be accessed in the glass hall of the Neue Nationalgalerie and three unique concerts that will be performed at the same location. Those performances are inspired by the visual experiments of László Moholy-Nagy. Moholy-Nagy taught at the German Bauhaus, as did Mies van der Rohe who was the architect of the Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin. At the center of both the Apparatjik installation and concerts are moving images that project from a large scale cube into the open glass structure of the building into the city space -- a reference to the kinetic Licht-Raum-Modulator created in 1930 by Bauhaus artist Moholy-Nagy.

Apparatjik’s project will conclude on March 27 with a special interactive composition performed in collaboration with the Deutsches Kammerorchester. This concert is dedicated to Mies van der Rohe on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of his birth. The Apparatjik Light Space Modulator incorporates low-res retro-futuristic visuals, gonzo-pop, randomness and pseudo-science, dadaesque humor, and fashion, in a celebration of convergence culture. Apparatjik's blend of popular culture and playful references to art history places them in a space somewhere between art and popular culture. Last but not least, this project by Apparatjik is to be understood as homage to the legendary Meta-Musik-Festival that took place during the seventies at the Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin.

The Apparatjik Light Space Modulator will be accompanied by a publication in collaboration with NODE Berlin Oslo to be published in late 2011 including a comprehensive documentation of this project.

Supported by Deutsche Bank AG and Smart. Tickets for the three performances (12, 26 and 27 March) all 9pm, are available from February 1st at apparatjik.com. (limited supply)

Coldplay's record label to be sold on after creditor takes control

EMI has been taken over by US bank Citigroup. The bank had been the major record label's creditor as it racked up debts of £3.4 billion. Now, after taking ownership of the company, the bank has reduced the debt to £1.2 billion, reports BBC News. Coldplay, Lily Allen, Pete Doherty, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and Gorillaz are among the artists signed to EMI.

Citigroup plans to sell on the label, which will continue under its current management. In 2007 EMI was taken over by the Terra Firma company, with Citigroup loaning the money to allow its chairman, Guy Hands, to spearhead the takeover. Citigroup's acquisition of EMI comes just ahead of the company's next test of its performance against banking covenant targets that EMI wasn't expected to achieve.

"The recapitalization of EMI by Citi is an extremely positive step for the company," said Roger Faxon, EMI's chief executive. "It has given us one of the most robust balance sheets in the industry with a modest level of debt and substantial liquidity. With that solid footing, we are confident in our ability to drive our business forward," he added.

Coldplaying TV is now live!

Piano pop chanteuse Sara Bareilles is best known for her hit Love Song but she proved she can also stun with her own spin on other hit songs. Sara sat down at her piano and gave an outstanding rendition of Coldplay's Yellow for a private acoustic show for Z100 & iheartradio at their P.C. Richard & Son Theater.

Sara sang a few other tracks off her latest album Kaleidoscope Heart, but it was her stripped and slowed down version of Yellow that really commanded attention. After some of the butchery we've seen over the past few months, notably X-Factor contestants ruining the signature song to Coldplay's fourth album, Viva La Vida, this latest cover comes as a welcome retreat.

You can watch the performance and comment at the Coldplay forum now [thanks coldplay_is_louve.]

Sara Bareilles

Coldplay have announced yet another festival headline slot of 2011 with the news that they are to play this year's Where The Action Is festival in Gothenburg, Sweden on 28th July. Catch all the latest discussion and previews to this new festival date at the Coldplay Live forum now. [thanks Rodan]

This brings the total number of 2011 festivals that Coldplay will play thus far to TEN, spread two continents and nine countries (Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain and Brazil!)

Here's what Anchorman had to say earlier: Good morning. We're pleased to report that Coldplay will headline this year's Where The Action Is festival in Gothenburg, Sweden. The show takes place on Tuesday, 28th June. Tickets go on sale on Monday, 7th February at 9:00am (local time). They can be bought from Ticnet at +46 (0)77-170 70 70 and www.ticnet.se, costing 950 SEK + booking fee. For more information on the festival, head over to www.wtai.se.

U2 and Coldplay and are strongly rumoured to be headlining the Friday (24th) and Sunday (26th) nights respectively, but there have been question marks over who will bring the Pyramid Stage to a close on the Saturday (25th)... until now.

Rumours that The Rolling Stones are set to headline Glastonbury Festival 2011 alongside Coldplay and U2 have been fuelled after the group's infamous Tongue and Lip Design image appeared on a Somerset website. Fans noticed that the illustration that been posted on community site Pilton.com and took to Twitter to post the news, which obviously ignited the gossip.

Coldplay were linked with this year's Glastonbury festival when festival founder Michael Eavis says he has booked "three biggest bands in the world" for the event, due to take place in June. Speaking on BBC radio station 6 Music back in May, Eavis predicted Coldplay would be back for 2011. "They've played four or five times already but they'll be back next year, I'm sure," he said from Worthy Farm in Pilton, the site of the festival.

"Rolling stones at glasto?" tweeted Barratt1197‎, "seems to b hotting up! surely it can't happen?! can it..Facebook msgs today? pilton.com logo? 3rd headliner buked 2day?" Running with the rumour, Ben_Wood88‎ tweeted: "Listening to The Rolling Stones and praying that it's them who will be one of the big 3 headliners at Glastonbury this year".

Late last year, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood said that he’d love to play Glastonbury. Glastonbury Festival 2011 will take place at Worthy Farm, Somerset from 22-26 June. Organiser Emily Eavis took to Twitter herself to confirm that the third headliner had now been booked but speaking to NME, she said that the rumours of Prince, Coldplay and U2 weren’t 100% accurate. "I can't say how many you'd get right, not yet," she told the magazine, "But no, unfortunately you're not right."

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 26, 2011 - submitted by Nathalia, Brazil

Q. Hello, O wise and all-knowing Oracle. It's known that Roadie #42 has his own office at The Bakery, as far as I know and understand (at least is written in his blog #123). So, O dear Oracle, this is my question: do you also have your own office at The Bakery or at The Beehive?

The Oracle replies:

42's office is not in The Bakery; it's in the Beehive. I favour The Bakery myself and depending on what I'm doing have various places I sit ranging from a bean bag or a spare desk as I don't have my own office; I don't need one.

January 26, 2011 - submitted by Marie, Czech Republic

Q. Hi Oracle, can you tell me what musical instrument plays at the beginning of the song Baba O'Riley by The Who? Thanks

The Oracle replies:

That happens to be my favourite song by The Who. I'm (sort of) reliably informed that the instrument is a "Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ using its marimba repeat feature".

January 26, 2011 - submitted by Drew, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I feel I need to lose a couple of pounds but I don't know how tell my parents. What should I say?

The Oracle replies:

It would really help with these types of questions to know more about you. You may be below your ideal weight for all I know... Ideal weight may depend on many factors. You may have medical conditions or family history that contribute. Let's say for argument's sake that you are overweight and are trying to shift a couple of pounds to feel fitter and healthier in which case I am sure your parents would welcome the idea. Or am I to assume that your parents make all your meals and that's why you don't want to tell them as they'd perhaps feel you're blaming them? Whatever your position I commend you for wanting to talk to your parents. Eating disorders are a big problem in society commonly kept secret so you won't be giving cause for concern by being open with them. Explain your reasons clearly for wanting to lose weight. I'd have been interested in hearing those myself! I don't actually agree with diets, I prefer the sensible eating approach. I'd say just watch what you eat without over (or under) eating. One thing to keep in mind is when we're growing up weight sometimes plays a huge part of how others look at us and judge - such is the nature of the magazines and shallow celebrity idolising culture - but never want to lose weight for that reason. Be happy with who you are and as long as you're healthy don't ever feel the pressure to drop a few pounds to fit in.

January 25, 2011 - submitted by Jaz, United Kingdom

Q. Hi Oracle. Can you ask the guys, their management, their families and crew if they have signed up to Hugh's Fish Fight? If they haven't ask them all nicely if they would take the time and trouble to go to www.fighfight.net and sign up. Thank you. If they could take to time and trouble to be a famous sign up that would be real great.

The Oracle replies:

Oops, it would seem you didn't check your typing of the link! Luckily I already know it from having signed the petition. By the way, I'm guessing you haven't noticed there's a link to it already on this very website in our hypnofeed ticker along the top of the home page.

January 25, 2011 - submitted by Zachary, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I like this girl a lot. She is very beautiful and has a great personality, but I feel as though I am way out of my league. I am also scared of being rejected. Any tips on how I can tell her how I feel? Sincerely, Zach

The Oracle replies:

Hmmm, I think you mean that you think she's way out of your league. I hate the thought that someone is deemed out of someone else's league. I don't think it's true and people shouldn't ever think that. Sometimes it's only their good looks that people base that decision on; confidence is actually far more attractive.

I don't know what you look like and I don't care because although I understand your fear of rejection, no-one likes that feeling, try to look at it this way... we don't all fancy every single person we see so it's not rejection it's more that we might not fit their type. That said, people are attracted to others for all manner of reasons: personality, charm or sense of humour etc... so just tell her how you feel. Unless she already has a boyfriend of course. I guess you could try a different approach if you feel it would help, maybe write her a letter or just casually invite her along to something and if she agrees you could wait until you go out to talk to her.

January 24, 2011 - submitted by Mirko, Germany

Q. Hey Mr. Oracle, at 2:13 how could Chris do

The Oracle replies:

I assume you're referring to what looks like Chris giving his guitar away? What you can't see in that shot, because of the angle and the dark, is the roadie below who catches it. There are gaps between all stages and the audience with walkways for access.

Coldplaying TV is now live!

Chris Martin has failed in his bid to land a nomination for this year's Academy Awards. Chris was in contention for 'Me and Tennessee', which is sung by his wife Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie, Country Strong. More discussion on this news is at the Coldplay forum now.

Randy Newman continued his Oscar run with 'We Belong Together' from Toy Story 3 nominated for Original Song. The Original Song shortlist was completed by Alan Menken 's 'I See The Light', from Tangled, A.R. Rahman's 'If I Rise', from 127 hours and Tom Douglas' 'Coming Home', from Country Strong.

In the other music-based category, How To Train Your Dragon, Inception, The King's Speech, 127 Hours and The Social Network were nominated for Best Original Score. The 83rd Academy Awards will be presented on February 27 in Los Angeles.

[20/01/2011] Chris Martin performing at Gary Barlow 40th birthday gig:

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1700 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

January 20, 2011 - submitted by Luis, United States of America

Q. Oracle can you please just give us some good news?

The Oracle replies:

Yes of course. I sold my car for more than I advertised it for and found a new flat to rent at the weekend! Oh, you don't mean my good news do you? Ok, well apart from the live dates that have been announced I've nothing else to impart.

January 20, 2011 - submitted by Alejo, Peru

Q. Dear Mr. O !!! Do you know if Mr. A read their DM's on Twitter?? I mean sometimes it could be matter of life or death.

The Oracle replies:

Gosh I wouldn't suggest that you contact Anchorman on matters of life or death. Not because he wouldn't care as I can assure you that Anchorman is a very caring individual but it's not wise to pin hopes on a response. Are you sure it's literally a matter of life or death? He's not Jim'll Fix It you know.

January 19, 2011 - submitted by James, Ireland

Q. Hello Oracle, I saw

The Oracle replies:

January 19, 2011 - submitted by Amanda, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I have a recipe that came from England that calls for Golden Syrup . If I can't get any can I use honey instead ? I'll send you some if it's edible and turns out all right ! Thanks !

The Oracle replies:

It won't quite taste the same with honey, honey. You can of course substitute it but if the recipe calls for golden syrup it's advisable to use it. In England we have a golden syrup brand called Golden Syrup but you should be able to buy general golden syrup (how many times am I going to say golden syrup in this answer?) If you can't find syrup just use treacle - a pale one, not a dark one.

January 19, 2011 - submitted by Stephen, United Kingdom

Q. I was a little unwell when it came out but I developed a theory that every song on A Rush of Blood to the Head was dedicated to a flower. Was I mad?

The Oracle replies:

You were indeed mad Stephen although... one track was sort of dedicated to a flower.

January 18, 2011 - submitted by Fernando, Argentina

Q. Hey Oracle, I found this somewhere in the internet. Is this true? I mean there's a LOT of alcohol and cigarettes...

Thanks You!

The Oracle replies:

Ah the legend that is the Rider. I would love to say yeah dude it's rock n roll but I can honestly tell you that Coldplay do not consume that high level of alcohol/cigarettes - if any of it! I would suggest it is a standard rider of a big name band but in no way reflects what they "need" - which is probably just fruit and water. Ok so not quite as there is of course a need for catering. The family & friends room is usually equipped with refreshments too. There have been some great riders throughout musical history and I do know that some tour managers/artists get great amusement from seeing what they can actually get venues to provide. Of course "we" have never done that but feast your eyes on Iggy Pop's gig needs. The rider starts page 13 but the rest of the document is well worth a read.

January 18, 2011 - submitted by Sabrina, Argentina

Q. Hi O! I was just wandering: Which ones do you enjoy answering more: Coldplay related questions or the asking for advice questions"? Thanks! Bye!

The Oracle replies:

I guess it depends on the question but I do enjoy the ones that make it all so real and human. Coldplay related questions can be fun but if you only knew how many "when is the album coming?" questions I had to delete. There's a lot of repetition too that I have to ignore as we have tag clouds to search for topics. I'm hoping 2011 is about to get an injection of inspiration and really interesting Qs are going to come flying in any day now!

Coldplaying TV is now live!

The latest edition of NME featuring an update on Coldplay's LP5 has been on the shelves for about a week now, and in case you haven't read the full article yet (or can't get hold of the magazine) below is the full transcription.

Deep inside Coldplay's North London studio, The Bakery, Chris Martin sits surrounded by lists, or what he calls "obsessive compulsive disorder displayed, in the written form: the singer's job, I think." On desktops, on walls, on whiteboards, on bits of paper... everywhere you look is a list - a potential tracklisting, Brian Eno's 10 commandments - that has to do with Coldplay's forthcoming, as-yet-untitled (more lists) fifth album.

Firm details are scarce at present: the pool of songs has now been narrowed down from dozens and dozens, although Chris confirms that there is still "a lot of narrowing to do... which is better than trying to thicken. We were with Brian Eno for a long period just messing around. Now we're with Marcus (Dravs) trying to turn that into something cohesive and under seven hours long. The worst mistake we could make, when we're the Marmite-y of bands, would be to make a super-long thing..."

Dravs was brought in because of Arcade Fire. "When we were thinking about making the last record, I was talking to Win (Butler)," Chris says. "We'd just met with Brian Eno and he'd said, " We also need another person, because I like to do the sort of sowing of the seeds, the more abstract stuff, but we also need a woodchopper guy who's gonna organise everything.' Win said, 'You should try this Guy Marcus, he's crazy but he's really good."

Is he crazy? "No, he's wonderful, and he's extremely talented, but he's brutal: 'This is terrible', or 'This is great'. He's extreme. And he's been making such great work with everybody else. He cracks the whip a lot. One of the dangers of getting a bit successful is that no-one pushes you quite so hard. But we don't have that problem at the moment."

Plenty of ideas and concepts have been jettisoned, including one that came from drummer Will Champion, involving him standing up playing a bass drum and an acoustic guitar. "We started working on that idea for about three weeks," smiles bassist Guy Berryman, "then we all broke for Christmas, and we came back having seen the same TV show, with Mumford & Sons on it. And it was like, 'Oooooooooh no. That's got to go.'"

A couple of the songs from that period - including the Christmas Lights single - survived. There were loads that emerged from the soundchecks. Now there is a final 12... but all without titles. "We have a song called 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall'," says Chris. "That's my favourite title, although I'm not sure which song it goes with. There's been about 12 different ones. It's like playing Snap. The original 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall' was branded 'terrible' by the rhythm section, and so had to be dismissed. So even before we release anything to the world, it's been slagged off!"

Chris is more sure of the lyrical direction: "I found that with 'Viva La Vida...', the song I enjoyed writing from someone else's perspective to actually get out what I was feeling, I've got one song from a girl's perspective called 'Princess Of China' which is very female. I wonder what that says about me?"

Coldplay's return is set for spring, in time for a slew of festival headline slots (including their third Pyramid Stage top slot at Glastonbury, if rumours are to be believed). Chris recognises that the band cannot get much bigger in terms of audiences, saying that the aim with this album is "to sing to individual people in their bedrooms as much as a lot of people". He's aware that many will hate his band's new record whatever, but doesn't care anymore. "We still don't believe we've delivered our masterpiece, so we're still trying to do it. As long as we feel like that and we're hungry... that's all that matters."

Recorded: Coldplay's London home studio

Producer: Brian Eno/Marcus Dravs

Released: No date yet, expected spring

What do you think of NME's article? Let us know in the existing discussion thread at the Coldplay forum now. Do you agree with a spring release? Tell us when you think LP5 will be released...

[20/01/2011] Chris Martin performing at Gary Barlow 40th birthday gig:

Gary Barlow [pictured] celebrated his 40th birthday last night by playing a solo gig in London - and the Take That frontman took to the stage at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire, where he was joined by Chris Martin during a performance of, wait for it, Back For Good.

Anchorman reported at Coldplay.com: "Last night, Chris was a special guest at the 40th birthday concert of Take That singer Gary Barlow, which was held at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London. The pair duetted on Take That's Back For Good, in the same venue where Gary joined Coldplay for the song in February 2009. Until Jan 28th, you can hear last night's performance on the BBC iPlayer, wherever you are, by clicking here and skipping to 1h 8m."

Click more for some photos of the performance and pap photos of Chris at the venue. More discussion on this event is at the Coldplay forum now [thanks mimixxx & svenky]

[20/01/2011] Chris Martin performing at Gary Barlow 40th birthday gig:

Coldplay have announced yet another festival headline slot of 2011 with the news that they are to play this year's Main Square Festival in Arras, France on 3rd July. This date is exactly two years and a day since their last performance at this festival. Catch all the latest discussion and previews to this new festival date at the Coldplay Live forum now. [thanks coldplay12]

This brings the total number of 2011 festivals that Coldplay will play thus far to NINE, spread over eight countries and two continents (Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain and Brazil!)

Here's what Anchorman had to say earlier: We have another summer 2011 festival show to tell you about. On Sunday, 3rd July, Coldplay will headline the Main Square Festival at Arras in Northern France. Other acts performing that day include Portishead, PJ Harvey and Elbow. Tickets for the festival cost 69 Euros for one day and 135 Euros for three days. They go on sale at 10am local time on Wednesday, 26th January from www.mainsquarefestival.fr.

Coldplay at their last appearance at the Main Square Festival, Arras, France (2nd July 2009):

Picture by TiteFleur59

Definitely in for a great night. Intro not even on and the crowd are chanting Viva. Goosebumps. R#42.

Almost ready to roll intro. R#42.

In just a few hours all of these folks will be helping to Viva Coldplay's Vida.

NME, estranged followers of the Coldplay story, have labelled the band's second album 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' one of the darkest albums ever made in a feature on their website today.

Talking about the album, they describe the sophomore album as: "Featuring burning cities, wars and dead romance, Coldplay's second effort wasn't exactly a barrel of laughs."

However, it's not all doom and gloom. In their 'do's and don'ts list of second albums' they've packaged the album as a successful progression from Parachutes. But of course they were fans of Coldplay back then so it's hardly a surprise that they still have a very scratched copy of AROBTTH in their collection. They wrote: "DO man up a bit. Coldplay's first album 'Parachutes' was perfectly pleasant - and 'Yellow' was a massive hit - but it lacked guts. Thankfully, they ditched the jangliness and worked out how to write songs as streamlined and impactful as 'Politik' and 'Clocks'. The result was 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head', and a band that looked like world-beaters, rather than students."

More discussion on these features is available here at the Coldplay forum now [thanks Saketblitz]