affisch hated Viva La Vida

Were you a Coldplay fan prior? I can't fathom such a letdown based on the current two singles.

Well, yeah, Parachutes was such an incredible album, a real masterpiece. After that they've gone mainstream, totally losing their inspiration...

Does it really matter though? Mainstream isn't a valid point to me, who cares? I don't critique bands so much as the actual music. I also strive to never look at pictures of the band members or learn about them, unless it is unavoidable. The point is, no matter how mainstream a song does or doesnt get, if it still sounds good, its good in my books. Screw lyrics, substance meaning and inspiration. If I can tap my foot to it or have the tune stuck in my head in a good way, I love it.

Yes Poodge, I also believe going mainstream does not inevitably means becoming crap. Just take Radiohead or Sigur Ros as an example. Your music taste may be different than mine, 'cause none of the new tunes is stuck in my head. Moreover, when evaluating a new album I also consider what those guys have done in the past. If they've been able to produce something like Parachutes, I cannot be pleased with Viva La Vida...