Revisiting Coldplay

Ever have a moment where the song you were listening to matched perfectly with the setting you were in? Like a perfect song for that moment of life? I was sitting on the Baltimore light rail and it was overcast and raining mist. I was listening to Coldplay's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends. Everything matched perfectly, even the Asian instrument (the shamisen?) synchronizing with the clicks of the rail.

I realized I never gave Coldplay's newest album that much of a chance, still too disappointed from X&Y. I actually liked their music quite a bit before then. Anyway, they've got it right this time around--Viva flows incredibly well and has some very solid songs. My favorites are "Life in Technicolor," "Lost!," "Yes," and of course "Viva La Vida," most of which I've played on Asian BBQ.

Bottom line: take off your Coldplay blockers and give Viva a chance. Their title song has been in the midst of plagarism charges from many other artists, including the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. I guess it's that good of a song. Right now, Coldplay is giving out a free downloadable album. Free music is always good music, right?

New Album: Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

NEW PHOENIX ALBUM. WOOOOO! It was suppose to drop on May 26th, but Wikipedia (always the reliable source) told me that it has been available on iTunes since May 12th. The verdict: pretty spiffy. Maybe not as apocalyptic-amazing as I was making it out to be. It's damn good though and I thorougly regret the seven days I spent Phoenix-less. The only thing bad about this album is that it is so short! A little more than half-an-hour with a two-part, seven minute musical interlude? And it still costs the usual $9.90 on iTunes? Yes, and that is the beauty of Phoenix. It is that good. Even if you can't understand what they're saying (they're French from Versailles), their cool beats alone will make every song certified good. And you know how I'm a sucker for a good beat. The run down:

PHOENIX - WOLFGANG AMADEUS PHOENIX

1. Lisztomania
This was sooooo good when they performed it on SNL and nothing has changed since then. The way the lead singer sings is almost mechanical, in a good way, because he jumps from note to note like he's using auto-tune. But he's not (take that T(une that shit)-Pain). Yeah, sooooo good.

2. 1901
Equally as good as Lisztomania. I played this on the 3/26/09 show of Asian BBQ and it was definitely one of my songs of the week.

3. Fences
This one is hot. There is always a song that makes you feel cool when you hear it and this is it for me. It's so smooth and it reminds me of their songs from Alphabetical. My favorite of the album.

4. Love Like a Sunset, Pt. I
Ambient groove noise, part I.

5. Love Like a Sunset, Pt. II
Ambient groove noise, part II.

6. Lasso
I like this one a lot. It's got a punch for being so short. A definite upper after listening to instrumentals for seven minutes.

7. Rome

8. Countdown

9. Girlfriend
As I was saying...good beats. This has got it. It's classic Phoenix and also the most popular download from their album on iTunes.

10. Armistice

EDIT: Want more Phoenix? Yes you do. Go here to listen to a short cover of Air's "Playground Love." Thanks to our friend and loyal follower, The Useless Critic. *Hint, hint: you should be our friend and loyal follower too! Click to follow on the right -------->