Holy Crap.

(Or, Viva La Martin!)

Album Artwork: The Damn French!
Liberty Leading The People, Eugène Delacroix (1830, Louvre)
The painting depicts a three-day uprising by republicans that took place in Paris near Delacroix's painting studio. The main character is Marianne, the symbol of the French nation (nme.com)

The new Coldplay album, Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, which I have been patiently waiting over four years for, will be released on June 12 (UK) and 17 (US). Other countries can suck it because I'm only concerned with that UK date... Rejoice and toss up those hallelujahs: 2008 is quickly erasing the memory of 2007 clear from my ADD-addled brain.

In other, more pressingly delightful news, the band is "very pleased" to announce that the new single "Violet Hill" will be DLable on April 29th... UK time. AND they announced a pair of free shows at Brixton (6/16) and Madison Square Garden (who cares, I'm not in the US). FREE. SHOWS. Please slap me because I'm clearly dreaming.

Now, lest you think Coldplay have taken some strange inspiration from the other famous Martin (i.e. the Puerto Rican bon-bon master), pause for a moment: the title was inspired by Frida Kahlo (Mexican artist/Salma Hayek) and the supposedly more "upbeat" tunes sprouted from the rich musical influence of Spain, Central and South America, which they visited on last year's mini tour. Trent got sober and his tunes remained kick-ass, so hopefully this bodes well for the transformation to a sunshine-y Coldplay.

I don't care if they were inspired by burros and chupacabras: this album has a lot to live up to. Like the second coming of Christ or the next immediate-free-download NIN album, new Coldplay will bring me closer to reaching enlightenment. Let's not think about what will happen once the touring begins... We'll see if I'm willing to fly farther than Singapore this time.

UPDATE: Shiiiiit... Quiet build up. Then, out of nowhere, tuned down electric guitar riffage, a heavy ass drum beat, smashing cymbals, bass-gone-groovetastic, Chris Martin's signature soaring vox and vaguely pretty lyrics. Then suddenly, a relaxing piano tinkling to signal the end. Haha, DAMN. I'm satisfied. Viva!

Free download available until 5/5 here. Just do it.