In Defense of Coldplay

By Annie Zaleski Fri., Jul. 24 2009 at 9:18 AM

So, Coldplay is in town tonight at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. And anyone I've talked to who's going to the show is -- shall we say -- sheepish. The phrase "guilty pleasure" has been thrown around quite a bit. Embarrassed blushes and giggles are the rule, not the exception. It's as if liking Coldplay is taboo -- a secret shame. And so I'm going to come out and say it:

Hi, my name is Annie. I'm a Coldplay fan. (So is our critic this week.) And I don't care who knows.

I loved Viva La Vida; the CD actually still lives in my car. X&Y's cotton-candy airy pop grew on me big time -- and as for Yellow and A Rush of Blood to the Head, well -- they had me at "every single on there." I realize that some people need more convincing, however, and so here are five lesser-known Coldplay videos that solidify its diversity and irresistible nature.

"Crest of Waves." A B-side dating from the "Clocks" EP, and a song that stands up to any Britpop gem.

"Talk" (original version). This song leaked way before X&Y did, and the album version is far different. This song, however, highlights the Kraftwerk sample -- and is far superior to the final tune that ended up on Coldplay's album. (Not the Kraftwerk song, though. Geez, calm down cred police.)

"Clocks" (Royksopp's Trembling Heart Mix). The presence of Royksopp -- a fantastic Norwegian electro act -- transforms the watery piano ballad into a nifty electro-funk throb.

"Moses." Sure, it's a U2 ripoff -- but it's a damn good U2 ripoff. (And probably better than U2's most recent album, to be honest.)

"Lips Like Sugar" (Echo & the Bunnymen). Ian McCulloch is a self-avowed Coldplay fan, and Coldplay does the classic late '80s alt-rock single justice.