Superstar producer Swizz Beatz recently revealed that he will be releasing “That Oprah” as an official single and will be shooting a video for it. “That Oprah” samples Coldplay's hit song “Viva la Vida” with Swizz rapping about his love for the legal tender. [Listen to “That Oprah”]

“The record started off a freestyle, then the traction went real major,” Swizz told MTV. “Being that I've got a relationship with Coldplay already — I've worked with them a while back — I was like, I wanna turn it into a real record. I took care of the legal side. I'm about to shoot a video to that. Plus, that's where I wanna be at musically anyway. The remix is gonna be crack.”

Swizz will be releasing his second solo album , which is currently untitled, later this year.

“It's major,” Swizz said about the album. “It's showing a different side. We had the One Man Band that was a lot more hype, a lot more all over the place. This album we got Mary J. Blige on the album. John Legend did my intro. We're just exploring a whole other side of my movement.”

wa

Discuss this news story and listen via YouTube to the track here [thanks mimixxx]

That’s a lot of questions!

Good evening. We’re pleased to announce that, today, the Oracle answered the 10,000th question to be submitted to Coldplay.com for their attention. The Oracle hasn’t actually answered all 10,000 of them, but it still feels like a landmark moment. Head on over there to celebrate. Anchorman/Coldplay.com

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Marine, France

Q. Will Coldplay take an orchestra on stage one day ?

The Oracle replies:

At the 2003 Grammys they performed Politik with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Bryan, United States of America

Q. A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The bartender immediately pulls out a gun and points it at the man. The man says “Thank you” and walks out of the bar. What happened?

The Oracle replies:

This sort of answers another question sent in by Brenna a while ago who wanted to know the best cure for hiccups. I wouldn’t advise anyone to do this as it’s bloomin’ stupid, but the answer to your question is the man has hiccups. The shock of having a gun pulled on him cures them. Using your thumbs to cover your ears and little fingers to block your nostrils and have someone slowly pour water into your mouth (gulp it slowly) works just as well.

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Mollie, United States of America

Q. Who’s the girl with the short dark hair thats in The Scientist video and she’s also in one of the Tim Hope-made videos?

The Oracle replies:

That’s Elaine Cassidy.

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Laura, Hungary

Q. Is there ever going to be a message board on the website where fans can talk to each other? thnx Oracle for the answer:)

The Oracle replies:

There are no plans to have a message board on this site. Personally forums can get very ugly and unhealthy. They're scary places even for an Oracle. That said; if you're looking for one the unofficial fan site coldplaying.com has a popular one. [Thanks Oracle!]

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America

Q. Is there a fanclub?! Because I would love to further support my favorite band XD

The Oracle replies:

There isn’t a fan club. Kudos to a group of people who ran Coldplayground, which was a fan club for fans by fans that ceased to be in December 2001. The Mince Spies CD was given away with that last ever issue as a Christmas present and thank you to the members for their support. That CD has become quite a collector’s item.

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Priscilla, Mexico

Q. How did Will ended up as the drummer when he didn’t even play the drums??

The Oracle replies:

Will’s amazing. He’s so musical and can play many instruments. His flatmate was supposed to record drums for their E.P but wasn’t in when the band turned up. They were desperate for someone and Will offered to help them out and that is how he became the drummer.

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Olivier, Canada

Q. Dear Oracle, is it true that the word ‘COLDPLAY’ is a lyric from the band Keane. Did Coldplay bought that name to Keane?

The Oracle replies:

I’ve already answered this so please peruse previous questions. I’ll settle the urban myth though. It wasn’t Tim from Keane who passed the name on; it was a different Tim entirely.

August 22, 2008 - submitted by Tommy, Australia

Q. Dear Oracle,

Did you know that I have invented a new kind of paper? It’s a bit like toilet paper, but instead is called refrigerator paper. It is used for wiping a refrigerator’s bottom. in much the same way as toilet paper is used for wiping a… toilet’s bottom. Anyway I wasnt sure if you knew, so I guess this is just in case.

The Oracle replies:

Congratulations Tommy, this question was the 10,000th question! There’s no prize or anything, just thought I’d mention it.

More more more from The Oracle...

August 21, 2008 - submitted by Kaitie, United States of America

Q. You said in a news post that Simon Pegg is Coldplay’s archenemy. Why is that? Is there a funny story?

The Oracle replies:

Yes, it’s only a bit of leg pulling. I guess it’ll make more sense if you listen to the archived Xfm show. The band and Simon have been friends for a long time and there’s been no drama at all.

August 21, 2008 - submitted by Andras, Hungary

Q. Who is the boss in the band?

The Oracle replies:

There’s not a boss as such, they all try to make decisions together. If they ever struggle or can’t quite make up their mind, it’s actually Will who tends to have the final say.

August 21, 2008 - submitted by Carla, Brazil

Q. At Coldplay’s store, Brazilans are not allowed to buy things. Will we be able to buy something there someday? When?

The Oracle replies:

The Coldplay official store ships internationally worldwide so Brazilians can buy things from there. For further help, see the shipping information here on the site.

August 21, 2008 - submitted by Onizuka, United States of America

Q. If the bathroom can be used for bathing, can the poop deck be used for pooping?

The Oracle replies:

You watch Family Guy then…? Fabulous isn’t it? (For anyone who doesn’t, no you do not poop on the poop deck. It’s derived from the French word - la poupe).

August 21, 2008 - submitted by Chrissy, United States of America

Q. Does Chris wear holes in his underarms as a fashion statement? I sure hope so bc I have holes in ALL my shirts now! Is that a fan or WHAT!!

The Oracle replies:

Body sweat can degrade material but did you know that some garments are made with holes left in them purely for ventilation?

August 21, 2008 - submitted by hera, United States of America

Q. On the cover of A Rush of Blood to the Head, it says; The Scientist is Dan. What does that mean?

The Oracle replies:

Dan Keeling was the guy who signed them to Parlophone. He was their A&R man before he moved on a few years ago. Dan not only bore inspiration for the song of the same name but also the album in terms of being quite harsh with his honest opinions during recording. Referring to him as The Scientist was a compliment even though The Scientist isn’t a biographical song about Dan.

Exclusive news from Albert Hammond, Jr. website:

We are very pleased to announce that Albert Hammond, Jr. will be supporting Coldplay for their upcoming European tour! Albert is now fully recuperated from his throat infection, and is anxious to head out on the road. The tour kicks off on September 1st in Strasbourg, France.

What do you think of Albert Hammond, Jr. supporting Coldplay? More on this here

Tour itinery for Coldplay with Albert Hammond, Jr:

Sept. 1 – Strasbourg, France – Zenith

Sept. 2 – Manheim, Germany – SAP Arena

Sept. 4 – Lyon, France – Tony Garnier Hall

Sept. 6 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau St. Jordi

Sept. 7 – Madrid, Spain – Palcio des Deportes

Sept. 9 – Paris, France – Bercy

Sept. 10 – Paris, France – Bercy

Sept. 12 – Cologne, Germany – Koln Arena

Sept. 14 – Hamburg, Germany – Colorline Arena

Sept. 15 – Berlin, Germany – O2 World Arena

Sept. 17 – Stockholm, Sweden – Globe Theatre

Sept. 18 – Stockholm, Sweden – Globe Theatre

Sept. 19 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum

Sept. 22 – Prague, Czech Republic – Sazka Arena

Sept. 23 – Budapest, Hungary – Budapest Arena

Sept. 24 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle

Sept. 26 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle

Sept. 28 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

Sept. 29 – Bologna, Italy – Palamagotti

Sept. 30 – Milan, Italy – Datchforum

Oct. 2 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – The Ahoy

Oct. 3 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – The Ahoy

Oct. 4 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportspalais

On Tuesday September 9th, Coldplay are due to perform live on French TV, on the talk show Le Grand Journal, found on the channel Canal+, according to schedules found on Clap Production.

The TV show is live from 7pm (French time) to 8:50pm, and usually live acts are on at around 8pm. Although, Coldplay plays at The Bercy at 8:30pm that night (according to the tour schedule), so they might be on earlier.

More on this news here [thanks chavi & Svenky]

2008 Concert Volunteer Application - Support Oxfam at the new Coldplay shows!

Oxfam America are looking for volunteers to help out at Coldplay shows in the US - there are still spots available for most Coldplay US shows - inlcuding the following newly announced ones:

Wed Oct 29 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Gardens

Fri Oct 31 - Washington DC - Verizon Center

Sat Nov 1 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center

Wed Nov 5 - Altanta, GA - Phillips Arena

Fill in the form here for your application. If you wish to apply to more than one concert please fill out one application per concert. An Oxfam America organizer will respond to you as soon as possible and will send more exact schedules along with other instructions to those volunteers who are selected and reconfirmed. Spaces are limited. Volunteers typically arrive 1-2 hours before the concert and stay about an hour after the concert.

There is more information on this here (Oxfam America have posted an update here on Coldplaying.com regarding the new added shows.)

Channel 4 has confirmed a stellar line-up of artists for its 4Music Presents... series over the last summer and into the autumn.

Channel 4’s head of music, Neil McCallum, has commissioned Eyeworks UK to produce a series of one-off specials, which will include acts from the UK and international music scene to premier as 4Music Firsts on the 4Music channel, as well as repeats on Channel 4.

Among the artists booked for the shows are The Verve, Alicia Keys, Kings Of Leon, James Morrison, Will Young, Sugababes, Snow Patrol, Pink and Coldplay.

Each show will include live performances, mixing catalogue and new material from each artist or band, while presenters such as Miquita Oliver, Steve Jones, Alexa Chung and George Lamb will be on hand to conduct interviews.

“The shows offer viewers a unique showcase to the featured artists and we’re proud to offer them as part of our music programming,” says McCallum. “With the shows going out on 4Music, we’ve made our music even more accessible for our viewers.”

Source: musicweek.com

Record label EMI have rubbished reports which claimed Coldplay were keen to complete their contract with the major label.

A report in this morning's Sun newspaper claimed the band could release a new album within the next year, which would be followed by a greatest hits record. But a spokesman for EMI has denied the “inaccurate” claims, and was quoted as saying: “Coldplay are signed to a long term record deal with EMI and are committed to produce a number of albums.”

And, contrary to the claims in the newspaper, which suggest Coldplay may want to head out on their own, the spokesperson added: “The band's relationship with EMI is both long-term and positive.”

Coldplay's relationship with EMI has been under the spotlight since the record label's 2007 takeover by private equity company Terra Firma.

The latests on this exclusive news can be found here onwards.

Coldplay's Shiver has been confirmed as part of the setlist for the new version of Guitar Hero 'World Tour'. Watch a video of Shiver being played here (we accept no responsibility for the quality of singing) [thanks sa_spurs_tx]

Guitar Hero World Tour (initially referred to as Guitar Hero IV) is a forthcoming entry in the music video game Guitar Hero series, and is being developed by Neversoft and published by RedOctane and Activision. The game is expected to be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Wii consoles on October 26, 2008.

Coldplaying.com recently reported on the news that tracks from Coldplay’s new album Viva La Vida and previous LPs are to become available on Guitar Hero III. The new three-track downloadable song pack will Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock with the release of a three-track downloadable song pack. Included in the song pack is the new single Violet Hill, classic anthem Yellow and the upbeat God Put A Smile Upon Your Face.

Other songs officially added to the World Tour version are:

· Anouk - Good God

· Beatsteaks - Hail to the Freaks

· Coldplay - Shiver

· Hush Puppies - You’re Gonna say yeah

· Lenny Kravitz - Are you gonna go my way

· Lost Prophets - Rooftops

· The Enemy - aggro

· Mars Volta - L’Via L’Viaquez

· Michael Jackson — Beat It

· Radio Futura - Escuela De Calor

· Stuck in the sound - Toy Boy

· Tokio Hotel - Monsoon

Coldplay, A-ha and Mew have teamed up for a one-off supergroup, Apparatjik.

Guy Berryman, Magne Furuholmen and Jonas Bjerre perform the theme to Bruce Parry's new BBC2 series Amazon.

The series starts on September 22, and an album will be out to coincide. Songs For Survival includes exclusive songs about the series by Johnny Borrell, Hot Chip, The Go! Team, Mystery Jets, Mike Oldfield, Jazon Mraz and Yusuf Islam.

More on Guy Berryman collaborations with members of A-ha here

The Sun is reporting today that Coldplay are preparing for the release of a surprise album within a year of Viva La Vida hitting stores. Productive recording sessions with Brian Eno has left many more unused songs in the can, which the band are now considering releasing.

The Sun’s source at the label said: “The Viva La Vida sessions were incredibly fruitful. They gelled brilliantly with Brian and recorded much more music than they could fit on one album. Standard industry contracts tend to be for six albums, so if they provide some kind of compilation after their next album they will be free agents and able to renegotiate their contract or head out on their own.”

The band are currently XFM DJs for the month of August having already broadcast three parts of their ‘Residency’ show. Listen to them all again here.

Related article: Coldplay to rush release new album

The all knowing Oracle gives more Coldplay hints and tips…

August 20, 2008 - submitted by Josh, United Kingdom

Q. Is Brothers & Sisters (on the Without Parachutes) really as Marxist as I think it is?

The Oracle replies:

Brothers & Sisters was a single released on Fierce Panda and was in no way Marxist! Without Parachutes is a bootleg by the way so is not an official Coldplay release.

August 20, 2008 - submitted by AJ, Canada

Q. Would Coldplay ever consider doing a concert devoid of their big hits and perform a list of their more obscure or less played songs and b-sides? I would find that very interesting to see them explore their older songs live again, such as high speed , everythings not lost, life is for living , Spies, sleeping sun, other songs like that . Will they ever go back there?

The Oracle replies:

They do incorporate old songs from time to time but the hits are what most people want to hear. They are the songs that put them in this wonderful position of being able to be in a band full time. One of the reasons they change the way Yellow is played on each tour is to make it more interesting for audience and band alike. Some people might only be there for the hits as Guy once pointed out! Radiohead famously dropped Creep from their set many years ago but Coldplay certainly feel Yellow is one song that would be hard to drop.

August 20, 2008 - submitted by Nikki, United States of America

Q. I love your web site. Who created it?

The Oracle replies:

Slender Fungus created the website.

August 20, 2008 - submitted by Chris, United States of America

Q. Coldplay has been saying that Life in Technicolor has a full version with lyrics, but I feel like that song and The Escapist are very similar, are they one in the same?

The Oracle replies:

The album version of Life in Technicolor has an intro before it starts which is indeed the same as the backing music of The Escapist. What you hear is actually an adapted version of Jon Hopkin’s track Light Through The Veins. For those who don’t know The Escapist is a hidden track tagged onto the end of Death And All His Friends. Anyway, yes there is a full version of Life in Technicolor with lyrics that’s about 2 minutes longer than the instrumental version. Very nice it is too. Sure you’ll get to hear it one day…

August 20, 2008 - submitted by Sammie, United Kingdom

Q. Why have Coldplay spelt life in technicolo(u)r without a u if they’re English?

The Oracle replies:

Technicolor is a process that was discovered and started in America so as a trademark has always had an American spelling.

August 20, 2008 - submitted by Gabriel, Brazil

Q. Can you tell me where did the idea of playing “Call the Shots” at the end of square one, in Brixton academy, came from?

The Oracle replies:

Well believe it or not, Chris is a huge fan of Girls Aloud.

August 20, 2008 - submitted by Andrea, Canada

Q. Dear Oracle,

People from Nigeria are supposedly known as “nigerians”, correct? Well, if that is the case, then what are people from Niger called? If you were to tell me you were from either Niger or Nigeria, I would assume you’re Nigerian either way. But there has to be a distinction between the people from the two separate countries. Care to shed some light?

The Oracle replies:

As you say Nigeria is straightforward with Nigerian. Niger is very similar with all things from Niger being Nigerien.

Coldplay have released their souvenir first edition of the Coldplay Messenger, the all-new publication delivering the latest Coldplay happenings to you, wherever you may be (via email anyway). Coldplay say, "Think of us as being like a friend who knows quite a lot about that band you like and who gets in touch every couple of weeks telling you what they've been up to, only you don't have to reply saying 'thanks mate, how are things with you?'."

In the first edition, Coldplay report on downloading Death Will Never Conquer for free, a busy Coldplay.com round up including The Oracle and Roadie #42 launches, the two videos for Viva La Vida, and an important new competition to win a signed album. Simply email your name and address to competitions@coldplay.com before Saturday 23rd August. (I've stopped short of including their link to the horrific 'Especially For You' Kylie and Jason video).

More on the full edition of the messenger here and don't forget to sign up at Coldplay.com for the continuing series [thanks cobalt]

Coldplay earlier this week announced that they have confirmed four more US shows. Tickets for the Philadelphia show go on sale later today.

Coldplay played in Philadelphia on July 25 and - due to the popularity of that show - are scheduled to perform again at the Wachovia Center on Saturday November 1st. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10am today, and may be purchased through comcasttix.com or livenation.com, by calling (800) 298-4200 or by visiting the Wachovia Complex Box Office or some area ACME stores. A reminder of the four new shows:

Wed Oct 29 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Gardens (on sale Fri August 15 at 10am) [tickets] [discussion]

Fri Oct 31 - Washington DC - Verizon Center (on sale Fri August 15 at 10am) [tickets] [discussion]

Sat Nov 1 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center (on sale Mon August 18 at 10am) [tickets] [discussion] [ON SALE TODAY]

Wed Nov 5 - Atlanta, GA - Phillips Arena (on sale Sat August 16 at noon) [tickets] [discussion]

Reviews continue to pile in for Coldplay's new album Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends. Here is one such review:

Coldplay are a heavily mocked and derided band but do not forget that in 2000 - the year of manufactured pop, they were a breath of fresh air. Come 2002, and the band’s sophomore album had them refine the techniques hinted at with their debut ‘Parachutes’. Some listeners were already noticing a certain drippiness oozing its way into the songs, but all in all, ‘A Rush of Blood to the Head’ felt decent.

The trouble began in earnest with 2005’s X&Y. Looking back, it was a heavily dull album and Chris Martin’s maudlin lyrics sounded worse than ever. The band stretched a set of conservative songs way too far and the result was a bunch of overproduced and over-baked tracks. It may not have hurt their popularity, but it did give them a reputation for making mind nullifying music.

Read the full review at WikiColdplay here

In the third eventful part of Coldplay’s Xfm Residency last night, Simon Pegg once again dodged the world’s biggest band’s phone calls. Admitting they “didn’t have great radio personalities, but have buckets of enthusiasm and passion”, Coldplay tried calling the star of Spaced and Shaun Of The Dead to add spice to their show.

Chris Martin, Guy Berryman and Johnny Buckland were forced to leave a message on the actor’s voicemail as fears grew that the feud between these former friends was worsening. “Simon! it’s Chris and Guy And Johnny”, said the frontman. “We’re on radio again and there’s no answer. We’re looking stupid on radio. I thought we were friends”

Martin seemed so crestfallen by the snub, he sunk to new levels of desperation:“We might call Will Champion our drummer. Maybe he’ll talk to us.”

Listen to Coldplay’s third show in their Residency on Xfm

A reminder that Coldplay's third XFM Residency show airs tonight on XFM, from 9pm BST (EST+5). You can keep abreast of this show here onwards [thanks mimixxx]

For those who live outside the UK you can listen to the XFM Residency webstream via the Coldplaying toolbar - which you can download here prior to this evening's show.

Last week, Simon Pegg [pictured] refused to take Coldplay’s calls as the band attempted to “raise the comedy levels” on their second Residency show. Chris Martin, Johnny Buckland and Guy Berryman tried calling the Brit star as one of the band’s own jokes – something about two Nuns and a bar of soap - fell flat. Musing on why Pegg didn’t pick up, Chris said, “He probably doesn’t like us anymore”.

Listen to Coldplay’s brilliant second Residency show here

Coldplay's single Viva La Vida is back in the top ten singles chart in the UK, nearly three months after its original online release. It clambered four places from last week's no.14. Bloc Party's new single 'Mercury' offered little resistance, which went in at a poor no.16.

Coldplay's album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends is down one spot to no.4 after The Script's self-titled album, The Script, shot straight in at number one on the album chart, knocking Abba's Gold from the top slot.

Top Ten UK Singles:

1. Katy Perry - 'I Kissed A Girl'

2. Kid Rock -'All Summer Long'

3. The Script - 'The Man Who Can't Be Moved'

4. The Verve - 'Love Is Noise'

5. Dizzee Rascal ft Calvin Harris - 'Dance Wiv Me'

6. Rihanna - 'Disturbia'

7. Madcon - 'Beggin''

8. Jordan Sparks ft Chris Brown - 'No Air'

9. Noah And The Whale - '5 Years Time'

10. Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida'

According to unofficial sources, Coldplay will release the third single, Lost!, from the new album Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends on September 8th. Lost! will initially be available in the US and then released later in Europe. It is not yet known what format the single will take or if there will be a video to accompany it, but we will keep everyone updated on Coldplaying.

An alternate, acoustic recording of Lost! has previously been freely released, known as 'Lost?'. This version was one of the first LP4 tracks to be released to the public way before the album's release, appearing as the B-side to the Violet Hill CD single in Europe. It is also a bonus track on both the iTunes and Japanese CD releases of Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends.

More on this news here [thanks coldpatrix & coldplayzone.it]

Six shows for the Welsh soul sensation

As was announced here on Coldplaying earlier this week, Coldplay have confirmed that Duffy will be supporting us at six US shows in the autumn (or, if you prefer, "the fall").

She'll be performing at the following dates:

Oct 21- Cleveland

Oct 26 - East Rutherford

Oct 27 - East Rutherford

Oct 29 - Boston

Nov 1 - Philadelphia

Coldplay say, "We think she's brilliant, so we're very pleased."

Coldplay earlier this week announced that they have confirmed four more US shows. Tickets for the Boston and Washington shows go on sale later today:

Wed Oct 29 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Gardens (on sale Fri August 15 at 10am) [tickets] [discussion] [ON SALE TODAY]

Fri Oct 31 - Washington DC - Verizon Center (on sale Fri August 15 at 10am) [tickets] [discussion] [ON SALE TODAY]

Sat Nov 1 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center (on sale Mon August 18 at 10am) [tickets] [discussion]

Wed Nov 5 - Atlanta, GA - Phillips Arena (on sale Sat August 16 at noon) [tickets] [discussion]

More on this exclusive news here [thanks crazyduckette]

EMI labels score a double victory on Billboard's new pan-European sales charts. Coldplay starts an eighth week at No. 1 on the Top 100 Albums chart with "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" (Parlophone), while Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" (Virgin) races 8-1 on Eurochart Hot 100 Singles.

Coldplay's summer residency atop the European survey continues as it holds down the top spot again in Holland, France and the Belgian region of Wallony. It falls 1-2 in Ireland and 1-3 in Switzerland, but is back up 3-2 in Germany, Sweden and Norway and 5-4 in Austria. The band's extensive European tour begins Sept. 1 in Strasbourg, France.

"Viva" is trailed again by its predecessor at the pan-European summit, Duffy's "Rockferry" (A&M/Universal), which has been in runner-up spot ever since its three weeks at No. 1 in June. The Welsh star's debut set has sold 1,067,000 copies to last weekend in the United Kingdom, where it's back up 3-2, and spends a fifth week at No. 1 in Sweden. It's also up 4-2 in France, 3-2 in Finland and 6-5 in Wallony, while the single "Mercy" moves back up 13-11 on the Eurochart.

More on this (and other chart moves) here [thanks coldpatrix]

Coldplay rose one spot to number six on the US Billboard 200 charts, selling 55,000 copies of “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" - all the more amazing considering this is a 21 percent sales loss.

In France, Coldplay are still number one with the new album, despite pressure fromFrench first lady Carla Bruni who sold more than 300,000 copies in France and abroad since hitting the shelves a month ago, with new album "Comme si de rien n'etait" (Simply).

Meanwhile, The Jonas Brothers are expected to challenge Coldplay for the biggest-ever sales week for a digital album title - Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends sold 288,000 downloads in its first week on sale earlier this year.

Check out coldplay.com for a new newsreel entry: MTV VMAs - Let the voting commence

Good morning. It has been brought to our attention that the public voting for the 2008 Music Television Video Music Awards is underway. You may now cast your vote for Best Rock Video, Best UK Video and Video Of The Year - all of which feature Coldplay in the list of nominations. Curiously, however, the band have been excluded from the Best Dancing In A Video category.

Anchorman

In an August 10th Op-Ed in the Boston Herald, Bill O’Reilly takes a select group of musicians to task for what he views as their disparaging stance – which they disseminate through their songs – against the United States.

In particular, he singles out Bruce Springsteen, Chris Martin (of Coldplay), and Neil Young, who in his words have “demeaned the United States this summer” (ostensibly on their respective concert tours) by performing such seemingly condemnatory material. Summarizing their concerts, he says, “They yell out dumb stuff to their zombie followers and revel in the applause.”

Odds are that O’Reilly has neither attended a recent concert by any of the three artists he chastises nor listened to their most recent albums to discern some semblance of honest context. Lest someone take his word for it, though, nowhere on Magic (Springsteen), Viva la Vida (Coldplay), or Living With War (Young) do any songs – even those most critical of the president, his administration’s policies, and actions – amount to or condone across-the-board contempt toward America and its citizens.

Read the full article at Blogcritics here