Coldplay: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox musical artist |
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| Name = Coldplay |
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| Img = Coldplay lineup-cropped.jpg |
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| Img_capt = Coldplay, from left to right: {{nowrap|Jonny Buckland,}} {{nowrap|Guy Berryman,}} {{nowrap|Chris Martin,}} and {{nowrap|Will Champion}} |
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| Img_size = 250 |
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| Landscape = yes |
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| Background = group_or_band |
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| Origin = [[London]], [[England]] |
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| Genre = [[Alternative rock]], [[Piano rock]], [[Britpop]] |
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| Years_active = 1997–present |
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| Label = [[Parlophone Records|Parlophone]]<br>[[Capitol Records|Capitol]]<br>[[EMI]] |
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| URL = [http://www.coldplay.com/ coldplay.com] |
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| Current_members = [[Chris Martin]]<br />[[Jonny Buckland]]<br />[[Guy Berryman]]<br />[[Will Champion]]<br /> |
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| Past_members = |
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}} |
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'''Coldplay''' <!-- DO NOT change this to "is", per this discussion: [[Talk:Coldplay/Archive_2#Is_.2F_Are_Dispute]] and [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_and_British_English_differences American and British English differences]] -->are an [[alternative rock]] [[Musical ensemble|band]] formed in [[London]], [[England]] in 1997. The group comprises vocalist/pianist/guitarist [[Chris Martin]], lead guitarist [[Jonny Buckland]], bassist [[Guy Berryman]], and drummer/multi-instrumentalist [[Will Champion]]. Coldplay have sold 32.5 million albums,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-06-11-coldplay-main_N.htm|title=USA Today: Coldplay, singer Chris Martin hot to make fans happy|accessdate=2008-07-02|date=2008-06-11|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> and are also known for their hit singles, such as "[[Yellow (song)|Yellow]]", "[[The Scientist (song)|The Scientist]]", "[[Speed of Sound (song)|Speed of Sound]]", "[[Violet Hill (song)|Violet Hill]]", "[[Viva la Vida (song)|Viva la Vida]]" and the [[Grammy Award]]-winning "[[Clocks (song)|Clocks]]". |
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Coldplay achieved worldwide fame with the release of their single "Yellow", followed by their debut album, ''[[Parachutes]]'' (2000), which was nominated for the [[Mercury Prize]]. Its follow-up, ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' (2002) won multiple awards such as ''[[NME]]'''s Album of the Year and was later included on ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine's [[500 Greatest Albums of All Time]] list. Their next release, ''[[X&Y]]'' (2005), received a slightly less enthusiastic yet still generally positive reception. The band's fourth studio album, ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'' (2008), was produced by [[Brian Eno]] and released again to largely favorable reviews. All of Coldplay's albums have enjoyed great commercial success.<ref>[http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/20352322 Yahoo! Music: Coldplay chills out Peas, Stripes]</ref><ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a100539/coldplay-album-goes-platinum-in-three-days.html Digital Spy: Coldplay album goes platinum in three days]</ref> |
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Coldplay's early material was compared to acts such as [[Jeff Buckley]], [[U2]], and [[Travis (band)|Travis]].<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=9}}</ref> Since the release of ''Parachutes'', Coldplay have drawn influence from other sources, including [[Echo and the Bunnymen]],<ref name="roach 18">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=18}}</ref> Kate Bush and [[George Harrison]]<ref name="roach 98">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=98}}</ref> on ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'', [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Kraftwerk]] for ''X&Y'' and [[Arcade Fire]] and [[My Bloody Valentine]] on ''Viva la Vida''.<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=82}}</ref> Coldplay have been an active supporter of various social and political causes, such as [[Oxfam]]'s [[Make Trade Fair]] campaign and [[Amnesty International]]. The group have also performed at various charity projects such as [[Band Aid 20]], [[Live 8]], and the [[Teenage Cancer Trust]].<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=122}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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===Formation and first years (1996–1999)=== |
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The members of the band met at the [[University College London]] (UCL) in September 1996. [[Chris Martin]] and [[Jonny Buckland]] were the first members of the band, having met one another during their [[orientation week]]. They spent the rest of the college year planning a band, with their efforts culminating in a band called Pectoralz.<ref name="all" /> Later, [[Guy Berryman]], a classmate of the two, joined the band without considering what musical direction it was taking. By 1997, the group performed gigs for local [[London Borough of Camden|Camden]] promoters at small clubs. By that time, the band had renamed themselves Starfish.<ref name="roach 19" /> Martin also had recruited his longtime school friend [[Phil Harvey (Coldplay)|Phil Harvey]], who was studying [[classics]] at Oxford, to be the band's manager.<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=22}}</ref> |
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The band's lineup was complete when [[Will Champion]] joined the band to take up percussion duties. Champion had grown up playing piano, guitar, bass, and [[tin whistle]]; he quickly learned the drums, despite having no previous experience.<ref name="all">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-01|url=http://www.dawn.com/weekly/yworld/archive/051126/yworld6.htm|title=All That Is Cold play |publisher=''[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]''|date=2005-11-26|author=Ali, Mehreen F. }}</ref> Eventually [[Tim Rice-Oxley]], a mutual friend, permitted the band to use the name "Coldplay," which he had used for his band but then thought the name was "too depressing".<ref name="roach 19" /> Rice-Oxley was also offered the position as Coldplay's keyboard player, but he refused since he was already committed to the band [[Keane (band)|Keane]].<ref name="roach 19">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=19}}</ref> |
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In 1998, the band released 500 copies of the ''[[Safety EP]].''<ref name="balance" /> Most of the discs were given to record companies and friends; only 50 copies remained for sale to the public. In December, Coldplay signed to the independent label [[Fierce Panda Records|Fierce Panda]].<ref name="balance" /> Their first release was the three-track ''[[Brothers and Sisters EP]]'', which they had quickly recorded over four days in February 1999.<ref name="balance">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-04|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2003-02-02-coldplay_x.htm|title=Coldplay searching for a balance |publisher=[[USA Today]]|date=2003-02-13|author=Gundersen, Edna }}</ref> |
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After completing their final examinations, Coldplay signed to [[Parlophone]] for a five-album contract in the spring of 1999.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-05|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/25893/Coldplay-to-quit/|title=Coldplay to Quit |publisher=[[Daily Star]]|date=2008-01-07 }}</ref> After making their first appearance at [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]], the band went into studio to record a third EP titled ''[[The Blue Room EP|The Blue Room]]''.<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=26}}</ref> 5,000 copies were made available to the public in October,<ref name="roach 28">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=28}}</ref> and the single "Bigger Stronger", which received airplay on Radio 1, was establishing Coldplay. However, the recording sessions for ''The Blue Room'' were tumultuous. Martin kicked Champion out of the band but later pleaded with him to return, and because of his guilt, went on a drinking binge. Eventually, the band worked out their differences and put in place a new set of rules to keep the group intact. First, the band declared an all-for-one approach: Coldplay was a democracy, and profits were to be shared equally, taking a page from bands like [[U2]] and [[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M]]. Second, the band would fire anyone who used hard drugs.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/01/AR2005100101178.html Washington Post: Blue-Throated Warbler]</ref> |
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===''Parachutes'' (1999–2001)=== |
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In March 1999, Coldplay focused efforts on their debut album, recorded at [[Rockfield Studios]] with producer [[Ken Nelson (British record producer)|Ken Nelson]]. They also played on the [[NME Tours|Carling Tour]], which showcased up-and-coming acts. After releasing three EPs without a hit song, Coldplay scored their first Top 40 single, "[[Shiver (Coldplay single)|Shiver]]". Released in March 2000, it reached a modest #35 on the [[UK Singles Chart]]<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=35}}</ref> and earned the band their first airplay on [[MTV]]. June 2000 was a pivotal moment in Coldplay's history: the band embarked on their first headlining tour, which included a triumphant return to Glastonbury. More notably, the group released the breakthrough single, "[[Yellow (song)|Yellow]]".<ref name="roach 42">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=42}}</ref> The song shot to #4 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and placed Coldplay in public consciousness.<ref name="roach 42" /> |
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Coldplay released their first full-length album, ''[[Parachutes]]'', in July 2000, which debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="roach 45">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=45}}</ref> Along with critical acclaim, ''Parachutes'' was sometimes criticised for bearing a strong resemblance to the music of alternative rock band [[Radiohead]] in their ''[[The Bends]]''–''[[OK Computer]]'' era. "Yellow" and "[[Trouble (Coldplay single)|Trouble]]" earned regular radio airplay on both sides of the Atlantic. Parlophone originally predicted sales of 400,000 units of ''Parachutes''; by Christmas, 1.6 million copies had been sold in the United Kingdom alone. ''Parachutes'' was nominated for the [[Mercury Music Prize]] in September 2000. |
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Having found success in [[Europe]], the band set their sights on [[North America]],<ref name="roach 76">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=76}}</ref> and ''Parachutes'' was released there in November 2000. The band embarked on a US club tour in early 2001, beginning with a show in [[Vancouver]], [[Canada]], which was coupled with appearances on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'', and ''[[The Late Show with David Letterman]]''. Whilst ''Parachutes'' was a slow-burning success in the US, it eventually reached double-platinum status. The album was critically well-received, earning [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album|Best Alternative Music Album]] honours at the [[Grammy Awards of 2002|2002 Grammy Awards]].<ref name="Grammy wins">{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=&winner=Coldplay&year=0&genreID=0&hp=1|title=Grammy Award Winners|accessdate=2008-04-25|publisher=[[Grammy Awards]]}}</ref> |
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{{Sound sample box align right|Music samples:}} |
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{{multi-listen start}} |
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{{multi-listen item|filename=Coldplay - Yellow.ogg |title="Yellow"|description="Yellow" was the second single from ''[[Parachutes]]'' (2000), and Coldplay's first Top 10 hit on the [[UK Singles Chart]].|format=[[Ogg]]}} |
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<!-- {{multi-listen item|filename=Coldplay - Politik.ogg |title="Politik"|description=From ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' (2002)|format=[[Ogg]]}} --> |
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{{multi-listen item|filename=Coldplay - The Scientist.ogg |title="The Scientist"|description="The Scientist" was the second single from ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' (2002). The inspiraton for the song came from [[George Harrison]]'s "[[All Things Must Pass]]".<ref name="roach 98" />|format=[[Ogg]]}} |
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{{multi-listen end}} |
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{{sample box end}} |
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===''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' (2001–2004)=== |
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Coldplay returned to the studio in October 2001 to begin work on their second album, once again with [[Ken Nelson (British record producer)|Ken Nelson]] producing. ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' was released in August 2002. The album spawned several popular singles, notably "[[In My Place]]", "[[Clocks (single)|Clocks]]", and the ballad "[[The Scientist (single)|The Scientist]]".<ref name="roach 98" /> |
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Coldplay toured from June 2002 to September 2003 for the ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour]]''. They visited five continents, including co-headlining festival dates at [[Glastonbury Festival]],<ref name="roach 28" /> [[V Festival|V2003]] and [[Rock Werchter]]. Many shows included elaborate lighting and individualised screens reminiscent of U2's ''[[Elevation Tour|Elevation]]'' tour.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-01|url=http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/sections/life/life/article_643731.php|title=Still a few steps short of greatness |publisher=[[The Orange County Register]]|date=2005-08-22|author=Wener, Ben }}</ref> During the extended tour, Coldplay recorded a live DVD and CD, ''[[Live 2003]]'', at [[Sydney|Sydney's]] [[Hordern Pavilion]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Danby|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/coldplay/articles/story/5935495/coldplay_go_live|title=Coldplay Go Live|quote=Concert album due in November|accessdate=2008-04-25|date=2003-09-04|publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> |
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In December 2003, they were named by readers of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine as the best artist and the best band of the year. At that time Coldplay covered [[The Pretenders]]' 1983 hit "2000 Miles", which was made available for download on their official site. It was the top selling UK download that year, with proceeds from the sales donated to Future Forests and Stop Handgun Violence campaigns. ''A Rush of Blood to the Head'' won the [[Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album]] at the [[Grammy Awards of 2003|2003 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-01|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/grammys/2003-01-07-grammy-complete-list_x.htm|title=Complete list of Grammy Award winners |publisher=[[USA Today]]|date=2003-02-24 }}</ref> At the [[Grammy Awards of 2004|2004 Grammy Awards]], Coldplay earned [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] for "Clocks".<ref name="Grammy wins"/> |
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===''X&Y'' (2004–2006)=== |
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Coldplay spent most of 2004 out of the spotlight, resting from touring, and recording their third album. In terms of particular musical influences for it, bassist Guy Berryman said, "We were listening to lots of different stuff during the early stages [of ''X&Y''] from Bowie, Eno and Pink Floyd to Depeche Mode, Kate Bush and Kraftwerk. And U2 as we usually do."<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.ukula.com/TorontoArticle.aspx?SectionID=2&ObjectID=1455&CityID=3|title=Changing the World at UKULA|publisher=[[Ukula]]|author=Maclean, Graeme }}</ref> In May, Chris Martin and his wife, actress [[Gwyneth Paltrow]], celebrated the birth of a daughter, named Apple.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-01|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/17/entertainment/main617954.shtml|title=It's A Girl For Paltrow & Martin |publisher=[[CBS]]|date=2004-03-17 }}</ref> |
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''[[X&Y]]'' was released in June 2005 in [[United Kingdom|UK]] and [[Europe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/fcdp/|title=BBC - Rock/Indie Review- Coldplay, X&Y|accessdate=2008-04-25|date=2005-11-20|publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> This new, delayed release date had put the album back into the next fiscal year, actually causing EMI's stock to drop.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-23|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4242293.stm|title= |
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EMI shares hit by profit warning|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=2005-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4491208.stm|title=Coldplay's X&Y is 'album of year'|accessdate=2008-04-25|date=2005-12-09|publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> It became the best-selling album of 2005 with worldwide sales of 8.3 million. The [[lead single]], "[[Speed of Sound (single)|Speed of Sound]]",<ref>{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Morford|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2005/06/17/notes061705.DTL|title= |
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Is Coldplay The New Jesus? Martin & Co. make moms smile and girls swoon and offend no one in their quest to love all puppies|accessdate=2008-04-25|date=2005-06-17|publisher=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]}}</ref> made its radio and online music store debut on [[18 April]] and was released as a [[CD]] on [[23 May]] [[2005]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Sherwin|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article386710.ece|title=Coldplay's new single breaks sound barrier|accessdate=2008-04-25|date=2005-04-30|publisher=[[The Times]]}}</ref> The album debuted at #1 in 22 countries worldwide and was the third-fastest selling album in UK chart history. Two other singles were released that year: "[[Fix You]]" in September and "[[Talk (song)|Talk]]" in December. The latter is set to the melody of "[[Computer Love]]", which was released in 1981 by the German synthpop band [[Kraftwerk]] and had in the previous year been revived by Norwegian guitarist [[Erik Wollo]]. Despite the commercial success, the critical reaction to ''X&Y'' was less enthusiastic than that of its predecessor, with ''New York Times'' critic Jon Pareles describing Coldplay as "the most insufferable band of the decade",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/05/arts/music/05pare.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|publisher=[[The New York Times]]|date=2005-06-05|title=The Case Against Coldplay|author= Pareles, Jon|accessdate=2008-04-24}}</ref> while others compared them to U2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/od/discographies/a/coldplaydisc.htm|publisher=|date=2005-06-05|title=Coldplay Discography|author=Lamb, Bill |accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref> Chris Martin later revealed that the negative remarks made him feel "liberated".<ref>[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a101574/coldplay-liberated-by-xy-criticism.html Digital Spy: Coldplay 'liberated' by ''X&Y'' criticism]</ref> |
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From June 2005 to July 2006, Coldplay went on their ''[[Twisted Logic Tour]]'', which included festival dates like [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]], [[Isle of Wight Festival]], [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]] and the [[Austin City Limits Music Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aclfestival.com/dailywrap/2005/lineup.aspx|title=The Daily Wrap 2005 ACL Music Festival|accessdate=2008-04-25|publisher=[[Austin City Limits]]}}</ref> In July 2005, the band appeared at [[Live 8]] in [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], where they played a rendition of [[The Verve]]'s "[[Bitter Sweet Symphony]]" with [[Richard Ashcroft]] on vocals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/thelive8event/lineupandartists/|title=BBC - The Live 8 Event - Line Up and Artists|accessdate=2008-04-25|publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> In September, Coldplay recorded a new version of "How You See the World" with reworked lyrics to [[War Child (charity)|War Child]]'s ''[[Help - a Day in the Life|Help: A Day in the Life]]'' charity album. In February 2006, Coldplay earned Best Album and Best Single honours at the [[BRIT Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brits.co.uk/shows/archive-63/|title=Brit Awards > 2006|accessdate=2008-04-25|publisher=[[BRIT Awards]]}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Coldplay in Sao Paulo.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Chris Martin playing a concert in [[São Paulo]]]] |
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===''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' (2006–present)=== |
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The band began to work on their fourth studio album, ''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'', as early as December 2006, with [[Brian Eno]] and Markus Dravs as their producers. In addition, music producer [[Timbaland]] was rumoured to be collaborating.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/09/10/coldplay-reveal-new-album-details-timbaland-producing-ashlee-simpson-courtney-love-blamed-for-jack-osbournes-drug-problem/|title=Coldplay Reveal New Album Details, Timbaland Producing Ashlee Simpson, Courtney Love Blamed for Jack Osbourne’s Drug Problem |publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=2007-09-10 }}</ref> Coldplay took a break from recording and toured [[Latin America]] in early 2007, including shows in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003540253|title=Coldplay Collects Singles For Vinyl Box |publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=2007-01-31|author=Cohen, Jonathan }}</ref> The band revealed that the album seemed to be shaping up with [[Hispanic]] influences, after having recorded in churches and other areas in Latin America and [[Spain]] during their tour. The group spent the rest of the year recording, mainly with Brian Eno. |
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Chris Martin described ''Viva la Vida'' as a new direction for Coldplay: a change from their past three albums, which they have referred to as a 'trilogy'.<ref name="different">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/18915732/coldplay_at_work_on_something_different_for_upcoming_album|title=Coldplay at Work on "Something Different" for Upcoming Album - Chris Martin talks about trilogy and change.|accessdate=2008-04-24|publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=2008-02-27|author=Serpick, Evan}}</ref> Martin has also revealed that this album features much less of his [[falsetto]], and he has allowed his voice's lower register to take precedence.<ref name="different" /> Some songs, such as "[[Violet Hill (song)|Violet Hill]]", contain distorted guitar riffs and bluesy undertones.<ref name="different" /> "Violet Hill" was confirmed as the first single, with a radio release date of [[29 April]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/21/news-ticker-guns-n-roses-britney-spears-coldplay/|title=News Ticker: Guns N’ Roses, Britney Spears, Coldplay |publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=2008-04-21 }}</ref> After the first play, it was freely obtainable from Coldplay's website from 12:15 pm (GMT +0) for one week (achieving two million downloads),<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7386422.stm BBC News: Coldplay song downloaded 2m times]</ref> until it became commercially available to download on [[May 6]].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-28|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7370808.stm|title=Coldplay giving away new single|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=2008-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-28|url=http://coldplay.com/song.html|title=Coldplay|publisher=Coldplay|date=2008-04-28}}</ref> "Violet Hill" entered the UK Top 10, US Top 40 (entering the Top 10 in the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart) and charted well in the rest of the world. The title track, "[[Viva la Vida (song)|Viva la Vida]]", was also released exclusively on iTunes; it has since become the band's first #1 on the [[Hot 100]]<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=The+Billboard+Hot+100 The Billboard Hot 100]</ref> and also their first UK #1, based on download sales alone.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468223.stm BBC News: Coldplay's new single tops chart]</ref> On [[16 June]], Coldplay began their ''Viva la Vida Tour'' with a free concert at Brixton Academy in London.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7457000/7457396.stm BBC Newsbeat: Coldplay make their live return]</ref> This was followed two days later by a 45-minute performance that was broadcast live from outside [[BBC Television Centre]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7462168.stm BBC News: Coldplay play open air gig at BBC]</ref> |
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On [[15 June]] 2008, ''Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' topped the UK album chart, despite having been on sale for only three days. In that time, it sold 302,000 copies — making it "one of the fastest-selling records in UK history".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7455622.stm BBC News: New Coldplay album tops UK chart]</ref> By the end of June, it had set a new record for most-downloaded album ever.<ref>[http://www.hyper-stars.blogspot.com Most Album Downloads Ever</ref><ref>[http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/9716/week-ending-june-29-2008-viva-la-download-or-death-and-all-his-cds Yahoo! Chart Watch: Viva La Download Or Death And All His CDs]</ref> The band have said that they will release another album in late 2009, that will feature a collaboration track with [[Kylie Minogue]], called "Lunar".<ref>[http://www.nme.com/news/coldplay/37056 Kylie collaboration - too sexy for Coldplay album]</ref> |
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==Musical style== |
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Coldplay's musical style has been defined as [[alternative rock]], being compared to [[Jeff Buckley]] and [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Coldplay warms the renamed amphitheater|work=[[Sacramento Bee]]|date=2003-05-30|page=TK17}}</ref><ref name="parachutes" /> while on their [[MySpace]] profile, Coldplay describes their musical style as "very heavy soft rock".<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/coldplay Coldplay] on [[MySpace]]. Retrieved on [[2008-05-26]].</ref> The band's music has been called "meditative"; it "[reflects] on their emotions" and lead singer/songwriter Martin "endlessly examine[s] his feelings".<ref name="x&y" /> Martin's lyrical wordplay has been called [[feminist]], similar to [[Andrew Montgomery]] of [[Geneva (band)|Geneva]].<ref name="parachutes" /> |
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The tone of the band's first studio album, ''[[Parachutes (album)|Parachutes]]'', was defined as melodic pop with "distorted guitar riffs and switching percussion".{{who}} It was also described as being "exquisitely dark and artistically abrasive".<ref name="parachutes">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-06|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A3h9yxdyb2ola|title=Parachutes review |publisher=[[Allmusic]] }}</ref> In a review for ''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'', the songs were considered to contain "lush melodies and a heartbreak" and that they had a "newfound confidence."<ref name="rush">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-06|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=SEARCH&sql=Aa06ftr5rkl7x|title=A Rush of Blood to the Head review |publisher=[[Allmusic]] }}</ref> The music on ''[[X&Y]]'' has been considered to be "ruminations on Martin's doubts, fears, hopes, and loves."<ref name="x&y">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-06|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:5v6wtraykl6x~T1|title=X&Y review |publisher=[[Allmusic]] }}</ref> |
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==Activism== |
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[[Image:Coldplay Twisted Logic Live 2006 in Singapore Indoor Stadium.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Make Trade Fair, abbreviated as MTF, shown on Chris Martin's piano during a concert]] |
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Despite Coldplay's worldwide popularity, the band has remained protective of how their music is used in the media, refusing its use for product endorsements. In the past, Coldplay turned down multi-million dollar contracts from [[Gatorade]], [[Diet Coke]], and [[Gap (clothing retailer)|Gap]], who wanted to use the songs "[[Yellow (song)|Yellow]]", "[[Trouble (Coldplay song)|Trouble]]", and "[[Don't Panic (song)|Don't Panic]]" respectively.<ref name="ETP" /> According to vocalist/pianist Martin, "We wouldn't be able to live with ourselves if we sold the songs' meanings like that."<ref name="ETP">{{cite journal|journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|url=http://www.easytoplease.net/interviews.php?page=qaugust|title=the state of coldplay|date=[[2002-08-01]]|accessdate=2008-04-24}}</ref> The song "Viva la Vida" was featured in a commercial for the [[iTunes Store]], advertising its exclusive availability of the single as a digital download on iTunes. Coldplay is a supporter of [[Amnesty International]].<ref name="roach 78">{{harv|Roach|2003|p=78}}</ref> Chris Martin is also noted as one of the most visible celebrity advocates for [[fair trade]], supporting [[Oxfam]]'s ongoing [[Make Trade Fair]] campaign.<ref>{{harv|Roach|2003|p=85}}</ref> Martin has been on trips with Oxfam to assess conditions, has appeared in its advertising campaign, and is known for wearing a "Make Trade Fair" wristband during public appearances, including at Coldplay concerts.<ref>{{cite web|first=Edna|last=Gundersen|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-06-02-coldplay_x.htm|title=Catch Coldplay|accessdate=2008-04-25|date=2005-06-02|publisher=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> The band were also filmed for [[Make Poverty History]], clicking their fingers. |
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In the band's early years, Coldplay was also widely noted in the media for their claim to give 10% of the band's profits to charity.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rockin' Politics 2005|publisher=[[Star Tribune]]|date=[[2005-09-11]]|author=Bream, Jon}}</ref> Bassist Guy Berryman said, "You can make people aware of issues. It isn't very much effort for us at all, but if it can help people, then we want to do it."<ref name="roach 78"> The band also asks that any gifts intended for them are donated to charity, according to a response on the FAQ section of Coldplay's website. Martin [[Opposition to the Iraq War|was outspoken against]] the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], and he endorsed [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] presidential candidate [[John Kerry]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-05-01|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/09/mgrind.day.mon/|title=Kerry, on a roll |publisher=[[CNN]]|date=2004-02-09|author=Mercurio, John }}</ref> |
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==Discography== |
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{{main|Coldplay discography}} |
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*''[[Parachutes]]'' (2000) |
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*''[[A Rush of Blood to the Head]]'' (2002) |
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*''[[X&Y]]'' (2005) |
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*''[[Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends]]'' (2008) |
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==Notes== |
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{{reflist|2}} |
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==References== |
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* {{citation|title=Coldplay: Nobody Said It Was Easy |last=Roach|first=Martin|publisher=[[Omnibus Press]]|date=September 2003|year=2003|isbn=0711998108}} |
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==Further reading== |
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* {{cite book|title=Coldplay : Look at the Stars |author=Spivack, Gary|isbn=0743491963}} |
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==External links== |
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{{wikiquote}} |
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*[http://www.coldplay.com Official Site] |
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*{{MySpace|coldplay}} |
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*{{Last.fm|Coldplay|Coldplay}} |
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*[http://www.nme.com/artists/coldplay Coldplay at NME] |
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{{Coldplay}} |
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[[Category:Alternative musical groups]] |
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[[Category:Coldplay| ]] |
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[[Category:English rock music groups]] |
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[[Category:Grammy Award winners]] |
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[[Category:Music from London]] |
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[[Category:Musical groups established in 1997]] |
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[[Category:Parlophone artists]] |
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[[Category:Capitol Records artists]] |
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