Original Lab review from DJ Casals aka Stress:

Two reasons why you should buy this immediately and not bother with the review: First, it's a universally appreciated album from one of the most beloved brit-rock bands of this decade, and second, the vinyl is only accessible as limited press UK import. I never really listened to rock growing up cause it didn't suit my hip-hop steez. However, the number of good, full-length hip-hop albums are like the number of Koreans who don't like kim-chee, one in a million. So when I heard the first Coldplay album Parachutes, I thought it was nearly perfect from start to finish. A Rush of Blood is the same way, but with more bangers. These guys know how to translate beautiful melodies into great songs. Simple, yet mood invoking chord progressions are their specialty. Look for their tougher side in the first track "Politik," where the power chords and vocals take turns dominating. "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face" sounds like it got lifted off Radiohead's "The Bends" with lazy singing and a depressing aesthetic. They separate themselves from all the other brit-rock/pop bands with uptempo, remix friendly tracks like "Clocks" and "Daylight." Both are a refreshing break from your standard riff-rock operas and for all the rock mash-up artistes, this is a smorgasbord of material. For the heads who are feeling it but not able to let themselves fully connect, rest assured! Timbaland loves Coldplay - check out Tokion 38 for the full story.

• black 'ecorecord' vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ printed insert
• original release year: 2002
• music label: Parlophone 2024

reviewed by Stress 09/2008