Coldplay

Last Monday, before history changed for the better, I was able to see Coldplay in concert.  Coldplay is not a band I would call a favorite, as I had an episode with one of their songs three years ago, and was unable to recover until their recent album, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends.  Though, I do love them, maybe just not as much as Radiohead or The Derek Trucks Band.  My mother and I saw Coldplay at the 2003 Grammy Awards in NYC.  At that time A Rush Of Blood To The Head was released, and they played "Clocks" with the New York Phil Harmonic in the background.  That was amazing, but we both craved an entire show of awesomeness.  Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends is different than their other albums, strikingly upbeat, thoughtful in Brian Eno's musical genius-way.  I read multiple music-related articles and seen the brash stance they hold, but after witnessing their performance I can really see and say that they have a wonderful and true band format.  The four artists, Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion share the spotlight, comfortable in their contributions and literal positioning.  Martin, being the multi-faceted artist he is may be at the forefront of defensiveness and controversy, but their efforts are equal. Champion had a solo in the concert, Buckland and Berryman practically moved as much as Martin (as much as you can with a guitar), and their interactive nature heightened the audiences' participation.  Martin's energy was compatible to Thom Yorke's introverted stage presence, gesticulating wildly and looking down as if his brain depended on it.  Martin takes Yorke's dynamic individuality and divides it with ferosh body language, bouncing off the invisible sides of the stage to create a wonder wall for the performers. Martin kicks and spins and delves in extreme yoga poses; hard to miss his bend-ability and flexibility.  Wouldn't you love to be Gwen?

After Duffy woefully sang her thoughts, Coldplay ignited the stage behind a thin black scrim, steadily climaxing with "Life In Technicolor".  This song, though it reminds me of an 80's movie teenage makeout scene, is the perfect anecdote for the awaiting crowd.  The album's artwork filled the backdrop, a ship of trials and tribulations echoing the worlds state of being.  From that point Coldplay just kept going, stretching and twirling for two hours.  "Cemeteries of London", "Lost!", "42", "Lost?", "Lovers In Japan / Reign Of Love", "Yes", "Violet Hill", and "Death And All His Friends" were enigmatic.  You couldn't help but jump and down.  All I really wanted to do was spin in circles alongside Coldplay, a backup dancer just filled with joy.  I wanted to open my arms wide, as if I was having a revelation or seeing some sort of musical god.  Spinning in perfect circles in Edward Cullen's meadow filled with pixie dust and guitars.  Their music made me feel alive.  More alive than I've felt for a long time.  A vibrant alive, a powerful force of energy radiating all over the world, being one with everyone else.  My assigned seat number held back nothing and everyone in the arena was part of one big statement.  A big blob of music rolling swiftly over hills, crossing continent lines, spreading some sort of infectious feeling.

Coldplay played their big hits off X & Y, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and Parachutes like "Fix You", "Clocks", "Speed of Sound", "Politik", "In My Place", and "The Scientist".  The band came back for one encore, giving us a little more head medicine with "Yellow".  Martin dedicated "The Hardest Part" to Jennifer Hudson's loss, slowing the energy for a bit with a little reflection.  Before he played the piano ballad, he said this was the last dip in the roller coaster, the last slow song before the sidewinders, loops, and drops.  Following the darkened mood the band quickly changed pace with "Viva La Vida", and it took about two seconds for the entire arena to stand on its feet.  I kept thinking about what Madonna said during her concert about standing up while watching her perform.  She's working her ass off, why can't we stand.  Sheesh, it's the LEAST we could do.  Isn't that what a concert is all about, letting lose the frustrations of the day/week/head and just living in the moment.  The song echoed my thoughts perfectly, and I got my own rush of blood to the head.  What's wonderful is that you see how much these artists love to perform, to share their thoughts, to share their energy with us. 

Coldplay actually ran into the audience, up a tier and played "Strawberry Swing" near the mezzanine level.  The people behind them watched anxiously, hoping to be groped by a rockstar.  Mouths agape, we all wished it was us instead.  We would be a better backdrop for this epic band.  Live, Coldplay truly kicks ass.  The set was not too showy but had technical elements that would blow you away.  Besides club lighting pulsing with bass beats, they had mini orbs-which reminded me of Sigur Ros at Bonnaroo- that flashed each member in black and white.  Live editing taking place in a mini globe.  If you watched the orbs long enough the alluring dizziness became live intoxication.  Coldplay announced their obvious liberal political views, and if you weren't a liberal in the audience, you were immediately the elephant in the room- pun intended.  

"Listen as the crowd would sing".  Loud fans weak in the knees with tragic melodies sang with the force of Lady Liberty.  Life was lived on this Monday night at the IZOD center.  The energy is something I put in my pocket, and will unfold when I'm feeling a bit down, remembering the pure joy I felt on this night.  Coldplay IS a musical force to be reckoned with.  They dare you.