Coldplay releases the synthy new single ‘Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall’

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This week, news of a forthcoming Coldplay single, ‘Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall,’ set the blogosphere ablaze, as followers of the U.K. outfit waited for the first sample of its follow-up to 2008’s ‘Viva La Vida.’

Unveiled on Friday, the new track is up for sale at digital retailers in most of the world. However, fans in the United Kingdom will have to wait until Sunday before it’s available -- go figure.

The forthcoming record, produced by Brian Eno, is said to be influenced by the 1970s graffiti art culture of New York City. The poster for the song, hand-scrawled in neon luminance, certainly backs that statement. The song itself, however, conjures images of flashing disco lights on a decadent dance floor, flush with splashy synths, acoustic strums and pulsating kick drum. And then there’s the chord sampling from 1970s Australian singer-songwriter Peter Allen’s 1976 hit ‘I Go to Rio’ off his fourth album, ‘Taught by Experts.’ Not exactly the makings of a tagger’s anthem. But Coldplay did credit Allen as a songwriter on the credits for the track on its website. After all, it would seem wise to cover their bases, considering the 2008 lawsuit brought against the band by guitarist Joe Satriani over claims that it plagiarized his 2004 track ‘If I Could Fly’ for the 2008 single ‘Viva La Vida.’ That case was settled out of court.

Take a listen to the new track here and let us know if ‘Every Teardrop’ makes you weep with joy or cry in pain.

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EMA talks new record, emotional rollercoasters and giving the middle finger to California

-- Nate Jackson