Disco de Coldplay: “Parachutes [UK Bonus CD]”

In "Parachutes" Coldplay has produced an album that is both simple and elegant at the same time. The guitars are stripped down, and largely acoustic. When electric guitars are used, they act as a nice counterpoint to Chris Martin's superb vocals. At the same time there is heavy used of keyboards, and the drums and bass actually act as a rhythm section instead of acting as rock and roll heavy artillery. The lyrics are as straightforward as the music, without being any less sophisticated for it. Martin sings of timeless themes like love, alienation and hope, but never seems trite or derivative. The end result is an album by a band that clearly recognizes that passion and talent are what make a band, not gimmicks and grinding guitars and morose wailing.

On a song-by-song basis, it would be almost impossible for me to pick a favorite song, for two reasons. First, every one of them is good, which is almost shocking in today's music market. Nonetheless, there is not a single song that I skip past, and more than that, there's not a single song that is noticeably sub-par when compared to the others. Secondly, Coldplay has actually produced an "album" as opposed to a collection of songs, another rarity today. Each song carries through common musical and thematic elements such that each one becomes something akin to a movement within a symphony.

That said, the songs are by no means redundant, and as such warrant some mention as individual entities. First off is "Don't Panic", a plainly stated case for hope in a difficult world, the chorus "We live in a beautiful world..." pretty much sums up this track. With great drum and keyboard work, "Don't Panic" sets the tone for the album.

Next up is "Shiver" a refreshing song about devotion in the face of unrequited love. I say refreshing because in a world of throwaway relationships, Martin actually places some hope in blind love. This is one of the prettiest songs on an album that has a lot of them (I know "pretty" is an odd description of a rock song, but you'll just have to trust me), and the heavy use of electric guitars is effective and fits in with the rest of the album.

Third is "Spies", which if I had to choose is probably my favorite song on the album. As Martin sings about paranoia, the discomfiture we all feel in our own skin sometimes, the song takes on a spooky, befuddled vibe that is difficult to describe but fascinating to listen to.

"Sparks" is another beautiful, mellow song about devotion and love within a relationship. It serves as a nice counterpoint to the well known "Yellow" (which received heavy radio rotation), in that its contemplative thoughtful love serves as a counterpoint to the overpowering infatuation considered in "Yellow".

Next up is "Trouble" which sets the stage with a beautiful piano melody. It also contains some of the most interesting lyrics as Martin sings of regret, and the desire and effort to overcome the mistakes of the past. Part apology and part introspection, this is a great track.

The seventh track is the eponymous "Parachutes", which despite only being forty-six seconds long is one of the prettiest love songs you're likely to hear in rock and roll today. It is followed up by "High Speed", which contains the most unusual arrangements on the album. Again, the tone is set by the first lyric "Can anybody fly this thing..." and the song goes on to consider what it takes to live in our complicated world.

The final two tracks perfectly bookend the album. "We Never Change" is Martin expressing his desire to live a simple, decent life that focuses on what's really important rather than the trappings and complications of modern life. And finally, "Everything's Not Lost" is another pleafor hope in a difficult world that perfectly captures what Coldplay is all about.

In the end this is truly and exemplary album. From start to finish it maintains a consistent musical vision that is a joy to listen to. Each track is a puzzle piece that fits into something larger than the sum of those pieces, but at the same time, each piece can be appreciated individually. Ultimately, this is the rare album that transcends categorization and is approachable by anyone who appreciates great music.

Jake Mohlman

There is some similarity between Coldplay and Radiohead, but this does not prevent the band from making its own unique contribution to modern rock music. The track 'Shiver' is a poignant look at unrequited love that isn't warmed over, melodramatic, or contrite, a tremendous feat in and of itself. It's understated and that's where its power lies. I heard 'Yellow' on the radio and was instantly drawn to its unusual and memorable sound. 'Yellow' may be the most original love ballad I've ever heard. It is what initially compelled me to buy this CD, and it was most certainly worth it. 'Trouble' is another fantastic cut. The CD is full of gems. It alternates between rough and edgy and soft and subdued, sometimes all in the same song. The entire CD just *works.* Every track can stand alone, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, thanks to a common feeling of quiet, thoughtful reflection that flows from beginning to end.

Coldplay has established for itself a distinctive feel. This band should have a huge impact on the modern rock scene and I can't wait to hear more from them. My only regret is that the CD isn't longer, ten tracks wasn't enough, though I understand the Import has two additional cuts.

We are all used to hearing one band or other be touted as the "latest and greatest" thing on earth. The more you hear the use of the label, the less attention you tend to give. However, the English band Coldplay are much more than the moniker suggests.

With "Parachutes", Chris Martin and his bandmates prove to be more than a Radiohead wannabe. His voice only bears a passing resemblance to Thom Yorke's own. With songs like "Shiver" and "Yellow", he doesn't lose hope that his love will be returned....someday. "High Speed" and "Don't Panic" lets the listener in on the universal secret: Life can be made better.

Being an eager music fan, I know that there are always new bands coming out, and the inevitable comparisons will be made. With this CD, Coldplay show that they have a future. Run, don't walk, and pick up this CD. The mellow vibe on this album guarantees that you can pop this into your CD player, and flow along.

With the close of 2000 only a few days away, we take a look back at the music that really stood out this year. Well...ummmm...there really wasn't much to tell you the truth. American teens glued to MTV's TRL sat back and swallowed quickly-cliched, false-angst rap-rock and friendly bubble-gum pop. Radiohead released the excellent avant-garde "Kid A" but unfortunitly lost many fans because of their new sound. Eminem shocked audiences to the core with rhymes that make 2 Live Crew look like pre-schoolers.

And then there's Coldplay, one of the newest imports from the UK, and thankfully, they give people a wonderful close to an otherwise dissapointing year.

Although their sound is much a like "Bends"-era Radiohead and fellow Brit-rockers Travis, Stereophonics and Badly Drawn Boy, Coldplay is more apt to draw similarities to Jeff Buckley and accoustic Pink Floyd, with vocals that would make you think if Thom Yorke and Dave Matthews could somehow have a child together. Twenty-two year old vocalist Chris Martin conveys the emotions of a racked young adult trying to find meaning in a cruel and unknowing world. With lyrics like: "I awake to find some piece of mind/I said how do you live/As a fugitive," goes one song; "So I look in your direction/But you pay me no attention," goes another. Yet Martin and crew refuse to take you down a dark, brooding, depressing road, but instead, they fuse Martin's lyrics to beautiful melodies of slack guitars, wailing strings and sturdy beats.

The introduction song "Don't Panic" is an excellent example and sets the overall mood to the album. With its continuous beat and guitars that sound as if they were drifting along an ocean current, provided with Martin's intimate vocals, the song is as comforting as it is wandering, trying to find something better somewhere out there. The Jeff Buckley-esque "Shiver" continous that mood, shifting more emphasis on quick guitars and harder beats.

"Spies" is music that is pure atmosphere and haunting. With its wailing guitars, rolling keys and drums that come and go, the thin line between Radiohead and Coldplay are slightly blurred, yet don't somehow connect together. Thanks to Martin's lonely vocals set in the backdrop, you begin to realize that this band has a sound of its own right. With "Yellow," the band snaps out of its sour mood to wonder happily at the distant stars on a clear night.

If anything, Coldplay is excellent mood music coming out of the most cliched piece of rock: bass, guitar, drums, etc. But instead of making regular rock songs that grow tiring after two listenings (like the bland, tiring songs of the Counting Crows or Lenny Kravitz) Coldplay is embarking to experiment with their instruments, to see what kind of new sounds can come out of something played and worn out. As a result, the following music is for moods and scenery. It's the music for driving along the coast on a wintery day, (keep in mind I'm from Northern California) waiting to see what's going to be behind the next bend. It is simply 40 minutes of bliss.

Coldplay have a very bright future. With their originality and close lyrics to the heart, I'm sure that in future years you'll be hearing more from these guys. Afterall, Spin and Rolling Stone named it one of the best albums of the year.

Like many people I was totally blown away by the Coldcut single 'Yellow',which must rank as one of the singles of the year. If you like Radiohead or Jeff Buckley,than I'm sure you'll really enjoy this c.d.The music is fairly low-tempo,student art rock from the U.K.There are just ten tracks on the c.d. and none of the tracks could be described as album fillers.Unlike many groups this c.d. is just 41 minutes long-so listening to the whole c.d. isn't the sort of chore you have with so many rap artists,who make c.d.'s so long that it is really difficult to get familiar with the songs. Coldplay's sound is not very original and there are no surprises on the c.d.But the songs are strong enough to be compared with any group.The first song 'Don't Panic' is a gentle mid tempo song with excellent rhythm,be it drumming or guitar.The chorus tells of how 'We live in a beautiful world'which sets the mood of the album off on a cheerful note.It is this kind of sentiment which has had many people comparing Coldcut to Travis-I think the comparison is well justified.Track 2 'Shiver' is one of the highlights of the c.d.,it was an early single.It is driven by some excellent guitar.There is no doubt the lead vocalist has a voice of great versatility and range,but one of the few drawbacks is that he sometimes mimics Jeff Buckley.And on this song the resemblance is uncanny.I think his voice sounds better when he isn't being so clearly influenced by another vocalist.Track 3 'Spies' is a more sombre song,but is excellent.Initially driven by an acoustic guitar and a beautifully echoed electic guitar chord on the chorus.Track 4 'Sparks' could easily have been on the Travis c.d. The Man Who...It is another excellent acoustically driven song.Than we have the sublime love song 'Yellow'.'Trouble' sees Coldplay using a piano for the first song-Excellent vocals on the song and a real potential hit single.The title track only lasts for about 30 seconds and divides the c.d. for the closing 3 strongly Radiohead influenced songs.If Thom Yorke can produce 3 songs of similar quality on there next c.d. we'll be in for something special. Coldplay's c.d. is a must purchase c.d. for any one who likes some of the groups I mentioned during the review.I totally believe it will be a contender for any top 10 album of the year list come December.