Even More Coldplay

I kind of figured that after an album release, compulsory television appearances, and tour kick off, we wouldn't be hearing much about Coldplay until, say...2010. Silly me. It's still 2008, a mere two months after Viva la Vida's release and Coldplay is already eyeing 2009 for the release of their fifth album. Busy boys. Some talk has been that they want to link it to the greatest hits collection which their label requires of them. Here's the best part-- apparently Coldplay has plenty of material left over from all those Brian Eno sessions and just a little fine tuning would be in order. Fantastic, Vida refuse.

Anybody feeling a little over saturated? Ok, me neither, but I just can't imagine this new album being as cool or inspiring as much anticipation when the last gap between albums was three years. Also, does this mean stunted growth? Even Coldplay's biggest critics gave them some props for the effort and heavy Radiohead influence. I think most of what I heard people say was that if they kept working and heading in that direction, they might actually be considered "decent" among snobs. Obviously, I think they're already good but there's always room for improvement and I do believe they have the potential to keep refining, crafting, and pushing themselves to be truly first class. I don't know what Viva la Vida part 2 does to this progression. I guess we'll have to see. On the upside, this probably means a new tour and I very much hope that they don't skip over my city again.

Who knew?

The other day I saw this story come up on my Rolling Stone news feed. 3 Doors Down's new album hit no. 1. Seriously. I did not see this coming, in fact I wasn't completely sure they were together anymore. The fact is that in my mind, 3 Doors Down is one more blah bland, the perfect example of weak 90s "rock," barely hanging on to the fading strains of "Kryptonite." No where have I witnessed the anticipation that has accompanied Death Cab or Coldplay. I didn't even know they'd been working on an album. When was the last time anyone was heard talking about this band? When was the last time anyone was seen in one of their concert t's? I don't mean to sound snobby, but boy does this feel like it came out of left field. Even crazier is that this is their second consecutive album to debut at no. 1. Right now the Musically Inclined is a mix of flabbergasted and disgusted. Honestly, they're just not very good-- better than Creed, less nauseating than Third Eye Blind, but that's where the compliments end. They're weak and the only thing worse than a rock band being weak, is a rock fan who will buy that album. Hey, if they can sell any albums these days, kudos...but don't expect TMI to be happy about it.

The Raconteurs: When Did This Happen?

Apparently The Raconteurs are releasing their second album on the 25th of this month. How the heck did this slip by? That's talent, folks...and maybe a few threats to keep the information on the d.l. In any case, the title is Consoler of the Lonely and it will contain fourteen tracks. The band told Rolling Stone "we wanted to get this record to fans, the press, radio, etc., all at the EXACT SAME TIME so that no one has an upper hand on anyone else regarding its availability, reception, or perception." It's an interesting idea...what if people had to make up their minds about an album or single before any of the music critics could get their reviews out? I think that there would be less music snobbery and more pure appreciation for whatever genuinely is appealing to a particular person. Maybe this way of doing things is worth a shot...The Musically Inclined certainly doesn't get any advance copies!

When Good Taste Gets Mistaken for Snobbery

I was recently reminded of a conversation I had some months ago over take out with a friend about (what else) music. This particular person, not spending nearly as much time as say, I do, plugged in to something, rather proudly disclosed her tendencies to like less critically acclaimed music, like Avril Lavigne. It just so happens I'm not exactly in love with the latest single and I gave my honest opinion. I don't like her and I think she sucks. Why did I say this? I think she has a whiny, high pitched voice, her music reeks of faux punk which is then overproduced, and her subject matter hasn't evolved an iota-- it's completely stale, fodder for twelve-year-olds. That's why I don't get near her. When she first came on the scene about all I could say was, "Thank God she's not blonde." But I digress. My friend's idea was that some people simply don't like her because of how mainstream and Top 40 she is-- absolutely no indie credibility. Sure that's definitely not a plus on her side but don't those of us who listen to the likes of Death Cab for Cutie have the right to shun an artist because we just don't like their music? Isn't that a good enough reason? I'll happily advertise my liking of Maroon 5 which iTunes mysteriously classified as alternative when nothing could be more straight-up pop.

It works in another way too-- God forbid a person does not care for a group that has been blessed by the mighty, all-knowing critics as well as the music community with undeniable, infallible, good taste. One such example is the White Stripes. The "Denial Twist" was amazing along with about four other cuts on Get Behind Me Satan, yet I feel there are instances when they (and I mean Jack White) take themselves way too seriously. There's a line between art and mess and there are times when they straddle it beautifully only to fall off on the side of mess next time around. It has nothing to do with a desire to be contrary.

I'd like to think that most people like what they listen to because it genuinely appeals to them. It's difficult to try to get into a song that makes you want to smash in your speakers. So let's go with that assumption. We'll all get along a lot better.