Australian Tour Edition of this Huge Selling Album features a Bonus CD with Four Tracks Including Acoustic Performances of 'yellow' and 'spies'.
Customer Review: greatest album they'll ever make
Parachutes has a distinct sound that can only come from coldplay. The sound producer did an excellent job, as he also did on A Rush of Blood to the Head (which why I'm sad that coldplay parted ways with him during the recording of X&Y). I have been playing music for almost my whole life and the rhythm section (Will and Guy) does an awesome job of getting everybody on the same page without oversimplifying their sound. They are the ones that really set the stage with compound rhythms. Jonny and Chris's expertise are showcased in all of these songs, which are more acoustically whole than I thought a band could make. If you are a new fan to coldplay, then take this album for what it is. It doesn't have the simple poppy beats and lyrics of their current lineup (which is still pretty good). Every band goes thru phases during their tenure and Parachutes was made when ALL members of the band were in snyc and worked towards a balanced sound. This album is a masterpiece and will always be the best album to introduce new listeners to coldplay.
Customer Review: Australian Import of "Parachutes" Has Great Bonus Tracks
It's been 4+ years since the original release of Coldplay's debut album in the UK (the US release would follow in Nov. 2000), and as the phenom called Coldplay is getting bigger and bigger, it's now clear that "Parachutes" is a classic, in every sense of the word. By now, the original 10 tracks of the album all have become so instantly familiar, yet never tiresome. There is of course "Yellow", the US break-through single but for me probably the weakest track on the set. Check out instead "Shiver", "Don't Panic" (with the immortal line "We Live in a Beautiful World"), "Trouble" and Sparks", 4 other singles from the album (all of them still available on Amazon). The Australian import version of "Parachutes" (14 tracks, 56 min.) comes with 4 additional tracks on a separate CD: "Sparks" in the album version (nothing new here), but then also "Careful Where You Stand" which is a b-side from the "Shiver" single, "Yellow" in an accoustic version that in my opinion is actually better than the original version, and the hauntingly beautiful "See You Soon", which originally appeared on the "Blue Room" EP. Both "Careful" and "See You Soon" are essentials in the Coldplay catalogue. We now await Coldplay's new album, which supposedly will come out in Spring 2005. Who knows whether that's gonna be any good, but for sure it's gonna be a monster, and Coldplay is well on its way to be the next U2. Meanwhile, enjoy the humble and intimate debut album which I dare say Chris and the boys will never surpass.
The experts at California DJs know all the secret elements - and the not-so-secret ones too all to help you plan the ultimate wedding reception that is perfectly you! Use these 10 essential elements to create the perfect day for you and your guests.
1. Generously Invite
Writing the guest list what a challenge! How do you agree on whom to invite and still stay within your budget? Heres the bottom line. You are preparing for the most magical day of your life and in the end only one thing will matter the public declaration of your love and commitment and each and every person there to witness it.
We encourage you to invite every person you love. Your guests are the focal point of this very special day. Cut back on the cost of the dinner, limit the hours of the open bar, but dont cross off names. As you fondly remember your wedding day, you will not remember the per-person cost. You will remember glowing faces of the people celebrating your union the buzz at the reception the clink of toasting glasses throughout the room congratulating your marriage! The extra veggie platter, shrimp apps, and extravagant centerpiece wont be the center of attention the people will be.
2. Designate Your Celebratory Space
Before you plan your reception know exactly where you want people to mix and mingle. Fantastic receptions brim with family and friends who feel comfortable, meet, talk, dance, and become acquainted with one another. Dont let guests leave early, slip away to check out the impressive surroundings of your location, or run outside for a smoke and then never come back to join the party. Define the space with ribbons or closed doors. Dont be afraid to close off certain areas or rooms. The liveliest receptions have a common area where guests are mingling and activities are taking place. A designated space ensures guests catch and capture each wonderful moment as it unfolds.
3. Special Activities Just For The Joy Of It
Remember, 80% of your guests wont know each other. The greatest wedding memories are the new friendships and extended family bonds created at your wedding. Use interactive games, specialty dances, bold announcements, or fun activities during the reception to break the ice and help people get to know one other. Suddenly youll see people laughing and enjoying themselves instead of feeling shy or retreating on the sidelines.
4. Let Go, Have Fun & Toss Your Worries Aside
The bride sets the stage and the tone for reception party. This is the time and place for all brides to let go, have fun, and toss any last minute worries aside. Let the months of planning and masterful professionals youve selected take over and do what they do best. You only have one job - to be the most radiant and loveliest guest of honor. Show up and celebrate! If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, your guests will sense it and feel uncomfortable too. You have the power and pleasure to give your guests permission to let loose and have a great time!
5. Dance Your Little Heart Out
One saucy shoe must be the first to step out on the dance floor. Guests will be looking to you for permission and timing to dance. As soon as you get up and dance, theyll let loose and do a little rumba too! People are typically shy and most guests are very careful not to offend or overstep their boundaries. Plan to play music you love so you are comfortable. Your physical cues can create a safe space for them to dance, toe-tap, celebrate, toast, and party. Watch friends and family get up and dance, thoroughly enjoy themselves, then talk about what a fabulous reception it was in the morning.
6. Embellish, Adorn, and Decorate
The dcor sets the mood at the reception. Simple dcor is not only best, it is marvelously elegant. Elegant doesnt have to mean expensive. Think sentimental instead of expensive and youll amaze yourself with the brilliant ideas that come to mind. Since flowers are typically 15% of the overall wedding budget, you can save money by intermingling silk flowers. Want a discount, ask for one! Many places give quantity and wedding discounts. Use your imagination and let your creativity take over.
7. Invite Groups of People That Know Each Other
No doubt your guests will be coming from many different walks of life - but the more people you bring together with common bonds - the more alive the reception will be. People feel safest when they are surrounded by people and situations that are familiar to them. Watch the twinkle in the eyes of your family members sparkle as they greet familiar faces from way back when. Notice work friends create a tribe of sorts and fill up the dance floor. Birds of a feather flock together. Invite groups of people that know each other and see a warm, wonderful, and happy vibe wash over the reception.
8. Serve Thirst Quenching Libations
Every reception should have beer, wine, or alcoholic beverages available. Hesitant??? Think again. Cocktails loosen people up and lessen inhibitions. Even people who do not drink, often make exceptions at weddings. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event and rules can and will be broken. Keep the cost down. Serve beer on tap, inexpensive bottles of wine (Charles Shaw for $1.99/bottle), or have a cash only bar with free soft drinks and water. All the fun at a fraction of the cost.
9. Early Notice and Save The Date Announcements
Your invitees wont want to miss your big day, but with very busy schedules advance notice is not a luxury its required. Invite people well in advance. 30% of guests that dont show decline because they didnt get enough advance notice. Send an electronic save the date message via email or try a unique and money saving save the date photo postcard for as little as $.65 a card including postage. Avoid disappointing Will Not Attends that arrive late in the mail or worse yet embarrassing Yes response cards from people who dont show up. As rude as this is, people hate to say no. Giving people advance notice a minimum of 3 weeks - will minimize disappointment and embarrassment and bring all your favorite people together.
10. Use The One Hour Gathering Rule
Party "kick-off" starts one hour after the official start time. Many people will show up late so use the one hour gathering rule to account for lateness and all the other influences out of your control traffic, distance, directions, babysitters, weather, and other unknowns. Begin with an intimate one-hour cocktail or champagne reception to entertain before the party officially starts. Play inviting music and host an open bar if you choose. Because most guests will arrive late, serve food or appetizers toward the end of the gathering hour. This will give the effect of a perfectly planned and welcoming entrance.
Bonus Tip: Plan for a Grand Entrance Showcasing You!
We call it the dazzling ta-da entrance! This is where it all comes together. You arrive relaxed and ready to have fun. Your mood is joyful and sets the tone for an utterly enjoyable reception. Your guests havent waited longer than one hour. Youve planned ahead with the photographer and the photos are archived in the camera forever. Now before your big entrance, remember all the love you feel inside and visualize the joy inside of you sweeping guests off their feet.
Hear the melody of your favorite music fill the room and feel the anticipation of the guests expecting your arrival. Let every bit of warmth, happiness, and radiance come through as you flitter into the room. Your grand entrance will set the tone and prepare your guests for one of the most talked about wedding receptions of the year. Create ambiance and fun by lining the walkway with fresh petals, a bubble machine, or doing something personal, silly, or heartwarming that is uniquely you.
Then, let the DJ do what he does best. Youve hired the best and planned well in advance. Let your vision come together as the reality of this marvelous day unfolds. Hear each and every guest say,
It was the best time since we can remember! Andrea Wolf
California DJs has over 4,000 happy customers. Go to http://californiadjs.com/tips.htm to get your free reception planner and see more than 60,000 wedding songs Owner and author Dr. Robert Houle writes the popular "The Dr. Is In" column for the American DJ Association magazine.
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