June 17, 2008 - Coldplay

[Rick Henry]

Tomorrow is the day I purchase the new Coldplay CD. It's called "viva La vida" and is produced by the legendary Brian Eno. Eno is one of my all-time favorite musicians. I own most of his solo works, along with all his works with Roxy Music, Talking Heads, David Bowie, U2, Devo and others.

I love the fact that I still get excited about a new release. this has been a great year as Donna Summer's recent release is also an outstanding album.

I will also be buying the DVD set for the TV series "The Burn Notice".
This is an action-packed one-hour series starring Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen, a blacklisted spy. When spies get fired, they don’t get a letter from “human resources” – they get BURNED. The show has a great dark humor behind it. I love this show! It's shown on the USA Cable network.

[Rick Henry]

My appointments and commitments ended at around 4:00 p.m. today. I came home and changed into my gym clothes and went directly to the gym and got there at 4:50. I had a great workout... did some cardio and weight training. I left the gym at 5:50 and from there I started my six mile journey to Virgin Megastore to purchase the new Coldplay CD.

For this drive I chose to bring a Pink Floyd compilation I assembled of some of my favorite songs from the pre Dark Side Of The Moon era. My favorite Pink Floyd music is from the earlier acoustic era from 1969 to 1972. Their music was absolutely beautiful during this time period.

Listen to Pink Floyd - Fat Old Sun (1970): Click Here

I got stuck in rush hour traffic and was even held up a bit by a train... but the drive was still very pleasant as I listened to the soothing sounds of Pink Floyd.

Listen to Pink Floyd - If (1970): Click Here

Once I made it to Virgin Magastore I took a look in the rearview mirror to make sure my hair looked good (okay, I am a bit vain... I just can't go into public with messy hair). I was totally excited that this day has finally come. I would finally have more new music from a favorite band.

The new Coldplay album was prominently displayed at both entrances of the store. I picked up my copy right away. They even played the new Coldplay in the store. I also picked up a copy of the 4-disc DVD set of "The burn Notice"... one of my favorite shows shown on the USA Network... this was also released today. Two favorites in one day... WOW!

Of course for the drive home I played the new Coldplay and right away I was just thrilled by what I heard. I have to say this is one of Coldplays best works. It rivals the best of the best. it's easy to say that Coldplay is now batting in the same league as super-greats such as U2.

Listen to Coldplay - Violet Hill: Click Here

I made it through the first five songs on the drive home and continued to listen to the rest of the disc here at home. I love the album. It's fantastic from beginning to end. The album is not just a collection of songs... but it's an event. The album tells a story of love, faith and triumph. Musically this is Coldplay's strongest effort yet. Needless to say I will be listening to this one for the rest of the year. A+

Listen to Coldplay - Viva La Vida: Click Here