I remember the first time I heard Coldplay‘s music. It was late 1999 (I think). I picked up a copy of an EP called The Blue Room, which featured five tracks on it. I would later discover that this was the band’s first release under the Parlophone label that they’d recently signed with.
I thought it was magnificent at the time – still do actually. It was such a unique sound, and Chris Martin’s vocals were like nothing I’d ever heard. Soon after that came Parachutes, the band’s debut album. I got it before it was released. I was so excited by their sound. I loved every track, one of which, Don’t Panic, appeared in a different form on the EP.
Fast forward a decade or so, and I’m lost for words again about Coldplay’s latest release. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Again, it’s a unique sound, like nothing I’ve ever heard.
Trouble is, it’s uniquely shit.
Colpdplay was one of those band’s I thought I’d like forever, like Death Cab For Cutie, or Elbow, or Sigur Ros. But every time they’ve released a record, it’s been short of the one before. A Rush Of Blood To The Head, their second album, was OK. The Scientist is a beautiful song, and I always liked Warning Sign too. There were other good tracks on there, but none with the quality of the Parachutes tracks.
The production was up-scaled on A Rush Of Blood To The Head somewhat, in my view to the band’s detriment, and that trend continued into X&Y, which again only had a couple of tracks on it I liked. Then there was Vida La Vida, an odd title for an equally odd record. Upon listening to opening track Life In Technicolour, I remember thinking: “Oh, OK. We’re back on track here. This is good.” But then every other track failed to inspire me. By the end of the album, they’d lost me. I couldn’t take it anymore.
The sad thing is that’s made me listen to the older stuff less. I cranked Shiver from Parachutes as I was writing this and thought: “Wow. That’s a fucking great song.” It’s simple. There is nothing complicated about it, but it’s just a great song. Structurally sound, lyrically interesting – just good all over.
And now, in mid-2011, they deliver Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall to our ears. A lot has already been written about this track, but very little of it good. Many have said it sounds like a 90s disco track. I can’t disagree. The first thing that came into my head when I heard it was the Mardi Gras gay, lesbian and bisexual parade that happens every year here in Sydney. Believe me, that’s not a good endorsement. It’s just bog-standard awful. Have a listen, if you dare, and then read on.
My girlfriend said to me what’s happened to Coldplay is like someone who takes a great photograph, and then touches it up so much with Photoshop that it ends up looking completely weird and shit. She’s so right. Coldplay no longer represents the band I loved so much all those years ago.
So what went wrong? It’s like they’ve had their song put through some sort of weird-ass pop machine by the record company executives at Parlophone in the hope that millions of dollars a spat out of the other end. Stadium rock just isn’t their bag. I wish they’d wake up and realise that, but while the money keeps rolling in, it’s unlikely that will happen.
It’s sad. Perhaps the track’s title – teardrops and waterfalls – is some sort of metaphor for what any fans that remain are going through as they hear this new track. One thing is certain – I won’t be going to see them live again until they find a cure for their sickness. It’s just not worth it anymore.
Postscript: Seems I’m not the only person thinking this way. here’s a fun post from popbitch on the possible inspirations for this track.