Good or Bad- Coldplay and other contemporary U2 imitators

HBK-79 · 10-26-2008, 12:48 PM

Hey everyone. I know there has been much discussion about this topic. But I just wanted to expand on it a little further.

As you already know, there are many alt-rock bands that are being labeled by critics as “the new U2.” There are many acts have put some sort of twist on the U2 sound and made it their own. These are the kind of acts that I like to call “U2 for the younger crowds.”

I can think of the 5 of these types of acts:

Coldplay = a Radiohead version of U2

Angels & Airwaves = The Cure version of U2

Snow Patrol = an R.E.M. version of U2 (I couldn’t think of anything else to call them)

The Fray = a Counting Crows version of U2

The Killers = a Morrissey version of U2

What is it that makes these bands "sound" like U2? I mean- Why do people compare bands like Coldplay to U2?

Do you guys agree with these comparisons? And do you guys think the presence of these “U2 rip-offs” is a good or bad thing?

Zootlesque · 10-26-2008, 01:03 PM

I'm sick of seeing band comparisons to U2.

partygirlvox · 10-26-2008, 01:07 PM

Did you really have to shoot this persons thread down so rudely, though?

Zootlesque · 10-26-2008, 01:10 PM

It's not directed at the original poster. It is my reaction after seeing tons and tons of threads about Coldplay being the next U2... Are Killers the next U2?... Who will carry U2's torch? Are Arcade Fire the next U2?......

Sorry if I sounded mean but it's not like I'm locking this thread and preventing any discussion from taking place. Carry on.

lazarus · 10-26-2008, 01:38 PM

Coldplay has NOTHING in common with Radiohead, aside from being British.

Lancemc · 10-26-2008, 01:41 PM

They also have a drummer.

Very similar.... hmmmmmmm.

Audiophile · 10-26-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBK-79

I can think of the 5 of these types of acts:

Coldplay = a Radiohead version of U2

Angels & Airwaves = The Cure version of U2

Snow Patrol = an R.E.M. version of U2 (I couldn’t think of anything else to call them)

The Fray = a Counting Crows version of U2

The Killers = a Morrissey version of U2

Do you guys agree with these comparisons? And do you guys think the presence of these “U2 rip-offs” is a good or bad thing?

These comparisons are stretching it a bit and don't make too much sense to me. You lost me from the beginning.....Radiohead and Coldplay have absolutely nothing to do with one another and if you combine them, to me, they still would sound nothing like U2.

u2popmofo · 10-26-2008, 03:42 PM

I always find it strange that U2 fans seem to hate any other band being influenced by U2, you think it would be something fans would be happy about or proud of.

That all said, I think calling people "U2 rip offs" is generally a bit harsh. Granted, I'm not greatly familiar with a good amount mentioned, but what I have heard doesn't even strike me as entirely U2. U2 themselves did not create chiming guitars. U2 did not create anthemic choruses. U2 themselves have blatantly shown "influence" from numerous other bands through out their entire career. Given that, are U2 themselves "rip offs"? I personally wouldn't say that, and thus find it completely unfair to label any other band who shows their influences as such either, particularly when those bands have been successful on their own merits.

the tourist · 10-26-2008, 03:47 PM

Am I in Bang & Clatter or am I in Everything You Know Is Wrong?

phillyfan26 · 10-26-2008, 04:49 PM

The weirdest thing on that whole thing was Radiohead compared to Coldplay, as Laz and Lance said.

Irishteen · 10-26-2008, 05:57 PM

Coldplay a Radiohead version of U2? They both have bald drummers? I like Coldplay, but I've never really heard that much U2 in them, the guitarist is obviously influenced by Edge and the band are huge U2 fans but don't really sound much like U2 at all to me.

Bands get inspired by other bands and they make a somewhat similar sound in some regards. I mean what were U2? A Joy Division version of Television?

LemonMacPhisto · 10-26-2008, 05:59 PM

The Fray? Now that's a new one.

COBL_04 · 10-26-2008, 06:24 PM

how can one band be another band's version of another band?

I'm sorry but some people have way too much time on their hands.

Headache in a Suitcase · 10-26-2008, 06:28 PM

coldplay also has a singer, and use lights. in fact i've seen chris martin wear sunglasses. they're a pure u2 rip off. they might as well call themselves a cover band.

Irishteen · 10-26-2008, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headache in a Suitcase

coldplay also has a singer, and use lights. in fact i've seen chris martin wear sunglasses. they're a pure u2 rip off. they might as well call themselves a cover band.

Coldplay are such U2 copy cats! They have a bald one! A good looking one! An over the top one with an ego! And someone else who's just there! They're copied U2's formula for music

10-26-2008, 12:48 PM	#1
HBK-79 Jesus of Suburbia Premium Gold Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: City of the Damned Posts: 74 Local Time: 02:19 AM	Good or Bad- Coldplay and other contemporary U2 imitators Hey everyone. I know there has been much discussion about this topic. But I just wanted to expand on it a little further. As you already know, there are many alt-rock bands that are being labeled by critics as “the new U2.” There are many acts have put some sort of twist on the U2 sound and made it their own. These are the kind of acts that I like to call “U2 for the younger crowds.” I can think of the 5 of these types of acts: Coldplay = a Radiohead version of U2 Angels & Airwaves = The Cure version of U2 Snow Patrol = an R.E.M. version of U2 (I couldn’t think of anything else to call them) The Fray = a Counting Crows version of U2 The Killers = a Morrissey version of U2 What is it that makes these bands "sound" like U2? I mean- Why do people compare bands like Coldplay to U2? Do you guys agree with these comparisons? And do you guys think the presence of these “U2 rip-offs” is a good or bad thing?

10-26-2008, 01:07 PM	#3
partygirlvox The Female Eunuch. Premium Gold Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sunny Goodge Street. Posts: 10,678 Local Time: 06:19 AM	Did you really have to shoot this persons thread down so rudely, though? __________________

10-26-2008, 01:41 PM	#6
Lancemc Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB Premium Gold Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: In low orbit over the seas of Pandora Posts: 9,493 Local Time: 01:19 AM	They also have a drummer. Very similar.... hmmmmmmm. __________________ A Sensual Journey Through the Work of WONG KAR WAI - by Me

10-26-2008, 03:47 PM	#9
the tourist I'm A Starflyer Premium Gold Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: in the garage of Liam's cardboard box house in Axver's backyard. Posts: 18,255 Local Time: 10:19 PM	Am I in Bang & Clatter or am I in Everything You Know Is Wrong? __________________ Starflyer 59: "rocking your world since '93" get into it.

10-26-2008, 04:49 PM	#10
phillyfan26 ROCK, FLAG, AND EAGLE! Premium Gold Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Shithole Posts: 23,514 Local Time: 01:19 AM	The weirdest thing on that whole thing was Radiohead compared to Coldplay, as Laz and Lance said. __________________ Philadelphia Phillies - 2008 World Fuckin' Champions

10-26-2008, 01:03 PM	#2
Zootlesque Blue Crack Supplier Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Uncool corner of Interference... overlooking Space Moon™ Posts: 35,549 Local Time: 01:19 AM Images: 65	I'm sick of seeing band comparisons to U2.

10-26-2008, 01:10 PM	#4
Zootlesque Blue Crack Supplier Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Uncool corner of Interference... overlooking Space Moon™ Posts: 35,549 Local Time: 01:19 AM Images: 65	It's not directed at the original poster. It is my reaction after seeing tons and tons of threads about Coldplay being the next U2... Are Killers the next U2?... Who will carry U2's torch? Are Arcade Fire the next U2?...... Sorry if I sounded mean but it's not like I'm locking this thread and preventing any discussion from taking place. Carry on.

10-26-2008, 01:38 PM	#5
lazarus Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 7,226 Local Time: 10:19 PM	Coldplay has NOTHING in common with Radiohead, aside from being British.

10-26-2008, 03:42 PM	#8
u2popmofo Scum-free since '08 Premium Gold Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 15,464 Local Time: 11:19 PM	I always find it strange that U2 fans seem to hate any other band being influenced by U2, you think it would be something fans would be happy about or proud of. That all said, I think calling people "U2 rip offs" is generally a bit harsh. Granted, I'm not greatly familiar with a good amount mentioned, but what I have heard doesn't even strike me as entirely U2. U2 themselves did not create chiming guitars. U2 did not create anthemic choruses. U2 themselves have blatantly shown "influence" from numerous other bands through out their entire career. Given that, are U2 themselves "rip offs"? I personally wouldn't say that, and thus find it completely unfair to label any other band who shows their influences as such either, particularly when those bands have been successful on their own merits.

10-26-2008, 05:57 PM	#11
Irishteen Blue Crack Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 22,033 Local Time: 06:19 AM	Coldplay a Radiohead version of U2? They both have bald drummers? I like Coldplay, but I've never really heard that much U2 in them, the guitarist is obviously influenced by Edge and the band are huge U2 fans but don't really sound much like U2 at all to me. Bands get inspired by other bands and they make a somewhat similar sound in some regards. I mean what were U2? A Joy Division version of Television?

10-26-2008, 05:59 PM	#12
LemonMacPhisto Honky HONKY! Premium Gold Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Always in the sun Posts: 28,208 Local Time: 01:19 AM	The Fray? Now that's a new one. __________________

10-26-2008, 06:24 PM	#13
COBL_04 is trying to suck a lemon Premium Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Put 'em Under Pressure, 2008 AFL Thread!! & Wezza Posts: 8,009 Local Time: 05:19 PM	how can one band be another band's version of another band? I'm sorry but some people have way too much time on their hands. __________________ Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

10-26-2008, 06:28 PM	#14
Headache in a Suitcase Blue Crack Supplier Premium Gold Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: yip yip yip yip yip Posts: 30,615 Local Time: 01:19 AM Images: 15	coldplay also has a singer, and use lights. in fact i've seen chris martin wear sunglasses. they're a pure u2 rip off. they might as well call themselves a cover band. __________________

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