Friday, July 18, 2008

Coldplay: Live 2003

Riding high on the phenomenal success of A Rush of Blood to the Head, Coldplay is in peak form on Coldplay Live 2003. This CD/DVD two-pack was filmed (on Super-16mm film) and recorded in Sydney's Horden Pavilion on July 21 and 22, 2003, during an exhaustive year-long world tour, and the medium-sized arena provides a fitting stage for the London-based rock quartet, not so grand as to overwhelm the music, but large enough to indicate their large and loyal following, which includes enthusiastic fans of either gender. Especially when played in DTS 5.1 surround, this 90-minute concert is richer, thicker, and (of course) louder than Coldplay's studio recordings, lending a wall-of-sound expansiveness to the band's signature sound, which draws from such diverse influences as Genesis, Pink Floyd, The Verve, U2, and their own unique sonic landscape. "Politik" gets the gig off to a rousing start, and other impressive highlights include "Daylight," "Yellow," the as-yet-unreleased new song "Moses," and the popular hits "In My Place," "Clocks," and "The Scientist." And while the concert visuals are slick and professional (perhaps placing a bit too much emphasis on singer/frontman Chris Martin), this DVD and CD--the latter containing a truncated 70-minute version of the same performance--are best appreciated for their pristine audio quality. Culled from 400 hours of home video, the 40-minute "concert diary" represents a wasted opportunity, enjoyable for hardcore fans but offering no insight into the band or its individual members. Much better, then, to play the concert at healthy high volume, and appreciate Coldplay in the prime of their young career. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Review: The best concert I never went to!!
I got the Coldplay 2003 DVD as a birthday present in '04. Coldplay's my favorite band, so you can imagine my excitement. Back in the days, I never thought I could ever be in a real concert of the band, I lived too far away from any place they toured. Almost four years later, I still think the DVD was the best concert in my life. That is, taking into consideration that I went to see them, against all odds, in NYC in 2006. It's not that the concert was bad, it was one of the best days in my life. It's that to me, the DVD is so good that I can't get enough of it. The band plays perfectly, the connection with the crowd is real, the choice of songs is fantastic, the sound is epic, the transitions that go along with songs, including colors, angles and views of the crowd and the band are nothing but exciting and bright. If there's any DVD I would ever recommend, it's this one. It's the closest you'll come to live the Coldplay experience if you haven't got the chance to live it already.
Customer Review: Wow. That's all I have to say.
Not only is the music CD great, but the DVD packs quite the punch. The only tiny thing that bugged me was how the CD didn't have every song off of the DVD, but I guess that's what makes the DVD that much better. If you like Coldplay, but this DVD, you will not regret it. Best $20 musical purchase I've made in a long time.


Legend Vega is scheduled to release her newest CD this summer, Personal Space. Fans characterize Legend's style as a cross between Mariah Carey and a female version of Ricky Martin. She was born under the lights of Broadway in New York City but raised to the beat of Salsa and Merengue on the hot sands of Puerto Rico. Legend Vega is an experienced singer, songwriter, and model. She has just finished recording her newest CD with all of her own material. Her mainstream pop style and her Latin background make her an excellent crossover artist for the U.S. market. Her album features a broad mix of pop music recorded in English but with many Latin influences.

Legend has sung in a variety of venues from Caribbean resorts to outdoor festivals, and even on Broadway. She has performed with famous artists such as Elton John as an opening act at the Conquistador. On Broadway she performed as the lead vocalist in Tony and Tinas Wedding where she sang 32 songs nightly under director Larry Pellegrini. She has also exhibited her vocal skills as a duet partner and backup singer on various CDs for other artists.

In addition to her talents on stage, she also enjoys writing songs. She identifies themes, composes the lyrics, and develops the melody for all of her works. She has also been very involved in the arrangements of each of the songs on her new album. She has completed a multitude of songs in a wide variety of styles (Pop, Rock, Romantic Ballads, Salsa, etc.)

What I really love about singing is being able to reach into someones soul and touch their life in a special way. By writing my own music, I feel that I can do this even better its as if I am having a very personal and intimate conversation with each of my listeners. -- Legend

Legend has an energetic and alluring on-stage presence as a dancer. She has performed concerts in styles ranging from classical ballet to Brazilian samba. She has performed solo dance shows and sang with artists such as world renowned flute player Nestor Torrez.

My real passion is singing. For me, dancing is just the way my voice radiates its influence through my body. Dancing is a natural extension of the sound of my music. -- Legend

In addition to her musical and dance talents, she also has the physical look necessary for mainstream pop marketability. She is an experienced and successful model. She has appeared in print ads (perfume, hair, clothing, etc.), television commercials (beer, hair, etc.) and live fashion shows (Victoria Secrets, etc.). Although modeling is not her main focus, her style and appearance is a plus to her on-stage audience appeal.

Legend has a bachelors degree in TV and film production, and has also studied classical opera and composition at the Conservatory of Puerto Rico. She has hosted a television series about music topics (House of Rock) and produced a pilot for her own music show (Latino Connection). She has also had small cameo appearances in a variety of other television programs.

Her new album features a variety of pop songs. The music was recorded in San Juan under the leadership of Grammy award winner, Ramon Martinez. Legend co-arranged and co-produced most of the songs with Joaquin Fernandez. The instrumentals feature such well known musicians as Januse Bakun (bass player for Ricky Martin and Mark Anthony), Reynaldo Torres (drummer for Luis Fonsi), Rey Reyes (singer for Menudo), Joseph Fonseca, Aldo Mata, and many others.

Visit Legend Vega's Official Website
http://www.legendvega.com

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