Funny thing about ther labels thinking people get tired of a record after six spins. It usually takes me more than six listens before I even like some stuff.
I didn't care for the early Travis, they had a big hit in Europe with "All I wanna do is rock". Not good. They made up for it with their two next albums, why they haven't gotten bigger in the US I don't understand. They write great songs.
Coldplay are fine, but just a bit boring. They are one of the many bands who finally seem to be out of Radioheads shadow.
Every Coldplay fan should check out Embrace and Elbow, both bands are from UK and have records in the US that are great.
I prefer them both to Coldplay.
About changing the sound of your band, it would be suicide for some. Rolling Stones, AC/DC etc. all have to stick to their "trademark" sound. Other bands can and should get away with it, but I think a band like Sugar Ray is just doing it for the $. Do they really want to play weak pop ? If they knew they would sell a ton, I'm sure they would plug in the guitars again. ( then they would write weak rock songs ) he he...