BuzzSugar

Which Video For Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" Do You Prefer?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:30:13 -0700

For my money, the best video I've seen for Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" wasn't actually a video at all - it was the trailer NBC showed for Kings at the TCA press tour, which used the song's swells to perfect effect while showing off the modern-day David and Goliath story. That clip hasn't surfaced online yet, sadly, but now two actual videos for the title track from this Summer's album have.

One (the official-official version, on the left here) is very similar to the iTunes commercial using the song, while the other (an alternate take, on the right, directed by Anton Corbijn) finds Chris Martin wandering all lost like in regal garb. So, which do you prefer?

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Album Review: Coldplay's Viva La Vida

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:30:08 -0700

Coldplay fans rejoice: Viva La Vida has arrived! This album, the band's fourth, is a big deal as Coldplay strives for that sweet spot between critical success and broad appeal. This time out, Chris Martin and co. have brought in famed U2 producer Brian Eno to help take their sound in new and interesting directions.

Viva La Vida is indeed experimental but not in a way that will alienate fans. Many critics had a viscerally angry reaction to to 2005's X&Y (the New York Times declared Coldplay "the most insufferable band of the decade" after that effort – ouch, right?), but Viva La Vida is just the kind of album you want a band of this stature to release mid-career.

Martin and his mates retain all the epic instrumentals that give Coldplay its signature amphitheater rock sound but apply an obvious amount of self-restraint to the album, making it fun without putting you to sleep. The band refrains from repeating choruses over and over again (ahem, "Fix You") and steers clear of the self-pitying lyrics of albums past, instead focusing on themes around war, religion, and the nature of love.

Viva La Vida is something borrowed and something new for Coldplay, and I'm pleasantly surprised and happy with the result. After giving the entire album a whirl, I feel like I’ve listened to a soundtrack of a sweeping epic that spans wars, generations, and the globe.

To see my initial thoughts on each of the tracks, read more.

"Life in Technicolor": A briskly urgent instrumental that layers techno sounds with an acoustic guitar. Sets the mood for an album that will sample sounds from around the world.
"Cemeteries of London": Starts in right away with soft, dark lyrics and moody instrumentals. Sounds like Chris Martin is telling me a ghost story about London. The guitar picks up and there are "singing la la la"s. This is one of my favorites on the album.
"Lost!": Big organ sound along with hand-claps. This song is a funny blend between U2 and maybe Peter Gabriel. Definitely has a world beats vibe going on. I like it.
"42": Soft, stripped-down start with piano and lovely vocals by Martin. Feels somewhat inspired by John Lennon in the beginning. Eventually crests to something more electronic with a long instrumental, then becomes altogether upbeat and peppy, with these lyrics: "You thought you might be a ghost/You didn’t get to heaven but you made it close!"
"Lovers in Japan": One of the most interesting songs on the album, this one stands far apart. It's gorgeous and upbeat with a clear influence from the far East. I don't know if this could be a hit single, but it sure is good.
"Yes": Has a Middle Eastern flavor to it and really crazy low vocals from Martin. He's singing an octave or three dozen below his normal range. It's jarring in a good way. I really like this song.
"Viva La Vida": This is the "iTunes commercial song." While it has all the trademark instrumentals that are grandiose enough to fill a giant stadium, there's no clear and easy point for a crowd sing-a-long which makes it interesting and unexpected.
"Violet Hill": The big hit of the summer. If you haven't heard it by now, check it out; you'll want it on your playlist right away.
"Strawberry Swing": A pretty song. It's more sitar sounds with an urgent thumping beat and lyrics about a perfect day. This is a refreshingly brighter tune compared to the emotional songs on the rest of the album.
"Death and All His Friends": This is the most earnest song on the album, with the entire band singing, "I don't wanna follow death and all of his friends!" Again, there is no obvious chorus or hook, and the structure of the song is definitely pushing Coldplay boundaries.
"Lost?": Just like the first song with the same name - but slower and all piano, with Martin singing his heart out, which is where's it's always been: on his sleeve.

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Sugar Bits – M.I.A. Soon To Be M.I.A.?

PopSugarUK — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:00:00 -0700

M.I.A. has announced (repeatedly) that US festival Bonnaroo was her last live performance ever. – NME
Coldplay's new album Viva La Vida has gone into the UK charts at number one. – BBC
Emma Watson has replaced Keira Knightley as the face of perfume Coco Mademoiselle for Chanel. – The Sun
Richard and Judy's Summer Read shortlist has been announced. – Mirror
Jason Bateman (Juno, Arrested Development) has signed a one year deal to develop TV series' with Fox. – Variety

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Music Video: Coldplay, "Violet Hill"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:00:34 -0700

Coldplay says its upcoming album, Viva La Vida, is taking the band in a new direction. But judging by this video, Coldplay may just be realizing its destiny as the more indie-rock and (refreshingly) less earnest equivalent to U2. I mean that in the best possibly way, because I have a serious Coldplay weakness, and I appreciate that the band takes itself seriously but not too seriously. This '70s-inspired, military-outfitted video for "Violet Hill" - full of faded architecture and landscape porn - could easily be pretentious in another band's hands. But Chris Martin (looking good, I must say) and Co. add enough cheekiness to make it endearing. To watch, read more

What do you think? Will you get the new album when it comes out in June?

Coldplay - violet hill
by cocomoor

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So You Think You Can Dance: Who Deserves the Top 20 Spots?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:30:14 -0700

It wouldn't be season six of So You Think You Can Dance without an episode stretching things out a liiiittle longer before the competition, but Monday night's special, the one-off "Meet the Top 20," was actually a fun respite between auditions and competition. We were treated to an evening of the dancers performing in their own style, with no voting or judging taking place yet (that'll happen tonight, in the two-hour competition and voting blitz).

But just because no official voting began doesn't mean that we viewers weren't judging ourselves - I relished the opportunity to see everyone in their own style of dancing, because it's a level playing field.

So who did you think proved that they deserve to be in the top 20? I still believe in krumping Russell Ferguson, while I worry for the tappers - a tap show was a nice change of energy for the show, but I don't know how Bianca, Peter, and Phillip will actually fare. You know who really blew my mind? The entire team who danced Mandy Moore's contemporary routine to "Viva La Vida." (Unfortunately, Billy Bell has been sidelined due to illness, so he's one person we won't see go any further.) Who do you think earned their spot all over again?

Photos courtesy of Fox

Coldplay, Jay-Z and Girls Aloud Rock Wembley Stadium

PopSugarUK — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Coldplay brought their world tour to a close this weekend with two rocking shows at Wembley Stadium, and I was lucky enough to be there. Chris Martin and the boys were supported by White Lies, Girls Aloud and a record-breaking Jay-Z, who really got the audience going: watch Girls Aloud's "The Promise" and Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" after the jump. Coldplay performed a mammoth set of their hits, plus an acoustic version of "Billie Jean" where they were joined by Simon Pegg who played the harmonica, and Jay-Z came back out for "Lost". Chris was energetic as always, showing off his impressive flexibility, and his playful mood was in full force as he got the 60,000 strong crowd to perform a Coldwave - a Mexican wave with mobile phones (check out an example after the jump). In honour of Cheryl Cole, the band also set up an X Factor-style audition with Simon Cowell on the screens. What an awesome show!

To watch videos of performances, see the set list and more pictures, just read more.

Girls Aloud "The Promise"

Jay-Z feat. Bridget Kelly "Empire State of Mind"

Coldplay and Simon Pegg "Billie Jean"

Coldplay "The Hardest Part", "Postcards From Far Away" and "Viva La Vida"

The Coldwave

Setlist:

Life In Technicolor
Violet Hill
Clocks
In My Place
Yellow
Glass Of Water
Cemeteries Of London
42
Fix You
Strawberry Swing
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (techno version)
Talk (techno version)
The Hardest Part (Chris piano)
Postcards From Far Away (piano instrumental)
Viva La Vida
Lost+ (feat. Jay-Z)
Death Will Never Conquer (acoustic - sung by Will)
Trouble (acoustic)
Billie Jean
Viva La Vida (remix interlude)
------
Politik
Lovers In Japan
Death And All His Friends
-------
The Scientist
Life in Technicolor ii
The Escapist (outro)

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Beyonce and Lady GaGa Lead MTV VMA Nominations

PopSugarUK — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:00:00 -0700

Beyonce and Lady GaGa each have nine MTV VMA nominations for "Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)", "Poker Face" and "Paparazzi". Coldplay is flying the flag for us Brits, with "Viva La Vida" nominated for Best Rock Video, Best Editing, Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography. Bat For Lashes is nominated in the Best Breakthrough Video category for "Daniel", which the majority of you loved. Britney Spears has seven nominations - do you think she will win as many awards as last year? You can vote for your favourites before Russell Brand comes back as host of the ceremony on 13 September: you guys are fairly evenly split on whether this is a good thing or not! Are you excited about the ceremony itself?

To see the full list of nominations, just read more

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Lady Gaga: "Poker Face"
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West: "Love Lockdown"
Britney Spears: "Womanizer"

BEST NEW ARTIST
3OH!3
Lady Gaga
Kid Cudi
Drake
Asher Roth

BEST MALE VIDEO
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West: "Love Lockdown"
Jay-Z: "D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)"
T.I. featuring Rihanna: "Live Your Life"
Ne-Yo: "Miss Independent"

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Lady Gaga: "Poker Face"
Taylor Swift: "You Belong With Me"
Kelly Clarkson: "My Life Would Suck Without You"
Katy Perry: "Hot 'N Cold"
Pink: "So What"

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West: "Love Lockdown"
Flo Rida: "Right Round"
Asher Roth: "I Love College"
Jay-Z: "D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune)"

BEST POP VIDEO
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Womanizer"
Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester: "Good Girls Go Bad"
Lady Gaga: "Poker Face"
Wisin y Yandel: "Abusadora"

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"
Kings Of Leon: "Use Somebody"
Green Day: "21 Guns"
Fall Out Boy: "I Don't Care"
Paramore: "Decode"

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Ciara featuring Justin Timberlake: "Love Sex Magic"
AR Rahman & Pussy Cat Dolls featuring Nicole Scherzinger: "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)"
Kristina DeBarge: "Goodbye"

BEST DIRECTION
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"
Green Day: "21 Guns"
Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester: "Good Girls Go Bad"
Britney Spears: "Circus"

BEST EDITING
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Miley Cyrus: "7 Things"
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Gnarls Barkley: "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"
Eminem: "We Made You"
Kanye West ft Mr. Hudson: "Paranoid"

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"
Green Day: "21 Guns"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"

BEST ART DIRECTION
Beyonce: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Britney Spears: "Circus"
Lady Gaga: "Paparazzi"
Gnarls Barkley: "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
Coldplay: "Viva La Vida"

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO
Death Cab For Cutie: "Grapevine Fires"
Gnarls Barkley: "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
Anjulie: "Boom"
Cold War Kids: "I've Seen Enough"
Chairlift: "Evident Utensil"
Bat For Lashes: "Daniel
Major Lazer: "Hold The Line"
Passion Pit: "The Reeling"
Matt & Kim: "Lessons Learned"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: "Heads Will Roll"

BEST VIDEO (THAT SHOULD HAVE WON A MOONMAN)
U2: "Where The Streets Have No Name"
Dr Dre: "Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang"
Beastie Boys: "Sabotage"
Bjork: "Human Behavior"
Radiohead: "Karma Police"
George Michael: "Freedom"
Foo Fighters: "Everlong"
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers: "Into The Great Wide Open"
OK Go: "Here It Goes Again"
David Lee Roth: "California Girls"

Pop Parties: The Brit Awards 2009 Launch & Nominations!

PopSugarUK — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:00:00 -0800

Last night FabUK and I attended The Brit Awards 2009 launch party and nominations announcement show at the Roundhouse in London, where we watched some great performances from Florence and the Machine, Scouting For Girls and Gabriella Cilmi. The event was hosted by Fearne Cotton who looked absolutely gorgeous in her studded black dress, and kept the audience entertained between filming segments of the televised show. Lovely Florence threw flowers out into the audience before her performance, Scouting For Girls got the crowd jumping around with "She's So Lovely" and I spied the new Skins cast, including Kaya Scodelario, dancing in the audience.

The reason for all the fun was the announcement of the nominations and performers for the night itself, which takes place on February 8 at Earls Court. Duffy and Coldplay led the pack with four nods each, and Chris Martin and the boys, Take That, U2, Kings of Leon, Duffy, Girls Aloud and the Pet Shop Boys will be performing at this year's ceremony. So make sure you check out all the nominations under the cut, and let me know what you think!

To see many more photos of the launch party as well as all of the Brits nominations, just read more

MasterCard British Album
Coldplay – Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Duffy – Rockferry
Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid
Radiohead – In Rainbows
The Ting Tings – We Started Nothing

British Group
Coldplay
Elbow
Girls Aloud
Radiohead
Take That

British Single
Adele – "Chasing Pavements"
Alexandra Burke – "Hallelujah"
Coldplay – "Viva La Vida"
Dizzee Rascal featuring Calvin Harris and Chrome – "Dance Wiv Me"
Duffy – "Mercy"
Estelle ft Kanye West – "American Boy"
Girls Aloud – "The Promise"
Leona Lewis – "Better in Time"
Scouting for Girls – "Heartbeat"
The X Factor Finalists – "Hero"

British Male Solo Artist
Ian Brown
James Morrison
Paul Weller
The Streets
Will Young

British Female Solo Artist
Adele
Beth Rowley
Duffy
Estelle
M.I.A.

British Breakthrough Act
Adele
Duffy
The Last Shadow Puppets
Scouting For Girls
The Ting Tings

British Live Act
Coldplay
Elbow
Iron Maiden
Scouting For Girls
The Verve

International Album
AC / DC – Black Ice
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
The Killers – Day & Age
Kings of Leon – Only By The Night
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular

International Group
AC / DC
Fleet Foxes
The Killers
Kings of Leon
MGMT

International Male Solo Artist
Beck
Neil Diamond
Jay-Z
Kanye West
Seasick Steve

International Female Solo Artist
Beyonce
Gabriella Cilmi
Katy Perry
Pink
Santogold

British Producer of the Year
Bernard Butler
Brian Eno
Steve Mac

Outstanding Contribution Award
Pet Shop Boys

View 15 Photos ›

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Sugar Bits - Jamie Cullum and Sophie Dahl Are Engaged

PopSugarUK — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:50:42 -0700

Jamie Cullum and Sophie Dahl are engaged, his spokesman has confirmed. The couple have been together for two years, and told friends the news at the Gucci party last week. Congrats! - Now
Although Samantha Ronson's family have been looking into filing a restraining order against Lindsay Lohan, Samantha's attorney, David Bass, has confirmed that Samantha herself "has no plan to request a restraining order. There is no basis for one." - People
Jack Tweed is preparing a "memory box" of his favourite wedding pictures, letters and Jade's jewellery, as he prepares himself for prison. His sentencing is next Thursday and he is concerned he won't be allowed home, so he is filling the box with special items to help him cope with Jade's death. - The Sun
Paris Hilton has been talking about marrying Doug Reinhardt, with possible plans for a summer wedding in August in the Bahamas. - E!
Coldplay's lawyers have denied the band copied parts of Joe Satriani's music for "Viva La Vida" at a hearing in a US federal court. - BBC
Monsters vs Aliens is top of the UK box office having taken £4.34million, with The Boat that Rocked debuting at number two. - Reuters UK

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It's A Double For Coldplay At The Q Awards

PopSugarUK — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Grosvenor House Hotel in London played host to the 2008 Q Awards yesterday, presented by Alan Carr and attracting an eclectic mix of acts from the music industry. Coldplay were the big winners, and picked up awards for Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends as Best Album and also Best Act In The World Today. Duffy won Best Breakthrough Act at the ceremony, but picked up her award via video link.

The Kaiser Chiefs picked up Best Live Act, and there were awards for the classics too. Meat Loaf picked up a gong for the classic "Bat Out Of Hell" for the Classic Song category - no argument there - and the Outstanding Contribution To Music Award went to former Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.

To see lots more photos of the winners and guests from the 2008 Q Awards, as well as the full list of winners, just read more.

The Winners

Best New Act: The Last Shadow Puppets

Breakthrough Artist: Duffy

Best Track: Keane "Spiralling"

Best Video: Vampire Weekend "A-Punk"

Q Classic Songwriter: John Mellencamp

Q Classic Song: Meat Loaf "Bat Out Of Hell"

Q Inspiration: Cocteau Twins

Q Legend: Glen Campbell

Best Live Act: Kaiser Chiefs

Best Album: Coldplay Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

Q Innovation In Sound: Massive Attack

Q Icon: Adam Ant

Q Idol: Grace Jones

Q Outstanding Contribution To Music: David Gilmour

Best Act In The World Today: Coldplay

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