Coldplay goes live in India. These covers by Indians are (arguably) better than the originals
From 'Fix You' to 'Paradise', here's the affordable way out when listening to Coldplay perform live is not an option.
It’s Coldplay Day, finally, in Mumbai, with the band performing live on Saturday evening.
For once, even the biggest of Bollywood celebrities – from Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan to Amitabh Bachchan and Ranveer Singh, not to mention Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor Khan – will not be the attention of all eyes. Because, as the audience might say, Chris Martin.
For all those feeling Yellow because they can’t be there, here are a few covers of Coldplay songs by Indian musicians which could transport one to Para-para-paradise.
Rolling Stone referred to Coldplay’s Fix You from the 2005 X&Y as “an unabashedly sentimental song where (Chris) Martin delivers words of encouragement in a gentle falsetto.” The Indian Jam Project’s tribute hits all the right notes.
The almost (but, not quite) artistically great band has been praised for releasing a seemingly unending stream of smash hits. YouTube celebrity-singer Shreya Rai’s version of Paradise is a mesmerising reminder of how Indian style vocals can work in this song.
Coldplay has managed to change public perception of Rock by regaling audiences worldwide with their brand of soft (and brooding) rock. At the same time, their music has also been labelled dull and sappy – to the extent of being downright cheesy. This Yellow cover by beatboxers Vineeth Vincent and Julius Mitchell is an innovative take. Coldplay, please take notice!
Coldplay was on the road to reinventing themselves with Adventure of a Lifetime. Aiesha India’s cover does justice to the happy vibe of the song by staying away from the dance floor.
Being the bundle of stereotypes that Hymn for the Weekend was, it drew a lot of ire from its faithful Indian cult following. That did not stop Ramyakeerthi Jandhyala from belting out this version in a bid to promote culture appreciation and stay away from appropriation.
This mash-up of the popular Carnatic song Krishna Nee and Coldplay’s Fix You found a lot of favour thanks to to this fusion of Western and Classical Indian music.