Many, many people had high expectations for Coldplay’s most recent release, hoping that it will be bigger and better than the last. While some make appropos comparisons to U2, I like to examine Coldplay at it own merit of melody, soundscape and rhythm (even though I haven’t heard the album yet, hehe). The reviews are lukewarm to raving and buzz abounds.

Speaking of which, over the last couple of weeks the buzz about Coldplay’s latest LP has reached a deafening level climaxing with the news that Coldplay was being accused of stealing the melody for “Viva La Vida” from New York band Creeky Boards. According to numerous reports, Creeky Boards front man, Andrew Hoepfner, claims that the melody originated from his song “The Songs I Didn’t Write” and he even asserts that Coldplay’s front man, Chris Martin, was at one of his shows in October. Hoepfner, cleverly, posted a video on YouTube for us to compare the songs for ourselves. What do you think?

Although it seems an unlikely coincidence, I am unwilling to pass judgment…yet. Martin has denied the accusation and a band spokesperson told NME that the band was across the pond during the show at which Hoepfner claims to have seen Martin. Show dates and diary conflicts notwithstanding, it is entirely possible for these accusations to be true. The onus, however, is on Hoepfner to prove that the melodies are actually the same (which to me they are) and that he created it first.

Either way, Hoepfner found a great way to piggyback on the Coldplay buzz.


Check out these reviews of Viva la Vida and Death to All His Friends:
A Tepid Effort by Coldplay
Viva La Vida, or, Coldplay Returns

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