|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
Special Offers and Product Promotions
- Get $1 in Amazon MP3 credit with qualifying purchase. Limited to one promotional credit per customer. Here's how (restrictions apply)
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Editorial Reviews
Coldplay's fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto (pronounced my-lo zy-letoe), will be released in the U.S. on October 24th by Capitol Records. Produced by Markus Dravs, Daniel Green and Rik Simpson, with enoxification and additional composition by Brian Eno, Mylo Xyloto follows 2008's Viva La Vida, which charted at No. 1 in 36 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
128 of 149 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Wow. I am really shocked how much I like Mylo Xyloto. I am a long-time Coldplay fan and just love their music, but I wasn't sure about this record due to the slight change in style. The first half of the record I was mostly familiar with due to the singles, live versions and the side A sampler. The only song on side B that I had heard was Major Minus. Obviously, the second part of the record was what I was looking forward to the most as it was mostly new, unheard Coldplay!
I can definitely see why this record has fans divided. It is a new sound for Coldplay in terms of production and direction. However, there are many tracks where 'early' Coldplay is still there, just under new layers. Utimately, I gave the record a 4/5, with a point deducted for some unnecessary over-production. I do truly feel it deserves it though. It is a good mix of all the previous records, while still moving forward.
Mylo Xyloto:
Just beautiful. I love this as the opening track and the transition into Hurts Like Heaven. Although, I am with others who have said it's hard to listen to just MX or HLH by themselves...
Hurts Like Heaven:
Probably the track I was most fearing as I love the live version and people were saying it was so different on the record. I was pleasantly surprised that it did not crush my enjoyment of the track! I LOVE this song! Yes, it is a bit over-produced, but I also think that makes it interesting. There are so many sounds and layers to the track that a good set of headphones brings out.
Paradise:
No surprises here. The second single. It's definitely a grower. I liked it when I first heard it, but the introduction is just fantastic the more I listen to it. It fits so well on the record now I have heard it in context.
Charlie Brown:
This is my favourite track on the record. It is such a great track and should definitely be released as the next single! The piano part at the end is just fantastic. This will be a big hit and crowd-pleaser!
Us Against The World:
LOVE! This is such an amazing song! I adore the introduction. I loved this track live and this version just makes it all the better. Only quip is I wish Will's duet portion was more pronounced. The first song on the record that sounds like 'early' Coldplay material.
M.M.I.X.:
This instrumental makes Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall flow within the context of the record. If this was not here, it would be such an abrupt change from UATW.
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall:
Again, no surprises. The first single and a really upbeat and optimistic song. It is pretty dancey for Coldplay, but it's a great song nonetheless.
Major Minus:
I had already heard this from the Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP. It's a fantastic track and really like it. I would have preferred less distortion on the verse vocals, but Jonny's guitar solo is awesome!
U.F.O.:
This is such a lovely acoustic track and reminds me so much of 'early' Coldplay. The melody is great, but I just wish it was a tad bit longer.
Princess of China:
I was really surprised by this one! First, Rihanna being on the track is strange. I think this might be one of her better vocal performances though. The song itself is very RnB to me, but I don't mind it. I am surprised to be honest as I was going in thinking I was going to really dislike it, but I think if this is released as a single, it will probably be a big hit. However, it's definitely one of my least favourite tracks on the record.
Up In Flames:
I really didn't think I was going to like this song. I had heard a clip of the Austin City Limits live version and it just didn't do anything for me. However, within the context of the record and with the added production (think Massive Attack style beat), I think this is a good track. Again, it reminds me of 'early' Coldplay but it's not up to par with the rest of the album. I consider this track and Princess of China to be the low point of the record really.
A Hopeful Transmission:
Probably the best instrumental on the record. It's basically a more upbeat 'Mylo Xyloto' with a sort of Latin vibe. It flows so well into Don't Let It Break Your Heart.
Don't Let It Break Your Heart:
Wow. One of my favourite tracks! As with Hurts Like Heaven and Major Minus, I wish there wasn't as much distortion on Chris' voice, but really that's the only negative I see on this stellar track!
Up With The Birds:
A fantastic closer! Again, like 'early' Coldplay but with a modern twist. It starts so atmospheric, I had no clue what direction it was going to go! It's a beautiful track and such a great way to close the record!
I can definitely see why this record has fans divided. It is a new sound for Coldplay in terms of production and direction. However, there are many tracks where 'early' Coldplay is still there, just under new layers. Utimately, I gave the record a 4/5, with a point deducted for some unnecessary over-production. I do truly feel it deserves it though. It is a good mix of all the previous records, while still moving forward.
Mylo Xyloto:
Just beautiful. I love this as the opening track and the transition into Hurts Like Heaven. Although, I am with others who have said it's hard to listen to just MX or HLH by themselves...
Hurts Like Heaven:
Probably the track I was most fearing as I love the live version and people were saying it was so different on the record. I was pleasantly surprised that it did not crush my enjoyment of the track! I LOVE this song! Yes, it is a bit over-produced, but I also think that makes it interesting. There are so many sounds and layers to the track that a good set of headphones brings out.
Paradise:
No surprises here. The second single. It's definitely a grower. I liked it when I first heard it, but the introduction is just fantastic the more I listen to it. It fits so well on the record now I have heard it in context.
Charlie Brown:
This is my favourite track on the record. It is such a great track and should definitely be released as the next single! The piano part at the end is just fantastic. This will be a big hit and crowd-pleaser!
Us Against The World:
LOVE! This is such an amazing song! I adore the introduction. I loved this track live and this version just makes it all the better. Only quip is I wish Will's duet portion was more pronounced. The first song on the record that sounds like 'early' Coldplay material.
M.M.I.X.:
This instrumental makes Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall flow within the context of the record. If this was not here, it would be such an abrupt change from UATW.
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall:
Again, no surprises. The first single and a really upbeat and optimistic song. It is pretty dancey for Coldplay, but it's a great song nonetheless.
Major Minus:
I had already heard this from the Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP. It's a fantastic track and really like it. I would have preferred less distortion on the verse vocals, but Jonny's guitar solo is awesome!
U.F.O.:
This is such a lovely acoustic track and reminds me so much of 'early' Coldplay. The melody is great, but I just wish it was a tad bit longer.
Princess of China:
I was really surprised by this one! First, Rihanna being on the track is strange. I think this might be one of her better vocal performances though. The song itself is very RnB to me, but I don't mind it. I am surprised to be honest as I was going in thinking I was going to really dislike it, but I think if this is released as a single, it will probably be a big hit. However, it's definitely one of my least favourite tracks on the record.
Up In Flames:
I really didn't think I was going to like this song. I had heard a clip of the Austin City Limits live version and it just didn't do anything for me. However, within the context of the record and with the added production (think Massive Attack style beat), I think this is a good track. Again, it reminds me of 'early' Coldplay but it's not up to par with the rest of the album. I consider this track and Princess of China to be the low point of the record really.
A Hopeful Transmission:
Probably the best instrumental on the record. It's basically a more upbeat 'Mylo Xyloto' with a sort of Latin vibe. It flows so well into Don't Let It Break Your Heart.
Don't Let It Break Your Heart:
Wow. One of my favourite tracks! As with Hurts Like Heaven and Major Minus, I wish there wasn't as much distortion on Chris' voice, but really that's the only negative I see on this stellar track!
Up With The Birds:
A fantastic closer! Again, like 'early' Coldplay but with a modern twist. It starts so atmospheric, I had no clue what direction it was going to go! It's a beautiful track and such a great way to close the record!
64 of 77 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I was hoping the latest offering from Coldplay would match their last LP, which was a tall task in my book. "MX's" predecessor, "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends", was a dark, progressive journey into the realm of broken hearts, war, death and glimpses of hope and prosperity. The songwriting, producing and overall effort was top notch. It remains on the top of my Desert Island Disc list. To say I had lofty expectations for "MX" would be an understatement.
After one listen I am proud to say that my expectations were easily met, and at times surpassed.
I love music that encompasses a thick sound. Coming from the school of progressive rock, my two favorite bands (Genesis and Marillion) always had full, dynamic properties to their songs, many washed with synthesizers, reverb and other atmospheric effects. And it wasn't as a gimmick; it was because those properties were necessary to sustain the mood. When "Viva" came out, songs like "Cemeteries of London" and "42" made great use of these techniques, and luckily it continues on "MX". Strings, synthesizers, and other choral-like sounds are doused over many of the songs, and guess what....it works! "Paradise" is absolutely gorgeous, highly atmospheric, and sounds perhaps a distant relative of "Lovers in Japan" mixed with "Strawberry Swing." "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" is a bright, energetic celebration, with reverbs, soaring guitar and thick chords surrounding it. "Charlie Brown" will no doubt be a live anthem, with a catchy hook and, dare I say, groovin' sound.
Although I am praising the use of effects heavily, there are moments of stripped-down glory reminiscent of "Parachutes." Songs like "U.F.O." and "Up in Flames" remind me of the early years, displaying a very simple sound, if you will, showing that Coldplay can write and perform quality songs that can both rattle the walls and yet be calming and soothing. No doubt these lads have mastered the skill of diversity.
The only letdown on this album was the song "Princess of China." I'll probably get flamed for this, but I really don't like Rihanna's voice. If I wanted a nasally, dime-a-dozen singer who is pushed by the record company merely because of their looks or "trendiness", I'll put on a Lady Gaga CD and pray for my ears to fall off. It's a shame, because the song itself is actually catchy and fun, but her voice detracts from it. Again, just my opinion, take it or leave it.
I love this band for many reasons.....the humbleness of its members, their songwriting, their live shows (which are incredible), and the fact that they offer their music on vinyl. Speaking of which, Amazon is stocking the vinyl version (available Nov 1st), and the band's website is offering a Special Edition bundle with a graffiti pic disc (on 180 gram vinyl), CD, book, and tons of other stuff in a box set. Pick your poison....there are many ways to celebrate the new "MX" offering.
Thank you Coldplay for continuing to make quality music and giving the fans such great live shows. We look forward to seeing you on tour in the States in 2012 !!
After one listen I am proud to say that my expectations were easily met, and at times surpassed.
I love music that encompasses a thick sound. Coming from the school of progressive rock, my two favorite bands (Genesis and Marillion) always had full, dynamic properties to their songs, many washed with synthesizers, reverb and other atmospheric effects. And it wasn't as a gimmick; it was because those properties were necessary to sustain the mood. When "Viva" came out, songs like "Cemeteries of London" and "42" made great use of these techniques, and luckily it continues on "MX". Strings, synthesizers, and other choral-like sounds are doused over many of the songs, and guess what....it works! "Paradise" is absolutely gorgeous, highly atmospheric, and sounds perhaps a distant relative of "Lovers in Japan" mixed with "Strawberry Swing." "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" is a bright, energetic celebration, with reverbs, soaring guitar and thick chords surrounding it. "Charlie Brown" will no doubt be a live anthem, with a catchy hook and, dare I say, groovin' sound.
Although I am praising the use of effects heavily, there are moments of stripped-down glory reminiscent of "Parachutes." Songs like "U.F.O." and "Up in Flames" remind me of the early years, displaying a very simple sound, if you will, showing that Coldplay can write and perform quality songs that can both rattle the walls and yet be calming and soothing. No doubt these lads have mastered the skill of diversity.
The only letdown on this album was the song "Princess of China." I'll probably get flamed for this, but I really don't like Rihanna's voice. If I wanted a nasally, dime-a-dozen singer who is pushed by the record company merely because of their looks or "trendiness", I'll put on a Lady Gaga CD and pray for my ears to fall off. It's a shame, because the song itself is actually catchy and fun, but her voice detracts from it. Again, just my opinion, take it or leave it.
I love this band for many reasons.....the humbleness of its members, their songwriting, their live shows (which are incredible), and the fact that they offer their music on vinyl. Speaking of which, Amazon is stocking the vinyl version (available Nov 1st), and the band's website is offering a Special Edition bundle with a graffiti pic disc (on 180 gram vinyl), CD, book, and tons of other stuff in a box set. Pick your poison....there are many ways to celebrate the new "MX" offering.
Thank you Coldplay for continuing to make quality music and giving the fans such great live shows. We look forward to seeing you on tour in the States in 2012 !!
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm a fan of Coldplay. Even if their work isn't revolutionary, it sounds good, and each album has been different from the last. I really, really fell in love with them after hearing their astonishingly good album Viva La Vida. With it's really interesting world-inspired music, moving string sections, crisp instruments piano parts, just beautifully played guitar parts, and unique rhythms, it's an all around great album that's different from most anything I've heard in the past. Needless to say I was eagerly awaiting this new album, expecting it to follow from the greatness that inspired Viva.
To some extent, they hit the mark musically. Their songs are catchy, fit the general musical feel of 2011, but still differentiate themselves with Chris's vocals and Buckland's signature guitar riffs. It's good music.
However, words cannot express the disappointment I have with the mastering on this CD. It is absolutely horrible. Every single track is at 11 with the volume for the duration of the song unless it fades in or fades out. There is no dynamic contrast at all. Sections that are supposed to sound loud and impressive and acoustically huge do not... which is really a crying shame because so many of the songs would benefit from such dynamics. What should be the huge crescendos in the songs instead end up sounding boring and flat, sitting right in with the rest of the song. The mixes are terribly crowded and everything is smashed together and muddy.
The vocals and drums especially suffer from this. Instead of the vocals being out front during the chorus and at times when they are clearly singing the lead in the song, they end up pushed together with the rest of the "accompanying" parts and sound like they are competing for acoustic clarity. Vocals literally sound like they are clipping at times ("Paradise"'s chorus, "Princess of China" during Rihanna's vocal lead in the latter half of the song, what would be "Charlie Brown"'s huge energy building bridge at 2:30). Chris and co don't have any room to budge volume-wise, and because they're very dynamic, it doesn't surprise me that they were clipping considering the job done on rest of the instruments.
Cymbals sound harsh, overwhelming and literally make me cringe. The bass drum is far too loud, even with the intention being that this album have songs that sound somewhat like dance music. What sounds like a timpani drum in "Major Minus" ends up being far too loud and flattens out at what is supposed to be its dynamic peak. Synthesizer parts sound terribly distorted, and not just for effect in the song. Strings, synthesizer pads, and piano parts, which in past Coldplay songs have been beautifully crisp and sounded excellent sound like they've lost a significant amount of fidelity because they've had all the emotion compressed out of them (listen to the strings and accompanying pads on "Paradise", especially at the drop; the pads in "Charlie Brown"). After this process, they are cranked up to their proper levels with the terrible artifacts of squashing sound present and loud and clear.
The ending to "Charlie Brown," in particular, sounds like it was played on the piano from "The Scientist," and should have been played like the small piano motif at the end of "Cemeteries of London." It just sounds so terrible in "Charlie Brown." Where as the piano in both of these other songs has a wonderfully rounded out and clear sound, breathes beautifully, sounds like a real instrument, and actually varies properly in volume with the rest of the song, the piano at the end of "Charlie Brown" sound overdriven, fuzzy, fake, and hurts to listen to as a piano player.
It is beyond me how this album got out of the door with Coldplay's approval. The sound engineers ruined all the small things that make instruments sound good. Instead of having clear, distinct sounds for each one of the instruments, it become hard and requires significant effort on my part to pick out one sound from the next. Everything blends together in an aural mess that just does not sound good. Emotion from dynamics is for the most part lost.
I can only hope that they will get a real, professional recording engineer who knows how to mix rock music correctly to remaster this. If so, they should distribute a digital version of that remaster to everyone who purchased the album.
I'm incredibly disappointed. This is the only Coldplay album I regret buying. I only give it two stars because I do like the music.
To some extent, they hit the mark musically. Their songs are catchy, fit the general musical feel of 2011, but still differentiate themselves with Chris's vocals and Buckland's signature guitar riffs. It's good music.
However, words cannot express the disappointment I have with the mastering on this CD. It is absolutely horrible. Every single track is at 11 with the volume for the duration of the song unless it fades in or fades out. There is no dynamic contrast at all. Sections that are supposed to sound loud and impressive and acoustically huge do not... which is really a crying shame because so many of the songs would benefit from such dynamics. What should be the huge crescendos in the songs instead end up sounding boring and flat, sitting right in with the rest of the song. The mixes are terribly crowded and everything is smashed together and muddy.
The vocals and drums especially suffer from this. Instead of the vocals being out front during the chorus and at times when they are clearly singing the lead in the song, they end up pushed together with the rest of the "accompanying" parts and sound like they are competing for acoustic clarity. Vocals literally sound like they are clipping at times ("Paradise"'s chorus, "Princess of China" during Rihanna's vocal lead in the latter half of the song, what would be "Charlie Brown"'s huge energy building bridge at 2:30). Chris and co don't have any room to budge volume-wise, and because they're very dynamic, it doesn't surprise me that they were clipping considering the job done on rest of the instruments.
Cymbals sound harsh, overwhelming and literally make me cringe. The bass drum is far too loud, even with the intention being that this album have songs that sound somewhat like dance music. What sounds like a timpani drum in "Major Minus" ends up being far too loud and flattens out at what is supposed to be its dynamic peak. Synthesizer parts sound terribly distorted, and not just for effect in the song. Strings, synthesizer pads, and piano parts, which in past Coldplay songs have been beautifully crisp and sounded excellent sound like they've lost a significant amount of fidelity because they've had all the emotion compressed out of them (listen to the strings and accompanying pads on "Paradise", especially at the drop; the pads in "Charlie Brown"). After this process, they are cranked up to their proper levels with the terrible artifacts of squashing sound present and loud and clear.
The ending to "Charlie Brown," in particular, sounds like it was played on the piano from "The Scientist," and should have been played like the small piano motif at the end of "Cemeteries of London." It just sounds so terrible in "Charlie Brown." Where as the piano in both of these other songs has a wonderfully rounded out and clear sound, breathes beautifully, sounds like a real instrument, and actually varies properly in volume with the rest of the song, the piano at the end of "Charlie Brown" sound overdriven, fuzzy, fake, and hurts to listen to as a piano player.
It is beyond me how this album got out of the door with Coldplay's approval. The sound engineers ruined all the small things that make instruments sound good. Instead of having clear, distinct sounds for each one of the instruments, it become hard and requires significant effort on my part to pick out one sound from the next. Everything blends together in an aural mess that just does not sound good. Emotion from dynamics is for the most part lost.
I can only hope that they will get a real, professional recording engineer who knows how to mix rock music correctly to remaster this. If so, they should distribute a digital version of that remaster to everyone who purchased the album.
I'm incredibly disappointed. This is the only Coldplay album I regret buying. I only give it two stars because I do like the music.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
"Soothing"
I received the CD relatively soon. The music sounds great! I buy many things on Amazon, and I always keep it very honest about the service/product.I would recommend this company.
Published 4 days ago by Ade O. Ogunmokun
Overcompressed sound
Awful mastering, overcompressed sound, don't buy it, it's a torture for your ears.
So sad for such a good music. Read more
So sad for such a good music. Read more
Published 10 days ago by UltimateByte
An Album that Grows.
When I first listened to Coldplay's "Mylo Xyloto" I was somewhat disappointed and did not feel that it lived up to the previous albums. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Morten Vindberg
Love it!
I hadn't heard much about this CD prior to purchasing it, but I love all of Coldplay's other albums and since it was on sale I decided to splurge. I ABSOLUTELY love it! Read more
Published 24 days ago by JMCress
Great Album! Great music!
Wondering when Coldplay's talent is going to burnout. Doesn't sound like it's going to anytime soon. Love this album just as much as their earlier work.
Published 1 month ago by Timothy W. Bruneau
Of Course, it's 5 Stars!
Chris Martin. Coldplay. Modern day musical geniuses. I was so blessed to be able to buy the digital download of this CD for very little money. Just two simple words: LOVE IT!!!
Published 1 month ago by J. W. Frazee
Awesome
This albulm is just awesome! It's got a crazy name and even better music! If you like coldplay this albulm will not let you down!
Published 1 month ago by TPugh
Thank you, Jesus, for sending us Coldplay!!!
This is the best music I have ever heard, without a doubt. My life is now complete. Thank you, Coldplay. The sheer joy for the heart and mind of fantastic music is incredible. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Donna
Not their best
Coldplay have moved from an alternative band into a more full-on pop sound, and that's fine. However, I feel like this album can't quite figure out what it wants to be. Read more
Published 1 month ago by aun2
Awesome Album
This was my first coldplay album and I love it! Especially "Paradise", definitely one of the best alternative rock songs out there! They're my favorite band now!
Published 1 month ago by KK1203
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Discussions
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
Listmania!
|
|
