Origins and Production
"Don't Panic" came into existence while Coldplay was still in its infancy. In the time, the band had written 10 songs including an early version of "Don't Panic", and used it in recruiting the band's drummer. It was originally called "Panic", and was one of six songs played at Coldplay's first gig in 1998 at Camden's Laurel Tree. This version has a different melody, and the lyrics are an account of a "slightly disastrous evening Chris had spent entertaining a young lady called Alice Hill". Eventually, the title became "Don't Panic."
The original version of "Don't Panic" was recorded in 1999, different from the version featured in Parachutes. First, vocalist Chris Martin plays the piano during the bridge. As well, there is a feedback-distorted introduction. This version was included in The Blue Room EP, released in October 1999.
For Coldplay's first studio album Parachutes, British record producer Ken Nelson re-produced "Don't Panic". The track was recorded live, like many other tracks featured in the album. Guitarist Jonny Buckland recorded twice his overdubbed guitars, and used parts of the two during the mixing. The band subtly used the acoustic guitar, drums and bass, and also a pump organ. The song was recorded in Rockfield Studios, Wales and Parr Street Studio, Liverpool.
"Don't Panic" is the opening track to Parachutes. A guitar-based song, it begins with a strummed electric guitar, followed with more guitar lines, then the vocals. A review claims that Coldplay's indie rock inclination is obvious in the song.
Read more about this topic: Don't Panic (song)
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