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Put the chill to Coldplay comparisons
By McCLAIN JOHNSON
TeenStar
Stop with the new-band to old-band comparisons! Along the way, let's stop the newer-band to slightly-older-band match-ups, too.
The most recent absurdity: Coldplay and U2. The new Coldplay release, “X&Y,” is set to be one of the best-selling releases of the summer. However, it seems like every article about Coldplay seems to compare it to U2. In fact, the group is often referred to as the “new” U2. (Of course, three years ago they were the “new” Radiohead.)
You'd think it would be impossible to compare a band that is three albums into its career with a band that has been together more than 25 years. But, no, it's not. It's right there on the cover of a recent issue of Entertainment Weekly. Many fans/rock critics feel the need to compare bands and relate them to each other (someone recently said, “Keane is the new Coldplay”). The cycle never stops.
A sign that the comparison thing may have gone a little too far is the recent Rolling Stone review of Coldplay's new album. One track is criticized for sounding “too Coldplay-ish.”
If Coldplay isn't allowed to sound like Coldplay, whom is it supposed to sound like?
OK, granted it's natural to compare a group's new music to its earlier music. But in all that comparing, what seems to get lost is the music.
When listening to an album (especially new artists), try to disregard the weight of the comparisons and let the music speak for itself.
To reach McClain Johnson, a junior at Pembroke Hill, send e-mail to teenstar@kcstar.com.
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