The Oracle discusses splashing out on rare Coldplay CDs

More questions answered by The Oracle... (over 1000 questions now answered - submit yours now!)

October 22, 2009 - submitted by Joao, Portugal

Q. Dear Oracle, I'm about to spend all my savings on old Coldplay releases like Blue Room EP, Safety EP, and so on... I'm going to be broke, but happy. Should I really do this?

The Oracle replies:

In your shoes I would just buy The Blue Room E.P. It shouldn't be anywhere near as expensive as the Safety E.P (going for ?1000 plus). It features 2 of the exact recordings from Safety too. It is very hard to find a bona fide original copy of Safety so do be careful as you may be buying a fake. Other singles are fairly easy to find or you may get a good deal on the singles box set; they're vinyl only though.

October 22, 2009 - submitted by Victoria, United States of America

Q. What are the other nine classic album covers chosen for stamps?

The Oracle replies:

Here's information for the stamps that will be available next year. As well as A Rush of Blood there's:

The Division Bell by Pink Floyd; Parklife by Blur; Power, Corruption and Lies by New Order; Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones; London Calling by The Clash; Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield; Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin;

Screamadelica by Primal Scream; The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie.

October 21, 2009 - submitted by Laurie, Canada

Q. Hey Oracle, I was watching The Scientist from Glastonbury... what ever happened to all those cameras? Did any fans ever submit photos to the band? Wouldn't it be cool to see those pics? Laurie

The Oracle replies:

For anyone who doesn't know, the band threw disposable cameras into the crowd after taking a few shots themselves of the audience and backstage before the show. This was a regular occurrence; not just Glastonbury and to answer your question yes, a few photos did make it back via email. Some fans also posted their pics on websites but only a very few compared to the number of cameras that were given out.

October 21, 2009 - submitted by Enzo, Brazil

Q. Hi Oracle, are you familiar with Paramore? Because I recently listened to their new album and there is a song: The Only Exception. I think it is similar to the older Coldplay's songs. It's my opinion of course, others maybe won't find it similar. I also would like to ask you how close you are to Chris and the others?

The Oracle replies:

I am aware of Paramore and also the track you mention. As it starts with an acoustic guitar being strummed in a similar vein to Yellow I can see why you mention it. I think that's where the similarity ends if I'm honest.