bdevil89

Yowza! I think I may need a PHD to analyze that post - it's amazing how music can ignite discussion, isn't it?

Yeah - the moving to mars was actually made for a film about refugees going to a different country, so in that context, yeah i could see it as a precursor, as a person being brought to oceania, and starting to live there (perhaps the gov't is overthrown in his home land or whatever). Or it could be an epilogue of sorts - great ideas, keep the discussion rolling. Oh yeah, sex and violence could also be a song about propaganda, kind of like the masses are kept in a dull state after consumption of violent or sexual imagery through traditional media (i.e. movies, advertisements, magazines, etc.)

yeah lifeless - i have 90 posts in over 8 yrs - hey what can i say this album has me excited, and i like that they're doing more of a story with this one, and perhaps in my interpretation of the album title - i'm building my own story that coincide with theirs, no harm or foul. You're free not to comment, just my speculation, i'm having fun with it.

Cool responses, i hear you, i could totally be wrong but it's fun to look for why artists do what they do - thanks for the input from the writer above- yeah, i didn't realize that they arranged the two words the way they did until someone wrote it about it, and it got me thinking why did they do that. I feel like there is a reason, and just fits in the the whole subversive art of communication through graffiti and alternative media/art. I think either Mylo Xyloto is the name of originator of the movement, or the philosophy behind it - radical words/art/songs/ideas being heard by the masses. Much like Total Recall had its underground movement (MTM reference, anyone, anyone... lol). I just wrote a whole other piece on the speculated tracklist and y i thought some would make it or not, running with this theme/story/concept that Chris mentioned. It's fun for me, and gets me really thinking about their message with this album. I'm really excited for it, and I think this may be their best album yet as a cohesive whole or a concept - I mentioned like OK Computer meets The Wall. The reason why i say ok computer is bc radiohead dealt with coming new age of technology/electronics that presciently recognized would come to consume our lives - iphone, ipad, facebook, twitter, etc.) and how impersonal it would make us become, and frankly they were right to a degree. Same thing with this album and it's fight to get out real truths or messages that are not told to us by the powers that be (much like the street artist Mylo was doing in london, who i still think is one of the big inspirations for the album to begin with, check out his artwork/graffiti). Anyway, keep the discussion going.

There's a lot of speculation on the tracklisting for MX - I thought I might take a crack at it based on the concept of it - namely, two people fighting against an oppressive power through an underground movement or on their own. I'm going to pick from the new songs we've heard so far from the festivals - MX - for sure will be on there and I'm curious if it was like Life in Technicolor that it has lyrics and is probably much longer - I mean it is the album title - and perhaps the protagonist's name as some are suggesting (although I thought Major Minus, like major tom, would be the character's name, but based on Chris's interview, Major Minus might be the big brother element). Honestly I think Mylo Xyloto may be the name of the underground movement or the slogan/principle behind the movement based on my take of the meaning (check out the other thread). If it does have lyrics, we could get to hear the legend of Mylo Xyloto or the original intent of the movement. Anyway all speculation, but it's fun to, right? Hurts Like Heaven - now there's speculation that this may be left off. I don't think so - it has the running man in it for one, which people are finding may be found in the album cover in bits and pieces. Well lyrically, I feel like it's the opening or at least near the beginning, akin to Neo from the Matrix waking up to the reality of his world, that it's not real per Morpheus. The protagonist in this case, is starting to question his life/world/the powers that be, and feels like what's his purpose. Then he sees these messages or images from graffiti or street artists, and begins to start getting the message that all is not what it seems. He begins to partake in the graffiti, although perhaps alone at first with his spraycan soul. It's about keeping control of your life from outside influences and starting to "make his mark" on the concrete canvas. Perhaps he also had a relationship with someone, and his need to express himself and take up this cause is causing the split (hurts like heaven or it could be about that person using their love to manipulate him, and he knows it, but it still feels like heaven bc he loves them. I think this will track will make it, it has to, it fits in perfectly with the whole beginning to the story/theme - Plus it has the walking/running/flying man who represents the main character's transformation into to waking up and being free, perhaps. Next up, Charlie Brown - absolutely on there, it was almost the next single released but am thankful they went with something else just to keep up the anticipation. CB is about being initiated into this underground movement (car kids or the lost boys). And also perhaps meeting a new love interest, and falling in love with them. That connection/love being the light in the dark oppresive world they live in (we'll be glowing in the dark). Perhaps the cartoon heart lyric references both the illustration of a heart a la valentines day (not the actual heart organ) reflecting the innocence and humanity of the new found love. Great track, will be a good single, just not the next one. Major Minus - definitely on the album - introduces the villain as Chris alluded in the Billboard intrvw. It's dark filled with paranoia and people out to get these subversives that our protagonist has joined. Perhaps the Major Minus Network is the same as the Big Brother propaganda machine in 1984. The crocodile reference is obvious to the Peter Pan story - incl the Lost boys. Another inspiration perhaps for the album - innocence and youth fighting against the tyranny of the old. The crocodile with a ticking clock though representing that time is running out and evil is nearby or that time is running out on Major Minus. either what an amazing track - Jonny rocks on this one, and really brings out the ominous feel to the whole track with his guitar lines, harmonics, solos, etc. he is a guitar hero for sure. Us Against the World - on it for sure, referenced in other songs - it is a quiet interlude with the protagonist and his love interest in the movement feeling like it's just them fighting perhaps after some disagreement with other members. Or perhaps he loses that love interest to Major Minus, and he's going to try get them back, but longs for life to be much simpler, slower where they could live their life peacefully. Or the guy is captured, and he is being questioned/tortured by the villain. Anyway, beautiful song. Princess of China - sounds like it will be left off - reading the lyrics - it doesn't really fit in with the theme for me, unless the couple got offered a deal to a great life from the oppressive power in exchange for giving up the lost boys or the underground movement. I don't know - would welcome other theories. it's 50/50 with this one, but it may be a b-side per Phil Harvey's tweet. Moving to Mars - love it, great track. how it fits in may be a stretch. Perhaps he gets captured and he is being sent to Mars, or on his way there. But the song mentions a gov't being overthrown so it could still tie in. Or the earth has become so uninhabitable, people are being sent Mars. I really don't know where it would fit, and feel like it probably be left off, but then again who knows. ETIAW - is a definite on the album, and perhaps i could see it as the closer based on their interviews and their thoughts on sequencing making the album a hopeful one or a hopeless one. This song is about hope in a time of despair, and not giving up. Perhaps the protagonist is captured, or killed, but the movement lives on in the next generation/group of kids starting to question life and what is happening both socially and environmentally. It will be on the album, and deservedly so, and likely a closer bc it leaves you on a high with its great buildup. The opening synths and chords totally could be an ending to a movie, like the fight continues or is reborn with the next group of people/kids/lost boys etc. Paradise is on it obviously being the next single - perhaps this is their 2nd ace song in the hole they've been holding back. Can't wait to hear it - it's another anthem per Billboard, don't know the lyrics so can't really comment on it, but perhaps it's a speech about why the group is fighting for a better world, and perhaps their version of paradise. Anyway, can't wait to hear it. Up in Flames sounds like it's going to be on the album, they rush recorded it - and the last one they did that for or at least as Phil tells it was clocks bc it was so appropriate to the theme of a A Rush of Blood. It's bass heavy so is the song where Guy really lets loose, and has some killer bass lines a la Rio by Duran Duran (one of the best bass lines in music history). Don't know what it's about, but should be interesting, perhaps about a rising phoenix, or a successful mission against Major Minus - i don't know. Up with the birds - sampling leonard cohen, whoa - interesting to see which sample, or did they duet with him. maybe another charlie brown type song thematically with innocence, love, etc. Based on Cohen's Hallejuah, perhaps. A hopeful transmission sounds like it will be on the album - Again, the theme of alternative media/communication to the masses looking for some sort of revolution or sign that all will be well or better than their current lives in this regime. Likely on album. Great Expectations - I have no clue about, until the lyrics, even the song title doesn't really lead me in any particular direction unless it's near the end of the album, or right before the group executes their big plan to bring down the gov't or Major Minus Media. I think it will be on it based on the buzz from fellow members, and interviews from before. Tomorrow - sounds like it runs in the same vein as Great Expecations - like there will be another day to fight again, or tomorrow things will be different. Maybe part of the Great Expectations subplot or 2nd act of the album. U.F.O - have no clue, saw some of the graffiti artwork from previous promos and it's there. could be about the gov't trying to distract and scare people with thought of extraterrestials out to get you, kind of like war of the worlds did back in the 30s. Also, could be about taking responsibility for our own lives, rather than believing some higher power is going to come and save us from the stars. Could be part of the Major Minus theme of songs w/ propaganda/conspiracy/etc. Sex and violence - don't know about this one - again part of the major minus themed batch of songs - perhaps foreshadowing torture, and control over the people with regards to sex much like 1984/ a brave new world. might be on the album, i mean jon hopkins is on it, his track was a great addition to the viva la vida album Anyway, again i love to analyze, and welcome all thoughts, opinions, comments - it's fun for me, and had got me excited to see the final tracklisting. This could be an Ok computer meets the Wall type of album. We're due for one of these anyway especially from Coldplay.

Well Mylo is a UK street artist whose images/art/graffiti may have been the inspiration for them to look into the history of graffiti and alternative media/communication in ever expanding world of communication. Mylo's site has a domain name withe xylo - perhaps Mylo's name takes it's meaning from the greek/latin words and hence in Coldplay's research they came up with an alternative form to suit their message and perhaps were paying homage to this artist at the same time. Who knows? but it's fun to come up with theories and speculations, that's my namesake. I wonder when they will let us know the real meaning about the album title.

I think they say that every time, but to be honest it is their life's work, that is what they were born to do. I was reading an interview of Brandon Flowers when the killers decided to take a longer break after touring/recording for better part of 6 yrs straight. The Killers couldn't stay home or just chill out, and do other things. All 4 band members were already coming up with ideas, producing other people's albums, releasing solo albums - it's just in their nature. Plus Coldplay is lucky, they have great chemistry for a band, and they just work well together. That's so hard to find when u start a band. I mean chris' love for jonny is that he realizes how lucky he was to have roomed close by Jonny when they were in college (he overheard jonny playing guitar in his room with the door closed supposedly bc jonny is so shy about it (and you can totally tell that from concerts where Chris has to prod him to go into the crowd, though he is becoming better at coming out of his shell). Plus the fact jonny was such a talented guitarist to boot. They work well together (almost like a Richards/Jagger, or Lennon/McCartney duo in a way). Then Will becoming the drummer even though he had no experience at it, that's amazing. I mean he was a multi-instrumentalist prior so he naturally had the raw musical talent to pick it up and excel. I mean this is destiny, and Chris' knows it, and he acknowledges it every concert by thanking fans for giving them the best job in the world. They don't take it lightly. Could you imagine if Will's friend actually showed up for the audition, would there be a Coldplay as we know it? I mean all of these 4 guys are so talented and work so well together. I don't think they would give it up to spend more time with family, they already do i'm sure - I mean they take 3 yrs in btwn albums, granted they are touring a good part. But as long as their is the creative spark and messages to be conveyed - they can't help it. But again, i can't imagine how much pressure they have to endure to produce both a quality and unique album - think about it, here's your assignment, i want you to produce an album of quality songs with unique ideas, quality lyrics, and on top of that write hit music to it, and also have a concept behind it. That's a tall order, and that's why they get paid the beau coup bucks. So, whatever they have left, I hope it's for at least another decade, i mean U2 is still producing quality music after 30yrs in the biz, i don't see why they can't do the same.

Interestingly enough, my Indian name is taken after a spiritual king who questions/examines things. So, a bit of coincidence or irony, I had a moderately difficult or unique name to pronounce - esp during roll call in elementary school, and often wished i could be named frank or tom like my friends. but in the end, you get your name for a reason, and it just fits, and perhaps becomes a part of your personality. Hence, my obsession with breaking things down, or trying to get to the answer relentlessly.

Yeah - coldplay have a purpose behind their music, it's just not for entertainment, that's what is great about them - Well the two characters could be named mylo and xyloto (or one person, like mrkj suggests) but he/she or they're named that bc two names means radical(s) expressing ideas against the establishment. I don't know really, but it makes the album title and the way it is ordered and presented that much more intriguing, and creates suspense like no other. I know these guys take about 3 yrs btwn albums, but I see why, they really put a lot of thought into each of their album, and for that I am grateful. Well am interested to hear other theories. Keep the discussion going, perhaps we'll get phil or coldplay to check in on us, and see if we are getting closer to the real meaning behind the title and the cover.

Hey all - just finished reading this thread from when i last posted - wow, u gotta love fans and these discussion boards - look, coldplay doesn't make us indifferent, and that's a good thing, bc indifference means you don't care, and you don't want to expend energy or time. But we do, bc they are a great band capable of great things but being a fan does not mean you have to blindly like everything they create, but they have a great record of producing world class music, even universal music. If there was a present day universal competition of the battle of the bands among the different planets - I'd nominate them as one of those bands for sure. At the end of the day, let's be grateful that there is a band out there that makes it worthwhile to wait and anticipate their new musical ideas and themes i.e. Their take on the world which fosters further discussion. anyway, I was one of the people who voted 10 - it is absolutely a brilliant title, if I am correct in assessing what the meaning is behind it now realizing how they are presenting the actual two words on the cover. MYL OXYL OTO it is brilliant if it is what I think it is, or even if it isn't - curious to hear the inspiration behind it. Again, it is a title that will get people questioning and thinking at least. Check out my analysis on a new thread I started it - would love feedback, and other thoughts from fellow fans. I love these boards bc we can inspire each other to better understand our individual takes on coldplay's music, let's all get along and be happy that a new coldplay album is coming out. best,

I think another possibility for the meaning of the title could be as people are saying is the way Coldplay chose to spell the two words on the cover - Instead of Mylo then Xyloto, it goes MYL OXYL OTO Now after thinking about it, and reading other theories, and googling a whole bunch - My theory is that it's pretty clever if this is what they are intending, god I love these guys - I'm in medicine and am familar with many latin and greek roots as most of western medicine's terms are from those two languages. So here's the breakdown - Myl - usually means molar, or grinding, and is associated with the mandibiles - So both for chewing food and perhaps speaking/singing as well. For Coldplay perhaps it's a form of communication - speaking, singing - ideas communicated through words and song. oxyl - as someone has suggested - is from chemistry, and refers to the hydroxyl group of compounds - and usually it is associated with radicals, or free radicals. This chemical compound can cause havoc within a system, e.g. human body, or for Coldplay's system, e.g. a radical in an oppressive world that Chris spoke about in the billboard interview. Interestingly enough, xylo is an anagram to this word - so it still is technically xylo per the anagram word rules. Now xylo means wood, and usually is associated with xylophone - wood sound. Perhaps there intention is radical sound, in placing it as oxyl, almost like coded language or pig latin for that matter 2 words for the price of one - with graffiti, street art, underground movements need to convey subversive/revolutionary messages cryptically in order for a totalitarian/oppressive power not to be able to figure out what the movement is up to. Taking a look at the cover of MX - there's a lot of disparate words, acronyms, etc. that to an ordinary viewer - doesn't make much sense but to people in the know or someone who understand the code - it makes sense. The whole point of the graffiti in the first place (at least graffiti from people trying to wake people up, not the vandalism kind). now the last part - oto - which typically refers to the ear in medical terminology - otoscope, otosclerosis, etc. So the last word is ear, which we could then take it as to hear, or hearing. So the title means in the way they presented it on the cover - Myl - Words or songs (a jump from the structure - mandible - used to produce sound/words/ideas Oxyl/xylo (the anagram)- radical sounds/ideas through instrumentation (wood) Oto - to be heard by the masses. MYLO XYLOTO - Words/Ideas/Songs deemed to be radical, done through instruments (be it voice, wood instruments, electronics, etc.) and to be heard by the masses. Now, it will be interesting to hear what they say eventually but I initally thought it was regarding the UK street artist - mylo, and his images/art/posters on the streets of London proposing "radical" ideas to the masses - and perhaps it still is, or at least they took their inspiration from him, hence the homage to mylo (who's website is xylo.me or something like that), and then using the words in such a way to convey Coldplay's intent with this record - like the graffiti artists involved in revolutions against tyrants and despotic governments. Regardless, who knows - but I love just analyzing things, and these guys always make you think - thank god for coldplay. They are clever bastards if this indeed is partially true, even if not, I think art is up to the observer and whatever interpretation we take from it. A paraphrase on a zen saying, does art itruly exist if there is no one there to experience it. Coldplay truly does bring radical ideas/words through revolutionary music to be heard by the masses. MYL OXYL OTO - can't wait - this may be their ok computer.

Paradise is only going to be the single - I think Up in Flames and Princess of China may be b-sides or part of an EP like Every Teardrop's EP But can't see that happening again, the EP that is - EMI would be milking it too much then.

Well i'm sure they will in due time, but you can do a google search, or actually look at the threads that talk about the meaning about the title - Mylo is a uk street artist that probably inspired them to look at the history of the street art from xyloto (wood art, the origin or precursor) to current forms of alternative media (blogs, youtube, graffiti, posters, etc.). Xyloto could also refer to cameras - a term made up by Mylo. or Xylo is a compilation of street art. it's about getting out the real messages of what's going on in our world that we don't get from the powers that be - be it our leaders, traditional media, etc. http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/xylo/Interesting http://www.xylo.me/

Absolutely - agree with you, i love them for that - but the great thing about them is they make some great songs with social relevance but is both interesting musically yet enjoyable. I love radiohead, and I still do, but the last few albums r nothing like their earlier ones - ok computer, bends, kid a (well this was definitely a game changer.).

I've posted my thoughts on this elsewhere on other threads - Mylo - UK street artist that has images that trying to wake up the masses to the real events that are going on around us but we don't care or realize the gravity of the situation http://www.xylo.me/ Xyloto - this one is a little trickier - xyloto could be a play on the world xylo - a group of uk street artists. Xylo - wood, the precursor/origin of modern day street art/alternative media - graffiti, posters, ceramics, or xyloto could mean another code word for surveillance, cameras per Mylo's lexicon. anyway, brilliant name, and kudos to the person finding this artist - it is absolutely the meaning behing the album name and now more people will check out this artist's work. Look at the artwork and its commentary on global extinction of the natural world, our obsession with electronics (like the pacifier on the ipod), the hourglass within the world - awesome, amazing, and relevant. http://www.xylo.me/2-D.html http://www.xylo.me/3-D.html http://www.xylo.me/Supermarket-Intervention.html http://www.xylo.me/2.html Brilliant.

I think Chris does feel that way all the time, but his spirit and personality r such that he is just so naturally curious about existence and so many different things that end up inspiring him (for example Frida Kahlo's paintings and life for Viva, 9/11 which changed American's and frankly the rest of the world's view that we all can be affected events that seem unreal - politik, clocks. Trying to find meaning in a ever increasingly electronic world (x & y songs). I don't think they'll be away for long, only so long as to make a quality album that people who buy it, enjoy the album per the billboard interview, and frankly each album has been amazing to listen to and you truly get your money's worth and then some with all of their albums. That's their style and goal, and i love them for that. Coldplay - an amazing and truly great rock band of our generation.

u're talking about xylotox - interesting didn't think about that, that's a possibility. whatever it is - it's a brilliant album bc it's going to get people to look up mylo's art work and essentially the messages about the world they are trying to convey.

Well not crap by coldplay standards, but perhaps not album worthy - sounds like it may be a b-side to Paradise per Phil's tweet about getting these songs out there.

Mylo - UK street artist with art that wants people to wake up to the ever increasing destruction of the natural world, increasing surveillance on our lives (via internet, tv, etc.) and filtering of the truth through traditional media. Xyloto - xylo being a group of street artists per google search. Could be also from the root word xylo meaning wood and perhaps the precursor to modern street art, graffiti, posters, etc. Xylo is also a word that the artist Mylo uses to describe cameras and perhaps surveillance. Can't wait to hear what they say about the inspiration and meaning behind the title, but I'm pretty sure this is close to it. People are buzzing already about it, and it's only going to grow in curiosity for the rest of the public, and Mylo's work is about to blow up, and his messages wll be seen by even a greater audience. Thank you Coldplay.

Juanma - yeah i think princess of china may be a b-side, based on Chris' interview w/ billboard - he mentioned there were some songs he thought were good, but then he plays them live and it doesn't go over as well (i.e. POC, perhaps, Animals, Murder - some songs slated for AROBTTH, but didnt' make it). Up in Flames i thought would make the album kind of like Clocks did for the Rush of blood album. We'll see, love phil harvey - he really is the 5th Coldplay member w/o his money early on, who knows what may have happened. Thanks Phil for giving the world the gift of your 4 friend's talent and creativity.

I hear you Wickett - and I'll tell you I used to vote Democratic straight up, and only because I was trying to get the imbecile George W bush out of office. I now actually vote for the person rather than party, but have been voting more for conservative (fiscally wise) candidates after having worked in NYC hospitals and seeing the abject waste of spending enabled by Democrats on welfare for people who take no responsibility for themselves. It's amazing what happens when you actually have to pay taxes, and see the addiction people have in spending other people's money to get votes and keep people poor by giving them no incentive to take responsibility for themselves. Check out the billy meier story (The Silent Revolution of Truth) - if you want to hear about the most suppressed and important story for our survival on this ever shrinking world (with regards to resources that is). The amount of evidence in the case is mind blowing and makes it one of the most credible sources of information regarding our past history and our future one.

Mylo - the UK street artist Xyloto - Mylo's version of a camera or a variation on the word xylo (meaning wood, and perhaps the precursor to modern day street art which initally used wood, but now can be found in all forms, and popularly as graffiti paint (spray can soul, so to speak from hurts like heaven).

BTW, i think he was talking about Princess of China in terms of a song he thought might be good, but then he sang it live once, and they must have thought it was crap. maybe a potential b-side, or may make the tracklisting in a last minute move. But totally think he was talking about that song - they only played it once, and it was ok based on the clear recording i heard. Would love to hear the studio version though.

Well Mylo absolutely inspired them - it all makes sense - Chris and the gang must have been walking around london, and saw this art and the messages that Mylo was trying to convey to the public in whatever way he/she could. Seeing that and probably reading up about the history of street art/graffiti/etc. they were inspired to write an album with a concept of a man trying to fight against an oppressive system, falling in love, and having hope in a desperate and increasingly hopeless world. (Chris mentions The Road by Cormac McCarthy - which is a post apocalyptic story of a father and son still trying to be the good guys in a world turned to cannabilism and outright terror. It's a beautifully tragic movie, and perhaps a future we all want to avoid given the climate change that is occuring and the ever dwindling resources that are overpopulated world will be fighting over. Thank you Mylo and thank you Coldplay - can't wait for this album - i want to get every song that fits in with the theme. this may be their ok computer in terms of coming to grips with our changing world - be it societally (UK riots, flash mobs, wars, terrorism) and environmentally (climate change, earthquakes, nuclear disasters, tsunamis, flooding). This is going to be an amazing album.

Wickett - wikileaks totally exposed a lot of the truth that was kept hidden from the public, the fukushima disaster and the lethal radiation that is still seeping to this day was kept hidden from the local japanese and the rest of the world for quite some time even though we all knew the truth, That's what this album's about - not necessarily conspiracy theories, but that we need to investigate and find the truth from the ground up (mylo as a street artist without much money, but his/her creativity and passion to say something - the powers that be don't necessarily have the public's interest all the time, and we as individuals have to take risks to bring the truth to the people, in this case artists do that - a lot of times people are like what the hell are they talking about but they take the risk regardless. This album is a homage to those artists and the messages they are trying to bring to the world. http://www.xylo.me/Supermarket-Intervention.html http://www.xylo.me/2-D.html http://www.xylo.me/2.html Beautiful and effective, it's almost like fight club, when they switch the airplane instructions in case of a crash landing.