|
Coldplay Brings Yet Another Solid Play |
|
|
|
Written by MATTHEW LAMBERT
|
|
Tuesday, 17 June 2008 |
Upon my first look at Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,” I was struck by the band’s decision to use Eugene Delacroix’s famous painting, “Liberty Leading the People“ for the cover on their new album. After dusting off my giant “History Of Modern Art” book from the bookshelf, I came to a better understanding of Delacroix’s piece. The painting, which represents the July Revolution of 1830, mixes in influences ranging from the romantic approach and neoclassic style.
| | |
Coldplay
|  Entertainment
Art
"Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends"
(Capitol)
Released June 17, 2008
|
| | |
While Romanticism takes cues from impressions of Asian, African and Latin art and culture, Neoclassicism takes from Western art and culture. And since Coldplay’s new album makes a habit of this duality and borrows from Asian, African, Latin and Western culture on the majority of the tracks, it seems fitting to use Delacroix’s piece as a representation of the album.
Producer Brian Eno helps Coldplay attack this approach with success, and their bold experimentation pays off, making Vida La Vida one of the most enjoyable albums released this year so far. The ten-track, 45-minute record almost acts as a double album. Several tracks act as two songs in one. These tracks start out sounding one way before moving into a completely different direction. “Death and All His Friends/The Escapist” starts out with a simple piano rhythm before elevating into a crescendo of guitars, drums and chorus before switching into soft, ambient electronica. Chris Martin’s exercises lower vocal range during the beginning of “Yes/Chinese Sleep Chant” before loud, intense guitars take over the second half of the song. And “Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love” shows some 80’s U2 influence with Edge-esque guitars, and steady drum beats before turning into a lovely, simple piano piece.
Other standouts include the instrumental opening track, “Life in Technicolor,” with electronica composer Jon Hopkins. The three-part “42” starts out quiet and grows heavy before hitting a pop-like flavor then settling down again. “Lost!” shows more U2 influence along with hip-hop beats and church organs. Of course “Viva La Vida” may be the biggest track on the album, it reminds us of classic Coldplay while Eno does a great job contributing his resonance to the track. Other tracks include “Cemeteries of London,” “Violet Hill” and “Strawberry Swing.”
It’s rare to see an album where every track could become a hit, and “Vida La Vida” hits that mark. Some bands try to stick to a familiar formula, and others just challenge themselves through a few tracks Coldplay shows no fear in stepping outside their boundaries and trying something new. This makes Vida La Vida or Death and All His Friends a record every Coldplay fan should buy and one every music fan should listen to.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
