Parachutes?

The Coldplay tune is nice but, for me, they've never topped Shiver. I first heard it played over Virgin's in-store radio and sprinted down three flights of stairs to find the album. I haven't felt the need to run anywhere for Chris Martin since.

Nanda Devi is wonderfully crushing, though. Makes me want a warm jumper or a hug from a big pair of arms, or both.

Yeah, definitely both.

^ Lovely description of "Nanda Devi," Ryan.

I'm wondering too, Sean, what's your pick for best Coldplay album?

Yes, Parachutes, definitely. A wonderful record, undeserving of its ill repute. I wrote a 600 word defense of the album for Plan B magazine about a year ago. I remember in 2000 being unable to decide which was my favourite release - Parachutes, Kid A, or Agaetis Byrjun - and that tells me something.

and yes, thanks for that, ryan.

I like both of these songs a lot. I think one of the bands represented here has a lot of potential and is criminally underexposed. I leave you to guess which one I mean.

And Rush of Blood to the Head is clearly the best coldplay album. Sorry.

god, Nanda Devi just made me buy the whole thing. "Outside", another song The Secret Life gives out for free download, is much lighter but similarly beautiful. i am so much in love. thank you for this.

Sean- great write-up for "Strawberry Swing". I wasn't going to listen to the song until I sat down and read what you had to say. I've been a little skeptical of their work lately. To me, nothing can beat the Parachutes album. This song is making me want to look into Viva la Vida now. Thank you.

The fuck? I thought Eno was working with Coldplay this time around to make them interesting. Seems like either they are a lost cause, that this track is a low point of the album, or that Eno has lost his touch.

@JB:

I guess you're one of those people who thought "In Rainbows" was God's latest gift to mankind?

"In Rainbows" was pretty good, especially disk 2--though I prefer RH's "The Bends" and "Kid A" by a healthy margin.

I guess I was just underwhelmed by this piece because Colplay is--in terms of execution--a top notch band, though occasionally a bit bland for my taste (See: X&Y), while Eno is, well...Eno. In other words, I found that my standards had hitched a ride on a rising thermal, up to rather lofty heights, in anticipation of "Viva..."

But, shit, I'm going to buy this album anyway.

this secret life of sofia song totally rules. i think the coldplay reference is a little odious, but the sofia songs on myspace are all super beautiful, smart pop songs that don't pull punches but do tell stories. i think it's great. and that's great.

wonderfully put, jesse. glad i found out about these guys...