It's OK to like Coldplay

I haven't sat down and seriously listened to X&Y in its entirety, but so far, it's not that bad, especially when it's exactly what Coldplay has sounded like in the past (which seems to be their biggest crime). But they were doomed before they even started recording. They were just too sweet and too well-liked by both the indie music fans and the mainstream. The latter, as a fellow Coldplay fan points out, makes people uncomfortable which is part of why I think many people are saying they don't like the album. Coldplay isn't popular in the way that those who pride themselves with indie cool can like them in that kitchy ironic kind of way. It's about reserving "indie cred" (whatever that means to you). Like as soon as you like the entire discography of a single band you lose musical credibility. I'm not saying everyone has to love Coldplay or even like them. This isn't even about the band, it's just an example of how I think the cool of music is preceeding the love of music.

Comments

[Nugget]

A fine album and I'm not afraid to admit it. Incredibly catchy songs, which have a way of burning themselves into your brain. They call out to you all day saying "Press play. Come on, you can do it. You can even sing along if you want."

It does have a bit of a different edge than previous albums. It's similar, sure, I can't deny that, but there's something going on here that I don't hear on the others. I'm no music critic, so it may take a while before I can sort out exactly what it is.

[teri]

it's funny, i didn't think i liked coldplay, but i was in hmv the other day and a song was playing and i was like "this is so good!" i was surprised when they told me it was coldplay. the same thing happened with bright eyes the next day. who knew?

[brian]

if people hate coldplay simply because they're popular, then they deserve to listen to coldplay non-stop, 24/7. there are, however, many good reasons to hate coldplay, but their huge success shouldn't be one of them.

i still don't know what there is to love about them, though.

[Andrea]

Oh B, don't hate. Parachutes is still by far, their best album, but I like the Coldplay sound, the guitars and dramatic buildup and Chris Martin's voice. But that "Fix You" song is terrible and I don't know why so many people love it. When folks talk about insincere cliched lyrics, they mean "Fix You."

[Laurie]

It takes me a bit of time to get into a new album, so I'm always suprised by folks that starting hating right out of the gates. I've been listening to the new Coldplay for the past week and it is definitely growing on me, particularly "X & Y", "Low" and "the Message".
Thanks Chiuster for the post. It seems like people are really frightened to like this group suddenly. How are people feeling about the new White Stripes, I wonder.

[Oliver]

While Coldplay, like any immensely popular band, is going to earn its share of scorn bsaed on backlash alone, most of the criticism I've read about it seems to be very specicfic about the limitations of the album rather than attacking their overall career. I liked their last two albums and I had nothing invested in hating on this new one. But truth be told, it was a remarkably dull and uninspiring album. I think the group stumbled here - ran out of better ideas for an album. Doesn't mean they won't come back with something better later but right now - their stuff is snoozy.

[mason]

I haven't heard much of the new Coldplay, but what I've heard I like enough. That said, I was guilty of turning my nose up at them at Coachella... instead of Martin & Co., my friend and I saw Chemical Brothers and Spoon, then the last two songs of Coldplay on our way out. I do like them, but they're like the soft, safe Radiohead or something. Plus they've spawned an annoying group of imitators, such as Keane.

The White Stripes' new record is some kinda good. Not as heavy or bluesy as in the past, but tight, smart songs with good hooks.