pja123

I can see it from both angles. Chris definitely overreacted, but the interviewer was throwing in some subtle jabs here and there. What I totally disagree with is the notion that Chris "stormed out." If you listen to the interview, Chris politely got up and asked for "two minutes." Though, he did follow that by muttering "I don't like doing these interviews." But c'mon, I would hardly categorize that as a tyraid. This interview definitely shouldn't go in the annals of Coldplay-media interaction, but portraying Chris as an egomaniacal pop star storming out of interviews is far fetched, to say the least.

I think all three songs are good, but the song I can't stop playing is Viva la Vida. It's so damn catchy and anthemic. It should have been the first single off the album with Violet Hill second. This doesn't mean Violet Hill is bad, just not as captivating as Viva la Vida. Also remember that "Viva la Vida Or Death And All His Friends" is a summer release, and Viva la Vida fits the season. It's alive with melody and bursting with energy. It fits for this time of year. Violet Hill is a much rougher, edgier song talking about "white snow" and "freezing." I don't think it will really catch on. Don't be surprised if Viva la Vida or another track becomes the "big song" off this album instead of Violet Hill.

Song: 'Til Kingdom Come +Great lyrics and the acoustic sound is amazing. - Doesn't really fit with the rest of the X&Y album Next song: Gravity (studio version)

"To commemorate the tour, a special edition of X&Y has been released in Japan with six bonus tracks and four videos, including Speed of Sound and The Hardest Part." Anyone know what the six bonus tracks are?

This is a smart move by Martin. Outsiders are only a distraction when you're trying to create an album. He needs to trust himself and the rest of the band. No one else. As Flying Sparks said, they should go back to their roots and produce an intimate, meaningful, thought-provoking album akin to Parachutes. I'm not saying they should try to duplicate it, but Coldplay are at their best with simple, melodic tunes that resonate with listeners.

Let's say, hypothetically, you were asked to assemble the 12 best Coldplay songs so far, along with 1 hidden track. Which songs would you choose? Here's my "best of" in the order I think would flow best on an album... 1.)Clocks 2.)Yellow 3.)Speed of Sound 4.)Trouble 5.)In My Place 6.)The Scientist 7.)Don't Panic 8.)Green Eyes 9.)What If 10.)Everything's Not Lost 11.)'Til Kingdom Com 12.)Fix You Hidden: Gravity

Of course, I am psyched to hear the b-sides off the next single. I'm hoping they'll do a studio version of "Ladder to the Sun".

I think we have a consensus--what is Coldplay thinking??? Don't get me wrong, "The Hardest Part" is a good song, but it's not single-worthy. Singles are supposed to be the best of the best. And as we see on this thread, there are many songs that many of us diehard fans consider much better (i.e. White Shadows, Low, A Message). A previous poster said it best--if us Coldplay uber-fans aren't infatuated with "The Hardest Part" how will the average radio listener respond to it? My guess would be...not very well.

I shutter when I hear rumors of Coldplay sans piano on the 4th album. I mean, Coldplay's sound is synonymous with the piano (e.g. Clocks, The Scientist, Trouble, Speed of Sound, etc.). I can understand Coldplay's desire to grow and try something new, but they shouldn't take such a dramatic course of action. Just look at what happened to Radiohead when they tried that. The band needs to realize that they have a very loyal fan base(as evident by this board) and we're use to--and even expect--certain things from Coldplay. Completely overhauling their sound would turn off many fans, including myself. Don't get me wrong, I love the band and will always have a soft spot in my heart for them(their songs really helped me through some tough times), but I don't want to listen to some techno rock or country folk album. If I wanted to do that I'd buy Beck or Keith Urban. Again, I totally understand them wanting to try new things and branching out but they have to remember what got them where they are today...and it wasn't with just guitars.

I think Gravity is a fantastic song. It definitely should have made it on the X&Y album, even as a hidden track. It's that good. But I can't say it's their best song ever. Yellow and Fix You are their best (in my humble opinion).

Hello all, I just heard "The Hardest Part" will be Coldplay's fourth and final single off the X&Y album. Any idea what the b-sides will be? I'm hoping they'll do a studio version of "Ladder to the Sun". Anyone have some inside info?