Customer Reviews

Clocks / Crests of Waves

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a Coldplay fan I'm obviously quite biased, but this single has got to be the best in a long time. I'll go through the thre tracks:

1. Clocks
If you haven't heard this song you must have been living under a rock. My GOD this song is good. It opens with just about the most memorable piano riff ever, then explodes into this incredible, pulsating minimalist masterpiece with the most incredible cryptic lyrics over the top. It just soars. Clocks is a knockout song, one of my favourites of all time and arguably the best on "A Rush of Blood to the Head". It's stellar. You get the idea? Still, unless you buy Coldplay singles just to support the band, it's the B-Sides that are going to make you buy this. So how are they?

2. "Crests of Waves"
The first B-side, "Crests of Waves" is a brilliant rock song with a similar sound to "Moses" and some of their new stuff; it's got that same fuzzy rhythm guitar but with vocals that are kind of buried in the music, as in: "Calling out from beneath the waves". In parts it's almost like a draft version of "Clocks", so I can see why it's on here. The first line goes, "It could be worse, I could be alone" and from there you're hooked. The chorus has this kind of suspended-in-the-air riff as Chris sings "hooo ooo ooo" like in lots of Coldplay songs. It's some of the most spine-tinglingly good guitar rock that Coldplay's ever done, and reminiscent of their new live songs. This makes you realise how good Coldplay is; very few bands would have this song as B-side. Five stars for this.

3. "Animals"
The second B-side, "Animals" is a slightly arty, with a descending guitar riff and plodding piano. It's got some great moments, particularly when it goes, "animals you are/disposable collapsible and raw", and "I missed my chance by a stone's throw". Chris martin sounds like he's yelling out from the bottom of a well or something; good stuff, if you like Coldplay, although if you don't you might not like it. I think it's live, so if you're annoyed by live B-sides then be warned; although it's not as if you're hearing an album track live, this is original stuff that you can only hear on this EP.

I'm aware that not everyone likes coldplay; if you're not a fan then obviously you're not going to like this. I've been eagerly watching the news of their third album. I have a feeling their new sound will be a mix of songs like "Clocks" and songs like "Crests of Waves". "Clocks" is obviously a big statement of their new direction, and "Crests of Waves" is similar to their new live tracks. If the new album was like a long version of what's on this single, then I'd be very happy. This is the new sound, like it or not. As you can see, I like it.

So that's my very biased (and very long) review of this single. This single won a Grammy, and very deservedly. It's got just about the best song of 2003, along with two great B-sides. It has two of my favourite Coldplay songs ever. If you're going to buy a Coldplay single just for the heck of it, for god's sake buy this one! You won't be disappointed.

"Clocks" is the third single off of Coldplay's "Rush Of Blood to the Head", and by far the best. 5 songs clocking in at 22 min., giving us the best of Coldplay.

The version of "Clocks" here is the radio-edit, somewhat shorter than the album version, but still one of the most exciting songs of Coldplay. The other tracks are what make this a "must have" for any Coldplay fan. "Crest of Waves" is a great upbeat track. "Animals" is the best track here, an old concert fave from the 2001 tour and one that was long expected to be on the "Rush" album, but for whatever reason didnt make it on there. It remains a great song, and for the long-time fans, this is the main reason to buy this single.

The live tracks are nice too. "Yellow" here is just Chris Martin on the piano, turning the concert-fave into a piano ballad. "In My Place" is from the October 2002 show at Manchester's MEN Arena and finds the fans singing (make that screaming) along, a nice memento for any having seen Coldplay in concert on their "Rush" tour. In all, a top-notch single.

I am a big Coldplay fan, and this is a great single. It all starts with 'Clocks,' which has become perhaps their biggest hit here in the states (bigger than 'Yellow'? Maybe).

But the great music does not end there. 'Crest of Waves' is a number that will definitely grown on you. It has a unique sound for Coldplay, with a slight 80's vibe. One could argue that it's one of their more catchy tunes. After that is 'Animals,' a song Coldplay has been performing live for quite awhile. In fact, there was some surprise that it did not make it onto the album. It's a little darker than 'Crest of Waves,' but a more beautiful song. I think it's single-worthy in itself. In fact, I think you could throw both of these songs onto 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' and not miss a beat - they are both album quality tracks.

The two lives tracks are a mixed bag. The piano-based version of 'Yellow' is interesting, although I'm not quite sure it works. Think 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' from the CD 'Maybe This Christmas,' released last year. 'In My Place' is an enjoyable little concert piece with the crowd getting involved nicely, and a hint of Chris Martin's onstage charisma.

Even if you're only somewhat of a Coldplay fan, you should definitely pick this CD up. I gave it 4 out of 5 because they elected to include the radio-edit version of 'Clocks' instead of the album version, which is annoying to a big fan like myself. You should really get this for the two B-sides, which you should find to be just as enjoyable as most of the album tracks.

In addition to this version of the "Clocks" single, I also purchased "The Scientist" (Canadian) and "In My Place" (Canadian). Hands down, this is the best single of the three. In addition to the stellar first track "Clocks" (in a radio edited version here), the b-sides and live tracks make this one a worthwhile purchase.

"Crest Of Waves" and "Animals" sound very similar to the rest of the tracks on "A Rush Of Blood," and could have easily been included on the album. "Crest" is a mid-tempo track that sounds similar to "Green Eyes" (from the album). "Animals" is a bit slower, but I wouldn't quite call it a ballad--possibly more comparible to the title track "A Rush Of Blood To The Head."

The "live" version of "Yellow" is a very different rendition, almost unrecognizable if not for the lyrics. This track is Chris Martin solo at the piano on the famous Morning Becomes Eclectic show on KCRW. It is much slower and more melancholy than the familiar album version from "Parachutes," but still very pleasing.

The last track captures the energy of the band during their tour for the "Rush Of Blood" album. This "live" version of "In My Place" is from the MTV UK Coldplay special, which finds the crowd singing along and the band sounding as good as ever. This single was also released in the UK with the b-sides, but without the live tracks. Pick up this version, as you will be happy to have the live versions of "Yellow" and "In My Place," too!

Great CD single for the price! Sure to be loved by any Coldplay fan! Live "In My Place" track brought me right back to my concert memories! Would highly recommend to all Amazon customers!

This is a pretty sweet EP. I have been waiting a long time for Colplay to release "Animals" and they packaged it with one of the best songs from Rush of Blood--"Clocks." The piano/ballad version of "Yellow" is pretty cool too. "Crests of Waves" is one of my least favorite Coldplay tunes, but it's still better than just about anything else out there right now. Coldplay, even at their worst, are still quite listenable. "In My Place" is the same live version found on the Scientist single, so not much to discuss. Overall, this is a must-have cd for anyone that likes Coldplay.

There have been very few triumphing bands that have ever came out of the U.K. since the 1960's. During the past 10 years, there wasn't any really until Coldplay came along in the late 90's. The music they've made is very melodic and unbelieveable. It is just too bad that there are very few of them to have the drama here in the U.S. Their latest, Clocks, taken from the album A Rush Of Blood To The Head, is a melodic, seducing rhythm that is still as fresh as it was released later on down the road. I thought it was an unbelieveable voice that Chris Martin, the lead singer has, and the band itself has definitely tried to own. They're definitely keeping up the pace with this song. With their latest single, The Scientist starting a storm of its own, Coldplay will definitely be around for a long time.

crests of waves is the perfect example of why i like coldplay. it's an interesting song and still a nice pop song (not too different but different enough while not taking anything away from the great flow of the song but adding to it (for me)). it's not amazing but it's really good and very rare these days. i'd have to say it's my favorite of all coldplay b-sides and probably in my top 10 of all of their songs. another note is that the new coldplay album has some songs with more of an electronic song style. like clocks with the simple piano line over and over with the simple loop-like drum beat. and i think those songs usually aren't as good as the more standardish rock songs (ex. in my place). but crests of waves isn't like those electronic-type ones and that's a plus for me.

The single is amazing! I got the import version (there are 2) which has 4 tracks, including a live version of politik, a song called murder, GPASUYF, and lips like sugar (a cover song). Politik is amazing live, and the new song murder is eerie, and warm at the same time.
The only think I suggest, is go to HMV, I purchased the single from their store for 9.00 with tax.
Enjoy!

I can't believe what this British group creates so outstanding and so pure, delightful tunes out of piano. It's simple, easy listening yet can't be easily forgotten. I watched the amazing live music video of Clocks. Everything is like a dream. The tunes, the band's attitude and lights. I've been listening to this song since it came out and heard it on virginradio.com's webcast. For example, take amazing song, "Trouble" for example. It's also a brilliant song based on an amazin unforgettable tune. These guys are creating the best out of piano and rythm guitar.