A Rush of Blood to the Head (EcoRecord)

I first became a fan of Coldplay in 2000- when they released their debut album 'Parachutes'. Since that very moment of becoming familiar with their trademark sound, I have been hooked. A Rush Of Blood From The Head is no exception, in fact, it is my favourite album of the past decade. From the first moment of piano-thumping power on 'Politik' to the final moment on 'Amsterdam' the listener is rewarded with rich tones of guitar sweeping ballads and a piano-laden lament for memories passed. Chris Martin's vocals seem to soar above the magnificent music, as he pours out his soul in an orchestral symphony of heartbreak, passion and foreboding warnings.The signature song on A Rush Of Blood To The Head for me is definitely 'Clocks'. It seems to be a fan favourite too, but I simply can't deny the plethora of emotions compacted in to its heart, not to mention the hypnotizing piano riff from the opening second of the song. It is this very riff that takes the spotlight, driving the track forward on its haunting journey of distress and a longing for home. It also plays a big part as far as nostalgia is concerned as I first fell in love with it while on holiday in Los Angeles a few months after its initial release.Another strong contender on this album is 'God Put A Smile Upon Your Face' with its gorgeous guitars and ever-powerful vocals from Chris Martin. The music video is also very imaginative and is only surpassed for creativity by 'The Scientist' (Which is surely one of the greatest music videos this side of the millennium.) Other concrete tracks are 'In My Place' and 'Warning Sign'.Whether you're a Coldplay fan or not, this album is sure to leave you yearning for more- from its thought provoking lyrics to its incredible soundscape throughout- almost like a musical arc that runs through the album. A Rush Of Blood To The Head deserves a place in any music lover's collection and it is certain to stand the test of time. This was the album that inspired so many talented musicians and songwriters. In my humble opinion, it is Coldplay's Magnum Opus and I believe it will remain so until their very last album.I have listened to countless albums and this became an instant classic for me. It stands proud on the foundations of flawless albums and believe me, there are not many. I would say this is the 'OK Computer' for a new generation and it's nothing short of 5 stars for me.

This is definitely the best indie album in recent years and undoubtedly heading to be the album of the year. The first thing that the listener notices as the first crunchy, guitar notes of Politik pour from the speakers is that there a sense of purpose and that the band are determined to better the naive genius of their debut Parachutes I use that oxymoron "naive genius" as I feel that it is a good description of Parachutes. Although it was very good I did feel that it was slightly overrated and not a true classic and was more a pre-cursor for future great works like this album. Granted it had 4 or 5 classic songs in the likes of Don't Panic, Shiver, Spies, Trouble and High Speed but We Never Change and Everything's Not Lost were flimsy to say the least. The immediate thing that the listener notices is that the production is improved and much more refined - the organic, rawness of Parachutes remains but this is also met with a smoothness and crispness of sound and subtle atmospherics in the background on some of the tracks.Throughout the album the listener also notices that Coldplay's influences are now even more wider and comprehensive. The most prominent is obviously Radiohead in their 'The Bends' era. The opening track and several others could have quite easily fitted onto that album with their varying guitar textures and Chris Martin's yearning voice. John Lennon and U2 also pervade this album. Piano-driven songs such as The Scientist, Clocks and Amsterdam recall John Lennon's Imagine album and U2 in their great example of songwriting craft. Amsterdam is the closest relative of the U2 classic, Running to Stand Still, that I personally have ever heard. Despite the fact that the band dismissed Green Eyes as a B-side, I personally find it to be quite charming and not an embarassing love song. The finish of the album is quite phenomenal and it has to be said that it is the most breathtaking that I have heard in recent years. The troubled, brooding title track draws heavily on The Bends' as its influence and marks the emotional peak of the album. Chris Martin's powerful vocals are at their best hear and the dynamics between the haunting, acoustic verses and loud, crunchy guitars of the chorus are superb. Amsterdam which quickly follows is the calm after the storm and although it is hard to choose a favourite track from such a strong album with honestly not a bad one in sight this my personal favourite. As previously mentioned it is the closest to Running to Stand Still that you will ever hear with its quite simply beautiful piano melody. It is much more convincing than its predecessor Everything's Not Lost. The Verve and Richard Ashcroft are another influence on the album with the strings used on many of the tracks used to provide another dimension to each song. Warning Sign, in particular, is the closest relative to The Verve and Richard Ashcroft that you will hear with Chris Martin's strong voice and his refrain "the state we're in." Everything Must Go-era Manic Street Preachers also provide another influence. The Sean Moore style crashing drumming is deployed on superb first single In My Place.In the end AROBTTH fulfils the promise of genius evidenced on Parachutes and is likely to be most people's album of the year. It is an accomplished album that will not let anyone down and there is not a bad track in sight.

Vinyl arrived in good time and well packaged from Amazon. The vinyl itself sounds and feels great, the album is on a single disk but it's far better that way - The first side especially is just golden to listen to. Just please do this record justice and don't play it on a poor turntable.. (Yes, Crosley Cruiser, we're looking at you).Back to the music, this album feels very complete in so many ways. 'Politik' is a superb opener, nicely followed up by 'In My Place' and 'God Put A Smile Upon Your Face'. The highlight of the album for me must be 'The Scientist'. It represents everything that makes Coldplay brilliant.Personally, I feel that this album was made for vinyl. Skipping the tracks on a CD doesn't do it justice, listening to the whole album is just such a pleasure. If you do buy it on MP3 or CD, reserve some time to listen to the whole thing all the way through - It's stunning.If I was to say one thing about the vinyl edition, an included lyric sheet/printed lyrics on the sleeve could have completed the package - but that's me picking holes.Enjoy!