Coldplay'sMylo Xyloto was a concept album for the masses. Not only was it hugely successful, but despite mixed reviews the band powered on and took it on the road recording a live concert in multiple countries across the globe on their tour. The question is, do they do their new style justice, or is it just not a live album? Dave Roberts investiages.
I'll preface this by saying that I missed out on seeing Coldplay. So if you went, I'm very, very jealous of you. And, after having a listen to the album/watching the DVD that was just released, I'm more green than previously.
Live 2012 is Coldplay's first live album for nine years, and it's not only obvious how far the band has come in that time - so far as musicality is concerned, but even their ramp up in popularity is obvious. Ever since 2005's X&Y (which on a side note, is my favourite album by the band) I've wanted to see/hear some of the songs on this album done live, and recorded live.
And let's just say, this album certainly didn't disappoint. Not only is it a strong interpretation and performance from the band, the visuals are amazing, the crowd is dead on being reactive and a good audience, and further the songlist is pretty solid.
Now if I were to stop there, that'd be a pretty strong 80% review. But it's not.
The biggest issue here is some of the vocal and vocal-synth lines from the album cannot be reproduced perfectly. For example, in "Hurts Like Heaven", the line 'So cool so cold' just sounds huge on the album. Nope, looks like they can't do that live. This isn't the only example of this throughout the album, but the rest just have to be listened to to hear. Vocals punch and layering are things that you don't notice unless they aren't there.
Now, this could be taken two ways, either they have tried to do their best as a four piece to replicate the album, but for this reviewer (perhaps unfortunately) I'm of the opinion that you should hold back on an album and let loose live. Or at least, replicate 95% of the sound, which Coldplay just can't do live.
They can try their best, and perhaps the atmosphere of the concert is the lacking component to fix the missing bits and pieces, but on CD or DVD it just doesn't do a great job.
Sadly, it's a fantastic album that falls down in key areas making it an average album. If you're a fan, or missed the concert, I'd definitely recommend it, but otherwise stick to the live shows and their studio albums.
Overall, i'd say that this album is a valiant effort by the boys from Sunny old England, however the few problems let the album down, leaving it a scrap above average.
Review Score: 7/10
