Review: Coldplay

Photos by Chris Oberholtz/The Star

The biggest post-1990s band from Britain that doesn't give away its music came to Sprint Center on Thursday. And a large crowd was on hand with a loud, long and warm greeting.

And though it may not know its U.S. geography ("Thank you, Kansas"), Coldplay knows its own history: That's the first time we've played this in the U.S., said lead singer Chris Martin after singing "Glass of Water." That one will have its place of prominence in Coldplay trivia and lore; Thursday night, it was the rare lukewarm moment during a show loaded with bright highlights. (Nobody knew the song.)

The rest of the setlist visited more familiar material from each of the band's four full-length albums, none more frequently than the latest, "Viva La Vida ..."  This was the rare show when the crowd welcomed a lot of the more recent songs as warmly as the older ones. The title track to the new album got one of the loudest reactions of the night.

Martin played his usual affable, humble self. He apologized for postponing the show back in July. He stopped the show to say hello to a 7-year-old boy in the crowd (and crack wise about the Jonas Brothers; read the mom's blogpost here). And he chastised himself after he muffed the start to "Green Eyes."

The sound in the Sprint Center was OK to good: At times there wasn't enough bottom -- the bass and kick drums disappeared in the mix. But the volume felt right and the vocals sounded good most of the night. The light show was nice, too; so was the confetti that rained on the floor during the start of the encore (it looked like falling leaves).

Speaking of vocals, there were plenty of big sing-alongs, starting with "In My Place" and especially during "Fix You," when the band stepped back and let the crowd take over the final chorus. Other highlights: The techno-mashup of "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face" and "Talk"; "Politik," which sounded more invigorated than usual; and the short acoustic set that took place high in a lower-level section towards the back of the arena. (Although I could have done without the Billy Ray Cyrus bit in the middle of "The Scientist.")

They ended the 95-minute show with their biggest hit, "Yellow," which prompted the evening's loudest and longest response and sing-along. For a moment, Martin stopped to enjoy the enormous chorale singing back at him. It was that kind of a show: The crowd and the band spent all night entertaining each other.

| Timothy Finn, The Star

Setlist: Life in Technicolor, Violet Hill, Clocks, In My Place, Glass of Water, Speed of Sound, Cemeteries of London, Chinese Sleep Chant, 42, Fix You, Strawberry Swing, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face/Talk (techno-mashup), Green Eyes, Postcards From Far Away (piano interlude), Viva La Vida, Lost, The Scientist, Death Will Never Conquer, Politik, Lovers in Japan, Death and All His Friends, Yellow.

Comments

[Really?]

Really? This is breaking news? Fires in California, South Korean businesses getting bounced out of North Korea, Hillary possibly getting the Sec of State nod? And this is breaking news?

[Donkey Shane]

Thanks for that news update, Really. And now for weather, over to Al ...

[BORK BORK]

Yes, this is breaking news. I am from the future, the year 2256. This Coldplay concert at the Sprint Center plays an important role in the history of mankind. One day you will see the folly of your shortsightedness.

[Laurie]

The confetti was actually large, multi-colored, tissue paper butterflies.

[Guy Berryman]

Actually, Martin said "This is the first time we've played this in America". Get it right, Finn.

[Jacob Andrews]

Glad to see some brit/rock pop reviewed. Coldplay is very talented. Just wish Oasis would come to Kansas City.

[theruckus33]

Wow, not to diss you by any means but what you happened to like about the concert I happened to find lacking. To start the vocals and drums seemed to drown out most of the bass and almost all of the gutairs. Chris Martin has a great live voice that is absent from most shows, but the use of the gutair in most of the tracks is what makes their music so sweet. I also didn't like the constant "yeps" "ok's", and "let's go" for some reason I thought he sounded like a bad impersanation of Nacho Libre. The techno mixes they had done seemed to be a stretch for them, face it as much as Coldplay or Chris Martin is being influenced by manufcactured beat ala` Kanye and Jay-Z, it is a stretch for them to go that route personally, that's not them I found the show to be one band trying to include every form of music found in America, from hip-hop/techno to country, it seemed to be a huge stretch. I was also dissapointed with the one song encore of "Yellow" it seemed rushed, and was not nearly as good as their ending song of Lovers in Japan. I would have been much more satisfied with that being the last song of the evening, because they really nailed it.
I did like them going into the crowd though, I think overall Coldplay really does care about putting on a good show, which is refreshing, especially after the last show I saw was The Cure at Starlight YUCK! Coldplay live gives off an "other-worldy" expeirence and I think too many times people get caught up in the magic of it all and loose a critical eye through the proccess, if I had to grade the show I would give it a B- at best.

[stuart]

So they played one song from Parachutes? That's kinda disappointing.

[Jeffrey]

He muffed Green Eyes when he was at Verizon Wireless a couple of years ago, too.

[Merrie]

Toes tapping, heads bobbing everyone was smiling...Energy level of the performers AND the audience was high and the songs sounded great! It was refreshing and entertaining and I'm heading out to get Viva La Vida today!

[sleepy]

that show was so much better than i was expecting.

[Editing is key]

One would think that in a reputable newspaper, like the KC Star, writers would actually edit their articles. There is something really annoying about reading errors in a professional article. For instance:

"And though it my not know its U.S. geography..." It should say "may" instead of "my".

"He stopped the show to say hello to a 7-year-old boy in the crowd (and crack wise about the Jonas Brothers)..." Is this not supposed to say "wise crack?" Perhaps I am missing something, but I believe the phrase is wise crack.

Maybe it seems like nagging about something not worth nagging about, but professional writers should be able to catch their errors.

[Granimal]

The Star places almost all new stories in the "Breaking News" section on the front page of the website. From there, they eventually get farmed out to the other sections.

It's not that hard to figure out. But still, there are always a couple of people who think they're clever, and make a lame comment. We've read them all before. Better luck next time.

[Elliot]

After attending many shows at the Sprint Center, I have to say that I think Coldplay had the highest production value. Aside from the effects and trappings of the massive spectacle, I thought the sound was a lot more geared toward actually hearing everything...instead of just burying audience members in a barrage of sound. Yes, there were moments when Chris' vocals were indecipherable. [He forgot to walk back to the mic at a few points.] But overall, I was pleased. Will Champion was a man possessed behind that drum kit. John Buckland and Guy Berryman were solid as all get out. The set list was stacked perfectly with B sides and fan favorites. They kept the energy up all night long. And, finally, an act didn't try hard to be standup comedians. Aside from the few moments Tim mentioned above, Chris was largely silent. He let the music do the talking for him. I respect and appreciate that.

[Granimal]

Wise crack: Noun. A clever, amusing, sometimes unkind, remark

Crack Wise: Verb. To make clever, sardonic comments.

For example:
Granimal took time out of his day to crack wise that "Editing is Key" should perhaps step away from the PC and play a one person game of Hide-and-Seek.

[to the blog watchdog]

Granimal's bitter comments are just so great. I am sure he or she feels proud and contented to be so clever.

So here's to Granimal! May he or she continue to find enough inspiration to cleverly bag on bloggers!

(And one can only wonder how Granimal is related to the author, Finn. For, he or she is quite defensive. Hmmmmm..... )

[mankvill]

For shame. Chris Martin would hate to see these comments. So much violence.

Wish I could have gone to this show. :(

[smartman]

The Day in Pictures piece is headlined, "Coldplay Rocks the Sprint Center". That, is a brilliant oxymoron. Coldplay Rocks? To be sure Mr. Paltrow and bandmates have a knack for creating "ear candy", but he remains as self-absorbed and unimportant as his betrothed, whose cultural relevance is that she was one of Brad Pitt's "shag toys".. More media hyped than perhaps Barack Obama, Coldplays' hits do have a timeless feel to them and will -still- sound fresh in 50 years. If only they didn't take themselves so damn seriously. Maybe they should spend some time with The Eagles.

[Coldplay Sux]

Wow Tim,
Way to show your man love for Chris. I did not go to the show, as I was at home poking out my eardrums with sharp objects. Much more enjoyable.

[Brian]

Tim,
Is there any geography informational packets given to artists when they arrive to perform at the Sprint Center? I know it is minor, but that is one of my big pet peeves, "Hello Kansas?" really? did anyone on the tour bother to mention to Coldplay that they were in Missouri? Otherwise, high production show, entertaining that is about it.

[greenman]

Nice review, Tim. Saw them at Verizon a couple of years ago and they were ok - did the little acoustic thing then, too. And you are spot on - they are probably too good to be considered a guilty pleasure, but they still kind of feel like one.

And, wtf is up with the people who got up on the wrong side of the bed today? The comments on "breaking news" and grammar? Really? You people should quickly go to the nearest couch, dig deep in the cushions, and with whatever change you find - go buy a life.

[A recovering rock snob]

But it's so easy to be hateful with a keyboard and a mouse.

[Some guy]

Who was the opening act?

[Scott]

Was I the only one expecting at least one more encore song? The show was good, but it seemed like they were in a hurry to get out of there.

[taivokins]

I thought the show was fantastic, but I could have used a bit more guitar in the mix early on. Later it got better.

I have been to a few sprint center shows now and I think that the sound has been poorly done. Is it the arena? I am curious to know what people think. After about 7 songs, I think the sound man figured out how to make the Coldplay system work with the arena because it started sounding better.

Another thing, I paid $120 for my floor seats. I am not saying it wasn't worth it, but c'mon. Isn't it a bit pompous to charge that kind of coin for a rock show? Pearl Jam is still charging like $30 for all of their seats. Same price they charged 10 years ago. Garth Brooks charged $20 for his shows.

I think the bands should make us pay to hear them play, but these prices are out of hand. I am glad I can contribute to their ability to bathe in rooms full of cash. I just wish the ticket was a bit less for what I got out of it. For $120 Chris Martin better be singing yellow while sitting on my girlfriends lap (and then promptly leave so I can reap the benefits of her excitement).

[onthemark]

Didn't go to the show, don't know a thing about Coldplay. But, as a long time reader of this blog, I felt compelled to leap into the fray! All you folks baggin on Tim Finn, take a chill pill. This is a blog, not the KC Star. Much more relaxed standards, especially if you stop to consider that your comments would never ever see print in a newspaper. It is a forum for music lovers, and I personally appreciate the effort that Tim makes to keep things up to date. Now, with that being said, I have to admit to laughing out loud at some of the snarkier comments! Indeed, there must be a full moon...

[Dingo D.]

I would have to say that the photographer at the show, who i see at most concerts at the Sprint Center, has an eye for photography. His pictures are remarkable, and keep getting better each time I come back to read reviews. Great job!!

[Tim Finn]

Thanks for havin' my back, mate. It's the economy.

I think someone ought to tell bands about the Kansas/Missouri thing. I know it's trivial, but I wince every time someone gets it wrong.

[mothman]

My take for what it's worth. The show was great but I wasn’t blown away. I think it was mostly because that’s just not my IDEAL type of music; but you couldn’t help but appreciate the songs and the production of the show, which was good but not as good as the hype. The production (light show, effects, etc) was stimulating but it didn’t really “take you places.” It kept a pretty even keel of nice steady energy the whole time, just that the sensory and emotional terrain didn’t really change much.

They were high energy and gracious performers; Chris Martin is good with the audience and that goes along way. It was well worth the money; to summarize…I was entertained, just not moved.

[LR]

On the "Kansas" thing ... could it be that they are told you are in Kansas City and they just abbreviate it to Kansas? Kind of like if someone was in New York City, they would just say "Hello New York" rather than "Hello New York City" I mean, on some level, they may know they are in the state of Missouri but just say Kansas in reference to the city. Just wondering ...

I had a great time at the show and don't understand people who are so negative about Coldplay. How can you not like their music???

[LR]

On the "Kansas" thing ... could it be that they are told you are in Kansas City and they just abbreviate it to Kansas? Kind of like if someone was in New York City, they would just say "Hello New York" rather than "Hello New York City" I mean, on some level, they may know they are in the state of Missouri but just say Kansas in reference to the city. Just wondering ...

I had a great time at the show and don't understand people who are so negative about Coldplay. How can you not like their music???

[Thanks Tim for reviewing a wide variety of music.]

Dear Coldplay haters,
Jesus, take it easy! Here's a thought: Don't like Coldplay? Don't listen to them! Don't like Coldplay concerts? Don't go!
Why do so many people feel compelled to post critical comments about a band they don't like and/or a concert they didn't even attend? Do you think you're going to magically change someone's mind? "Oh, I really liked Coldplay and had a great time at the show, but now that (insert clever username here) posted a comment about how much Coldplay sucks and how bad the concert was (even though clever username here didn't even go), I guess I really don't like Coldplay anymore."
No, Coldplay is not The Beatles, but clearly a lot of people like their music and they put on a good show last night. It's not life and death, for Christ's sake, it's just pop music. We don't all have to like the same music. If don't have something worthwhile to say, leave the rest of us the hell alone, and by all means, go ahead and poke out your eardrums with sharp objects.

[Tim Finn]

I'm with you mothman: Good show. Fun show. Great (and good-looking) crowd. Good band. Good setlist. Nice time. But not mind-blowing/transforming.

[Ian McFarland]

I wasn't as happy with the show as it sounds like you were.

Although I thought all of their new stuff sounded great, anything off the first three albums sounded totally uninspired. I grew up listening to 'A Rush of Blood to the Head,' yet 'Politick' and 'Clocks' did nothing for me at the show. Maybe these guys are just tired of their Oldplay stuff, but the songs are big enough that they should have totally gripped every inch of the stadium.

And was anyone else bothered by Martin's frequent delay in line delivery? It seemed like every verse had at least one line that was stretched for far too long, and making it difficult for all the fans to sing along to.

I will say, though, that all of the new stuff sounded great. Here's to hoping their next album will continue the upward spiral the appear to be following.

[Mike]

If you think Chris Martin takes himself too seriously, you should have seen him last night. He was goofing around like a kid just having fun the whole time and trying to give the audience a good show. Starting "Green Eyes" over was one example, playing in the crowd at the back was another. Indeed, this band just enjoys what they are doing. Couple that with the solid playing and it was a great concert. Much better than I anticipated.

[bitch, complain, whine]

please stop with the stupid nagging comments on grammar and/or spelling errors. regular visitors to this blog are well aware that, in finn's words, "we are typo tolerant here." chill the hell out already.

perhaps you can contribute something meaningful to the conversation instead of pretending to be an english teacher? damn.

i'm also pretty certain that tim has nothing to do with this review being posted on the homepage under 'breaking news.' if it bothers you so much, why did you click on it and read?

excuse me while i go listen to some cannibal corpse.

[mankvill]

unrelated side note:

Matt Barlow of the Heavy Metal band Iced Earth correctly said "Kansas City, Missouri" Wednesday night at the Beaumont. Not all bands get it wrong!

also at poster above me: CANNIBAL CORPSE RULES

[bitcher, complainer, whiner (and FSM)]

Ugh. Cannibal Corpse sucks! Even though I've never listened to any of their music. Their concerts are horrible, too. Even though I have never been to one. :)
I can't wait to NOT go to the Celine Dion concert, too and then post some snarky comments about it.
Actually, that one is probably safe to pan without going.
Also, I think artists should get some grace on the whole Missouri vs. Kansas geography thing. It seems like the reaction to that is an offshoot from the whole crazy Missouri-Kansas rivalry thing. (Y'all know The Civil War ended, like, 140 years ago, right? Just checking.) I'm sure it doesn't help that they ride a bus all night from city to city. Heck, I LIVE here and sometimes I wake up not knowing where I am. 'Course, I'm not that bright....

[Tim Finn]

I've noticed over the years that the confusion is most prevalent among the Brits and Canadians.

I saw someone at the Midland who made a bad situation worse by serenading the crowd with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," an association even Kansans are sick of. (I think it was Natalie Merchant.)

[MichaelKC]

I know almost nothing about Coldplay. But a colleague offered a free ticket, so off I went.

And I enjoyed it. The production value was good. Martin seemed to be having a great time...which I always like to see. (Though I will say, he acted pretty goofy at the end of a few songs.)

Wasn't wild about the opening acts.

[Modoc]

The only thing wrong with the Coldplay show last night,was the drunk who sang all the wrong lines to every song in my ear. Not to mention the tween girls behind me that turned my favorite "Viva La Vida" into a Go-Gos song. The giant globes were very cool. I'll try again next tour!!

[Modoc]

Just like my last three girlfriends! If you don't like Coldplay you have no taste! You won't be missed!

[Karisa]

Hooray "Thanks Tim" and "Bitching"! You said exactly what I've been thinking reading the negative comments on Coldplay coming to town over the last few days, only you did so in much nicer language than I would have used. I think someone's favorite band X sucks, but I don't post verbal diarrhea about how much favorite band X sucks all over the blogs. Guess what - you're not going to change my mind about liking Coldplay, and I'm not going to change your mind about your favorite band, so STFU, let it go, and keep your verbal diarrhea to yourself.

And I think the set-up of the Sprint Center (folding chairs on the floor, mentioned this in another comment on this blog) is odd. I've never been to or seen a concert venue set up that way. The floor seat I had stunk because I couldn't see over anybody and didn't want to take the chance of breaking my neck by standing on the chair to see over everyone. My boyfriend and I ended up moving to some of the bowl seats - and were only a few yards away from where they went up and sang "The Scientist" with that dumb "Achy Breaky Heart" thrown in. Was that some kind of insult?

The sound needed a tweaking for sure, but I agree that it was better later in the show. As for the "Yellow" encore - yeah, they should have left it at "Lovers in Japan" to make it a much stronger ending. I am quite sure, however, that Coldplay is contractually obligated to play "Yellow" at every show they do for the rest of their lives.

As for the Kansas/Missouri thing - I just moved here from Louisiana and everyone back home asks me how I like living in Kansas. So the confusion isn't limited to British and Canadians. Before anyone makes cracks about stupid Louisianians, think about the fact that Kansas City has the name of a better-known state in that name.

[Bubba]

COLDPLAY may have not played in KC,MO before - in 2003 they were at Memorial then in 2005, they showed up at Verizon. We all know those venues are in Kansas. Maybe someone's JUST being 'technical' about it. Looks and read like it was a great time at Sprint.

[Deb]

Opening band was SLEEPERCAR --- they were out of El Paso, TX. Three guitars/one drummer... sort of punk/alternate rock -- I thought they were good enough to buy their CD. A little on the edgy side --- clear vocals, good instrumentation...

There was also a 2nd act - some techno music with very weird video -- was WAY too long - about 40 minutes, and probably caused some nightmares... some sublimital sexuality dispursed in the video -just plain lousy and a waste of my time.

Went to Coldplay because it is a fav of my daughters although I like them too. (U-2 is my fav, so I think that Coldplay sounds like a wannabe)... I was very pleasantly surprised at the energy of their concert, the quality of their sound, and I would defintely see them again, though they are ridiculously expensive. The drummer is totally amazing - totally.... If you missed the show, you missed a good one (except for the techno crapo in the middle there)

Back to the opening act though I would highly recommend SLEEPERCAR.....if you want something a little different, creative, and not way out there...

[Deb]

Okay - tried to post who the opening act was --- somehow I don't see it, or it went under Bubba --- Opening act was SLEEPERCAR out of El Paso, Tx. A sort of punk/alternate rock type band. Bought their CD and have enjoyed listening to it all day today --- cool band with a little different, edgy sound, but not too left of center.

There was a 2nd act too - some terrible techno music to even more terrible video that reminded me of the drugged out, flower child 60's. Sexual undertones to the transitions that I found offensive as I was there with my 12 year old daughter who loves Coldplay --

Coldplay - went because daughter loves them (my fav band is U-2 and I've always thought CP was a U-2 wanna be), but I was very pleasantly surprised at how great the show was... Loved the cool spinning balls, the clear sound, and unobstucted, simple stage. The drummer is totally awesome, and I would go see them again, if it wasn't so cost prohibitive!

[Karisa]

Deb -

I saw the name of the second act somewhere, don't recall it at the moment. I completely understand your impression of it. I wondered as the video was showing, whether some of the young children I'd seen in the audience would be scared by it! I was digging the music, but that's my personal taste - I rather like electronic music. It was an odd choice of opening act for a band with as diverse a listening audience as Coldplay.

I liked the El Paso act too.

[Bubba]

Went under Bubba? Thanks, Deb - actually - unless you didn't already realize it, WHENEVER anyone posts a message on here, they MUST make SURE their email is typed in the second bar. No exceptions. I agree with you about U2 - when I saw COLDPLAY at Verizon in Sept. 2005, I had NO idea what to expect. I'm glad I went - I do remember two of their songs sounded almost IDENTICAL to that of U2. At that show, support band was RILO KILEY - a lot of us COULDN'T wait for them to finish. Hope you and your daughter had a great time.

[Deb]

Karisa - it was Jon Hopkins -- I'll never be able to think of the hospital without thinking of this act again............

[Karisa]

Deb - Haha! I was thinking the same thing earlier. What an association.