Can I tell you my favorite moment? That would be when lead singer Jemina Pearl gets in an argument with her boyfriend and kills him in a bog(“ Bog“). Topics include going on adventures(“ Adventure“), riding bikes and hassling people(“ Bicycle Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle“), and threats, idle and otherwise(every other song). But are we to ask the sun not to shine, the snow not to melt, and teenagers to not waste time and be idle nuisances? Be Your Own Pet is time wasting teenage behavior set to glorious thrashy punk rock. To an adult with responsibilities and bills and car trouble this kind of behavior is either irritating or infuriating.

I joked the other day with a co-worker about a group of teenagers going into a store with no money, mocking the merchandise while making lame jokes and then leaving. Are Coldplay sentimental? Sure, but never insincere. “ God Put a Smile On Your Face” and “ Clocks” are still just as great as the first time I heard them and “ Amsterdam” is as good a closing track as ever. I’ve always liked Chris Martin’s voice and I quite simply find this album undeniable.

To a time before Coldplay missed becoming the next Radiohead and became the new U2 instead. It takes me back to a time before Coldplay was COLDPLAY and A Rush of Blood to the Head was merely the followup to Parachutes. When I put this on in the car a month ago Rachel remarked, “Oh, this takes me back.” Indeed.

Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)

Deftones albums bicycle lyrics