New Coldplay EP retains signature sound
The album has rough spots but keeps signature sound.
Dec. 1, 2008
Chris Martin and Jay-Z: best friends forever, duh.
(Click graphic to enlarge)
Everything Coldplay touches seems to become musical gold, including Nov. 25's release Prospekt's March, an EP composed of six new songs and two remixed songs. But though the EP, a component to Viva la Vida, may be on the top of the charts for good reason, fans may find Jay-Z's input on "Lost+" out of place.
Chris Martin's past collaborations with Jay-Z and Kanye West — "Beach Chair" and "Homecoming," respectively — are undoubtedly good, but it's way too obvious that "Lost+" isn't a collaboration. It's simply a rap-over.
"Lost+" is the same as Viva la Vida's "Lost!" except for one glaring difference: Jay-Z's rap-over during the previously lyric-bare part of "Lost!" If you enjoy fast-paced rap lyrics recorded over a previously good song, then maybe you'll enjoy "Lost+" but otherwise you'll be left asking yourself, "wtf?"
To Jay-Z's credit, the "+" on the song is sincere and fits well with its message. He raps: "If you succeed, prepare to be crucified" and "And the question is, 'Is to have had and lost/Better than not having at all?'"
Aside from the glaring misstep of "Lost+," the rest of the EP is exceptionally good and manages to retain the same tone as Viva la Vida, though at the same time each song is individually good on its own.
Prospekt's March begins with "Life In Technicolor II," an extension of Viva la Vida's "Life In Technicolor." The second version has lyrics, though, while the first does not. The ever-romantic Martin sings, "Oh love don't let me go/Won't you take me where the streetlights glow."
"Postcards From Far Away," a 48-second song, follows. Piano is the only instrument and there are no lyrics, but the song is beautifully played and clearly belongs on the EP.
"Glass of Water" is far more upbeat than the former two songs and retains Coldplay's signature sound. One can almost see Martin pounding on the keys of his piano.
"Rainy Day" begins with interesting percussion the likes of which Coldplay hasn't used much, but it works for the band.
"Prospekt's March/Poppyfields" is very mellow but satisfying. Martin sings: "Don't you wish that life could be as simple/As fish swimming round in a barrel?"
"Lovers In Japan (Osaka Sun Mix)" isn't so much a mix as a deletion of the latter three minutes of the original 6-minute, 51-second song. The remix is more accessible, but it mostly seems irrelevant.
"Now My Feet Won't Touch the Ground" is inspired by a phrase in Viva la Vida's "Strawberry Swing," as well as "Life In Technicolor II." Although it's a phrase that may require emphasis, a 2-minute, 28-second song that emphasizes the same phrase over and over again is a bit too much. The acoustic guitar, Martin's voice and brass melodies are charming and musically good, but the repetition is unnecessary.
The EP has its rough spots, most notably Jay-Z's contribution, but overall it's signature Coldplay: musically good and deliciously explorative.
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