MidnightSpies

And another icon has left our world. RIP David Bowie. After seeing the impact of David Bowies death and how his music will now for sure reach many 'new' people/music lovers, it just made me think about coldplay. Imagine when they are old. One day they will go (yes thats life..). What will they then mean, how will they be remembered, what is their legacy. Will it be about their older albums, or have they by then been making so many more sky full of stars/adventure of a l./hymn for the w. songs.. will their classics leave a much smaller mark than I thought they would. I believe that songs like clocks, yellow, the scientist, viva la vida etc. are evergreens, but Im not so sure if the band will be remembered for making great music if they now just continue making album after album with less serious and more simple pop music. They are not even 40 yet, so there's a lot of time for many more poppy albums. And the more of these albums the further we're getting from their best music. Wonder if the band ever thinks about this. Isn't it strange if they really dont care about this at all? Btw. I do like Birds a lot :) Wish they would take more of a indie direction. I would even prefer them to go a bit to the background of the music world. I think it's better if they would stop trying to make those big pop hits. They are not really their best songs anymore, not 'classic' material.

Absolutely by far. They really succeeded in this indie pop. It's quite original I think.. It's still happy/feelgood, but not trying so desperately to be a chart song. It feels honest and pure. Next album: please more of this quality and 'indie' vibe!

Exactly how I see this album. A bunch of songs put together. It doesnt feel like an album at all. All the other cds felt like albums even though on GS, ASFOS didnt make much sense to me. They could've saved it for AHFOD! The good thing is that because of this album I've been warming up to certain songs on GS that were quite mehh to me before :)

Thanks for that song! Love it. Don't really know Noels solo work. I understand what you mean. That brass makes me think of Sade or something haha. I like Sade, but that vibe is not what you want this song ending with. Saxophone or trumpet makes a difference. 3 of my fav melancholy! songs from the National: starts around 2:00 (oohh the sober melancholy in this song.. shivers) starting 2:35 starting 1:20 I guess it's all trumpets.. not sure. I just love the sound of them in the songs. Perfect instrumentation. Saxophone or trumpet makes a big difference. Saxophone makes the vibe much more jazzy. I wonder if anyone of coldplay ever listens to the National band btw..

Wow really? Still can't stand brass instruments?

Wow, what a awkward and silly thing to say. Do they really live in a bubble? Sounds like they more and more just care about what is popular with big masses of people. Who cares if a certain genre is death (whatever that means? Rock sure aint death?!), music should all be about what comes out, and if the song should be recorded in an organic way with a raw guitar as a base then that's what needs to be done. Thinking about any folk band/songwriter, their songs are all rock based.. right? Or is there something with my ears. They seem to think in a strange and forced way now..

Rewrote my review from the LP7 thread, which was a bit messy, quickly written. Head full of dreams: 7/10 Exciting beginning, makes me completely believe and dive into this happy new area. Feelyfeelgoodness. It's not a genius track or anything and the whoooaahs have now become something that feels like a trick. But ok, the song apparently needed it. Also good news: it's sounds great live, CM's vocals sounding strong and powerful. Birds: 8/10 The best track. Interesting and it's the least pop/mainstream etc. Unlike many other songs, not predictable. And unlike most other songs I'm fine with the production/instrumentation. Mentioned here by someone else: could be sitting on the prospekts march ep. Oh those good old days eh? Hymn FTW.: 1/10 Done with it straigt away, POC nr 2. "Feeling drunk and high"? Popular type of 'cool' music that I just can't stand. Too sensational/I'm a hit!/in your face music. And it breaks up the nice flow and vibe that the first 2 songs created (I like weekends, so 1 point for putting the word 'weekend' in the title, lol) Everglow: 7/10 Have been warming up to this one. Gives me an Up in flames feel, but it is stronger and less empty than UIF. Especially at the end. Still very far from Chris Martins best ballads, but it does have a nice simplistic quality. It would benefit so much from a more raw/organic production. Adventure of a lifetime: 7/10 Happy happy. Like it more than I thought I would. The type of popular radio song that I do enjoy. It has this funky groove and guitar riff which is just so infectious. Fun: 5/10 Nice guitar start, until the unnecessary heartbeat boomboom. The song is very simple and predictable. Bubblegum level of 10/10, sweet sugary sweetness. Took me back to when I was a teenager, such a popgroup/boyband vibe. So I really disliked it at first. Believe the band can do better than that. Now it's 'secretly' turned into a guilty pleasure. It's fits with the 'let's all be happy and loving together' christmas time that's coming up (I like christmas + the music!). Might start disliking it again in January ;) Kaleidoscope Pretty/interesting Army of one: 3/10 Annoying music/Predictable. I could write this, I have melody's like this in my head. Just hum the melody in your head, it's really nothing special. All about the beat/production. I don't really get how the band can find this album material. x marks: 0/10 Ouch. Wow ok, is this a joke? Thought POC was the worst. Boom boom boom? Vengaboys? First singing about feeling drunk and high and now this. Have to be honest here. It makes me feel like: Is this really actually really really coldplay? Does the whole band actually approve of this? And do I really want to spend money on this? CM should really not put things like this into a coldplay album, it's silly. Breaks up the album flow as well. What does this have song to do with an album that's supposed to be uplifting/happy etc. Amazing day: 7/10 Loved the indie/raw version from the band 'the Racer'. Made me realise Chris Martin still writes a good ballad. The production just makes the song a bit too much of a 'heal the world, make it a better place' song. Which is of course good at certain times when you need this. I can feel the song, but only after I have taken my pill for my sugar-allergy! Colour spectrum a bit unnecessary in between sound. Up&Up: 6/10 Believe they tried to create a 'Don't stop' from Fleetwood Mac here (<- now that is a brilliant classic pop song) Dissapointment unfortunately. Live it was sounding good with the piano instrumentation, but now its so empty until the guitar solos. And if they would just lose that low beat that's giving me headaches by now.. The song is far from original and the production makes it too cheesy again. Could have been a good finale song if recorded completely in a traditional way that fits the song. Overall too much polished production... again. Ruins it, and destroys any Coldplay authenticity that's left, if there's any left in the first place. Songs like Army of one, fun, Hymn, and I don't even want to mention this song ever again, ok here it goes: x marks t.s. are missing it. Also they are missing a band feel. It seems like the band let CM decide mostly. Fun/army of one and up&up give me boyband vibes. In general too much simple songwriting. For the 3rd time in a row it's same story with the production. Most of the songs would benefit from a pure instrumentation recording without the electronic bleeps/beats and whatever polish those star people have been layering on top of the songs. This album doesnt really have a highlight that really moved me and I'm also missing a good bonus track because those were absolutely amazing with MX/GS. I found Adventure of a lifetime to be clever, but for many songs in this album they have started to repeat themselves compared to songs from MX/GS. Songs and production. Too much of this production makes songs sound temporary. 3 albums in a row and not 1 real coldplay classic.. a pity. Coldplay I still believe in you, you can do it! If you would just want 'it'.

I think a whisper is really stunning! Perfect example of how the repeating of one word can work really well. The indie deep darkness, those raw guitarrrs, 'niiiight turns to day' love that part, the dreamy ending and just the atmosphere ooomg.

Anyone ever heard of 'loudness war'? Search for it. Coldplay seem to have overcompressed production in general since their 3rd album. The music has been deliberately engineered to appear louder and louder. Too much compression resulting in loss in details, clarity etc. Of course it depends on if you're listening with good headphones/speakers or smartphone/apple headphones. I'm no audiophile, I read about this some time ago, because I was wondering about production in general.

Head full of dreams: 8/10 Whoaa, such excitement here! Feelyfeelgoodness. It's not a genius track or anything and the whoooaahs sound a bit like a trick here. But ok, the song apparently needed it. Also good news: it's sounds great live, CM's vocals sounding strong and powerful. Birds: 9/10 Agree with many: the best track. Interesting and it's the least pop/mainstream etc. Unlike many other songs, not predictable. Immediately wanted to hear it again. Fine with the production/instrumentation. Hymn FTW.: 1/10 OMG. Done with it, like POC. Feeling drunk and high? Popular type of 'cool' music that I just can't stand. Too sensational/I'm a hit!/in your face music. Everglow 6/10: Gives me an Up in flames feel, but find it a bit better. Especially at the end. To be honest, do not feel excited to listen to it again. CM can make much better ballads and if it would only sound more raw/organic.. Adventure of a lifetime: 8/10 Happy happy. Like it more than I thought I would. The type of popular radio song that I do enjoy. It has this funky groove and guitar riff which is just so infectious. Fun: 5/10 Oh such nice relaxing guitar sounds.. I thought at first, but can that heartbeat boom boom just go away? What a simple pretictable melody line. If I was 10 years younger I would've loved it. Can be a guilty pleasure, but ehm no sorry too sweet and sugary! Army of one 4/10: ZZZZ, predictable. I could write this, have melody's like this in my head. I don't get it, how they can find this album material. x marks: 0/10! This is exactly Mat Kearneys voice! For the rest: is this a joke? :shocked2:Thought POC was the worst. Boom boom boom? Vengaboys? Maybe CM really feels he's getting younger. Midlife? First singing about feeling drunk and high and now this. The tracks makes me feel like: Is this really coldplay and do I really want to spend me money on this? Amazing day 7/10: Better ballad than Everglow. Loved the version from the band 'the Racer'. Made me realise Chris Martin still writes a proper ballad. The production makes it this very feelyvibegoody song. Where did Guy's bass go to? Up&Up 6/10: Dissapointment here. Live it was sounding good with the piano instrumentation and now its so empty until the guitar solos. And if they would just lose that low beat that's giving me headaches by now.. Song is not exactly original, so I cant say it's great anyway, but it could be a good finale song if recorded completely in a traditional way that fits the song. Nothing wrong with the in between tracks, but they are just in between things. Not going to pay much attention to it. I like Kaleidoscope. Wish this album would be full with Birds, a few head full of dreams and adventures. I've accepted that Coldplay doesnt make top quality albums anymore. The band now mostly about this very feelgood vibe which comes alive even more in their concerts. I will forever be hoping for something more raw/alternative/experimental etc, but I understand the idea of this album. The problem is that many songs could've been better, same story with ghost stories. Songs like Fun, army of one, everglow and up&up give me boyband vibes. I'm not 18 anymore, and I'm listening to so many great bands and songwriters. Come on CM, these songs are far too simple. And then for the 3rd time (MX/GS same story) we have the production: most of the songs would benefit so much if they would just be recorded with pure instruments without all the polish. Sorry, but I find MX and GS better than this album. Won't buy a physical copy, just the tracks that I like in itunes. Too many simple songs, and 2 NOjustNO songs. After 3 albums with too much glossy/polished production: it really is time for something new! An album that doesnt have this temporary 'popular producers from now' sound. And will they ever write another real classic? Message for member from the band 'The Racer': please cover the whole album! That would be amazing.

PM would be nice :)

Agree. I understand the hype around Adele. She stands out. I don't listen to her that much, but I get what her music/voice does to people. Everglow to me is another up in flames. Will listen to it a couple of times, but it misses depth and originality, so know I won't go back to it at some point. Wish they would've recorded it with raw piano, instead of those zzzzzz electronica sounds. I'm sorry, but this type of production doesn't do this type of ballad much good. A ballad can never have a 'classic' sound with these type of production. Wonder when coldplay ever is going to try to make another classic..

Yep. I was hoping for this type of a dance song, glad it's not edm again. Some of the production could be a bit less though. Before the release I was thinking of groovy songs I like, like these: <iframe width="360" height="215" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u2XXi5u7gXg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> and <iframe width="360" height="215" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ThPkg77sv7o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> I guess it's kind of that direction, which I don't mind. It will fit nicely with them in a playlist lol. Of course not as organic and I do think those 2 songs above are overal better songs, but anyway I can surely enjoy AOAL.

Wow gorgeous! Very very pure & honest emotion. Beautiful way of showing your support too. Would love to buy this if possible. Wish this could inspire Coldplay to record the song in a more raw way.

Lol exactly. It's weird, what parent likes to listen to their kids/teenage music when it's music like that! When they are around 18 and start realizing how great Coldplay's first albums are, they might tell their dad: OMG :shocked2:, how did you go from writing songs with depth and meaning like Politik, Amsterdam, Spies and square one to writing about skies with stars, butterfly's and unicorns (LOL:P). How did that happen!

The trouble cd single version. I understood this alternative version is the bside on 1 of the cd single releases.

I like this topic! If I think of the brilliance of Coldplay, I think of their music up to Christmas Lights. 4 albums deep and no bad song.. Can't exactly say that about their last 2. I actually see Viva as Oldplay now as well. A big change with their sound, for sure but it was good change. I'm surprised to find out about the alternative version from Brothers & S. It's gorgeous! Does anyone have the cd version? It's from the Trouble single I understand? Thanks!

Well said!

Well because like always: the interviewer makes a complement on how great they are. And chris will say: no, we're not there yet and then naming a few great bands and their legendary albums. So, 'better' really means 'better music'. Or well... meant..?. Now 'better' seems to have translated into 'bigger'. The more pop songs they are going to make the more they will attract young fans that are just into the 'hype' for a few years. They will get more temporary fans following them and they will loose even more of their older followers (like me). And at the concerts the crowd will mostly be (already is) people that go because they are big/popular. People that dont know high speed, shiver etc and probably never will. I dont understand how a band would want that.

Same here. The whole coldplay feel of the first 4 albums is so different. The direction since mx Im not exactly following.. their descisions i dont get it. When you watch interviews from around viva or before they were still talking about becoming better. That they are not at the level they want to be, that they havent made their best album yet. With miracles i first was quite happy and then i went: omg how did I fell in this trap? This is really bland. The biggest problem being the production but the complete melody is so zzz. so my answer is: please no! Although its somehow still better than asfos or poc lol. Its not so screamy

Cool! must be some kind of reason for them to extend it :smug: Keep the hope alive :cool::D

Only 2 days left. After the last day will on demand then immediately start the procedure of giving people their money back or will they extend if there still is a possibility? I'm pretty sure CM would be up for this, I think he loves the idea of a fan starting this. Just think the Coldplay-team is afraid for the reaction from fans in other country's. Another problem could be that he's very busy with his new Global Citizen 'job'. On the other hand, how much effort is it to just come to Amsterdam when he's in the UK every few weeks anyway. He could leave from UK and be back on the same day.

It sucks and I wonder how it happend with the email, but you can absolutely not help it! It was and still is a great initiative. People kept on buying tickets like up until now. I guess this is it then, 2 bad. Would like to think there still is a chance.. It would be really great of him if he would just say: Oh, wth. why not! Let's surprise them :) But anyway, it also kept me excited for a few days, and I so needed it! So thank you!

really? :o

Sufjan Stevens: