Southern Californians, such as moi, are far more saturated with movie stars than pop stars. So I can understand a certain backlash when Brits go off on press heavy pop stars.

There was a MTV special on Coldplay last night. First an AskColdplay section and then a live performance featuring new tracks from X&Y.

Here's what I took away from that. Chris Martin is an utterly charming guy. Self-depreciating without sounding phoney. Good humored. "Yeah, but saying a fast song from Coldplay is a little like saying a 'warm piece of ice'." "Here's a new song where you won't mistake my singing for that of a girl." Witty, with an infectious smile. I like him.

I'm really not intending this thread to be a pro/con thing on Coldplay. I'm just pointing out personal attacks on Mr Paltrow seem unjustified.