NEW MUSIC

Coldplay

Viva la Vida (Capitol)
***1/2

It's too easy to bitch about Coldplay. There's no sport in it. Some complaints for their fourth release may be: How dare they experiment! Why are the songs so long?! Well, go on and feel superior to them, you fickle hipsters, but know this: You are wrong. Produced by Brian Eno, this latest CD's a rich experience, from the gauzy ambience of the music to the frequent time shifts to Chris Martin's delicate phrasing. Viva La Vida's evocative of Bowie's Low, Kraftwerk, The Beatles, and—fancy that—prime Coldplay. So ignore them all you want. They're sticking around and getting better all the time. —DAN LOUGHRY

Craig David

Trust Me (Warner Bros.)
**

Does soulful U.K. R&B have any traction left in the States? It seems that Craig David's been overshadowed by upstarts from both sides of the pond (Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, the amazing Sam Sparro) as well as the somewhat pre-millennial tenor of his funk. He's not old-school enough for retro; not forward-thinking enough for the Justice/Daft Punk crowd. A shame, really, since a few tracks on this inconsistent fourth CD are ripe for your iTunes mix: “Hot Stuff” with its “Let's Dance” sample, the crazy girlfriend of “6 of 1 Thing,” and the inevitable run-in of that ex-girlfriend on the aptly titled “Awkward.” —D.L.

Ferron

Boulder (Short Story Records)
***

Full disclosure: Knowing the name “Ferron” only peripherally, I thought the singer of these effectively poetic folk songs was a man. Not that gender actually matters here, though Ferron's scores of fans might disagree being as how she's been a proponent and pioneer of what is derisively known as “Women's Music” (spelled, quite often, as Womyn's Music). There's a timeless quality to Boulder, gentle meditations on nature, memory, and other lofty themes. Though she thinks big, Ferron's songs are intimate, like the profound whispers of a generous lover. So cuddle up and let the loveliness wash over you. —D.L.

Sigur Rós

Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust (XL)
***

After a couple of lovely, yet somnambulant albums, this Icelandic quartet returns with what could easily be called their most “upbeat” effort—complete with (at moments) handclaps, marching drums, rolling piano, and tempos that are anything but glacial. The title translates as “with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly,” and the idea of release permeates the album. The epic sagas of strings, drums, and guitar are still here (“Festival”), but so are unexpectedly rollicking piano-pop moments (“Inni Mer Syngur Vitleysingur”) and quiet acoustic ballads (“Illgresi”), each still anchored by Jónsi's singular, soaring vocals. Though the album sometimes seems a tad too precious, it's nevertheless exciting to see such an inventive band stretch its wings even further. —MIKEL WADEWITZ

CONCERT CALENDAR

The Constantines

The Canadian indie rockers are in town to promote their new album Kensington Heights. The Troubadour. Thurs., July 3. 8 p.m. $12. www.ticketmaster.com.

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

The costumed prog-rock kids from the Bay Area rock West Hollywood like never before. The Troubadour. Wed., July 9. 8 p.m. $13. www.ticketmaster.com.

Hieroglyphics

The jazzy, funk-infused hip-hop visionaries fly into L.A. to perform for one night. The El Rey. Sat., July 12. 8 p.m. $20. www.ticketmaster.com.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Meets Puccini

Join the California Philharmonic for an outstanding afternoon concert featuring some of the most beloved pieces from two of the most beloved musical minds. Walt Disney Concert Hall. Sun., July 13. 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 213/365-3500. www.calphil.org.

Homo Must

Upright Cabaret Salutes Sir Elton John

The boys of Upright Cabaret pay tribute to the REAL Queen of England. Mark’s Restaurant. Fri., July 11 and Sat., July 12. 9 p.m. $15. Reservations recommended. 310/652-5252. www.uprightcabaret.com.