Coldplay- Mylo Xyloto (24/10/2011- Parlophone Records

     Coldplay have now been together as a band for over fifteen years and today, saw the release of their fifth studio album. As one of the most famous Alternative Rock bands on the planet, as well as the most debated along with the likes of Radiohead, Coldplay were also named the ‘Best Act In The World Today’ by Q Magazine readers. Mylo Xyloto depicts Coldplay following their own unique rule of never following the crowd, and as a result, they have created a record also gaining them the Number 1 spot on iTunes’ pre-order chart.

     Unusually, the album commences with the title track, which gives the impression of an intermission type track. This illustrates the band breaking the mould yet again by making sure the title, and first track is not the most spectacular. If nothing else, it is a gentle and calming welcome into Coldplay’s new world of sound. ‘Hurts Like Heaven’ is a jaunty track that was premiered on the band’s festival tour, firstly at Glastonbury and T In The Park Festival. It depicts Coldplay’s new reinvention, including excessive use of sound effects and over-produced vocals. It spits in the face of Coldplay’s critics who constantly label them as wrist-slittingly depressing. This song conveys that simplistic songwriting can often go a very long way.

The artwork for Mylo Xyloto

     Seamlessly blending into the band’s second single to be released from Mylo Xyloto, ‘Paradise’ conveys frontman Chris Martin’s astounding ability to tell a story so many can relate to in so few words, ‘there she was just a girl, she expected the world...’. Although the chorus is repetitive, gang style vocals make it wonderfully suitable for future arena performances. ‘Charlie Brown’ was also premiered during the band’s festival run this summer, and reiterates that most tracks from this album as worthy of singular exposure, despite the fact that Coldplay never follow the current conventions of chart toppers.

      Martin has always had the admiral gift to write heart-warming, emotion-filled love songs that people all over the world can perfectly relate to. With stunning harmonies from drummer Will Champion, ‘Us Against The World’ boasts the frontman’s unbelievable vocal range, ‘I just wanna be there when the lightning strikes...’. With sentimentality and no specific topic, ‘M.M.I.X’ is the perfect introduction to the best Mylo Xyloto has to offer.

     ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’ was released a single in June this year and is sharp and everything a single should be. It promotes all the talent of the band in the best way possible; positivity. It promotes Coldplay’s individual instrument abilities, as well as their collective songwriting gift; a pop vibe without selling out. And why would you when you can sound like this? With a strong and sturdy backbeat and harmonic layers, Coldplay’s poppier and repetitive twist has done them nothing but good.

     Something the band has always managed to retain is their lack of complacency, which is the reason for the variation in sound and style for each new release. They understand the importance of reinvention and always attempting to appeal to new listeners. ‘Major Minus’ contains a brilliant hook along with something every band dreams of; a unique sound. Yet it is obvious that Coldplay are not regular arena-filling material. An abrupt ending blends into ‘U.F.O.’ which portrays the beauty in the simplicity of singer-songwriter and guitar combination.

Re-branding but never reinventing the wheel- a new style for Coldplay

     As the most over-produced track Coldplay have ever released, ‘Princess Of China’ is composed of strong synths and an R&B-esque thumping beat, that, as it happens, wouldn’t go a miss in a Rihanna song. Not only does this expand her horizons, but everyone has heard of Coldplay, so why not try something new? It breaks Mylo Xyloto’s premise of being gentle, calming and relaxing through most tracks thus far. However, ‘Up In Flames’ reverts back to this, with a Keane style and the sough after return to Chris Martin and the piano. The light beat conveys their new sound wonderfully, and provides much hope for their future work.

     With a soft festival manner, ‘A Hopeful Transmission’ does exactly what it says on the tin and takes the listener into ‘Don’t Let It Break Your Heart’, which reflects that Coldplay have not aimed to create a classic album, but simply a fusion of new ideas. A progressive format peppered with indefinable features only found in a Coldplay song, this track depicts their ability to release work that is neither depressing nor conformist in terms of rock. ‘Up With The Birds’ eradicates the intriguing sound effects but retains the potential for a great live show. With a heroic build-up, gospel approach, brilliant guitaring, merged vocals and overall Christian sound, this track screams optimism!

     Although it is fundamentally a concept album, Mylo Xyloto pulls apart from the title wave of crap conceptual records, and is an elaboration in sound from Viva La Vida (2008). Coldplay manage to re-brand themselves countless times without reinventing the wheel. Simple, direct, well blended and pop-esque in parts, this album is simply stunning.

5/5

Radiohead- The King of Limbs (18/02/2011 Self Released)

      The Kings of Limbs is the eighth album from one of the most renowned alternative bands in the world, and their second to be self-released, which is incredibly unusual for such a thriving band. Something no one can deny is the exceptionally unique style, format and delivery that Oxfordshire-bred Radiohead utilise continuously. In fact, The King of Limbs is a reference to a thousand-year-old oak tree which stands close to where the band recorded the album. Although it consists of just eight tracks, The King of Limbs, retains Radiohead’s individuality but also conveys a slight sound variation to an utterly soothing, gentle and serene experience for the listener. Having not released an album since In Rainbows in 2007 which peaked at number one in the UK, and after a spectacular performance headlining Reading and Leeds festival in 2009, the expectation for this brand new compilation was nothing but encouragingly optimistic.

      Having gained a wide range of dedicated fans from all over the world, and being such gifted musicians Radiohead have developed but never compromised their awesome eccentricity and lack of specific genre, and The King of Limbs truly portrays this individualism. They have never moulded into mainstream machines since their 1985 inception, yet their success and fan base appear to broaden continuously, and with indefinite focus on thriving musically rather than economically, there is nothing standing in Radiohead’s path. Collectively, through their music they seem to connect with people on an indescribable level that is unreachable for most other musicians.

     Despite being self-released, this album is beautifully produced and, if nothing else, immediately encapsulates the interest of the ear. The thirty-seven minute recording, like In Rainbows, was produced by Nigel Warwick, and displays Radiohead’s love for employing a number of musical formats, such as seemingly off-beat rhythms, and the wavering, yet haunting vocals of front man Thom Yorke. Their shortest album to date, The King of Limbs, Radiohead released track five, ‘Lotus Flower’, as a single on the very same day the album was released, but they have never been guys for following trends.

     The album commences with ‘Bloom’, which is soft and steady, particularly with the piano-led beginning, which is reminiscent of classical artists such as Ludovico Einaudi. Adrenaline pumps until Radiohead’s signature noise, similar to that of a radio-tuner is admirably administered into the melody and illustrates how fan pleasing this record is, and provides the listener with a taste of the mellow yet vigorous tracks yet to come. The layers of this track in particular seem indefinite, and the use of backwards loops, jazz influences, radiant echoes and unpredictably inputted, precise and succinct lyrics and general song structure display the limitless abilities of Radiohead that are certainly worth embracing. ‘Bloom’ is nothing but a delightful introduction to the album and the way that layers of the track are extracted one after another and the teasing fade demonstrate how carefully, yet effortlessly constructed appear to be.

     ‘Morning Mr. Magpie’, whilst quite an obscure name for a song, is second nature to any person who knows Radiohead well, and the almost incomprehensible dream- related lyrics confirm what an acquired taste the band are. Whilst this track also begins with enchanting piano, the heartbeat-driven back beat is breathtaking in its simplicity. Ending with a fade sounding somewhat like a quiet hover, the chirpiest song of the album, ‘Little By Little’ is another track exhibiting the amazing magnetism of subtle lyrics, given the fact that they are expected to appeal to more people with various relatable personal experiences, ‘Never get noticed. Never get judged...’. There are elements that compose this track that are unlikely to have ever been heard in the music world, bearing in mind Radiohead’s impossible-to-reproduce style.

     Fourth track ‘Feral’ is reminiscent of the band’s divine ‘Idioteque’ from their 2000 album Kid A, with the conventionally rhythmic drum beats layed down by drummer Phil Selway. Unusually, even for Radiohead, the song is completely instrumental, with odd, indistinguishable mumbles from Yorke. But it accurately broadcasts how skilful and inimitable the band are, and I personally find it extraordinary that their sound appears so fresh despite their career expanding almost thirty years. The track concludes with complex pumping bass, similar to that of the beginning of ‘Time Is Running Out’ by long time level-headed musicians Muse. This portrays the eerie, intense calm of the record, as well as Radiohead’s manic ability to make an element as simplistic as a melodic bass line sound impossibly distinct from any other known band.

     Blending, almost faultlessly from ‘Feral’, ‘Lotus Flower’, immediately, it is not difficult to understand why the band released this track as a single, with it being the most musically conventional track from The King of Limbs, even incorporating hand claps. The lyrics in particular, are spellbinding, ‘There is an empty space inside my heart, and now it won’t take the root, and now I set you free...’. Their sentiment surely eradicates any opinion that Radiohead are purely for the more dejected lovers of music, after all, it is the more negative experiences and aspects of life that are the most relatable and full of sentiment, which can always be reflected through lyrical prose. The combination of troubles with tranquillity throughout this album is dazzling, and something that shall be very difficult for other musicians to attempt to reproduce.

     Sixth track ‘Codex’ retreats back to a form which Radiohead appear to be most comfortable with on this record; a pure, unspoiled sound beginning with piano. It is this track specifically, without their signature use of loops and agitated guitar that really encapsulates the breath-taking, rarefied splendour that Radiohead are all about. ‘Give up the Ghost’ is activated by live recorded bird song and the lush, untainted, acapella vocal skills of Thom York, expressing the limitless transcendent thrill Radiohead provide their fans with time after time with tracks such as this expressing the befuddlement relationships can create, ‘Don’t hurt me. Gather up the lost and sold...’. Furthermore, final track ‘Separator’ represents the bands continual challenge to improve on the delights they have / previously composed, and without an insidious constituent in sight, it can only be described as exquisite.

     The King of Limbs unsurprisingly, has already fired up thousands of fans across the globe into endless conspiracy theories regarding song meanings, all of which are of course opinion based. But in my opinion, this charming compilation is wonderful. The remarkable abilities of Radiohead members is are immeasurable, and it is only an exceptionally accomplished band such as them that could ever construct such an overwhelming intermingling of musical ingredients.

    

5/5

Radiohead

'The King of Limbs' Album Cover

The official music video for Radiohead's single from 'The King of Limbs, 'Lotus Flower' : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdFy8oLmnEo

The Internet and The Music Industry: Artist Promotion vs. Illegal Downloading

As the sales of iPods increase more than ever, as is the number of people illegally downloading music.

     Everyone’s at it. We want music on command and for free. For the past few years with the seemingly continual expansion of the internet, the music industry has been affected in a number of ways, mainly by constant illegal downloading of music as well as file sharing, and mass artist promotion and advertising on websites such as PureVolume and MySpace.     

     With the sales of iPods and MP3 players rocketing sky high recently, with Apple selling 22,727,000 iPods in just three months and gaining a handsome of profit of $10.17 billion last year[1], music has never been so accessible.

The History of the Music Industry:

     When music was first released, it was in the form of vinyl, (incredibly large CD type objects) which was back in 1948 by Columbia Records. The internet, however, has made many things easier and faster; shopping, socialising and listening to and downloading music. It has made watching and sharing music free, but also downloading it. ‘...music piracy is having a dangerous effect on...music...rich and successful artists like...Radiohead don’t seem to think so’[2], Lily Allen stated on her blog. She has a point. Bands such as Radiohead sell out arenas in seconds; do they really need much income? But for struggling bands and new talent, it’s a different story. File sharing and illegal downloading is making it more and more difficult for new music to emerge profitably.

     Consider how music was prior to the internet. Remember the cassette tape, or, in the fact, the prehistoric CD? Remember selecting just one CD and slot it into your Discman for the week? Now there are thousands of ways to get music, but in terms of promotion, new artists are simple making little or no profit. Although the internet helps a great deal with promotion and advertising, it does not bring in any revenue. When MP3 format was publically established in 2000, the concrete methods of the music industry were overturned and the world went music downloading crazy!

The Social-Networking Effect:

     Nonetheless, bands and artists are currently becoming prominent in the music industry by the public promoting them, which, in my opinion, is how it should be, as opposed to a record company listening to countless demos and endorsing new talent. Nowadays, by the time ‘new’ talent is officially advertised, a well-established fan base is already in place.  Thanks to social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace, the public can chose to support an artist by joining fan groups and posting videos. MySpace displays tour dates, photographs and artist profiles for fans to observe.  Twitter allows discussion and eventual promotion, which the public is in full control of. YouTube is fuelled by the watching of endless videos, and even be recommended associated videos, enabling many an artist into the limelight. Although many artists may state that money means nothing as long as their music is ‘out there’, everyone needs to eat.

    The teenage market; the most targeted market there is, chooses illegal downloading, which is a major concern for music. But as the internet is constantly evolving, so is the music industry. People tend to think in terms of individual tracks as opposed to an entire album, yet there are still those who might purchase an album after growing fond of one track by the same band or artist. But surely it is better to actually purchase, even a single track than download a complete album illegally?

Music and the Internet:

     Conversely, websites where the public have unlimited access to music downloading are tarnishing the music industry. Although file sharing is just a drop in the ocean, in excess, bands are struggling to make money whilst bosses of billion dollar record companies notice little or no difference in their bank balances. Record companies exist to make money. Illegal downloading and file sharing is a critical problem, and will only deteriorate in the future. Last year, physical album sales were down 46% and digital downloads increased by 43%, from 17.6 million single sales, to a colossal 23.4 million.[3]

     Some artists chose to give their music away for free or allow fans to pledge as little as a penny towards it. But there are other ways for musicians to gain income other than directly through their music, such as merchandise and fan clubs. But other, less widely known bands, such as The Blackout have been forced to permit fans to donate to the promotional costs of their text album, through ‘once in a lifetime experiences, for instance an acoustic gig in your very own home for £500 and exclusive merchandise. This was due to illegal copying of previous tracks from the band’s MySpace page, which brought very little takings for the band.

     The cost of legally downloading an album from a site such as ITunes is generally cheaper than heading out and buying a physical copy. Perhaps in the near future the world will adapt further and CDs will be no more, but if there is a worldwide refusal to actually buy music, the industry will also be no more. On the other hand, purchasing a physical CD allows the consumer to obtain original album artwork, photographs, song lyrics (not googled), as well as the artists’ acknowledgements. According to the Recording Industry Association in America total music sales demised by $4 million from the year 2000.[4]

     Music is very easily manipulated and accessible, and as the world becomes more convenience obsessed, this can only decline. We all know what it’s like when a little-known band you’ve loved for years suddenly becomes popular, and you die a little inside. So do your favourite band a favour and support them if or when they do ‘make it’, or continue to do so. Tear yourself apart from that £8 and buy the album, rather than downloading a dodgy illegal copy. Use the internet for artist promotion.

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[1] Apple Official Quarterly Sales Figures for 2009
[2] Lily Allen’s Official Blog

[3] Official Album Sales Figures 2009

[4] Recording Industry Association (Music Sales)