6 Reasons To Dislike Coldplay

The New Yorker rarely has articles like this.  When I saw the title Why I Don't Like Coldplay, I thought for sure it would be because they are so good, because the lead singer is married to Gwyneth, etc.  I was surprised to see a true-to-title analysis by Sasha Frere-Jones. 

He makes his case in a 6 point investigation. It's worth a read.  My favorite point is #5:

Seven out of ten times, Coldplay sound almost exactly like U2—the U2 that exists now, not the wiry, feral U2 of 1980 (which would be a decent idea). U2 have not broken up. This is inefficient. Coldplay should consider copying Big Star or The Monkees.

The songwriting doesn't really get much better than Big Star or the Monkees.  It's a sound suggestion. 

Lead singer Chris Martin seems to be a likable guy. He came across that way in a CBS Sunday Morning interview.  It just seems like the band is missing something.  Maybe Sasha is right, they need a ride on the Last Train To Clarksville. 

Alex Chilton Dies at 59

Alex Chilton was a big influence on bands like R.E.M., Trip Shakespeare (who recorded the Ballad of El Goodo) and The Replacements who wrote a song about him. The Memphis Commercial Appeal broke the story last night. He died suddenly of what is presumed to be a heart attack. Alex and the recently regrouped Big Star were scheduled to appear at SXSW this week. To many, he is probably best remember for his powerful vocals on The Letter and Cry Like A Baby when he was a member of the Box Tops.

I heard The Letter nonstop on WABC and never got sick of it. Classic rock song and classic vocals.