Tuesday, August 12, 2008

#3 Coldplay

Julie and I were discussing this last night.

Julie: "Why does every evangelical Christian listen to Coldplay? It's shitty art!"

Me: "It's innocuous, that's why they like it."

Julie: "But does innocuous mean you should listen to it? It doesn't make you think or make you feel any way other than just kind of numb. All of my Christian culture friends have Coldplay on their Facebook profiles."

I think she makes a decent case.

Photobucket

*For the record I don't think Coldplay is outright shitty, I just think it is sort of uninspired yet highly listen-able. A bit like Christian culture.

63 comments:

Magnus said...

I'm not a Coldplay fan by any means, but is it any surprise that so many Evangelical Christians listen to Coldplay? Listen to what gets pushed on Evangelicals and it is outstanding by comparison.
The subculture propagated by many Western Christians is just simply banal. Coldplay is bland and innocuous, but it is a damed site more exciting that most Christian bands I have ever heard.
That said, Coldplay is still a great substitute for valium.

BTW, I found this blog through Monica

Anonymous said...

Steph, I'm a bit confused. I understood your profile to mean you're married to a Christian pastor. But your response to Julie about Coldplay is:
Me: "It's innocuous, that's why they like it."

Focusing on the "they," I guess I'm just wondering if you identify yourself as Christian or not?

Also, you seem to have an extremely pessimistic view of the intelligence of any or all Christians. Do you believe all Christians to be inherently feeble minded?

Anonymous said...

i think her profile said she's married to the son of a pastor. aka they're both preacher's kids, not necessarily that he Is a preacher. fyi.

Anonymous said...

I was introduced to Coldplay by a pastor/friend in the spring of 2001. Since he also introduced me to Red House Painters, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and Elvis I think he can be forgiven this offense. Sometimes innocuous just hits the spot.

Fiona said...

oh dear. i liked coldplay in their very early innocuous days, long before i became churchified and still have a soft spot for them...does that just make me really, really boring?!

nic gibson said...

I fit a lot of these but I am with Chuck Klostermann on Coldplay. My wife likes them, but I won't even really try them. It just seems like elevator music.

Mikey said...

Coldplay? Never heard of 'em.

Sarah & Patrick said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Why waste our time with garbage like this. If you believe that God wants the best for you, don't spend your time listening to poorly written, poorly executed, bland music. This is shitty art!

I'm having fun readinf all your posts and replying to many of them today.

Unknown said...

Wow.. Stephanie, you have nailed the things I have been saying for years... and so profoundly. I think I have a crush on you.

Anonymous said...

I had never heard of Coldplay until I read that they stole music from Joe Satriani. Now, while I don't normally listen to secular music out of personal preference, I can't deny my man Satch. Fortunately, most of his albums are fully instrumental. I found this blog while searching to see if Coldplay is a Christian band. Being unfamiliar with them, I doubted it.

Anonymous said...

I agree that they're innocuous . . . but one of their lyrics is "Oh, and I don't have a soul to save. Yes, and I sin every single day." An unexpected lump in the oatmeal! :)

stephy said...

It's interesting to me that a line like that would make an entire culture rabid for them, when lots of other bands who are what we'd call 'secular' talk about sinning and needing to be saved, but the Christians don't jump on that train. I postulate that it's the safely-barely-edgy appeal Coldplay has that makes Christian culture nuts about them.

Anonymous said...

Actually Christian Culture likes them because Hansen aren't making records anymore.

ElktoothChain said...

Coldplay is incredible and if you don't agree then you're simply too concerned with being anti-trendy then with actually judging someone's creative output for yourself.

I and many of my musician friends have been listening to Coldplay since their early days (back when only underground indie kids liked them, before they had multi-million dollar worldwide stadium tours, etc.) Coldplay are simply great musicians that are great at what they do. They are not innocuous or bland, unless you mean to call the entire genre to which they belong also innocuous and bland (this would include anything from Iron & Wine to Sleeping at Last, Homer Hiccolm & the Rocket Boys, and many others besides). I think it's funny that so many people are so concerned with talking about how Coldplay is a horrible band just because they're popular. Most people ranted and raved about how great they were before X & Y hit it big (consequently, that is my favorite album by them, despite the fact that the band itself has gone on to call it their weakest). I haven't personally observed any particular affinity within the typical Christian community for Coldplay, at least not any more than within pop culture in general. However, as many popular artists do not deserve the fame or recognition they get, Coldplay has been and continues to be one very big exception to that. IF you don't like them, fine. But don't pretend like you have some sort of extra validity to call them talentless and banal. I know plenty of serious musicians that think Coldplay is phenomenal, so where's the truth?

Anonymous said...

One can't argue with taste, Elktooth. Coldplay is indeed incredible if you like them, but by the same token you can't fault anyone for not liking them. You may as well argue about your favorite color.

This post is not about the horribleness of Coldplay, it's about why Evangelicals like such a horrible band.

stephy said...

HAHA "I know plenty of serious musicians that think Coldplay is phenomenal, so where's the truth?"
The truth is that what you like is what you like, that taste is the enemy of art, that art is the enemy of rock and roll, and that a lot of evangelical Christians I know love Coldplay. LOVE them. This blog is nothing if not a big generalization and if my experience isn't the same as yours, that's totally cool.
Yeah, the post isn't about the horribleness of Coldplay, it's that Christian culture as I've experienced it likes Coldplay & that I don't think they're outright shitty. I think I wrote that there. I don't think I have any sort of extra validity to call them talentless and banal so that's why I didn't call them talentless and banal. I do however think I have some validity to be a giant corndog and admit that I like a Miley Cyrus song, so I'm going to go ahead and do that.

Anonymous said...

I like Boston, and it's more than a feeling.

stephy said...

I'm loving "I and many of my musician friends have been listening to Coldplay since their early days (back when only underground indie kids liked them)." So douchey.

Anonymous said...

I know a few people who are into the Coldplay and none of them are church goers.

Coldplay is a steaming pile of dogsh_t.



Jeremiah

Anonymous said...

Yes, Stephy. Douchier than fiction.

Amir said...

I just wanted to say that elktooth's response literally made me crack up! You'd think you just insulted his mother or something.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Amir! Your laughter is making me laugh about this again.

stephy said...

Me too! He was mighty defensive. It's because he's been listening to them with his SERIOUS MUSICIAN FRIENDS since BEFORE COLDPLAY GOT BIG!

stephy said...

Someone on the SCCL facebook page said that Elktooth must have designed this card.

Anonymous said...

IB Laffin. I think Rome held onto the Latin Mass for 2,000 years based on the same sentiment.

Anonymous said...

POPE: I was listening to God with my serious priest friends, way back before He got big.

CALVIN: Is that why you kill Him again every Sunday?

Anonymous said...

I am going to have to agree with some others on this post. I think Coldplay produces enjoyable music, but if someone hates them, I am fine with that as well. I appreciate the observation, but if Christians like Coldplay because the music does not offend their worldview and becuase it is catchy, I am not so sure what is to criticize. I have found this blog to be very funny because I relate so much to the material, but reading through it at times the criticism seems to be a little much.

Anonymous said...

ACK! I'm a pretty hardcore atheist and I totally dig Coldplay. And while we're on the subject, damn that Katy Perry and her catchy jingles.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't hear you, I have a stereotype in my ear.

Chrissy said...

Dear True radiant free (emissary), Would you mind defining "racial stereotype"?

True Radiant Free (emissary) said...

A racial stereotype is when you categorize a specific type of person with liking something. Just like if I were to say all people named Chrissy like hamburgers. What if you dont like hamburgers. Im sure you would negate what i said. It gets worse when you say that certain people like or do serious or harmful things, and they really dont.

stephy said...

I thought racial meant something pertains to someone's race. I don't think there is a race called Hamburger, but if there were I would like to belong to that race.

Josh said...

I'm a member of the Cheese race. I've been searching all over for the hamburger race. Our kids would be delicious

Anonymous said...

I think TRF Emissary means facial stereotypes, because, you know, Steve Tyler and Mick Jagger made people go, Oh, all rock singers have big lips! and then Coldplay used a fish-eye lens on their debut album cover that made their lips look big, so that's why they went platinum, but I mean record sales, not their soul patches, because that would be a facial hair stereotype and then TRF would emissary over to that post and get all, You are all such a facist.

morphingdragon@gmail.com said...

A lot of "I'm floating on air" alternative bands sound uninspired. It's just how the music has evolved. I like coldplay, especially A rush of blood to the head.

Weevil is a good example, a lot of the music is emotionless but its still nice too listen too.

If you want an "inspired" christian band, Listen to some Family Force 5... or Mumsdollar's newer work. FF5... is an interesting experiment.

Anonymous said...

Its still nice too listen too.

Chrissy said...

TRF(e): Thanks. But what you mean is "stereotyping." Racial stereotyping is when you generalize and assign a common habit to a specific race. Like saying "black people love watermelon." Generally it is true, but I live with a black person who does not like watermelon. There are many exceptions to every stereotype (racial or not), but the generalizations are interesting to examine. Thinking people stereotypically find it fascinating to examine stereotypes.
If stereotyping Christian Culture bothers you, I suggest you avoid thinking so stereotypically, and encourage those with whom you pray for Coldplay, to do the same. Then you can have fun with us! As of right now, the non-racial stereotype is proving itself true.

True Radiant Free (emissary) said...

Are you people so foolish that you can't see what I meant when I mad the analogy about chrissy and hamburgers. By the way if you're idea of having fun is stereotyping Christians, then that's sure pathetic. Christians are supposed to be set apart from this world, and make an impact by our example. I think you, chrissy, are getting caught up in the stereotype that if you talk like a fool in a blog then you'll feel excepted and part of a group of friends. Make sure it's not death and all his friends.

Anonymous said...

No more callers, please. We have a winner.

Chrissy said...

TRF(e): Stereotyping Christians is not the fun part. We didn't create the stereotype. It simply exists. The fun part is examining the stereotype that the culture created and encourages. Thinking is fun. Sharing our thoughts is fun. This blog, for me, is a gift from God. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights." Just tell God you think He gave me a stupid gift. He won't mind. You don't have to like the gifts He gives me. We all receive personal gifts from our Father. My friendship with Stephy is one of them. Don't worry. He'll give you different gifts that you like and need.
As of right now, I suggest in all my folly, that you yield to scripture and "Do not answer a fool according to his folly."
"Laughter is good medicine." Thanks for contributing to my daily dose, bro.

Anonymous said...

God? I think you gave Coldplay a stupid gift.

stephy said...

True Radiant Free, you don't seem set apart from this world. If the world should know you are a Christian by your love then why are you calling us foolish and pathetic? People who behave like you are the reason I don't want to be a Christian.

Anonymous said...

And what is the reason people like that seem like the reason?

Josh said...

True Radiant Free (emissary) said...
Are you people so foolish that you can't see what I meant when I mad the analogy about chrissy and hamburgers.

Not really, but you obviously saw what steph and chrissy were talking about by not putting "racial" before stereotype in your last post. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Proud of ya, TRF!

P.S. Can I be excepted into the group of friends now?

Chrissy said...

Josh, Accepted! And I checked with death to "make sure." He and all his friends are too busy killing people to blog. So we're all clear. We are exceptional :)

True Radiant Free (emissary) said...

It's good to hear that at least you have knowledge of the scripture chrissy. But did you happen to see that the next verse after the one you quoted (proverbs 26:5) is "answer a fool according to his folly" It might sound like the two verse contradict each other but not aswering a fool to his folly means not to prolong an argument by becoming foolish in the same way. Answering according to his folly means when you are stating a fact in love because you want to help or explain something. Anyway I'm not here to argue. And now for you stephy: I never called anyone foolish or pathetic. I simply asked if they were foolish, just like Jesus answered the Pharisees with a question. I said that feeling a part of a group by making stereotypes is pathetic. It's people like you who reject Christianity based on twisted words and proudness that make Christians want to be stronger witnesses. I have much compassion for the lost people, and I hope you can come to know Jesus' salvation for everyone, if you would humble yourself.

stephy said...

I know where you're coming from. I used to write things to people like the one you just wrote to me.

Chrissy said...

Knowledge of scripture is far from the least I've got. God also blessed me with succulent Double D titties! I'm rubbing them right now. Wanna cyber?

Anonymous said...

Didn't see that coming.

stephy said...

VIVA LA VIDA

Josh said...

"It's good to hear that at least you have knowledge of the scripture chrissy.": Apparently she also has big boobs. I LoL'd.

"It might sound like the two verse contradict each other but not aswering a fool to his folly means not to prolong an argument by becoming foolish in the same way.":Actually this seems like a contradiction to your argument, since it's almost exactly what I was thinking about you while I was reading your comment

"And now for you stephy:" Pins and needles!

"I never called anyone foolish or pathetic. I simply asked if they were foolish, just like Jesus answered the Pharisees with a question. I said that feeling a part of a group by making stereotypes is pathetic.":Calling someones actions pathetic is basically the same as calling them pathetic. Nice try but a huge fail in the end.

"It's people like you who reject Christianity based on twisted words and proudness that make Christians want to be stronger witnesses." Actually, from what I've read, I think Stephy still is a Christian she just pokes fun at the perversion that we call American sub culture Christianity. Hence, your getting all bent out of shape over a post about Coldplay. I don't think Jesus would care much. If I'm wrong, stephy, then I apologize. That's just what I've seen.

"I have much compassion for the lost people,": You shouldn't be so quick to think that you're the one found...

"and I hope you can come to know Jesus' salvation for everyone,": My personal relationship with Jesus has nothing to do with you, let alone "everyone" else

I apologize for the ramble and long post. Look! Chrissy has big boobs! *exits*

Anonymous said...

Glory, Chrissy, Stephy, glory.

Chrissy said...

This clip may clarify any question TRF(e) had regarding stereotypes. Or it will at least make the rest of you laugh and/or cry. This stereotypical Christian puppet show is unabashedly filled with racial stereotypes. Jackpot!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJWdPn8iFKo&feature=player_embedded

Anonymous said...

I disagree with the comment that they far more interesting than most Christian bands. Because even though more main stream Christian artists like SwitchFoot and Reliant K have lost their edge, there are definently better bands out there... But I agree with on going theme of thia all, Christian Music needs some revolution.

Yo merengues said...

God bless the cheesemakers!

sdfgdsgdfgfds said...

Coldplay's cover had a picture of a woman exposing one of her breasts yet you think that christian culture likes it?

stephy said...

Yes.

terz said...

Isn't it possible that people just like their music? I'm a Christian myself, but I found Coldplay through FANFICTION. FANFICTION THAT WASN'T MADE BY A CHRISTIAN. And after listening to a few songs, I decided I liked it. It wasn't until MONTHS later that I thought Viva La Vida had some Christian like themes in them and decided to check it out. I know people that aren't Christian but like them, and tons of people who are that would never listen to them. But these comments just make it seem as though every Christian likes Coldplay and that it sucks. I like their music and I would've liked them with or without a Christian element. Can you blame anyone for listening to a certain of music and like it because it's not filled with copious amounts of violence or profanity and lines up with their beliefs?

Anonymous said...

I think its so funny that all of u want to bash Christians for likeing Coldplay. Im shure that they can all careless about what you think.I know for a fact that Coldplay could careless as they lol all the way to the bank. And i would like to see one of you make a song that makes it to the billboard top 100.till then keep hating, being a Christan or a musician is not a ez thing. But they are both verry blessed. God loves them and all of you, even if you all are haters

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love Coldplay, they are my very favorite band. I am also Christian and, although most of their songs do not directly refer to God, they do not disrespect or rebel against Him (which is more than I could say for most artists). I would say they generally support Christian principles in most of their songs.

Unknown said...



Ngay trong nháy mắt này, Vương Lâm không cần nghĩ ngợi chút nào, vận chuyển nguyên lực toàn thân toả ra từng lỗ chân lông, hình thành một dòng chảy, trong chớp mắt cho nó tự bạo.

Ầm một tiếng, thân thể hắn nương theo lực lượng khi dòng chảy bùng nổ dùng tốc độ cực nhanh lao ra. Trong nháy mắt khi thân thể hắn lao ra, tay phải của thanh niên đầy tà khí kia đã đánh vào vị trí vừa nãy của hắn.

Vương Lâm sau khi lao ra cũng không dừng lại chút nào mà lập tức hoá thành một đạo cầu vồng bay đi. Cùng lúc đó hắn vỗ túi trữ vật, lập tức cầm lấy tiên kiếm, không do dự một chút nào mà liên tục chém tới tám đạo Trảm La Quyết.
đồng tâm
game mu
cho thuê phòng trọ
cho thuê phòng trọ
nhac san cuc manh
tổng đài tư vấn luật miễn phí
văn phòng luật
số điện thoại tư vấn luật
thành lập công ty

Chỉ nghe những âm thanh răng rắc vang lên, bầu trời bốn phía xung quanh Vương Lâm liền xuất hiện vô số vết nứt. Một lực lượng giam cầm vừa xuất hiện liền lập tức bị Trảm La Quyết của Vương Lâm chém rách.

Sắc mặt Vương Lâm âm trầm, tốc độ nhanh hơn nữa lao ra. Lúc trước hắn đã một lần bị phong kín bốn phía xung quanh thân thể, lúc này không chịu để chuyện này tái diễn một

AL said...

I'm a reformed (Calvinist) Christian and my favorite band is Fleetwood Mac. Is that a bad thing?

montre replique said...

Diese Serie verfügtüber fake uhren,die mit dem COSC zertifizierten Kaliber 7 Uhrwerk mit hoher Genauigkeit von 4 bis+6 Sekunden pro Tag ausgestattet sind.