Brief intro: Each week (or less, you know my schedule) I’m going to write a letter to an artist. Actually, it doesn’t have to just be artists; we’re talking record producers, engineers, Matt Serletic, and a bevy of others. Yes, I actually mail these letters to the artist in question, and if there’s ever a response, I’ll include it in a special version of the column.
Dear Coldplay,
I’m a fan.
In fact, I might be considered one of those superfans who will relentlessly track down every b-side or live cut from some obscure rehearsal show. I’ve got every EP, I’ve got the tracks that were discarded from the first two albums, and at some point I’ll have everything related to X&Y as well.
Suffice to say, I’m a pretty big Coldplay historian/fan and I’d generally give my left nut to be able to see them in concert. Luckily, I get to save the nut and go see you at the Austin City Limits Festival in September. I’ll be the guy on the giant toy piano playing the intro riff from Clocks while you play the piano intro from Speed Of Sound. During this mocking period, I will mock you and ask repeatedly why you chose to use the SAME DAMN RIFF from your biggest single to date (Clocks) on this brand new single that is supposed to kick off your new “Joshua Tree”?
Granted, the Clocks riff will be an all-time legend in rock. I loved it the moment I first heard it, but the second I heard the exact riff on Speed OF Sound, I knew I was going to have to sit down and write a letter to the boys who have had a huge musical influence not only on my songwriting, but also in helping me learn more about the freedom and space that comes with writing songs of hope.
Don’t get me wrong, okay? I love every single song you’ve ever released. You’re my favorite band in the world, and I take great pride in defending your music against those who might not usually “get it”.
I’m a superfan. Please keep that in mind.
But guys, if this album is going to be your Joshua Tree, then copying the last album is a bad way to start it off. And make no mistake about it, Coldplay — you DO need a “Joshua Tree” in order to elevate to the level of U2. One sublime Coldplay album will put you in the type of setting where you can be considered the greatest rock band in the world. There’s not too many of those around these days, and in fact I can count them on one hand.
1. The Rolling Stones
2. U2
3. Bruce Springsteen
4, Bob Dylan
There’s a 5th slot available there, my boys, and you are the heirs to the throne. Now, I haven’t heard the entire X&Y record yet in its entirety, but when I do, what will I discover? More rehashes of old hits? Or will I discover only more rehashes of popular singles from the past two albums?
I am ANGRY that you would choose to re-use the amazing Clocks riff for the purpose of having an easy first single. I do like the rest of the song and I hope it’s an indication of what the rest of the album is going to be like, but this tripe with the riff is driving me nuts and it makes the song almost impossible to listen to for me.
What I’m hoping is that you’ll blow me away, track after track, second after second, until I can finish the record all the way through and say YES this is the album that cements Coldplay with U2. THIS is the album that lifts Chris Martin up into the stratosphere as far as great songwriters of this generation go. I want to be able to finish the album, turn to my friends, and say “hey guys, you HAVE to, you simply MUST buy this album.”
Please, guys. Don’t fall into the hip/hop trap of recycling hit riffs and hit beats and using them in your next albums. I expect more. WE expect more.
And WE know you can do it.
Looking forward to getting X&Y…
