a observation on Coldplay

That's why they are famous and selling albums. They make good music.

Although so is Ashley Simpson -- there goes my theory.

Cold Play, Green Day, Linkin Park, etc. are all bands that take what they do seriously, and it shows in their music. Others tend to just find riffs that sound good, add a gimmick, and hit the charts.

I agree about the ethics thing. If you judged a persons personal life instead of listening just for the music part, you wouldn't have much to listen to.

"In comparison to a record like The Bends or even OK Computer they are nowhere"

At last ... that's what I have always thought. I don't particularly care for the newer Radiohead albums, but I am shocked at the attention Coldplay receive. To me they are an above average pop band, but their contributions to music pale alongside Radiohead.

The only reason I think that Coldplay have received so much attention is because of a dearth of competition.

I love thier first cd and currently enjoying thier latest cd. I especially like the track " The Scientist"!

Yup, what Ben says.

Until a few weeks ago, I couldn't identify Chris Martin in a police lineup if you offered me a million dollars and I still haven't listened to even 30 seconds of Coldplay.

Now I dont want to start rumours but since this AUDIOGON and not National Enquirer or Hello! Magazine, here is my "observation on Coldplay":

I was not feeling well on a flight back from New York from London so I upgraded my ticket to first class.

(Under normal circumstances, I would much rather spend the extra few thousand on audio and just fly business class, but I really felt terrible and wanted to sleep.)

To my surprise and curiosity, I was seated just next to Gwyneth Paltrow, who I then noticed was carrying her baby and trailed by her scruffy, just dragged in by the cat, Britpop husband.

She was very chatty - even a bit FLIRTY - but otherwise devoted to her small baby and perfectly polite -- at least when she was not shooting daggers at Mr Martin.

I wish I had a penny for every time Chris Martin:

1) pushed his hair back with both hands

2) gazed off into space avoiding eye contact with me and every other passenger with a cheesey "I am a famous rock star" slack jawed gaze and/or

3) STARED into the smokey mirrors on the walls of the cabin to admire himself while SUCKING IN HIS CHEEKS?!?!

All this from a guy who probably weighs 145 pounds after a steak dinner and a half gallon of Haagan Daz.

So maybe he is the world's greatest musician and if that is true, I would be happy to give him credit for musicianship.

But chemistry? Charisma? Forget it.

Saying this guy might be a bit of a Prima Donna would be kind of like saying that Keith Richards may have experimented with drugs.

Peace.