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. 

Grammy Observations

I wasn't consistent in my viewing of the Grammys last night but here are my various observations:

• U2's opening number was uninteresting and missing a memorable chorus. I expected more from them.
  
• Katy Perry was awkward.
• Justin Timberlake had the biggest smile on his face while singing with Al Green. He truly looked happy to be there. Keith Urban had a little George Benson thing going on during the same song.
• Carrie Underwood's guitarist rocked. Her name is Orianthi. I read she just signed a deal with Geffen.
  
• MIA was about to drop her baby any second. I think it was her due date.
• Alison Krauss does not talk very much
• Jonas Brothers and Stevie Wonder, Huh?
• Coldplay's Viva La Vida won for song of the year. This award goes to the songwriters. Joe Satriani has claimed they stole his song If I Could Fly. Lawyers are talking.
• Charlie Hayden is Jack Black's father-in-law.
  
• The sound mix was sub par.