“Because you like Coldplay.” OK, we kid, we kid. Kind of.

Chris Martin gets a big chuckle out of the Filligar video.

Coldplay takes a lot of heat for being such a harmless band (and that might be their biggest fault) but for all their wonk, it’s pretty cool that they are allowing WFNX (alt-radio station here in Boston) to choose their opening act. I mean, we could really *screw* them, right? Here are the bands up for the opening slot in Boston, which goes down August 4th at the TD Banknorth Garden.

But the real reason we’re plugging this thing, other than the fact that we seem to love radio contests, is some cream of Boston’s indie crop is represented. VIDA LA VIDA LOCAL, babies.

“Beaches” by Aloud

+ Jen’s got a great voice (hello Johnette Napolitano!). She and Henry and the gang command live.

- Sound not entirely in line with Coldplay

“Malcontent” by The Luxury

+ Jason Halogen doesn’t seem to be able to rub two nickels together but he and his Luxury made a decent vid on shoestring budget. Good song. Sound sympatico.

- Jason Halogen is, as the song says, a malcontent and would figure out some way to drown his chances.

“Gunnin’ Through the Nite” by Township

+ This is a killer hook in throwback 70s vein of Wolfmother and Black Mountain. Well done, professionally shot, if entirely creepy video. Would blow the roof off the Gahden.

- Would require surgery after beer-bottle-throwing Coldplay fans turned naste-naste. Least Coldplay sounding band of all time. We’re surprised they are even, errrrm, Gunnin for the Coldplay Nite. Whores.

“Break Me Slowly” by Fendline

+ We’re struggling here. The girl in the video is cute?

- Ummm, who? Cheesy like Velveeta video. Simplistic song. Lyrically, more cliches than gramma’s placemat.

“Pretty Pet” by Aberdeen City

+ One of Boston’s top bands who has worked with Steve Lillywhite and would look and feel right at home on such a large stage. Haute approach to songwriting and lyrics. Wait a second here…

- Video gets a gentlemen’s B-.

“30 Lives” by the Motion Sick

+ Probably the best video concept in the lot. Song is complete novelty but catchy as all get out. And it’s about love through the eyes of the old 80s video game “Contra.”

- Coldplay’s fans were all born after 1988 - WTF IS CONTRA OMG IHY. The thought of 16,000 people chanting “up up down down left right left” frightens us.

“I’m Not the Only One” by The Brother Kite

+ Well if the bloggarheas have anything to say, this is the ringer. Great voice, good song

- Meh video. Please try harder.

“In Your High Chair” by Old Abram Brown

+ Nice sense of humor here. Decent song.

- Ummm, who? Struggle with the nasal tonality.

“Deadly” - The Vinyl Skyway

+ Suitable song choice.

- We love their records but this is neither here nor there.

“Warm Out” by Hooray for Earth

+ Thinking man’s sideways rock. Intriguing video.

- Second least Coldplay band in the lot.

“The Observatory” by Filligar

+ The first “who” band that both impressed…

- … and frightened! This kid is nuts! Did Grandaddy write this song?

“Went About a Stranger” by This Car Up

+ We know and like This Car Up but….

- This video and song and live execution is doing nothing for their WIN case.

“Home Again” by Plumerai

+ Exceptional vocals on Elizabeth. Perfect vibe for the song.

- Bit o a boring vid, kids. If live footage is any indication, the Garden would swallow them whole.

“Pretty Southern Mama” by Hello Ninja

+ Another country not heard from but digging the rock voice on this one. Catchy tune.

- Highly average video. Should consider the Donnas/Breeders/New Pornographers opener contest.

“Pieces” by Common Thrill

+ Certain sonic kizmet that demands an arena

- Don’t seem to be able to handle Arlene’s.

If you are so moved, vote for one here.