Coldplay - 42

Those who are dead are not dead

They're just living in my head

Those are rather dark lyrics for Coldplay, come to think of it. "42" (Chris Martin's favourite number) begins with mournful piano, but as Martin laments about their being more to life the music suddenly picks up pace and is filled with crashing cymbals and electric guitar. That's pretty much what makes this song so great--the music is as emotional as the lyrics.

This is probably my favourite track off their latest album, Viva La Vida, a name borrowed from a Frida Kahlo painting. The cover art is also borrowed from an artist--Eugène Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People. If artsy is what the band was aiming for with this album, I think they accomplished it or at least came close. Produced by Brian Eno, the album features a lot more instrumental sections than their previous albums. The songs sound very orchestrated and perfect for filling up an arena. Unfortunately, I missed both their shows in L.A.

On an interesting side note, guitarist Joe Satriani filed a lawsuit against Coldplay for copyright infringement on the track "Viva La Vida," claiming that it incorporates "substantial original portions" of a song he wrote back in 2004. I'm assuming it's just a mere coincidence but I suppose you can hear for yourself. The band, of course, denies his accusations.