Coldplay: Lost!

I don't know what that exclamation point is for...

Here's the thing: I wanted to comment on either one of the other two songs you assigned, but when it came down to it, I felt that if I did one of the other two I'd end up either writing a 10 page essay or writing something that sold the song short or both. So here's Lost!

Two things at the outset: (1) when I first listened to this album I felt that it was amazing for its presentation of sound--I don't know how to describe it--for its blending and presentation of an album with one similar sound. I loved it. I felt that Lost! was the epitome of the feel of the album. (2) I like Coldplay's lyrics, I don't love them. Lyrically, I think Coldplay is good, but they're a little too pastoral for me. Not to say they aren't effective or even advanced at what they do, it's only that they seem too universal, which some people really enjoy/need, I just don't latch on to that style of lyrics as much. With that said, they do a great job at what they do.

0:00 -- 0:10 - If this organ/clapping/weird percussion hook doesn't grab your attention, then you should be required to forfeit your sense of hearing. Honestly, if you don't perk up when you hear this, then pull a Van Gogh and slice off your ear(s).
Some other artists have tried to put forth a sound like this and failed. Kudos Coldplay.

Side note: I saw these guys on some late night show and they rocked it. Seriously, I imagine these guys being an amazing show.

0:56 - The chorus isn't as amazing as the rest of the song, but I do like when the melody and the rhythm match. The guitar on the end is also sweet.

1:22 - the added bass (I think it might be more organ-bass, like the pedals underneath the organ maybe? I don't know organs...) add so much. Is it just me, or is this a "big" sound? Isn't this the type of thing to put you over the threshold of being a "small" band?

2:23 - Okay, this is one of the coolest guitar-bridge things around. It's like the guitar player said, "Ok, hold on fellas, I'm gonna do something for a second." Plus, the haunting chorus in the background--amazing.

3:30 - I know it's a small thing, but honestly, how would you end a song like this? I think this is an appropriate ending to an amazing song. (ps. everyone should do themselves a favor and just let the disc run on to the next song!)

Summary: This song is undeniable. It starts out by interweaving an organ hook and a jungle beat--seriously, if that's not innovation then nothing is. I have no idea why some people rag on Coldplay, because they are amazing to me. U2 gets a lot of publicity, but honestly, 95% of U2 songs sound the same, which gets old, and the other 5% of their songs suck. But Coldplay seems waaaaaaaaay more aware of what is going on inside their songs and albums. They move through a song or an album the way only truly great artists do (at least, or especially, on this album).