Keeping Time

You know, ever since The 40-Year-Old Virgin, it seems that it’s sort of been taboo to enjoy a Coldplay album. It would seem that enjoying Parachutes makes me gay. Well if that’s true, turn my stool upside-down, cover me in rainbows and give me a lisp, ’cause I’d be a queer.

While I may be a Coldplay loving (more like enjoying) queer, I failed to see the majestic beauty that everyone else saw in “Viva La Vida”. I mean, yes, it is a good song, but everyone held it up on this pedestal like it was the Coldplay song. But I’m wandering (slightly) off topic.

Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, aside from having a ridiculously long title, isn’t that bad. With every new CD from a band I like, there’s always a nagging doubt in the back of my as to whether or not they’ll retain their sound (see Narrow Stairs). So with Viva, I kind of went into the experience hoping everything would be just like the last time we were together, but at the same time, trying to be open to the change.

But Viva is definitely Coldplay, and during some of it, it’s them at their finest. Tracks like “42″ and “Lost!” are great example of what Chris Martin & Co. are capable of. Sadly though, most of the album consists of tracks that are altogether skippable. Granted, it’s not like the tracks are bad, but at the same time, they just kind of felt like filler between the tracks that I actually did enjoy.

In the end, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends is a good CD. By no means is it their best work, but it’s a nice follow up to X & Y. Also, in a Nevermind-like fashion, there’s a sticker on the album to cover up the boobs, for those of us who can’t handle 14th century breasts…

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