lennyrott1

I love John Oliver. He is just trying to make his audience laugh, and his audience probably has bad opinions on Coldplay, so not surprised. Lots of media loves to trash Coldplay because that is a trend/stigma within itself. Somewhat related rant: It hasn't been a great week in the U.S. and a lot of people, including myself, are feeling worried and saddened. One of those low points in the year I guess where you start thinking the world is headed in the the wrong direction and nothing will be okay. But if one thing is picking me up its Coldplay. The acoustic versions of Everglow and the Hymn For The Weekend are just gorgeous and far more passionate than the original versions. During the performances too you can tell Chris and Jonny are super excited about jamming out. New songs on the way too! And a Spotify session that will be stripped down! Seems like the boys have that real boyish joy they have talked about during this era. And it really cheers me up.

^True... We don't even know how many new songs there will be. Carly Rae Jepsen released a B-sides EP this fall that is even better than her full album EMOTION from 2015--that EP had 8 new tracks on it which was incredible... But realistically, a lot of EP's now have remixes, alternative mixes, or even live versions. Coldplay could let us down with a few more straight forward pop songs and then throw down a bunch of remixes... I just feel like with a name like Kaleidoscope, you gotta have some alternative stuff on there! It would be a disservice to actual kaleidoscopes if it weren't.

AN EP FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Hope it comes soon and with some surprises! Predictions? Chris says it is further exploring the "world" they are in, so I suspect some more uplifting and hopeful sounds (though I would love an angry/violent AHFOD song, maybe Voodoo?...) And Guy said that some tracks get completed but not used for some reasons, and so maybe that is hinting that there were already some tracks recorded ready to throw on here. I suspect some remixes will be on it, which is super frustrating. I hate remixes but I could see some for HFTW and AOAL making it on there. I also think alternative versions are a possiblity, maybe the new Everglow single and an extended Kaleidoscope? Other than that, I really hope we get at least 3 new songs which is pretty hopeful I suppose... A year ago, when I saw Kaleidoscope on the tracklist for AHFOD, I was imagining the album and the song to be super trippy and embracing psychedelic disco/jazz. I was super excited. Of course the album was really just pop...but maybe the fact that they are naming the EP that is an indication they are going to release something more dark or experimental? What do you guys predict?

After the second refrain, some extra bass kicks in with the piano and beat to create a really beautiful swell at about 2:15--dunno if that is actually cello, could be a bass effect or synths even, but it is gorgeous and all too short-lived.

The new version is fantastic. Super glad they did this, though surprised there was no EP? Part of me misses some of the extra production--especially the cello on the album version. But this stripped version is so much more emotional... I really hope they release a deluxe version of the album that features these extended speeches...I think Kaleidiscope would feel less weird if you included Charlie Chaplin @ the intro, then Muhammad Ali after Everglow, and more Obama!

I have to say that this premiere might have finally pushed me to stop watching this show. [spoiler=rant]It felt like a horror movie written by a teenager. Let's not reveal the big kill until 20 mins into the episode, and in the meantime, Negan will take Rick to a zombie horde and Rick will have flashes of characters that might have died?? Like what? It was clumsy, awkward, and just trying to build suspense that was already ruined by the finale last season... Sure, the deaths were incredibly hard to watch, well acted, and intense, but they tried stuffing in like "oh my gosh is he gonna do it?" moments. Abraham is killed, its terrible but a safe bet. Rick is hanging above a horde, oh no. Wait is Darryl gonna get it? Oh wait, no, its Glenn too? Now Carl's arm? The whole episode felt like silly torture porn with no context or narrative arc. The best walking dead deaths shock you and sadden you. These deaths did neither. They just pissed me off. And believe me, Glenn was my fave character. If you are gonna fake kill him, why kill him two episodes later for real?

And unfortunately, Moving to Mars was the only released B-Side from that era--which is a huge bummer because the kinds of sounds they were producing around then were incredible. I don't want to say it....but.... where my Car Kids at!?!? But while we are on the topic of future Coldplay, we know Chris was talking about news "songs" and ideas for an App they might release prior to 2017 shows. So maybe AHFOD will finally produce some B-sides. Or they could be unrelated, like Atlas and Miracles and Christmas Lights. But if you ever want a hint of what Coldplay's music might sound like in the next era, you have to listen to B-sides and extra tracks! Atlas hinted at GS tone, Miraces hinted at production of AHFOD...I could go on.

Less commercial is what I mean. Something more true to their non-pop influences. Parlophone's biggest artist is Coldplay, so if Coldplay leaves then they will have a lot more freedom in my opinion. It may not change their musical style a ton, but it certainly would change how they release music (free, old b-sides that the label doesn't own, etc). And I don't mean like Ghost Stories. We may all have different opinions here, but GS is a very cleanly produced pop record. Coldplay tried to convince us that it was an understated, intimate, indie album--but really it was just as successful commercially as other albums and spawned tons of new fans with ASFOS and Magic. It also had the TV special, a string of music videos, a deluxe addition, big top 40 producers... So I love GS, but it is a very commercial pop record with modern sound. What I would want is something more stripped and minimally produces. Let's hear more tracks like Ghost Story, Moving to Mars, Now My Feet Won't Touch The Ground. To me, those are some of Coldplay's best tracks that wouldn't have necessarily fit on the standard releases.

I voted for Viva because I think that album has some of their best production balance--organic but extremely layered. But let's be honest. This decade has been Coldplay fully jumping into pop. We have had three solid albums of pop tunes with a few alternatives in the mix. We know that AHFOD is potentially their last on their record label, and as they have said, the completion of "something." I think that means they really have used up a lot of ideas and fulfilled their repertoire. They've toured the globe, collaborated with great pop and rock artists, made diverse albums with multiple genres. So with LP8, I imagine them releasing their own label--going independent. And with that, I could see them releasing an extremely stripped down record. Something easy for them to record as men with families, something to the point, acoustic, minimal production. It would be a huge mix up after the last three bombastically produced albums. I am sure they have more hits to write, but seven albums deep and a 2-year world tour in, they ought to do something more low key and less commercial. At least, that is what I would hope. Another quickly made and Top 40 produced album that splits fans wouldn't be that surprising.

I am seeing Brand New in a month! Super excited, I hope they do a Coldplay cover again! That would be swell. Really love emo music and Brand New are some of the best at it.

Okay: Review to get this down in writing. Spoiler Free: I can honestly say this was some of the best 2 hours of my life. I was absolutely shocked at how amazing they were live. A lot of that you can attribute to the amazing production and set pieces. I found myself surprised with every single track on not only how great it sounded live, but with the accompanying visuals and surprises. If you are on the fence about buying a ticket to a Coldplay show in the near future because of the price or travel distance--I say just go for it (unless it will bankrupt you). I have seen a lot of concerts, big and small, long and short, and Coldplay's was just perfection. Detailed/Spoilers (even though US Tour is over) My sister and I drove all day to Salt Lake and made it to the Arena when doors opened. Everyone there was really nice and we wandered around for a few hours (we secretly wanted to be upgraded since we were wearing old Coldplay stuff). Bishop Briggs came on and were actually really good! Not my favorite genre of music but the singer was impressive and they had a ton of energy. I wanted to dance but our seats were in the first few sections where everyone was sitting. Alessa Cara then came on and was okay--I frankly find her style of pop very dull. But she was really sweet and earnest on stage and the big hits sounded great. By this time, I was pretty tired from driving all day/doing homework. I was worried that the trip wasn't going to be worth it..... Main Event: but then the intro... that damn intro. I knew what was coming but wasn't prepared for how surreal an arena full of xylobands looks! And AHFOD sounded so good and the energy was amazing. From there on the setlist wasn't altogether surprising, but I still freaked out when they played every track. I was so happy to get ETIAW and Charlie Brown. Yellow and Clocks were great as expected, but I was most excited when they went to the B-Stage and played AIMH and Magic. Those songs sounded incredible and the acoustic Everglow is better than the album version!! Birds was amazingly fun live since it had the boys in "traditional band" formation, and I loved the Heroes cover! Chris had great banter with crowd throughout, he pointed out all our signs (especially starfish sign, which he said "thanks for reminding us of that shit name!") He even made a slight comment on Trump visiting Mexico that day. He also "f*cked up" Trouble and had to apologize profusely for the language (I had quite a few conservative families in my section who shook their heads in disapproval, I just laughed). I also noted that during Amazing Grace Obama wasn't put on screen, and I wonder if that is because Utah is a red state? He also did a great band introduction as usual and commented on how the band was about to be together for 20 years! This led into Trouble of course! The audience participation felt more intimate than even the smallest concerts I have been to (less than 50 people). Chris really had even the old stubborn folks in my section in the palm of his hand by the end of the show. Viva and AOAL were great back to back, the latter was basically an all out balloon party in my section with my favorite xyloband colors. Finally, Fix You was incredible (as always) and Amazing Day, ASFOS and Up&Up felt like the perfect way to end a show. Highlights: For me the C-Stage was coolest. I was not expecting to get 3 of my favorite all time tracks played back to back Trouble, GPASUYF, and Green Eyes. Everyone in my section didn't know these ones very well so my sister and I were screaming them and we were the only ones standing! Finally, the most fun part might have been the Paradise Remix. The rave was so frenetic and crazy! It came out of nowhere and is so much better in person than youtube suggests! Anyways. Rant over. In summary I was very pleased with AHFOD material live (my main concern before the show) and I was blown away with the setlist and how Coldplay was able to squeeze so many songs in with so many amazing moments of lights, lasers, confetti, fire, animations, etc. It was truly the ultimate high, and now, 5 days later, I still feel sad for not having that again! It is bittersweet and I can't wait to see them again.

Chris did a solo acoustic Green Eyes at SLC. It was awesome and finger plucked instead of strummed!! Very folksy. And yeah, not Don't Panic, but they also played Trouble and GPASUYF on the C stage so I wasn't complaining.

Wow! First Coldplay show in the books. They played an unexpectedly amazing set in SLC--solid 2 hours on stage. Will post review sometime soon.

My sister and I are on our way now!! Got 2 hours of driving left (6 hours total). Will let y'all know how it goes. Anybody have some tips for getting upgraded or for sneak towards the floor? I don't wanna get greedy, our seats are good, but it would be awesome to get close!

Finally some B-sides?? :D Who knows. When he says "some new songs," in the interview, they are speaking about live shows, so it could just be that Chris was referencing playing Fun or XMTS or something from AHFOD they haven't really touched on yet for the rest of the tour? But I am still counting on a deluxe album with b-sides and maybe some remixes or acoustic versions that improve upon tracks I am not crazy about.

Yeah, a greatest hits record is definitely in order for Coldplay seven albums in, which could easily include some bonus stuff on it. However, with all the live albums they have released, I doubt they will pursue one unless their label demands it (isn't the contract up though?). Plus it doesn't seem Coldplay's style, if they had to choose. And just to go a little off topic--MCR is one of my favorite bands! The news today was exciting, but I don't know if that means they are getting back together or if they are just rereleasing TBP on its 10 year anniversary! Who knows! Totally agree. Voodoo sounded very interesting and non-poppy. This era had such a unique mix of influences that never fully felt explored to me (Indian instrumentation, brass sections, disco, etc) We need more music to continue the vibes of say, Kaleidoscope, or to give something like Army of One without the flashy Stargate production. Also, didn't Chris say in a pre-Glasto interview that they weren't going to be premiering any "b-sides"? I think it was just a joke, but maybe they have some stuff they still want to share? It is like with Viva. The album itself is perfect, but is brimming with influences. Prospekt's March helped us get more Baroque pop (Rainy Day), more ambience (poppyfields) and more of the acoustic vibe they tried for (NMFWTTG). Those B-sides help make the era feel more complete in a way.

Its been over 6 months since the release and no signs of B-sides.....So I am making a prediction. My guess is that this Fall, when the North American Tour is wrapping up, they will release a Deluxe version of AHFOD that includes several extra tracks or remixes. Why? This seems to be the new trend record labels are going for. EPs are no longer viable, and random b-sides are out of stye (at least for Coldplay). It took Arcade Fire almost 2 years to release a deluxe version of Reflektor that had 5 extra tracks. I am betting Coldplay will just tack on some bonus tracks with a deluxe release, maybe an acoustic version of something, maybe a remix. That just makes sense. More people would buy it, including me. It seems the band wants to really make a long, drawn out era for AHFOD with years of touring, so they have plenty of time frankly to release more material to boost sales. They used the Superbowl, the Latin American Tour, the European Tour, and now, the North American Tour, to prop up album sales. Anybody agree?

It would make my year if Coldplay responded to my request! I was thinking about my sister and I posting a creative video for our request to make it stand out for the Salt Lake City show... but I just don't know what to ask for. In my fantasy world, they would play my fave live tracks: A Whisper, HLH, 42, Yes, Til Kingdom Come, AROBTTH, LiJ--but I don't know how realistic those are, especially on a B or C stage... Plus, they probably won't be playing anything too deep cut on this tour, which is dumb. Any thoughts or suggestions? Our favorite albums are definitely VLV and AROBTTH (anything oldplay) but the old rock/indie stuff they have been neglecting the most on this tour! Not sure what we should request, especially when it seems like they just go for the obvious ones (I really don't need to see In My Place, sorry).

For most of 2014, I really didn't love Ghost Stories: I thought the production was too modern pop and I disliked TL, ASFOS and I even felt O was a sub-par closer. But for some reason about a year after its release, I found myself listening to the album on repeat..not just individual songs..but the album. The songs flow so smoothly and every track is dreamy in its own way. I even found myself opened up to the energy of ASFOS, despite the dull songwriting, and the strange atmosphere of True Love, despite the unoriginal drumbeat and obnoxious vocals. I still think Coldplay made some frustrating production decisions on a lot of tracks (why is the e-bow on Oceans not like the live version???). I also wish they dived deeper in the dark ambience they teased the album with--it is a really poppy record after all. But I have come to accept the fun indie-pop vibes mixed with the more moody tracks. The band did a great job making a unique atmosphere for this album, and there is something addicting about it that is both uplifting and sad at the same time. Some days, it is my favorite Coldplay album, and other days I think it is right down at the bottom of the bucket with AHFOD. Just depends on your feels.

So cool to see different fans of different bands all coming to Coldplay. Really shows their appeal. I have adored for a long while, too many to name: Radiohead The Avett Brothers Red Hot Chili Peppers Modest Mouse James Blake Beyonce Kanye Kendrick Wu Tang Clan (and spinoffs) Bruce Springsteen Deafheaven Anything modern emo/post-rock MCR Titus Andronicus Blind Pilot Death Cab The Cure Jon Hopkins Sigur Ros Arcade Fire Bon Iver Fleet Foxes

I am torn between Viva and MX. Love the color and outfits and commitment to new sounds and ideas. I am going to see the AHFOD tour in September.. but so far the era hasn't really grabbed me the same way. Probably because the songs aren't as sticky for me and the message the band is trying to send feels a little all over the place, but I still appreciate it.

^Chris said in that interview with Zane Lowe (??) that they had a track called Voodoo they recorded and all really liked but "couldn't get away with releasing it." -- I am paraphrasing here--Plus they had all sorts of alternative versions of AOAL and AHFOD that were less produced... maybe one day we will get demos. Such a bummer. I think this era more than any could have had the most interesting B-sides. Usually B-sides leave room to fully flush out sounds and inspirations and have a stab at something more coherent. They went full Space-Symphony with MtM and full alt-rock with Ghost Story. I wonder if Voodoo was full out funky/jazzy??

God their live performance of HFTW is so embarrassing imo. The song is so produced that is OBVIOUS they aren't playing any of their instruments until the chorus. They need like a backup singing section and some extra instrumentalist to fully flesh the song out. It is just so bad..and I don't even mind the album version that much.

Nothing that hasn't already been said, but yeah, this music video is the best since Strawberry Swing for me and hands down the most thoughtful thing Coldplay has put out there. Just amazing. It matches the song so well and gives it so much more meaning. I am particularly enthralled with the refugee imagery and the stark juxtapositions and comparisons of the natural world and human society. This video is fun, heartfelt, and incredibly symbolic. There is a ton of surreal environmentalism in this thing, and subtle political imagery that makes me feel good about being a human being. The shot of the girl doing gymnastics into the napalm blast and the boys with the fish over the top of them are my favorite and give me the feels.

We certainly don't have to :) Yeah they make different kinds of music, but were cut from the same cloth and have MANY similarities. Regardless I only brought Coldplay up because this is a Coldplay forum--but yes, both bands do their own things in fantastic ways. For me though, the amount of texture and atmosphere Radiohead achieves is unparalleled. I personally love when Coldplay takes inspiration from them (and they totally do). In fact, I think that Coldplay's True Love and Burn The Witch are kind of sister songs in a way. Both have beautiful, but weird orchestration and kind of unnerving undertones. Coldplay's version is introspective, cleaner and more aesthetically beautiful (like most of their music) whereas Radiohead's version is political, harsher, and more artfully beautiful (like most of their music). Sorry to make another comparison, but I think it is cool to enjoy both bands this way!