lennyrott1

^Agree with everyone above. I'd be shocked if they went full on alternative rock or experimental, but I'll be crossing my fingers. Like everyone's been saying, though, the ability to release EP's provides songs that Oldplayers and Newplayers can enjoy, but also the ability for them to take risks. Kaleidoscope, like Magic_2000 says so perfectly, had wide appeal and I think that's why we all generally agree that it's great. But Global Citizen EP feels like the biggest leap forward in a new sound we've ever got. It feels risky. Obviously it alienated some fans, but at least it was something refreshing, albeit imperfect. I'm just thankful to have A Rush Of Blood to the Head and E-Lo on the same playlist and say it was the same guys writing the music! How bizarre and unique is that? I for one will keep dreaming of a super alternative LP8, but I'll certainly expect a Global Citizen EP Vol. 2 that builds on those risks and explores new genres. And who knows, maybe they'll release some other random EP's or singles before this year is out! It feels like now more than ever is really hard to predict and have expectations.

^Maybe unpopular amongst Oldplayers, but that's fine! I mean, it was genius move in terms of making a ton of streaming $'s and reaching a younger market of music listeners. I'll admit the song has a catchy melody and I like the instrumental build towards the final drop. But also, the song is literally just Roses + Closer (two songs I do like) + Chris talking nonsense. So creatively its a pile of muck compared to everything else Coldplay's done the last few eras. Also, as an Oldplayer, I cringe thinking of SJLT compared to Spies. It's like ... how could the same band write these songs? But then again, that's why we love them, isn't it?

As someone who has worked as a journalist, I can say this is the kind of quote you need to translate for the reader haha It's not super germane to the rest of the story and it lacks a time frame. Obviously they're talking about Kaleidoscope EP, but the quote's still unclear. He could have just said "Kaleidoscope EP is just an example of how they can release music outside the normal album campaign-tour format, and I think they'll continue to do that." That would just mean things will continue as normal. EP's, albums, singles, collabs, the works. Instead it's left open to read like "they may not release an album and tour it again" if you want to read it that way. Ah well.

^Agree. Hard to know how those decisions are made. But some of the mixes on GS and AHFOD (both studio and now live) drive me nuts because a lot of the good instrumentation is watered down. I think Rik is amazingly smart and has likely been a part of some or our most favorite Coldplay moments without us even being aware. And to follow up on that David Holmes interview... If what he's saying is true I'm impressed by his transparency haha. That's a pretty specific window he's sticking to. But the quote that really stood out to me is... "I think it was just where they were at creatively," said Holmes. "I don’t think they’re ever going to follow a straight album campaign-tour format." What does this mean? That they will release new albums and EP's as they wish and not follow a album campaign format? Or that they don't plan on releasing another album and touring it? Or not even another album?

Here's my LP8 fan theory.... [spoiler=Long read and probably stupid.]So right after Ghost Stories, Coldplay records a ton of new material for AHFOD, settle on the album (as seen in the documentary) and push some tracks to the side (Miracles 2, Hypnotised, Voodoo, an early SJLT). They then launch their tour and towards the end of 2016 start realizing how fun it is to record new music on the road. They begin touring with a studio and writing new material on the road and bringing old tracks back to put into Kaleidoscope EP (AICTAIY, ALIENS). Suddenly the band is having a ton of fun reworking old material (maybe from the Viva/Mylo eras, like ALIENS and Voodoo). The EP drops in the summer and we continue to hear many mysterious new soundchecks & jams. We also have an update from Roadie 42 saying the crew has to be quiet backstage as the band records music. But what are they recording? Maybe it's the final touches of the EP, maybe its part of Los Unidades? Or maybe it's LP8!! That's right, gang. Coldplay reworked old material and formed it into a new album. At the end credits scene of AHFOD, we're seeing the entire band + Rik in late 2017 deciding what that album will be and deciding on a release date (early 2019). That way they can take a sabbatical and work a tiny bit to finish up the Los Unidades material and coordinate the Butterfly Package. The artist for the butterfly package, btw, is secretly doing a cool design for LP8. The same day Global Citizen EP1 is dropped, Coldplay also trademarks Car Kids. Why? Because they'd been holding on to that track for a long time and it represents Coldplay on tour (kids travelling). So, in 2019, Coldplay will announce LP8 entitled Car Kids. It will be announced as a collection of old songs scrapped in 2010, and new songs recorded on the road. It will be an "unconventional" Coldplay album, because it will be a concept record about different characters in space travelling around. Think Mylo Xyloto part II but without all the pop. Life is Beautiful makes an appearance? Maybe the original Charlie Brown with accordion?

Indeed! The future is bright my friends! I'm just enjoying the heck out of Los Unidades and the Butterfly Package until we get a Coldplay announcment next year :) I would, however, like to pose one question to you all. I didn't see AHFOD in theaters and everyone was talking about the post-credits teaser where they were hinting at new material. Plus, Mat Whitecross was hinting at new material over the past few months. Is there any reason for us to believe that all that teasing was about Los Unidades? Or does it seem like something more directly Coldplay related i.e. LP8?

I'm glad to see so many folks enjoying this EP on the forums. Ultimately I find it pretty dang enjoyable even though I share some complaints about Stargate's production (though I think Rise Up is flawless). As others have said, I am glad this is an EP that isn't under Coldplay's name and that features a lot of diverse collaborators. I can forgive the fact that Chris' lyrics, on paper, are pretty terrible here because these are songs that are appealing to a global audience. I think their ability to release "Unsold Ideas" while lifting the voices of global artists is something that's exciting moving forward -- but hopefully next time they can leave David Guetta and Stargate out of it... I for one just love having more Coldplay-related music. This stuff is legitimately danceable, which I can't say about SJLT, ASFOS, or even AOAL. And yeah, hopefully this doesn't delay LP8. I don't think it will personally, and I hope it means Coldplay can get back to making music that's less interested in mainstream pop appeal, regardless of the genre.

I got a big smile right now. This EP is super fun and am grateful to have it. Every feature is amazing!!! Seriously. I love all the guest vocals so much. In a lot of ways, this feels like what AHFOD could have been if Coldplay wanted to take major risks -- but then again, this is only like 50% coldplay and the rest of it is clearly the extra producers/artists performing. LOVE: The guitar and bass throughout is amazing. So funky on Timbuktu. The inclusion of horns, polyrhythmic percussion and synths! Stormzy's verse! Danny Ocean! Miriam Makeba is best part of E-Lo! Jess Kent's backing vocals. Cassper Nyovest gives Timbuktu the BEST production on this. Meh Honestly.... I wish Chris didn't do vocals for this EP. It is kind of distracting for me to be like "oh yeah Coldplay" when I just want to enjoy the eclectic beats. Like my fave parts of ever song are the parts where Chris IS NOT singing. I feel like he was here just for his star power, but I would have liked Tiwa Savage to be the main singer on Voodoo, and on E-Lo I would have preferred Jozzy on the vocals, or just having Jess/Stormzy on Timbuktu. But that's a minor complaint. Voodoo - I think this could have been my favourite song, but the super basic David Guetta chorus is the most EDM generic thing on this EP. Like, beneath that obnoxious loud bass, Jonny is slaying the guitar and Chris is playing awesome latin guitar but you can barely hear it. BUT HOLY COW! Danny Ocean's verse might be my favorite part on the entire EP!!!!! Dislike Nothing. This is really fun and I'm super glad Coldplay is doing something fresh and diverse AND for a good cause.

^Preach! I'm sorry you don't like the song, @Chandlerhall16. I joined the forums a little bit after Viva dropped (lost that old account). I was obsessed with Coldplay's first 4 albums and was SO excited for LP5. I wanted it to be an acoustic or shoegaze or alternative rock album so bad. When Paradise dropped I was at a loss. I hated the heavy distorted bass and the super clean synth production. I just didn't get why Coldplay would go in that direction. But a few months later, I found myself liking it more and more. Then I saw the live version and fell in love. To this day I still love Paradise in all its forms. It took me a while as a fan to let go of my expectations because they never were going to be met (except they were with ALIENS haha). It's really helped me open up my world of music. I now listen to blackmetal, country, rap, punk, emo, ambient, and pure radio pop all the time. I used to think some genres were just garbage but I was totally wrong. My advice is just keep an open mind. Coldplay will release rock music again, but in the meantime, E-Lo is pretty fun to dance too even if it's schmaltzy... EDIT And I actually think it's funny you brought up Paul Simon. Graceland (one of the greatest albums of all time) was a huge pop departure for Paul following his SImon and Garfunkel days. It's definitely a more organic pop album, more so than what Los Unidades is doing. But it's interesting that Chris is drawing influence from modern African music just like Paul Simon drew influence from the African music of his time to make Graceland. I think you inadvertently pointed out that Coldplay is kind of doing what exactly Paul Simon did -- just with the modern aesthetic. AND I'M NOT saying that his EP will be comparable to Graceland. Nothing compares to that album...

Someone jump in and correct me if I'm wrong on this Voodoo question. I can't find the interview right now. Before AHFOD was released in December 2015, Chris did an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music discussing the new songs on AHFOD and he mentioned a track called Voodoo that "they wouldn't get away with releasing right now," with a bit of smirk. I think he's maybe referencing the fact that it's a wacky song, maybe super jazzy, maybe it's like XMTS, maybe it's an all out rock song. It makes me think of Creole culture, which makes me think of New Orleans/Caribbean, which makes me think it's maybe a Dancehall or Reggae song haha. Who knows how it's evolved but we'll find out Friday! Again, I'm a bit worried Coldplay could get in to some Politically Correct trouble here... "Voodoo" is a term with a long, complicated history, including a lot of commercial & cultural appropriation. Remember the HFTW music video controversy?

For sure, this is mostly a Chris side project in the same way SJLT feels like a Chris side project. We'll have to see how the other songs feel. This one mostly feels like a Pharrell song featuring Chris. And to answer KB's question...I don't really know. I think maybe because Coldplay under parlaphone still has to promote the Butterfly Package they don't want to have two Coldplay releases so close to on another? So by having Los Unidades you a) Clearly define this as a side-project outside of Coldplay's core discography and b) Create space for both to be bought/consumed rather than having two Coldplay projects compete with eachother. But I agree -- and I almost wonder if there will be backfire from Coldplay using the Spanish language when they're a millionaire English band. It maybe would have made more sense to not have the Los Unidades and just have the band Coldplay listed as a producer. But then again, Voodoo was cut from AHFOD so that's their song.

I'm sensing a lot of reactionary negativity to this right now. To be clear, if Coldplay wanted to release this as Coldplay, they would have. But this isn't Coldplay. It's just Chris, with the consent/production of the band, helping curate a positive sounding EP that has social justice, fundraising, and inclusion in mind. To me, that's all wonderful. Plus, we should reserve judgement until we hear the full EP. And I'm so so excited about Voodoo!!!! I don't see this as any indication of where Coldplay's going. All of this was likely recorded in 2017/early 2018 and it showcases new up and coming artists from diverse backgrounds! It's awesome that the band would do this with their platform and influence. E-Lo is fine. It's got some groovy parts, I like the lyrics. But yeah, it's a world-pop dance song that sounds like Pharell all the way through and is overly repetitive. Listen closely though! Jonny's laying down some hip-hop guitar during the verses!

Haha no worries. I think you're totally right. Studio versions often lose their luster. For Kaleidiscope EP for example, I was so so so excited for Jonny's guitar solo on AICTAIY and the string section on Miracles (Someone Special). But then when the studio version dropped both of those elements were mixed to be super quiet. I love those songs, but will never get over the mix!!

All this makes me think that they're saving "The Race" for LP8, It sounds like a 90's house track mashed up with U2 hahaha. It's crazy but sounds AMAZING!!! That bass is so melodic. Definitely has AHFOD vibe to it, but it also sounds way less pop-oriented. It makes me wonder if LP8 is going to be -- and stay with me here -- a prog rock-pop album? So Coldplay's always had some prog-rock vibes, especially in the X&Y and Viva eras. But more recently I felt that AICTAIY, ALIENS, and Hypnotised all sort of borrow from that genre. And of course Mat says "The Race" was really long last time he heard it, and to me it sounds like a weird electro-house prog rock song? It's a genre that loose enough that it would allow Coldplay to keep their pop appeal while also delving into some truly weird/different and unCONVENTIONAL territories. I'm talking 8-10 minute tracks that mix instrumental sections with explosive choruses and ambient breakdowns. Even Life Is Beautiful felt inspired by old 70's/80's rock.

Really enjoyed the movie! (duh) I'll admit that as a longtime Coldplayer that has dug into everything of every era, there weren't really a lot of surprises for me, which was slightly disappointing. It's definitely a "safe" movie in that Mat Whitecross and the David Holmes Management most certainly collaborated on it to keep it pretty clean and tidy. They really glossed over the more troubling times of Coldplay's history. But I also liked that overall it's just a fun, pleasant experience that makes you feel good about friendship and brotherhood. Also plenty of Easter Eggs to pick out on repeat viewings. Especially love getting to hear the original Charlie Brown, The Race, see Eno sessions, X&Y sessions, and the AHFOD creation. I want more of that!!

^Now this seems more likely to me! You don't have a 20 year career without almost completing a bunch of tracks that never found a home. And yes, it sounded like there was an acoustic version of MX that was scrapped that could potentially resurface (ALIENS did after all). Maybe they surprise release an acoustic album in January and do a Ghost Stories style tour? I like the idea of a Parachutes 20 Year Anniversary tour with a remastered version and extra b-sides as well. Lots of possibilities that seem likely. And yeah there was that confirmation that they wouldn't have a tour until 2020 or 2021, but also Phil said the next few years (2019/2020) were going to have a lot of surprises so maybe Era 8 is coming sooner than we think. Another side note about an old, unreleased album resurfacing next year: This reminds me of what My Chemical Romance (MCR) did (before breaking up :D ). They had finished an album called Conventional Weapons but weren't feeling it and ended up completely redoing their LP4 which was Danger Days: The True Lives of Fabulous Killjoys -- an album I love but also one that was divisive to fans (just like MX). They released Conventional Weapons a couple years later as a bunch of mini-EP's. A lot of MCR "Oldplayer" equivalents were very pleased with this since it sounded a bit more like MCR's rockier sound.

^Seems unlikely... Like why would they announce ANOTHER tour or even new concerts/new music when they are promoting an Amazon film and a big live album in December? It already seems like too much promoting a film and live album, so a whole new era starting would be crazy. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for this to be true, but it seems like a lot. SIDE NOTE: I did have a crazy vivid dream over the weekend, which in a lot of ways idealizes what I hope LP8 to be: I woke up to check my phone and had notification about a new Coldplay album and tour launching in early 2019. The album had similar artwork to the Butterfly Package (the same artist and collage style) with a tanned/light brown background. There were lots of cool little details and designs, kind of looked like an array of little 19th century style drawings, all of the colors were more muted like the Viva era. Kind of hipster-y but I dug it. The album title was just one word, but I can't remember what. The press release said Life Is Beautiful was going to be a single, a couple songs were only Will Champion on guitar?, and that the whole album was going to be stripped down, organic, and of course unlike anything they've done before. It was reminding me of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album a lot for some reason, and I assumed that it was recorded during the 2016/2017 tours, since they brought a studio on tour with them. The last thing I remember was scrolling through the tour dates and seeing my city and being like "man, I'm gonna drop another $300 on a Coldplay concert" and then I woke up :(

True true. Good points. There are defintely some differences from tour to tour as you point out. 2006 Clocks is THE BEST. And live 2003 is so incredible They reworked their material in interesting ways and it awesome, plus included some solid unreleased alt-rock tracks. I come down with Tonimoreno though on their more recent releases sounding like identical to the album version -- except for a little extra drumming or acoustic guitar (ASFOS, Magic). VLV is a great example of a song that never changes (and an album that gets no love live :( Regardless I'll be excited to hear the AHFOD tracks live and see what extra live sparkles can be picked out!

There are some really cool novelties for sure -- which is why I'm overall incredibly excited for this release.... but their live performances aren't particularly unique. I guess what I'm getting at is what do Coldplay's live shows have to offer besides crowd noise... I loved the AHFOD show I saw -- one of the best nights of my life and the best concert visuals I've ever seen. But we already got half these songs on other live albums which were performed almost identically. It's not like Coldplay's a jam band where you can say, "I like the 2003 Yellow more than the 2012 Yellow..." They're pretty much the same. Coldplay wasn't really even a rock band on the AHFOD tour, so there isn't much variation to the sets or performances. I would have been more excited if there were more unique live tracks that were career spanning, to match the documentary: Life is Beautiful, 42 or Yes, AICTAIY, Miracles Someone Special (Live from Italy), Green Eyes (Chris Solo Acoustic), How You See the World, the techno versions of Talk and GPASUYF, original Ode to Deodorant :) I'm gonna get this package and listen to it a million times, so don't think I'm being too cynical here, but yeah hope there is more in store later on (LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL WHERE ARE YOUUUU)

Well this looks great! Some bullet points: We know a live CD is coming because long-time Coldplay producer Rik Simpson confirmed he was mixing tracks. Maybe that will come near Christmas, would be my guess. So don't worry about that! If you don't have an amazon account: It'll probably leak online (for free) Or you could just sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime, watch the movie, and then get rid of your account. [*]And finally: Wow this looks awesome! Almost 2-hours long! Super excited to see more footage from every era and dig into some of their troubles (and it won't ruin those times for me because as Chris would say, those bad times made them where they are today and they're all the better for it. He may hate Speed of Sound -- I love it)! [*]YES! Love the live tracks. Those performences are all on Youtube and they're great! Will and Jonny led that performence of Don't Panic, so now I have a new favorite version! And of course the updated Us Against The World feels like the version they were trying to make in 2010 but didn't quite get there!

Unwarranted and unsolicited Oldplayer thought incoming -- I was just listening to some Oldplay albums today and relishing the awesome production and layers of instrumentation. Then, I listened to Mumford and Son's (a band whose first two albums I adore) new single Guiding Light. I was shocked how lackluster the production in the song was. The instrumental felt washed out with this faint guitars, barely audible guitar strums, and incredibly simple drumming that contributes nothing. It sounds like everything is a plain white wall that Marcus Mumford's vocals can be moodily splashed on. What's this got to do with Coldplay? Well, Paul Epworth, who produced Ghost Stories, is producing the new Mumford and Sons LP. Now to be clear, I love Ghost Stories. But it's also Coldplay's most frustrating albums in many ways because SO MUCH of the instrumentation gets lost in the mix in favor of Chris's vocals. Jonny's electric guitar when heard live is stunning on every track, but only half of that comes through in the album. Paul Epworth has worked on a ton of great stuff. Don't want to tarnish him or his career. But it goes to show how important producers are.

Pretty much zero clues. Except.... If you go to Mat Whitecross' twitter -- he's been liking quite a few Tweets directed at him about Coldplay, at least more than over the course of the summer. So maybe that's a sign it's finished? Seems like a good time of year for a release! Only competition I forsesee is Muse's new album and the 1975, and also possibly Vampire Weekend (very exciting).

I mean, it's safe to say it will be far less produced and immense than AHFOD... They need a new angle (throwback rock or acoustic make sense) and the whole vibe is gonna be more stripped. You don't follow up an era that features Swedish Hip-Hop producers, Beyonce, and Noel Gallagher, The Chainsmokers, Big Sean, and Tove Lo with another massive album featuring Sia, Danger Mouse, Liam Gallagher, Drake, and Alessia Cara. Ever since Viva each era has been distinct. It's a good marketing trick. You release a completely new sounding single (ETIAW, Midnight, AOAL), wear new clothes, show some cool artwork. It gets us fans and music media stirred up into a frenzy guessing which direction their music could go next, when really at this point, we know that their albums tend to follow a pretty predictable pattern and are generally safe. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if they follow up with a a self-titled album before 2020 that they've been working on for a while in secret. A very Oldplay sounding album that's fairly stripped down and short. They wouldn't have to tour it and could still release some crazy pop singles in the meantime (I'm wondering if Avicii's Heaven feat. Coldplay is on its way?)

I saw somebody else something similar to this recently but... On Friday I went and saw a "liquid sky' show featuring Coldplay's music in a planetarium. You stare up at this big curved screen that has all these crazy effects, designs, patterns etc. It was pretty cool, especially after consuming *ahem* a certain kind of legaly obtainable gummy. My only complaint was that the playlist wasn't to my personal Coldplay liking: It was every Coldplay pop single, AOAL, PoC, HFTW, SJLT, Clocks, Viva, Army of One AND X Marks The Spot. But Strawberry Swing and Warning Sign were big highlights for me as an Oldplayer, and I will say I found a new appreciation for Army of One while seeing cool space effects! DJ/Creator of the show (if you're on the forum) Awesome job! Next time though, I recommend including Coldplay's more colorful tracks: High Speed, A Whisper, Low, Chinese Sleep Chant, 42, DLIBYH, Midnight, Birds :)

Joan of Arc (Jeanne D'Arc)