For You |Buckin|

Do You Think About Me Now and Then

November 2001

   Nearly every day they practiced all the songs that were nearly concrete. Clocks, A Whisper, and Green Eyes had already gained their spot on the album. Writing the next few songs and then recording them with a little over a year seemed to be a relaxed pace. Soon it would be December and everyone would get a well-disserved break. Creative burnout happened constantly and a break could get them all refreshed but, for now, they had a good few weeks recording. Chris shook his head, "I really can't think of anything new." The guy shrugged, "Well, I can. Just relax, we've been working hard just keep pushing through." Will nodded, "Holiday time is always stressful anyway." Chris exhaled and nodded, "Just writer's block I think." Jonny chimed in, "Walking around helps." Silence surrounded all of them and they went back to work. Some practiced and some tried to brainstorm new melodies.

  Jonny asked, "Anybody wanna go with me to get lunch?" Chris got up, "I mean, I could." Jonny asked, "Anyone else." Guy and Will shook their heads, "Trying to figure out Jonny's handwriting here," Will said. Guy asked, "What note is this?" Jonny rolled his eyes, "Just, figure it out or something, I'll help later." Jonny and Chris head out of the door and into Jonny's car. Chris turned on the radio and began changing stations. Chris stopped changing channels once he heard the beginning of Yellow. Jonny grinned, "This sounds almost familiar to me!" Chris chuckled, "Yeah, well it's been on the radio for a few months now." Chris sang along and Jonny asked, "How does it feel to be recognized in public?" Chris shook his head, "It's different. You get recognized too though. Right?" Jonny shook his head, "Once or twice." Chris scoffed, "This isn't the time to be humble. You are a much better guitarist than me too." Jonny shrugged, "Not many people can name the guitarist of Coldplay anyway." Chris said, "That'll change soon." Chris did not really believe him. Sure Guy and Will had told him similar things that nobody ever recognizes them but, for him, it was the opposite. He usually felt that the other band members were better musicians at their respective instruments than him. Jonny thought the success had really mostly effected Chris. He would never admit that out loud to Chris.

  Chris asked, "Are you doing anything for the holidays?" Jonny shrugged, "Haven't made any plans, you?" Chris shook his head, "No. Thought I'd just drive somewhere for the long weekend." Jonny nodded, "Seems fun." Chris pointed, "Wanna just get Subway sandwiches?" Jonny nodded and pulled the car into a strip mall. After parking, he turned off the car and got out. Chris opened the door and said, "Ladies first." Jonny rolled his eyes and got in line. After ordering Jonny was planning to pay for their sandwiches but, Chris found his card first. Jonny shook his head, "I got it." Chris said, "Nah, I got this Jonny." Jonny took his sandwich to a table.  Chris sat down in front of him. "How's the sandwich?" Jonny nodded, "Fine." Chris asked, "Did you really like the Parachutes album?" Jonny chuckled, "Just sounds like some discount Radiohead. Though, I do like a few of the tracks." Chris smiled, "I agree, I think this time we will have more of our own sound." Chris asked, "So far, what's your favorite one of our tunes?" Jonny said, "For You, Green Eyes, or Only Superstition. What's yours?" Chris shrugged, "I don't really know. I really do like Clocks." Chris wanted to tell him Green Eyes was a thank you to him but, he didn't. For some reason, he felt it might put a distance on their friendship. Was dedicating him a romantic sounding song weird? They continued to eat their meals.

 Chris said, "We should head back now." Jonny nodded and said, "Yeah, I'll throw this stuff away." He grabbed the tray and got up. Jonny opened the door for Chris this time and he said, "Ladies first." Chris laughed at his own joke being used against him. Jonny began to drive, it was only a three-minute ride.