Just 48 hours ago, Coldplay revealed Don Quixote, a song that was debuted live at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires on 26th February 2010. If you haven't yet heard it you can watch it via YouTube or download the mp3 (including a high quality audience recording courtesy of RolandX (Coldplay Peru).

Coldplayers have been deciphering the lyrics to the song, working out the tabs and... even wondering whether it is a song we already knew the title to, courtesy of The Bakery whiteboard which featured in Melvyn Bragg's Coldplay documentary on the South Bank show back in September 2009. So what do we know about Don Quixote so far, following its Argentinian debut? Below is a run down of the information we have, as well as early comments from Coldplayers around the world...

Don Quixote was introduced by Chris Martin as a song written especially for the Latin America tour 2010. On the C-stage in Buenos Aires, Chris Martin said, "We had such a great time in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil (2007), it would be good for us (Coldplay) if we had a special song that celebrated how much we think of the Latin American audiences. We decided to write a song about the magic escape that the band receives when they come to Latin America".

In the debuted version of Don Quixote, the song contained the lyrics "I heard you never get wet in Spanish rain". Spanish Rain was on the list of songs written on The Bakery wall that featured on the South Bank show in September 2009. It is thought that Don Quixote is a more recent version of Spanish Rain but there is no other evidence yet to prove this link. Coldplay fans have embraced the song, hoping it would make it on to LP5, however there have been several references to it sounding similar to Bruce Springsteen's Dancing In The Dark.

According to Wikipedia, Don Quixote, fully titled The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha (Spanish: El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha), is a novel written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. Cervantes created a fictional origin for the story by creating a fictional Moorish chronicler for Don Quixote named Cide Hamete Benengeli.

Published in two volumes a decade apart (in 1605 and 1615), Don Quixote is the most influential work of literature to emerge from the Spanish Golden Age and the entire Spanish literary canon. As a founding work of modern Western literature, it regularly appears high on lists of the greatest works of fiction ever published.

Lyrics

So we left La Mancha

Headed out for higher plains

Me and Sancho Panza

Looking for adventure

Rosinante at the reins

To the windmills answer

You'll never be lonely

You'll never be lonely ever again

You'll never be lonely

You'll never be lonely again

I heard you never get wet in Spanish rain

So they sent the doctor, for examining my brain

Said he's not too clear

Oh when the world,

when the world just seems, a little bit too cruel

Gonna leave it better

Make one better

So tell that princess

Tell that princess right down the train

Tell that princess

She'll never be lonely again

I heard you never get wet in Spanish rain

Ooh, ooh

I heard you never get wet in Spanish rain

I heard you never get wet in Spanish rain

Woo ooh, Wooh ooh

Heard you never get wet in Spanish rain

Just some of the many Coldplayer comments on the new song, Don Quixote:

Dancing in the Dark and Don Quixote are too close for a self-proclaimed Bruce Springsteen fanatic like Chris not to have noticed so it must have been intentional. Or at least I hope it was. [thanks yeahhright]

And I agree, there's no point denying the Bruce thing, in its current form it's the first thing we heard, chances are if it stays as it is and they released it it would be the first thing everyone else heard too. [thanks mimixxx]

I didn't first get the Bruce reference. But now I do. Guys, please. It's really not a big deal for us to discuss stuff like this. We're Coldplay fans. We aren't people out to get them. I also have to be honest, the continuous riff that's going through reminded me a bit of some stuff going on in viva la vida. on the whole i enjoy the song. i realize it's in concert so we can't be certain how it will turn out exactly, but i liked the speed to the song. it's also nice to see that the photos Roadie 42 puts up of them all with guitars in the studio has translated to new material. i know they've been doing this stuff in concerts, but it'd be cool for some big acoustic stuff like that in LP5. that said, it's certainly possible this was just the acoustic. I DO think this could be an LP5 contender. frankly, they've been working for quite a few months on and off now, and if they're debuting a song i have a feeling it's not just some throw away. maybe the whole don quixote thing is just to protect the song's eventual title - Spanish Rain - as some have said. [thanks footyfan10]

By the way, this song shows me they're serious about the new album not being as mainstream as VLV. It's much different, in a good way, of course. EDIT: This song actually kind of reminds me of their AROBTTH days. Which makes me very, very happy. [thanks coldplay_is_louve.]

WOW. On first listen, I love this song. It's so joyful. Fantastic! Jonny was really enthusiastic about those olé olé olés haha. I had a little spooky moment today, was flicking through my TV channels and I saw the words "Don Quixote", it was the film version of the story haha. If I'd seen it just a day earlier I wouldn't have even thought about it. I switched it on just as it was finishing though. [thanks Laura'93]

I would LOVE to hear a studio version of this, but I would have to agree that it probably won't get past the Latin America touring. :[ Either way, it's FANTASTIC and is definitely a sign of the change in their music that Eno talked about. [thanks xmonstermaggie]

Yeah, great song, but didn't the band say they wouldn't be debuting any of the new album songs on the LA tour? So I'd say the odds of it being tour-exclusive are pretty good, even though I'd love to see a studio version someday even as a B-side or promo. [thanks Corkus]

I agree that this won't show up on the upcoming album. I'll bet it's just a fun little celebratory song they got together to cap off the Spanish-influenced Viva era. And I also agree, that's it's too close to Dancing in the Dark to formally appear without paying official homage to Bruce. Chris likes to act clueless, but I think he's clueless like a fox! Great song, though, and so much fun to be back in touch with the boys! [thanks Pink]

Yeah, I don't know about not being mainstream. This song seems as mainstream as any. If anything I thought Viva was less mainstream than most of their albums. It was pop, but not mainstream pop. I don't see any real difference in this. It's certainly an upbeat song, but Viva was an upbeat despite it's darker lyrics. The thing is, this is also them performing the song live. Songs change a lot in the live presentation. They lose a lot and they gain other aspects. I said in the live thread that I thought this song might make the album. But after reading some of these comments, I'm beginning to think it won't make it past the tour on an album. Maybe it'll be a b-side. Also, as so many have noted, a good deal of it sounds like Bruce. [thanks footyfan10]

New pictures of Coldplay at River Plate stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina (26th February 2010):

Pictures courtesy of musica.uol.com.br

Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour restarted into its third year with the highly anticipated Latin America tour, beginning at River Plate stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina. A new song written specifically for the Latin tour, called Don Quixote (watch the video), was introduced to the setlist. The full set was almost identical to the majority of shows in late 2009. The C-stage was moved back from the floor into the stands. Some excellent photos of the show can be found here at the UOL (Brazil) website.

The Vivacrew twittered live updates from the venue, throughout the day before and during the show - check out all their videos and twitpics now. Chris Martin spoke in Spanish in parts - in between Talk and The Hardest Part he uttered the words "como estas derecha, izquierda, delante, y atras?" which translates as "How are you right, left, front and back?". Thanks to everyone who has contributed on the forums, wiki and twitters, we'll have more on this show over the next few hours/days! (By the way, if you're wondering what Don Quixote means, then click here!)

[discussion] [photos] [videos] [wiki reviews/setlist] [bootleg] (updated over the next 24-48 hours)

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor

Violet Hill

Clocks

In My Place

Glass Of Water

Yellow

Cemeteries Of London

42

Fix You

Strawberry Swing

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (partial rechno remix)

Talk (partial techno remix)

The Hardest Part (Chris solo piano)

Postcards From Far Away (Chris solo piano)

Viva La Vida

Lost!

Death Will Never Conquer (acoustic - sung by Will)

Billie Jean (Michael Jackson cover - acoustic)

Don Quixote

Viva La Vida (remix interlude)

------

Politik

Lovers In Japan

Death And All His Friends

-------

The Scientist

Life in Technicolor ii

The Escapist (outro)

Photo by Alfredo I

Hey you all!! Concert was trully amazing!!! Looooooooooooved it!! I recorded the new song from a magic ball as I was on the front and they played it on C-Stage. The problem is that the pc from my hostel is not recognizing my camera. Met Lore and Cookie!! Got a Hey from Jackie and a High-five from Brooke Promise to tell you all when I come back to Brazil tomorrow! [thanks Cris_Santos]

It was today!! I can't believe! Was amazing! Chris is perfect!! All the band is! I can't believe. I have no words to explain my feelings... They played Don quixote. Is a lovely song. I can't believe!! I saw Coldplay! [thanks akasapple]

quick notes from Lore - The new song sounds lovely! especially when the crowd started to sing "ole ole ole" in the middle of the song, it was perfect. latin american crowd is crazy but not always in a nice way, too much people pushing, we had to stay far far away from the guys. Chris is sounding great, it seems the time off was good for him. Jonny is as cute as always. cooky is lovely and she took her job as part of the vivacrew very seriously, she recorded a vid of the new song! that's dedication. they gave us lrlrl cd's. [thanks Lore]

More on this concert including reviews, videos, pictures and tweets here onwards.

The emotion that I felt when they sang 'ole ole ole ole' was spectacular!!!! for me it was a precious song and so near the Latin American hearing, especially for the Argentineans like I! I cried when they touched 'The scientist', i love that song so so much, means a lot for me in my life! My birthday was the 25/02 and this was the best celebration! I am so so happy, thanks Chris Martin, thanks Coldplay to give the best gift of birthday ever!!!! [thanks halina87]

Pictures by Alfredo I

U2 have earned the most money in the US for a music act in 2009, according to a report. According to Billboard, the 'Beautiful Day' band made $109m (£71m) from touring, record sales and other royalties - nearly twice more than the next biggest earner. Bruce Springsteen came second to the Irish rockers with $58m (£38m), while Madonna took $47m (£31m), with AC/DC gaining $44m (£29m). Coldplay were the highest-grossing British group, with takings of $27m (£18m). Here is the description of the Coldplay entry:

Coldplay didn't let a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by guitarist Joe Satriani dampen its spirits last year. Despite the legal turmoil (the two parties settled in September and the allegations were dismissed), the band earned $24.7 million touring behind its 2008 album, "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends," which sold 495,000 copies in 2009. Overall, the group sold 852,000 albums in 2009, bringing in $1 million in revenue.

The fourth edition of Billboard's annual countdown of music's highest earners finds wide-eyed youngsters (Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift) rubbing elbows with their well-heeled elders (Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac). As the music industry grows ever more complicated, so does our top-secret* Money Makers formula -- comprising, among other variables, monies earned from CD and digital sales, publishing royalties and all forms of streaming. But one thing remains constant: Touring is the prime fattener of bank accounts, as evidenced most dramatically in the eye-popping, chart-topping tally of high-end road hog U2.

For the first time, Billboard's annual Money Makers ranking, which is the most comprehensive report card of its kind, is based on the artist's share of revenue as opposed to total dollars generated by each artist in the ranking. In compiling these rankings, the editors used proprietary data from the Billboard Boxscore archives (concert grosses), Nielsen SoundScan (sales of physical albums, digital albums and digital tracks), Nielsen BDS (tethered downloads, on-demand streams and noninteractive streaming at Rhapsody, Napster, AOL and Yahoo) and Nielsen RingScan (master ringtone sales), and then applied the corresponding mechanical rates and estimates where necessary for each category to determine the industry's top-earning artists. The ranking covers the one-year period from the first week of 2009 (which ended Jan. 4) through the last tracking week of the calendar year ended Jan. 3. It combines an artist's estimated take from those products with box-office results from concert performances that took place during the calendar year.

Sales data tallies all available titles for each artist during the tracking period. Artists receive 100% credit for sales of a title if credited as the lead artist or as an equally billed lead artist. In calculating an artist's share of revenue from recorded-music sales, Billboard used a royalty rate of 20% for superstars and 16% for newer artists, minus producer fees and the usual packaging and free-goods deductions for CDs. An artist's take of revenue from on-demand streams was calculated based on the average wholesale rate paid to labels, while revenue from non-interactive streams was based on SoundExchange's rate settlement with webcasters. An artist's share of revenue from tethered downloads was calculated on an average-per-download basis. In instances when the artist is a songwriter, Billboard estimated the share of songs written by the artist. CD mechanical royalties for artist/songwriters were calculated by assuming the standard royalty rates. For digital downloads for track, album and ringtone sales, Billboard used the current statutory rates, assuming 12 tracks per album. Billboard also subtracted a 10% manager's fee for each revenue category. For touring revenue, we credited each artist with 34% of gross tour receipts, after the promoter's fee, the artist manager's fee and other costs are subtracted.

More discussion on the money lists and Coldplay's earnings is at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks mrman78]

New pictures of Coldplay at River Plate stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina (26th February 2010):

Pictures courtesy of musica.uol.com.br

Check out coldplay.com for a new blog entry: #42 and the stadium show remembering

Discuss this blog entry in the Coldplay forum here and here in the Coldplay Live (Buenos Aires) forum [thanks mimixxx]

After my first day in Buenos Aires being wonderfully relaxed and tourist-y, it's been heads down getting the show together for a bit. It's a little strange going back into stadium-sized gigs after a lengthy period of relatively normal living. I distinctly remember going into the European shows feeling very, very comfortable and relaxed. A hundred and fifty shows on one tour will do that to you.

Here though, the stadium feels absolutely enormous (basically because it is...). Everyone is trying to remember exactly what it is that they used to do to make sure that their little cog in the machine kept moving smoothly. We had a great run through with the band yesterday, in the empty stadium. That's shaken the dust off nicely, but I have a feeling that 50,000 screaming Argentinians is what we really all need to get us comfortably back into gear...

I'm sat outside the dressing room where I believe Guy and Will are chatting to a film crew from Brazil. I can hear the crowd beginning to fill the floor outside. I'd better go get busy with cables or something to keep the nerves at bay. Here's a little footage of where we're at from yesterday's production rehearsals.

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Latest photos from the vivacrew and friends at River Plate stadium, Buenos Aires today (26th February 2009):

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 26, 2010 - submitted by Juan, Argentina

Q. Dear Oracle, I wanted to ask if in the Buenos Aires concert you are giving a free cd of LeftRightLeftRightLeft? For people that go to the concert, obviously.

The Oracle replies:

Yes we are... so to all those attending the show, do remember to collect your LRLRL cd on the way out of the stadium!

February 26, 2010 - submitted by Kari, Argentina

Q. Hi there, As you know today is the big day for Argentine fans! I know that there are three opening bands. And according to the tickets the gig begins at 7pm. But, do you know what time is Coldplay going to hit the stage? Have fun here in BA! Glad to have you back.

The Oracle replies:

Show day is finally here! It's very exciting to have seen so much of this beautiful city and tonight to be experiencing the first Latin American date with its beautiful fans - and of course all those who have travelled in from all over! Here's the information you need:

Doors: 17.00

Rosal: 18.00 - 18.30

Bande de Turistas: 18.45 - 19.15

Bat For Lashes: 19.50 - 20.30

Coldplay: 21.00 - 23.00

Pictures of Coldplay signing autographs outside Argentinian hotel (25th February 2010):

Producer Brian Eno has given an insight into Coldplay's new album, revealing that it could be out by Christmas after all. Eno has already revealed that he is back working with Coldplay on their 5th album, but in an interview today with BBC 6Music he revealed that he has been working on different combinations of band members to get different sounds, and that it is still possible that Coldplay's new release will happen before the end of 2010.

This turnaround comes just days after BBC6 Music revealed that EMI had dismissed a release this year. More discussion on today's latest LP5 developments is at the Coldplay forum now. Here is the new online article, courtesy of 6Music:

This week saw Brian unveiled as guest artistic director of the 44th Brighton festival. It will see him heavily involved curating, presenting, lecturing and performing during the month of May. However, he told 6 Music he’ll still have time to help the band out: "I seem to be able to fit things in. I don't sleep that much."

Earlier this week Coldplay front man Chris Martin revealed to a Brazilian TV crew, he hoped the album would be out by Christmas, which Eno agrees could be possible: "I think it could be. It's quite different from anything they've done before I think, so far anyway. I don't know how it will end up being, but it's very fresh."

When Eno worked with the band in 2008 on Viva La Vida, he notoriously removed Chris Martin from the equation for the first few weeks to try a new way of working with them in the studio. He felt giving the rest of the band space to experiment without any vocals was key to widening the scope of their sound and the ability to explore all their options. This time round he says he will do the same, but also try out different band pairings to see what they come up with: "I think that if you have a group of four people, that's lots of possible combinations. You can have any one of them on their own, and you can have lots of couples within that four. A and B, A and C, A and D. I think every one of those is a unique musical entity that will produce something unique."

While he does admit Chris Martin is a very 'inspired and dominant personality' within the band, he says the aim is not just to stop him having a steer on things: "It's not rocket science, and it’s not Svengali-ism either. It's not some attempt to subvert the band, but just to see what other possibilities are lurking within them that might not come out within their normal working situations."

If you head to Coldplay's blog on their website, it makes it clear Brian has met his match, in four very willing participants: "A single song can exist in several very different forms all within the same day. The mood can go from elation at striking upon a new melody, to a complete loss of confidence and then back to "I can't wait 'til Brian hears this" all within a few hours. The rate of progress is astonishing."

Brian Eno working with Coldplay in the studio in January 2009

In one of several end-of-the-decade mega polls underway at Coldplaying, we're asking you to post between 20 and 100 of your favourite albums of the noughties in Coldplaying's Album Of The Decade thread. Deadline for entries is 28th February (this Sunday!)

It's been an action-packed ten years for the music industry and it's your opportunity to pinpoint your standout albums since 2000. For example, NME's top 50 albums of the decade list was topped by the Strokes album 'Is This It'. Meanwhile, Spinner honoured Amy Winehouse’s soulful 'Back To Black' as the top Album of the Decade. If you're a reader of the Observer Music Monthly you'll already know that their countdown was topped by The Streets - Original Pirate Material as the album that defined the noughties.

Compiling any top list is a tricky process. But how do you filter through the myriad musical delights of the past ten years to pick the defining sounds of the decade? When you think you've done it, please submit your ranked choices at the World Of Music forum. Please make a note of the rules before posting your lists...

Here are the current list of rules:

1. You must nominate in between 20 and 100 albums;

2. Your list must be ranked. UNRANKED LISTS WILL BE IGNORED;

3. The album's original release date must be between January 1st 2000 and December 31 2009;

4. Live Albums, EP's, Rereleases and Compilations are NOT ALLOWED;

5. Movie Soundtracks are allowed, as long as the majority of the tracks were original at the time;

6. Any questionable albums will be debated by a committee consisting of winigwl;

7. You can vote for in rainbows;

8. Nickelback albums are allowed, but looked down upon;

9. Any questions should be asked and your lists accepted in this thread up until February 28th, 2010.

[banner courtesy of the_gloaming09 and Space Cadet, organisation thanks to winigwl]

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 25, 2010 - submitted by Als, United Kingdom

Q. As there are so many of us who will never be as lucky as Phil to live in Argentina, or visit any part of South America, is there any chance Guy could tweet us some photos? We miss his twitter action. Thank you - and keep enjoying that gorgeous food, start the diet after your holiday ;)

The Oracle replies:

Guy was out shopping yesterday but don't think he was on a photo taking mission. However, I took some on my cycling tour and Roadie #42 has been out and about too so between the two of us I am pretty sure we could tweet some pics. There's a new #42 blog and of course that's the first of many so there'll be visuals there too.

February 25, 2010 - submitted by Heide, United States of America

Q. How do the boys communicate when they're in foreign countries? The same question for the crew and yourself...

The Oracle replies:

We find that so many people speak English and are more than happy to speak our Mother Tongue. Quite honestly I always find it embarrassing that everyone seems to speak better English than I can of any other language. Here in Argentina though I am speaking a little Spanish with the locals. I'm not fluent but am giving it a go! Phil is chatting away in local lingo too. The band also try to learn new words and phrases but there's a translator to hand in case.

February 25, 2010 - submitted by Karen, Argentina

Q. In the short time you've been in our country, have you tried one of our regional delicacies? like dulce de leche, mate (it's a hot drink) or asado? What do you think about them?

The Oracle replies:

Well, we've been here for almost 2 days and last night sampled the delights of empanadas followed by various cuts of fine Argentinian beef (fyi: Chris hadn't arrived at this point and the vegetarians amongst us enjoyed fresh fish); that's practically asado covered. Phil Harvey lived here briefly and yesterday recommended we try dulce de leche which I ate earlier this evening... wow it's delicious! I saw some local women brewing up mate by a park but haven't had the opportunity to try it yet. I really must stop eating and drinking so much but it's impossible with so many amazing things on offer...

February 24, 2010 - submitted by Brenda, Argentina

Q. Hello guys, looking forward to see you in Buenos Aires. Here's the question: are you going to be signing autographs at the hotel fence/door?. We've been waiting for 5 years for you to come back here, it would be nice to see you off the stage. I'll be there outside the hotel. Please make my dream come true. Cheers. Bren.

The Oracle replies:

Hi Bren. There have been quite a few people waiting outside but the hotel security have been trying to keep the area clear since Guy was being spied on around the pool this morning. It was very strange to hear people screaming whenever he moved and shouting his name... I am so glad I can leave and arrive without anyone noticing! It's been amazing to see such dedication from the fans even from yesterday. There isn't going to be a signing session at the hotel I'm afraid.

Only a few days remain before Coldplay make their Colombian debut in the country's capital and they're expected to draw huge crowds. But what have the group demanded during their stay? Here's the band's rider, according to website estereofonica. More build up to the Colombian date at the Coldplay Live forum now [thanks mimixxx]

Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Guy Berryman will allegedly be arriving in Colombia in a fleet of 12 ultramodern tour buses and flanked by an entourage of 75, which will go directly to a undisclosed hotel in the north of Bogota. There the group will occupy an entire floor of establishment.

At the hotel they will be presented with twenty bottles of specially imported French and New Zealand wine, as well as some of the best local produce that Colombia has to offer in terms of tropical fruit and cut flowers.

However, they're not all extravagant demands - each band member will also be given a postcard to send their families at home, a tradition that the band goes through in every new location that they visit. Coldplay will perform on March 4 in Bogota's Simon Bolivar Park as part of the South American leg of their Viva La Vida tour.

Pictures of the original Coldplay Parachutes globe by winning auctioneer, NumbersGirl:

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 23, 2010 - submitted by Maria Cristina, Columbia

Q. Hi Dear Oracle! I am so happy that Coldplay is coming to Colombia!! Lots of crowds will be there. Please let me know if there will be a video recording from Latin America or from the tour...It will the best concert we have this year, and as far as I know people are also coming from Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and other countries only for Coldplay!!

The Oracle replies:

All I can tell you is that Roadie #42 and myself had a chat on the plane over and we will both certainly be looking through various lenses over the next couple of weeks... Keep an eye out for his blogs and some updates via Anchorman too.

February 23, 2010 - submitted by Stephanie, Argentina

Q. Q. Dear Oracle, I've asked you a few days ago if u know what soundtrack is Coldplay playing in the concert here in Argentina but I didn't received an answer so I guess you don't know or you cant give me that kind of information, or maybe my question is not good enough, but if you cant answer that maybe you can tell me at least two songs that they are playing that are not from the Viva la Vida album, thank u very much and good luck on your tour I heard that you are coming too! Stephanie. ps: Sorry for my bad English, hope you understood me!

The Oracle replies:

Without giving too much away as I sit here in my hotel room in Argentina, I haven't actually seen the current setlist as we only arrived a few hours ago. I wouldn't want to share the songs with you as the element of surprise is far better. That said, there won't be a huge change to the set they were playing on the Viva tour last year. I think we can safely say that Yellow will be played though!

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 22, 2010 - submitted by Nancy, Canada

Q. Bonjour cher Oracle, Is it possible to buy the open air concert of Coldplay at the BBC Television Center in London 08/18/2008? Merci

The Oracle replies:

I'm afraid that the show that took placed on 18th June (not August) isn't available to buy. Click

February 22, 2010 - submitted by Jacob, United States of America

Q. I was browsing through various CDs at Borders when I saw one called "Maximum Coldplay". Just what is this CD - is it a series of interviews or some other songs? Thank you.

The Oracle replies:

I hate to be so negative (well ok, I don't) but Maximum Coldplay is no more than an unofficial cash-in. It's not very good at all and is amusing in its poor standard. The band did not authorize its release nor did their label or management. I wouldn't bother with it if I was you!

It could be a happy holiday season for Coldplay fans if what Chris Martin says is true - Coldplay hopes to have a new record out by December. However according to a BBC 6 Music News twitter source (BBC6 music of all places) - and it is the ONLY source so far - EMI have quashed the idea that Coldplay will be releasing any new material under their label in the next 9 months at least. No official word has been released by EMI, and no other sources to suggest that BBC6 Music are correct. It's not even on their website today!

We'd appreciate it if you would vote in our latest poll in the Coldplay forum - we're asking whether Chris Martin's hopes of a Christmas album release is realistic or whether you think EMIs grip on Coldplay is just that little bit tighter for the band's liking. In other words - who do you believe? Here are some of the latest comments by Coldplayers over the recent developments regarding the new album. Thanks for all the contributions so far - keep them coming!

I'd say that Coldplay wanted to start the rumours and raise the expectations for the next album. But there's obviously something in the EMI - Coldplay relationship, this was almost as to mark that the band can't go around saying anything they want, that the label is still in charge. Dunno why though, just made this whole thing so much bigger than it should've been. [thanks trimp]

I wouldn't read too much into this. Look at the wording. Chris says sort of casually in an interview that they're hoping to finish the album in time to release it before Christmas. In other words that's their personal deadline, and nothing has been formally scheduled at EMI yet. Chris was saying Christmas 2009 over a year ago and that didn't work out for them. They always need more time than they say at first. It's just how they work. The quote gets spread around, and of course like a giant game of telephone, it gets warped. Headlines proclaiming the certainty of a December release date abound: "Chris Martin Confirms New Coldplay By Christmas" "Coldplay to release new album this year" (NME) "Coldplay Return Before Christmas" (Also in a case of definitely not paying attention - Chris said they AREN'T worried about a leak: "Coldplay worried about album leak" ). So the BBC, being what seems like the last occasionally responsible journalists on the planet do the responsible thing: The call EMI to see if the release date is definite. Of course it isn't officially on the books yet, because Chris himself only said that date was a hopeful one, so EMI says no, it isn't coming out then. The article quashed, the BBC relegates the EMI response to a tweet. It doesn't mean there's necessarily any friction between band and label, or even a misunderstanding. It may come out in December, and it might not. It depends on when the boys actually finish the album, and how much time EMI wants for marketing after that. [thanks Space Cadet]

Interesting theories as to why EMI would immediately respond to this. Let's face it, other than to us uberfans, this was a insignificant mention which could have easily slipped under the radar. EMI's quick & emphatic denial gives the story wings. I don't know enough about business to understand why a struggling business would hold back one of their biggest assets. However, I do know that there is a difference between recording an album and releasing an album so that means that both EMI & Chris could be correct. The band could have the album in the can, sealed & finished by Christmas but that doesn't mean EMI has to release it then. Who knows what's going on behind closed doors at EMI. Are they negotiating with outside investors, dangling a new Coldplay album at a specific time? Who knows? Also, does anyone know -- when a band contracts for a certain number of albums, is it spelled out how many of those releases must be new material? Can then fulfill their obligation by throwing in a live and/or greatest hits CD? And one last thought (sorry, I'm running my mouth...), I do think the boys were a little too visible for a little too long. I've friends who are casual fans and they were getting tired of seeing/hearing them everywhere. I think it will do them good to "disappear" for a bit -- and, trust me, it pains me to admit this! [thanks Pink]

Unfortunately, the label markets the album, not to mention pays for its production. They probably have more say in when it gets released than the band itself does, especially considering how much of a dump they're in economically. They'll want to release this album at the most profitable time. [thanks motoi]

EMI isn't doing so well lately. They really need to get their act together. Chris Martin is more of an enthusiast. So, I don't know who to believe. I think I am going to go with Chris. He seems more reliable. [thanks flickahidalgo]

There's absolutely no way on earth it'll be ready by Christmas, since when do Coldplay keep deadlines? But who are EMI to deny what the lead singer says, as ridiculously optimistic as it may be. Pissing off the biggest act left on your struggling label = baaaad idea [thanks mimixxx]

EMI probably released a statement because it's not on their release sheet, so they didn't know about it. Or, maybe they want to push it for next year if another big artist is releasing something in that period, and they don't want competition. [thanks anniea89]

At first I was thinking the same thing about EMI: why wouldn't they want the boys to release LP5 as soon as possible, i.e., by the end of the year, since EMI needs the money? But, it could be that EMI might actually benefit from a later release date. I'm not familiar with all the details involved with such contracts, but I'm guessing EMI gets loads of residuals from record sales, concert sales, merchandise sales, etc. So, the longer they have the boys under their wing, the more they get. The monetary present value of these residuals with a later release date might actually be greater than the present value of an earlier release date. It's hard to tell. Plus, aren't the boys free agents after LP5 anyway? If they're itching to get out of EMI (which may be sarcasm from Chris in the interview about being "owned"), then they definitely would want to release it sooner. That would also be why EMI would want them to release it later, because EMI would want to keep the boys around as long as possible. Just a thought. [thanks NumbersGirl]

That's the music business, and the world of business in general. But I don't think that means the band can't RECORD whenever they want...they can have five full albums in the can ready to go if they want, but that definitely doesn't mean they can release whatever they want when they want--only label-free bands like Radiohead have any kind of leeway like that. Which is kinda why I want record labels to die...I think the music market would explode with all kinds of good things creativity wise when a good chunk of the big business is taken out of the picture. I've learned to believe nothing that comes out of Chris's mouth regarding releases/the band unless it's in writing on coldplay.com . I love the man to death, but I don't think I'll ever believe anything he says in an interview. Unless it's "I love Chelsea." I might have to take his word for it on that one. [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]

I would like to believe Chris but anyhow the final word has the record company.

Considering all the promotion that has to be done before the release it is also very expensive to bring out a new album from a such a big act like Coldplay. I'm also worried about the quality of the next album - if the record company is in trouble they will probably demand from CP that they will not change their style that much and I am not so fond of Viva la vida part 2.... [thanks Sparks22]

So I suppose they're really recording a new album and it could be done by Christmas, but I think it will come out next year, so it's more waited, because they have all that problems with EMI, and it's also said that it won't be realised by EMI so maybe they are still arguing about it.... don't know.... hope it come by next year so they ome to BCN by summer, because that's another thing, do you think they will do another tour next year, after two years aut of home... my good they have family! [thanks Koala]

In a new interview with Brazilian television network Globo, Chris Martin said that he’s hoping for a December 2010 release for Coldplay’s fifth studio album. He might want to check in with EMI, however, before making such statements again and causing fans to start joyously singing like Roman cavalry choirs—because the label seems to have a differing opinion on when the record will drop, Idolator are reporting today. More discussion on this latest LP5 development is at the Coldplay forum now.

Martin stated that the album will be out “hopefully this Christmas.” And when asked whether it would be Coldplay’s final album, the singer planted tongue firmly in cheek and replied, “No. I think we have about 500 more. Seriously, we signed for a lot… We’re owned. We can’t do anything without asking somebody’s permission.”

But this morning it appeared as if Chris Martin didn’t have the permission to speak about the upcoming album. BBC 6 Music News tweeted the following: "Coldplay’s label EMI say reports the band are releasing their fifth studio album by the end of 2010 are not true."

Tensions have been high at EMI, as the company has been struggling with major debt issues. Because of that, the label was forced to offer up another denial recently—of the rumor that it will sell London’s famous Abbey Road studios. Perhaps instead of holding Coldplay back from releasing their upcoming album, cash-strapped EMI really ought to be pushing the band to get it out sooner.

In a video interview for the show Fantastico broadcasted last night for TV Globo in Brazil, Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland confirmed that they hope to release the next Coldplay album at the end of 2010. Watch the full Fantastico Coldplay interview in the first post of the thread here at the Coldplay forum. You can find links to download the full interview in the Multimedia forum here [thanks SueDeNimes]

"Hopefully this Christmas", Chris Martin said in the interview, when asked about releasing Coldplay's fifth album. It seems the band are progressing much quicker with the recording process that first anticipated by fans. When discussing possible leaking of the new material, Chris said, "There are only two people in the whole building who know how to open all the recording files. Even we (Coldplay) don't know how to do it. We couldn't even steal our own music. You would have to be a computer genius and a great burglar to get into the building, and download it, and mix it."

It was also confirmed in the interview that Coldplay's next record would not be the last with ailing record label, EMI, and they wouldn't be doing a 'Radiohead'. "We signed for a lot [of records], it won't be the last one. We're 'owned', we can't do anything without asking someone's permission."

Coldplay also described their forthcoming Latin America shows as a 'great journey' with a lot of singing and four sweaty Englishmen. More discussion on this interview is here at the Coldplay forum now.

Don't forget that later today (Sunday February 21st) Brazilian channel TV Globo will be broadcasting an interview with Coldplay on its Fantastico show. It's due to be on at 8.35pm. More on this interview is here at the Coldplay forum. Anyone able to record?

Meanwhile, Chris Martin has been interviewed online by Veja, a Brazilian news magazine in which Chris talks about Coldplay's fifth album, the forthcoming Latin America tour, plagiarism, Eddie Vedder, the end of decade clearout sale, Simpsons, Brian Eno... and porn! The interview is in Brazilian but below is a fairly decent translation of the article, so hopefully you get the idea behind the questions and answers. You can discuss this article at the Coldplay forum now [thanks SueDeNimes]

In the ranking of the best rock bands in the world, Coldplay certainly occupies a prominent position. The English rock group, which lands in Brazil this week for shows in Rio and Sao Paulo, sold 40 million copies of their four albums (only in Brazil were sold 550,000). Much of this success is due to the talent and charisma of lead singer and group leader, Chris Martin. In an interview with SEE, Martin speaks of the fame of good guy and anticipates the sound of the group's fifth album...

You are the anti-rockstar? Do not get into trouble, do charity, is an exemplary father...

What happens is that when you become famous, people get used to associating you with only one feature of his personality. But no one is entirely good or bad, I have done things I regret.

Singer Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, has declared to be "very difficult" to be Eddie Vedder. Is difficult to be Chris Martin?

Eddie Vedder has all this fame to be good people. And, yes, it's nice. But I believe that even he must like porn occasionally. In fact, everyone looks at porn. Even me.

At the end of last year, Coldplay put several items - albums and photos, instruments - the auction. Why?

Since the band originated ten years ago, we had the purpose of helping the needy. Just before Christmas last year, join our instruments and artifacts used in previous tours to help an organization called Kids Company. She is based in London and help children and adolescents orphaned or who can not afford their studies. We did the auction and managed to raise a good amount - I do not remember the exact amount - to help these people. It was enriching.

Do you feel an obligation to help people?

This is not a requirement. Because we feel so lucky, life smiled so much to us, we desire to help others. What does it cost to sell an old guitar to help someone or something you believe?

You also donated for auction one of his jackets used on tour with Viva la Vida. The money will go to the earthquake victims in Haiti?

Yes, we also help Haiti. We have the news when he was in the studio recording our new album. It was a shock because I hoped it would be a better decade for the world. But it's nice to see the rest of the world unite to help people in Haiti. I was in the country in 2002 and was appalled by the poverty of the region.

The Coldplay faced accusations of plagiarism in Viva la Vida. The best known were the guitarist Joe Satriani and singer Cat Stevens. As the band react to this?

There were five objections to the whole. But do not steal music from anyone. In fact, until it was becoming a funny thing. I wake up and received a call from my lawyers, saying he had been accused of plagiarism and if by chance I had stolen the music does not. "Of course not," were my answers. Processes, in a sense, were a blessing. Meant that we were a hit. On the other hand, is a nuisance to have to face these situations and deal with lawyers.

A good option is to place an ad in the new single. "If you think this song is like a composition of hers, send us an e-mail!

Do you think we think about it? Yesterday, at lunchtime, we were discussing the possibility of incurring new charges of plagiarism. But we decided to improve as songwriters. Only then can we escape this kind of accusation.

The Coldplay will release a new album this year?

We are working on a new album. Pre-production began six months ago and we are a month and a half in the studio. The production is again Brian Eno and are committed to doing something great. But I can say that it is more intimate than Viva la Vida. Lately, I have heard a lot Chopin, a vocal group called Golden Gate Singers and the first records of Bruce Springsteen. Bruce, moreover, was a recent discovery, I began to buy his CDs two years ago. I turned a fan of Born to Run and Nebraska.

Brian Eno gave an interview to British newspaper The Guardian in which he said was that the disc is in the end. Do you agree with that?

I heard this interview, but have not had time to read it. But I tend to agree with Eno. The record market undergoes changes and the trend is that the CD will disappear. With you, it must be happening the same thing, the internet has taken the space in newspapers and magazines. But that does not mean the death of music, much less journalism. You can not control the future, all I can do is force myself to write more and better songs.

As part of the show The Simpsons?

It was fantastic, always been a fan of the series. And every time I watched the Simpsons on TV, I thought: "I would love to participate in an episode of the program." I loved being locked in the studio with the actors playing the characters and see them improvise. I hope that my performance was up to them. I love comedies and comedians, but I'm a mediocre comedian. I compose music, however I am unable to tell a funny joke. For me, there is nothing more frustrating than being at a party at a table full of friends and get my time to tell a joke. In these moments, I pretend I'm ill and I faint - and flee.

The last time you gave us an interview, Coldplay had started the tour of Viva La Vida. What changes occurred in the concert?

When we change one show to another. In the case of Viva la Vida, which has more than 170 presentations, it would be different - changed some songs from the register in their order ... But we did it in a way so slow and careful that people will hardly notice these changes.

In Brazil, you should play to an audience estimated at 60,000 people. Will there be any change in the structure of the scenario, for example?

60,000 people? Really? It will be the largest audience of Coldplay in Brazil. I hope people show up and prestige.

You said that Coldplay was the biggest band of the day as U2 and Green Day had released their new albums. These two bands are the new disk and none exceeded Viva la Vida. Want to overhaul your answer?

No, you're going to cause problems. I like the bands and fans of these bands. I would say that Coldplay now occupies an honest third place.

Chris Martin attends the London Evening Standard British Film Awards (9th February 2010):

The lawyer of Coldplay’s concert producers confirmed that River Stadium closure was rejected so the show will go ahead on February 26, according to Momento 24 today. More build-up to the River Plate show (and indeed all the other shows from the forthcoming Latin America tour is at the Coldplay Live now. [thanks ipodthermic]

The Justice had previously issued a ruling that closed the stadium because of the disruption that Nunez’s neighbors suffered as a result of several shows at the Monumental. The vibrations caused by the synchronized diving assistants would be more detrimental to people, because these would harm the surrounding buildings.

However, a study from Engineering University concluded that vibrations would not be enough to damage the properties. Earlier, T4F, the show producer responsible for the Coldplay concert in the River stadium, appealed the ruling which temporarily prohibiting the execution of mass shows.

According to the producers, the stadium closure by Buenos Aires Justice, “was not based on T4F breaches on the organization of Coldplay show but the lack of an environmental impact study and assuming danger to the health of the River Plate neighborhood and/or their buildings by the vibrations that cause viewers when they jump rhythmically and coordinately into the stadium”. TF4 argued that the results of studies conducted by the Engineering University concluded that “there is no danger to buildings or persons.”

The producer added that “they have all permits and regulatory approvals required to carry out Coldplay show granted by the competent authorities of the Buenos Aires City Government”.

Pictures of the original Coldplay Parachutes globe by winning auctioneer, NumbersGirl:

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 19, 2010 - submitted by Julien, United Kingdom

Q. Who is the man who is walking on the beach in the clip Bigger Stronger?

The Oracle replies:

I spoke to the video's director Mat Whitecross who as you know also went on to bigger and er, stronger things. The actor's name is John Forbes-Robertson. He was really lovely and incredibly patient. Sadly it seems he died a couple of years ago. A fact about John - which he told me proudly on set - he was the last Dracula in a hammer horror movie - he played him in The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires. Here's John's obituary...

February 19, 2010 - submitted by Alex, United States of America

Q. The song Hallelujah sung by Rufus Wainwright, what's it about?

The Oracle replies:

Leonard Cohen actually wrote and originally recorded the song; there's so much to be read into the lyrics with its many biblical references. I still stand by my belief that lyrics are for the listener to interpret so they can attach their own meaning to it. Oh yeah, and because I don't have a clue! ;)

February 18, 2010 - submitted by Peter, United Kingdom

Q. Oracle would you please answer my question? Do you have any information on what fellow Brit rockers Embrace are up to? Haven't heard from them in 4 years!

The Oracle replies:

It so happens I do have that information for you: "Writing... and it's going really really well" so says frontman Danny MacNamara.

February 18, 2010 - submitted by Maria, United States of America

Q. Oh wise Oracle! Earlier today I was on a website and I was watching a video of Chris and the song playing in the back by Coldplay has now become my new favorite song. There is one problem though. I don't remember the name of the song and I have been searching the site for hours trying to find it but I cant! It was something like Don't Doubt the World or something. Something to do with the word "World". The word "World" was in the title. Please help Oracle. It's been bugging me all day! Thank you soo much!

The Oracle replies:

Well to be honest (as I often am) that title doesn't ring a bell with me at all.

It could be

The Oracle will travel to Latin America with Coldplay, it has been confirmed on Coldplay.com tonight. Here's Anchorman with the news, just in:

We're very pleased to announce that the Oracle will be heading out to Latin America with Coldplay for the duration of the band's upcoming tour. That means, for three weeks, the Oracle will be answering your questions about the tour: be they regarding the venues, the crew, the catering, the production or, if you're lucky, the backstage gossip. This is your chance to find out those things you've always wanted to know about the Coldplay touring machine - so get over to the question form and start asking...

If you are thinking of submitting questions for the Oracle (or have already submitted your Latin queries), let us know what you're expecting an answer to here, in the Coldplay forums now. Don't forget...

[thanks LittleMissMessy & Technicolor Liver]

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 17, 2010 - submitted by Veronica, Argentina

Q. Dear Oracle, Last week I saw a Coldplay interview in this TV programme called "Boombox All Access" in Boomerang channel, so I was wondering: were Coldplay interviewed in the Beehive or in The Bakery?

The Oracle replies:

The interview took place last week in The Bakery.

February 17, 2010 - submitted by Juan, Uruguay

Q. Dear Oracle, as you didn't answer any of my questions (probably because they were not importantly enough) I just wanted to try again and make you a question of great importance for me and thousands of Coldplay fans in Argentina. Do you know in which hotel are the guys staying in Buenos Aires? It would be great if you could answer this. Thank you!

The Oracle replies:

I am so sorry but can you imagine if we gave hotel details out? There could be potential pandemonium at the hotels which would then cause mayhem for the staff and other guests - not cool. Anyway, it's not standard policy to give out any travel details so I promise it's not me (or anyone) being an ass.

February 17, 2010 - submitted by Alexa, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle. I hope all is well. So I have been dating my boyfriend for one month now and I told him we needed a song. Because Coldplay is my favorite band I told him it should be by Coldplay or a Coldplay song. But the bad thing is, is that he doesn't like Coldplay as much as me. I want to make it a Coldplay song, but I don't want to seem to controlling. Should I make it a Coldplay song? If so, what song should it be? It would be really helpful. Thank you Oracle. Have a nice day.

The Oracle replies:

I hate to urinate on your parade or picnic but why pick a song by YOUR favourite band that means nothing to him and IF you split up that song will then make you sad rather than happy? Doesn't sound like a great idea to me, sorry! Pick something that means something to both of you; that's the whole point of "our song" surely? Maybe something you both like or seems to play a lot when you're together or when you met. Given that was only a month ago yes it does seem a little controlling for you to pick! You don't have to have one straight away anyway, so why not wait and see what develops - with the relationship as well as a song materializing.

February 16, 2010 - submitted by Sammy, United States of America

Q. Hello Oracle :) I have a question...obviously. I read that when Coldplay was just starting out Sylvester Stallone asked them if he could use Trouble in one of his movies, but they turned him down. Other Coldplay songs have appeared in movies though..like Don't Panic in The Garden State. What was the difference between the movies? Why did they turn HIM down and not the others? I was just wondering...thanks! :)

The Oracle replies:

Sometimes refusal is because the film may not be appropriate or suitable for using their songs but it was nothing personal against Sylvester in the above case. Many producers etc. asked around the time that Parachutes was still a relatively new release in the United States. Record labels sometimes prefer to "exploit" an album through their own promotion and marketing means rather than agreeing to its use in a film early on. It was felt too soon at the time for any music to be used in a film. Consequently other offers were also turned down (FYI: Shallow Hal). Garden State was much later when the album has been out for a longer period of time.

February 16, 2010 - submitted by Veronica, United States of America

Q. Oracle, I've got a problem. My ex-boyfriend had some very inappropriate conversations with me while dating his current girlfriend. She recently found out this information and is blaming me entirely. My ex confronted me about it, and I had no idea that someone had told her. However, he is now claiming to her that nothing happened, and he is flat out lying to her. She is having trouble trusting him, and I told him she really shouldn't trust him, and he got offended by this and is now blaming everything that happened on me, when he was the one who instigated the conversations in the first place. What should I do if I can't detach myself from the situation and I'm not the actual problem? How do I allow the truth to be exposed without all fingers pointing at me for being the cause of the problem?

The Oracle replies:

Well Veronica, I have to say that you need to let them get on with it and leave them both alone. It's quite clear to me that you still have feelings for your ex otherwise you'd have told him where to get off when he started sending you inappropriate messages. He may have instigated them but you didn't discourage him. I'm afraid you do have a part to play so can't claim innocence. Telling his current girlfriend that he cannot be trusted or that he is lying is not your business. You may want to detach as you're taking the brunt of the force but he's not the only one who can't be trusted is he? Maybe accept your part of the responsibility and walk away having nothing more to do with either of them. It's time to move on with your life.

EMI is to sell the iconic Abbey Road studios in London, where The Beatles recorded most of their albums. A sale could raise tens of millions of pounds for the music group, which is looking to reduce the burden of debt following the 2007 buy-out by Terra Firma.

EMI has been courting bidders for the property in St John's Wood, which it bought in 1929 for £100,000 and turned into one of the world's first custom-built recording studios, the Financial Times has reported.

Back in 2006, Abbey Road studios were threatened with prosecution over a Coldplay gig it hosted for the BBC. The recording studio was threatened with prosecution four years ago under new licensing laws because it hosted an "illegal" gig organised by the broadcasting corporation. Lawyers from Westminster Council claimed the Coldplay concert, which was aired on Radio 2 in April 2006, was the first live music event to break the law since it came into force in November 2005.

Westminster sought legal advice when a former adviser on the Licensing Act, discovered that Abbey Road doesn't have a licence for live entertainment despite assurances to the BBC that it had fulfilled all its legal requirements.

Sir Edward Elgar used Studio One in 1931 to record Land of Hope and Glory with the London Symphony Orchestra, and during the Second World War the complex was used for propaganda recordings for the Government plus BBC radio broadcasts.

But it was The Beatles who really put the studios on the map, using them to record the bulk of their work between 1962 and 1969. They named their final work Abbey Road, the cover of which immortalised the pedestrian crossing outside the studios as the four band members walked across it in Iain Macmillan's classic photograph. Pink Floyd recorded their 1970s album Dark Side of the Moon there, while contemporary bands that have used them include Blur, Radiohead and Manic Street Preachers.

However, in recent years the studios have faced cheaper competition from recording facilities in other countries. Recording technology now allows artists to record using just a laptop computer, making it harder for companies to justify an expensive infrastructure.

But Abbey Road is still valuable as one of the few venues able to accommodate an entire orchestra, which has allowed producers to record scores there for films including Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. A sale could boost EMI's finances at a time when Terra Firma is trying to get £120m from investors by June to avoid breaching covenants on loans of £3.3bn from Citigroup.

Chris Martin attends the London Evening Standard British Film Awards (9th February 2010):

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1200 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

February 15, 2010 - submitted by Karina, Uruguay

Q. Dear Oracle, Will there be a live photoblog on Latin American tour? thank you!

The Oracle replies:

There won't be a live photoblog but there will be photos and news from the tour. Keep an eye on our Anchorman over the next few days as he will be telling you something else that you may find interesting...

February 15, 2010 - submitted by April, Australia

Q. Dearest all knowing Oracle! Did the band get the line in the Nappies song... "And can it kick me? Yes it can" ...from the Robbie William's song Rock DJ? They sound quite similar. Thank you in advance, and a very happy Valentines Day to you!

The Oracle replies:

Actually there's an old school rap song by A Tribe Called Quest called Can I Kick It? I would bet money on both Robbie and The Nappies taking the line from there.

February 12, 2010 - submitted by luke, United States of America

Q. So Oracle, alas I feel as if you will actually answer this question because I have studied the style of questions you answer, and this is legit. My dad a few weeks ago gave me a brain teaser and trust me it's teasing me at full throttle. Here it is: 3 men are on an island, one is 250 ponds the others are 125 each. In order to get to the next island they have to take a boat as none of them can swim. But the only boat they have has a max capacity of 250 pounds. How do they get to the other island?

The Oracle replies:

Logic questions can be quite confusing because they tend to throw you a curveball and make you almost over think them rather than lateral thinking.

So, the first trip across will have the two men at 125 each so that one guy can be left on the next island but one can bring the boat back. The next trip will just be the 250 pounder. The man who's already there will then go back to the first island to collect the remaining man. Simples.

February 12, 2010 - submitted by Meg, United States of America

Q. Dear Oracle, I have never had a boyfriend on Valentine's Day before (which is quite depressing). Will you be my valentine? :) Love, Meg

The Oracle replies:

Since you were the first to ask (not the last I might add) but yeah, why not?

Don't let it be depressing that you've never had a Valentine. Going out with your single friends can be fun without being necessarily anti-Valentine. That said, it's 24 hours so attack it head on, it'll soon be over. It's a great day for commercial gain but it's not fun for all; some couples are just going through the motions for duty. Yes of course some are in love and having a great time, some single people feel blue rather than red but there are also singletons that don't care. Try and be one of those because I bet it won't be long before you get a real date rather than a virtual one! Here's a kiss for all you single people! x

A planned break-up and a £2billion loss in value threatens the UK major label, EMI

A letter filed by the Citigroup bank in New York has revealed that Terra Firma, the company that bought EMI in 2007, now values its acquisition at £2billion less than they paid for it. On the eve of the credit crunch, Terra Firma paid £4.2 billion for the record label that Coldplay, Robbie Williams and Lily Allen call home.

And according to various internet sources this morning, it is believed Guy Hands tried to break EMI up three months ago. That's according to the latest court documents in the legal battle between Citigroup and the Terra Firma chief. According to the Financial Times, Terra Firma now need to raise £120 million by June to stop EMI falling into the hands of Citigroup, the bank that lent it the money to complete the ill-fated deal.

Guy Hands hoped the break up would salvage his £4.2 bn investment in the label It was rejected by EMI's lender, but it's thought it could provide a blueprint to its future The battle between terra firmer and Citigroup launched at the starts of the year because Hands reckons he was duped into buying the label. Court documents filed Friday by Citigroup, include a letter Mr. Hands sent on November 5th to Citigroup executive Chad Leat proposing the separation and recapitalization of EMI's two businesses: the ailing recorded-music division, known as EMI Music, and the healthier EMI Music Publishing unit.

The behind-the-scenes tussle is another reminder of the extreme fragility of the world's No. 4 music business, the recording home of bands as big as Coldplay, following its leveraged buyout in 2007. It also speaks volumes of the lengths Mr. Hands is willing to go to salvage the investment. The battle between Guy Hands and Citigroup erupted at the start of this year when Guy Hands launched a lawsuit in a New York court. He reckons that Citigroup and it's most high-profile bankers had duped him into buying EMI, by falsely claiming there was a rival bidder.

Citigroup have launched a scathing attack on Guy Hands - a tax exile in Guernsey. It's claimed he pleaded to keep the trial out of the UK courts to protect his 'non-domiciled' tax status.

Chris Martin attends the London Evening Standard British Film Awards (9th February 2010):

Warm up this weekend in New Jersey to Laser Coldplay! A reminder that you can see another of their colorful laser lights show choreographed with music and the starry planetarium sky this Saturday 13th February at the RVCC Planetarium at 8pm local time - featuring Coldplay tracks For You, Brothers and Sisters, Yellow, Lovers in Japan, In My Place, Viva La Vida, Clocks, Trouble and a new as yet unconfirmed song. Please attend if you can, as the show is imminent! (If you know of anyone in the area who would be interested please let them know asap!)

Admission is only $6 for all ages and if you mention the 'Coldplaying forums' you can get a $1 discount off ticket prices for the Coldplay show (not to be combined with any other offer). Their system produces 16 million color graphics and patterns and is well worth the money. Reservations are recommended for all shows but turn up to the show early (at least 15 minutes before the show) if you want to get in. More information on the hotline by calling the Planetarium @ 908-231-8805. Click here for directions to the Planetarium.

The show is about an hour long and the song list above is the majority of the show, but there are a few extras. The show is running tonight (Jan 16) and also February and March 13 (Saturdays) All shows are at 8 pm. Also showing this winter shows featuring Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and a variety of music.

The Raritan Valley Community College campus lies at the crossroads of Central New Jersey, with Routes 22, 202 and 206 and Interstates 287 and 78 just minutes away. The College is situated on the north side of Route 28 in North Branch, New Jersey.

Brit Awards organisers are reportedly struggling to persuade former winners to attend the 30th anniversary ceremony next week. Groups including our own Coldplay, Dire Straits and Travis have all been nominated in the one-off 'Brits Album of 30 Years' category, but have so far allegedly snubbed the London event on February 16.

"Invitations have gone out to all concerned but it is now a tricky situation," a source told The Sun. "Dire Straits, The Verve and Oasis have all split. Sade won't go as she likes to protect her privacy. Duffy is in the studio in the US. Chris Martin and Co have turned us down as they're recording and preparing for shows. Organisers are exploring all avenues to resolve this."

Coldplay have reportedly turned the BRITs down as they're recording for the new album and are also preparing for the Latin America tour later this month.

Phil Collins and The Verve's Richard Ashcroft have reportedly among the few former winners that have agreed to attend the event. Bookmakers have made Oasis's 1995 LP (What's The Story) Morning Glory? the favourite to win the 'Brits Album of 30 Years', which has been decided by Radio 2 listeners.

Pictures of the original Coldplay Parachutes globe by winning auctioneer, NumbersGirl:

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin spoke with Ocesa Mexico ahead of the Latin America tour, which is due to start later this month. Below is the roughly translated article of the Mexican interview found online. More discussion on this article can be found at the Coldplay forum here onwards. [thanks hugo]

O: How do you feel about your participation on a TV show such as the Simspons?

CM: It was fantastic, that made us look more handsome than we really are. We are very thankful for that and being there felt incredible, we are fans of the show, it was lots of fun doing it.

O: Did you have the ambition once of playing at big venues when you started the band?

CM: That was always an ambition, you always have crazy ambition and when you are half way there you just let it go. It is incredible to see how little by little you have achieved everything that you have set as a goal.

O: You’ve been helping Haiti, what more is left for Coldplay to continue helping them?

CM: When George Clooney organized the Telethon we had the interest to help because the situation was very complicated for everybody; so we feel very thankful of have being part of that telethon and have done a donation too. We don’t have other way to contribute rather than doing the best we can for everybody. What is awesome is how quickly all the World has helped this nation, that is what is fantastic.

O: What is your opinion about the legal issues in which you are involved as a band?

CM: If you are part of a band, you know you are doing things right when the rest of the people start to feel uncomfortable with what you are doing. We only focus on the truth, we say the truth and we keep on going. We don’t worry about it, we know what is the truth.

O: From the moment you wrote a song inspired on Frida Kahlo, the museum in Mexico city has received more visitors. How do you feel about it?

CM: Its wonderful, just incredible, we cant way to go back there.

O: Now that you are a huge band and you play on stadiums, do you miss playing at small venues?

CM: Not really, the dressing rooms smell bad and are uncomfortable, but the new album is being recorded for us to play in small venues, but we don’t know if that is going to happen.

O: Dont Panic is related with Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy. Has Douglas Adams work influenced your music?

CM: I’ve never read that book and I think I should…as a matter of fact, the title of the song was taken randomly taken from the book. In general, a lot of books influence our music and that’s great.

O: Natalie Imbruglia wrote a song for you and you said it was the best song she has every writen. What is your opinion about that?

CM: I know it is a wonderful song, but it has not been finished yet and I’d like to know what happened with that.

O: Have you thought on making a tribute to Frida Kahlo now that you are going to visit our country?

CM: In certain way the whole concert is a tribute to her, maybe we will have an inflatable image of hers on stage. The reason why we are ending the tour in Mexico is because there it is were the idea of Viva la Vida came from, she influenced all of that work.

O: Do you have any plan on keep on working with Oxfam?

CM: They are always outside the concerts at the stands giving information. So yes, we keep on working with them.

O: What is more important, being rich or being famous?

CM: That’s a funny question, I think that what matter are the reasons why you are rich or famous. What I thank the most is having the opportunity of being part of this band, that is what is great. Fame and wealth are only a consequence, an added value.

O: is there any place that you have planned to visit when you come back to Mexico?

CM: We have been on the studio so we can be musically at a 100% for the shows, so we have not made any plans to visit any place.

O: With technology and internet, have you planned on releasing an album on CD or as a download?

CM: I think that eventually that will happen, but for the moment we will make a new record and we will think on a new way to present the album. I think that the best thing of music right now is the way you can get it, at the end of the day there is always somebody that likes to go to a store and buy records.

Pictures of the original Coldplay Parachutes globe by winning auctioneer, NumbersGirl: