Spring Break
The Playlist: No. 7: Coldplay
Most important artists of the decade
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 10/15/09 Section: Focus
For the remainder of the semester, The Playlist will be counting down the 10 most important artists of this decade - artists that have had a serious impact on music as we know it.
John Cusack's character, Rob Gordon, gives a fantastic monologue at the beginning of what's probably my favorite movie ever made, "High Fidelity," in which he debates which came first: the music or the misery.
He said, "People worry about kids playing with guns, or watching violent videos, that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands, literally thousands, of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain, misery and loss."
Now take one look at the lyrics of Coldplay's "Shiver" and tell me that lead singer Chris Martin doesn't absolutely slay you. He sings, "So I look in your direction / But you pay me no attention / And you know how much I need you / But you never even see me."
Martin … that's some heavy stuff.
This decade saw the release of Coldplay's entire discography - from 2000's "Parachutes" to last year's album of the year (by my count at least) "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" - with each release as brilliant and beautiful as its predecessor.
The band's debut delivered an exquisite trip through love that was almost heartbreaking to listen to. Just the opening chords of "Don't Panic" put me into a place that, while melancholy, seems all too comforting. Martin displays a voice that every singer/songwriter dreams of having, while he sings about the most distraught and desperate things while - but never has distress and desperation seemed so damn lovely.
"A Rush of Blood to the Head" has been labeled the band's masterpiece while "X&Y" began Coldplay's movement towards the big, arena rock sound on their latest release. While Martin ceaselessly examined his emotions throughout the band's first three albums, "Viva la Vida" saw the band break the mold that had made them astronomically popular and watched their leader become a real storyteller.
So I ask you: How many bands owe their chart-topping radio rock single to Coldplay? How many Augustanas and Frays wouldn't exist if it weren't for the London foursome? Say what you will about the mainstream exposure they receive or the sensitive content of their music, but these guys have dominated airwaves with a continually evolving sound that appeals to audiences of all ages and have inspired countless artists across many genres. In a world where bands barely last beyond their first album, Coldplay has discovered the key to remaining relevant while still producing genuinely incredible music.
They're already one of the world's biggest bands, and they show no signs of stopping.
John Cusack's character, Rob Gordon, gives a fantastic monologue at the beginning of what's probably my favorite movie ever made, "High Fidelity," in which he debates which came first: the music or the misery.
He said, "People worry about kids playing with guns, or watching violent videos, that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands, literally thousands, of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain, misery and loss."
Now take one look at the lyrics of Coldplay's "Shiver" and tell me that lead singer Chris Martin doesn't absolutely slay you. He sings, "So I look in your direction / But you pay me no attention / And you know how much I need you / But you never even see me."
Martin … that's some heavy stuff.
This decade saw the release of Coldplay's entire discography - from 2000's "Parachutes" to last year's album of the year (by my count at least) "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" - with each release as brilliant and beautiful as its predecessor.
The band's debut delivered an exquisite trip through love that was almost heartbreaking to listen to. Just the opening chords of "Don't Panic" put me into a place that, while melancholy, seems all too comforting. Martin displays a voice that every singer/songwriter dreams of having, while he sings about the most distraught and desperate things while - but never has distress and desperation seemed so damn lovely.
"A Rush of Blood to the Head" has been labeled the band's masterpiece while "X&Y" began Coldplay's movement towards the big, arena rock sound on their latest release. While Martin ceaselessly examined his emotions throughout the band's first three albums, "Viva la Vida" saw the band break the mold that had made them astronomically popular and watched their leader become a real storyteller.
So I ask you: How many bands owe their chart-topping radio rock single to Coldplay? How many Augustanas and Frays wouldn't exist if it weren't for the London foursome? Say what you will about the mainstream exposure they receive or the sensitive content of their music, but these guys have dominated airwaves with a continually evolving sound that appeals to audiences of all ages and have inspired countless artists across many genres. In a world where bands barely last beyond their first album, Coldplay has discovered the key to remaining relevant while still producing genuinely incredible music.
They're already one of the world's biggest bands, and they show no signs of stopping.
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