Coldplay's new single The Scientist neatly encapsulates the strengths and weaknesses of this highly (over?)rated band. It's that modern-day rarity in that it has a tune which hits you right between the eyes from first listening, and it's sung with the usual vulnerable charm for which Chris Martin is rightly renowned.

And yet...on repeated listening, I become more and more aware of the dull, plodding unimaginative musical background to this record. Even the way the other instruments kick in as the song builds to its finale (culminating in some pretty blah U2-lite guitars) just feels so formulaic, so lazy, so ultimately insulting to the listener.

So, Coldplay then. They're better than Robbie Williams. But I want more. I'm greedy that way.