More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1400 questions now answered - submit yours now!)
October 27, 2010 - submitted by Kevin, United States of America
Q. Dear Oracle, I was wondering if you could help me understand a few things about Coldplay. I've looked through the timeline several times and it seems like Coldplay went from being an almost unknown band to playing at Glastonbury in a very short amount of time. Almost like instant success. Am I reading the timeline incorrectly or did it all happen that quickly? Thanks Oracle, You are the Best
The Oracle replies:
Yes, it actually did all happen that quickly. It's quite unusual for a band to reach their level of success at such high speed. Oh dear, that was terrible wasn't it? They were relatively unknown to the music industry & media until September 1998. By Christmas the same year there was a significant industry buzz building. As early as January 1999 the media had picked up on the band and the wheels were in motion for a whirlwind 6 months of high profile live shows, Fierce Panda single release, major label record deal and major publishing deal culminating in their first Glastonbury appearance June 1999.
October 27, 2010 - submitted by Jamie, United Kingdom
Q. Dear Oracle, Me and my boyfriend, whom I love dearly but I suspect is cheating on me but we have been friends since we were wee lads and lasses and I just couldn't bear the thought of being without him and so I will stay with him forever and ever even though maybe he's cheating on me and maybe I should leave him because he told me that he doesn't love me as much anymore, can't tell whether or not Chris and Jonny actually appear as zombies in Shaun of the Dead. I think they do, but my possibly unfaithful but devilishly handsome (he is a Coldplay fan) boyfriend says they're not. Can you help us?
The Oracle replies:
I can help you settle the fact that Chris & Jonny are zombies in Shaun of the Dead but as for the rest... No I cannot help you; I wish I could. I could help you if you wanted help though it sounds like you want me to wave a magic wand and make him what you want him to be. You want to stay with someone forever and ever who may or may not be cheating on you but doesn't love you as much as before? Erm, don't you think you deserve more? Better? He's not the only handsome chap in your vicinity I bet. Treat him like your favourite cake that you eat often. Now imagine you're watching how much sugar and cream you eat for health reasons so you have to give up this cake. Of course it's going to be hard because you love this cake and almost feel like it's a habit you can't break. After a while you look and feel so much better and realise that you don't need or want that cake anymore; it was bad for you. In fact a new cake that's much better for you is available - wait and have that instead of this toxic variety. Yes ok so my analogy might be silly but it's the same message as I would normally give anyone with romantic/deluded ideas or in your case someone who lacks self-esteem and ironically is damaging it further with someone who doesn't appreciate you. Step away from the boy and walk in the opposite direction with your head held high.
October 26, 2010 - submitted by Mirko, Germany
Q. Hea Oracle, Why is
The Oracle replies:
I was there that day of their second Glastonbury performance in 2000. Will had been pacing up and down looking from the side of the stage out into the building crown. I would wager the lie down was a nerve busting rest in the sun. FYI: At 30 seconds Emily Eavis says the band's first appearance was Saturday; it was actually the Sunday!
October 26, 2010 - submitted by Adele, Colombia
Q. Heelloo Oracle, In the question about Ode to Deodorant, in the cassette, the name of Coldplay appears as "The Coldplay", was the band called like that before? Did they change their name? When and why? Thank you so much. Kisses from Colombia.
The Oracle replies:
A few people have asked this and it has been mentioned on these very pages before. Yes back in 1998 they were known as The Coldplay but dropped The at the turn of the year. There were a lot of "The" starting band names and it sounds better without don't you think?
October 26, 2010 - submitted by Emily, Canada
Q. Hi Oracle! Are you a fan of Michael Buble? I absolutely love him!
The Oracle replies:
Unlike the majority of the X Factor contestants/mentors on last week's show, I understand the meaning of a guilty pleasure (as that was supposedly the theme). Michael Buble can certainly fit the bill for some of us so I admit, he is mine. * Guilty pleasure - something you're not meant to like (especially if it's not considered cool) but you do anyway.
October 26, 2010 - submitted by Aaron, United Kingdom
Q. Dearest Oracle, Is this really
The Oracle replies:
Are you yanking my chain? It is Chris yes; Chris BOUCHARD as it clearly says on the screen. Dude he looks like nothing like Chris Martin!
October 25, 2010 - submitted by janie, United Kingdom
Q. Hi, I read about how the Ode to Deodorant cassettes were dubbed from a CD-R. I was wondering how many of these CDs were made? Did they get labeled like the cassettes or are they any other marks to know someone has seen a real CD? Thanks!
The Oracle replies:
The copy I had was the original CD-R and didn't have any labelling whatsoever. I copied it myself onto cassette before the cassette demo started doing the rounds. I am not aware of any CDs being given out at that time to be honest. The tape looked like this. Don't bother trying to work out the phone number; it doesn't belong to anyone these days!
October 25, 2010 - submitted by Owen, United Kingdom
Q. Hello Oracle. I'm a big Blink-182 fan and I found this video of
The Oracle replies:
I take it you mean Chris & Tom from Keane rather than the whole band but as it goes, that's a clever technique of the video maker's if they intended us to think it was them; however it isn't.
October 22, 2010 - submitted by Andy, United Kingdom
Q. I was at Tinie Tempah gig in Manchester Academy, Tinie did a cover of Viva La Vida, over which he rapped whilst the crowd sang the Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Ohs! Who gives clearance for Coldplay's music to be re-created this way? the band or the powers that be? Have the band heard it, or even yourself Oracle? It was very good!
The Oracle replies:
My initial reaction was "no clearance is necessary; anyone can perform a cover of a song" but then I watched it. I have to say I found it rather strange to hear him
October 22, 2010 - submitted by Tracey, United States of America
Q. Hello There! We have a Holiday over in America called Halloween on October 31st, do the kids in the UK celebrate this?? Thanks, Tracey
The Oracle replies:
We have it too! In fact, I think you'll find it originated over this side of the pond but it became a much bigger holiday over there than here. Our costumes tend to be of the scary/horror variety compared to the broader themes of the U.S. We also play special games such as bobbing for apples and the traditional trick or treat that makes most neighbours pretend they're out for the night!
October 21, 2010 - submitted by Tyler, United States of America
Q. Hello Oracle. I know that you have already answered a few questions asking what the address is for sending fanmail. I found this address on another website, only to realize later that it was not the same one you suggested we send it to.
Coldplay
3D Management
1901 Main Street
3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90405
USA
Will the band still receive my letter or should I send another one? Thank you for your time :)
The Oracle replies:
There are no postal addresses available for fan mail; disregard any previous addresses given out as they are now defunct. I can tell you that any sent to the above address do eventually make it to the UK. A huge number of letters arrive in London via various other means too and I'm sure you understand why it's impossible to give personal replies but I assure you they are all read.
October 21, 2010 - submitted by Gabriela, Paraguay
Q. Hi Oracle! I wanted to know if you knew Yann Tiersen, a French musician? He is SO awesome! I am so in love with his music that just makes me wanna learn to play so many instruments! So if you do know him, can I know your opinion about him? Thanks have a nice day!
The Oracle replies:
Those of you who are regular visitors will know I have plugged the French film Amelie many times and the amazing composer of its excellent soundtrack.
October 21, 2010 - submitted by Anush, India
Q. Dear Oracle, My question to you is who is the guitarist playing in Shiver music video, is it Jonny or His brother Tim?
The Oracle replies:
Er, I'm not entirely sure why you would think it's anyone else but Jonny! I know it was a long time ago and he may look slightly different (young) but as Jonny has always been the guitarist in Coldplay it wouldn't make any sense for his brother to be in the video.
October 20, 2010 - submitted by Julie, Denmark
Q. Hi Oracle, Why would you say that God Put a Smile Upon Your Face wasn't technically a single? As you said, it got played in the radio, furthermore it had a video and was released as a physical single CD. Julie.
The Oracle replies:
Blimey the Xfm book is a hot topic this week eh? GPASUYF was not technically released as a physical single in the UK despite having its own video and being given to radio stations as a promo track. It was a limited release in other territories but Xfm is a UK station so for the purposes of question, that is why I would say that.
October 20, 2010 - submitted by Michelle, Canada
Q. So, Wise Oracle... Did the Xfm book get it right? Would the same 13 Coldplay songs appear on the list if you were the one choosing them? Cheers
The Oracle replies:
In my personal opinion, no; I have other favourites but some of mine wouldn't make the list as they were solely album tracks.
October 20, 2010 - submitted by Matthew, United States of America
Q. I have done a little research on-line and I came across a few lists of XFM's top 1000 songs. Each one listed Talk by Coldplay. Are these lists wrong or are you missing one song.
The Oracle replies:
So folks, Matthew wrote to me 3 times about this issue (apparently Strawberry Swing shows up on their lists too) so I thought I would reply... I myself am not missing any songs from the list. In fact, I own the book and checked to make sure that Anchorman & I can count and indeed we can. Whether Mike @ Xfm is missing a song is another thing but Talk is not in the definitive collection that he compiled.
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