New Wave Outpost Forum

Am I missing the boat on these guys or what? A lot of people seem to be raving about them being the next Joy Division/Cure/whatever, but I don't find them new wave or interesting in any way. I've heard several songs, but it just seems like some corporate A&R guy's idea of what's hip & alternative. Am I horribly wrong here?

This is a good question - They're definitely the "it" band right now if you read the music press. I'm not really sure if they would appeal to an 18-yr old or more to someone our age.

From what I know, I like them. No, they're not as innovative as I might like, but they seem like decent guys and they do come up with good-sounding songs. I thougtht the "Clocks" single off their last release was great and I find myself liking their latest song more each time I hear it. Have not picked up their new release; hoping it's not TOO mellow, for their sake. A little of that goes a long way sometimes...

I like them.

Did they have a song called something like "The Scientist"? I remember the video was shot in reverse, and his gal pal died in a crash at the end (which was actually the beginning).

I like that song, but all their other stuff sounds the same, to me.

Thats them

I thought A Rush of Blood to the Head was a masterpiece. Parachutes it quite excellent as well. I've not heard the entire new cd X & Y, but I like the single Speed of Sound -- it's on my ipod shuffle that I run with.

[quote]Originally posted by Borneojimy
[br]Am I missing the boat on these guys or what? A lot of people seem to be raving about them being the next Joy Division/Cure/whatever, but I don't find them new wave or interesting in any way. I've heard several songs, but it just seems like some corporate A&R guy's idea of what's hip & alternative. Am I horribly wrong here?
[/quote]
I'm with you Borneo. They sure as shit are NOT anything like JD and the Cure for F's sake. In their 40 songs or whatever, they've played their whine card like about 38 times too many. I guess they've got good tuneful stuff, but they have neither the charisma or dynamic range in their songs to even be considered one of the great bands of their era. Hearing people say that so often just punctuates what a poor era this is.

The song "Talk" from X & Y may be the best song I have heard this year, and that's saying alot...never really cared for them before I heard that tune. Just stunning!

[:)]

Blir mostly hit it on the head. Boring, whiney, self-indulgent crap. Perfect music if you're dead inside (or very close). Clay Aiken sounds innovative next to these guys. The only postive thing about a Coldplay song coming on the radio is that at least it's not John Mayer or Five For Fighting.

Well its sad to see a lot of hate heading their way. When you compare them to the last wave of great bands they look like a natural uniter of styles and levelheadness. They are a lot more joyful and less snobby then Radiohead, not as self-destructive or (quite) as repetitive Oasis, and not as stuck on themselves as The Strokes and Interpol appear to be. They reflect lots of the old (Cure, Echo, U2, early Radiohead&oasis, Beatles, Shoegaze) but aren't afraid to try to buck the indie stereotype and to play the pop card either.

I can understand those who say they aren't particularly innovative and those who say it may be whiny but I also think that great music can be simply come from simple and affective songs. I also think they're the best band to come out in years. Try to find another band that's still humble and down to earth after such massive success...

I wish X+Y had burried the rock ballad format more in the ground after the rush of AROBTTH but maybe I'll simply have to wait another album before I really get to see a bigger departure. [B)] Lord knows I've had U2 albums that I wasn't wild about and they only made War on their third attempt.

Simply put try AROBTTH and Parachutes before you make any judgements. Also realize that live they really shine.

Peace[;)]

Ps If you think Coldplay is the next Cure/Joy Division then maybe you are confusing them with Interpol. Interpol are quite good but rather a carbon copy of those 2 bands with the occasional daft lyrics as well.

Then again they're hipper and less popular so you should be able to say your a fan without getting your ass beat or ridiculed.

[quote][i]Originally posted by i_like_lectric_motors[/i]
<br> The only postive thing about a Coldplay song coming on the radio is that at least it's not John Mayer or Five For Fighting.
[/quote]

Motors, you are awesome! You crack me up!

[quote][i]Originally posted by Dan Coogan[/i]
<br>I thought A Rush of Blood to the Head was a masterpiece...

[/quote]

I concur. Lots of outstanding tracks i.e. Politik, The Scientist, Clocks, God Put a Smile upon your Face, Green Eyes...

X & Y is quite boring initially, but it will definitely grow on you. It did on me.

So, ummm, as a whole- I really like this band! [8D]

[quote]Originally posted by Borneojimy
A lot of people seem to be raving about them being the next Joy Division/Cure/whatever,...

[/quote]

That's blasphemy! I like the band, but they have their own distinctive sound/style which doesn't come close to Joy Division or The Cure at all!

Agreed. Investigate & Listen first. They're a unique blend of a LOT of bands. None being overwhelming in influence.