Parlophone's strategy bears fruit: albums from Coldplay, Idlewild and Athlete highlight imprint's commitment to the long haul.(Talent)

As far as record labels go, few can match Parlophone's reputation for long-term commitment and artist development. It is also no secret that the label's artist-friendly ethos makes them one of the most admired in the UK.

After a relatively quiet 2004 in which the label's activity was largely focused on turning Jamelia from being an R&B pop hopeful into a household name, plus the introduction of a handful of development acts such as The Departure and Clor, Parlophone is now in the process of preparing for one of its busiest periods for key UK-developed frontline product.

Perhaps the most telling sign of how the label operates is that none of its key albums for 2005 which includes Athlete, Idlewild, Coldplay and Gorillaz--is a quick-fix signing. All have developed gradually over a series of records.

It is almost already a given that Coldplay will become the UK's biggest band on a worldwide scale with the release of their third album in the summer, with a number one album in the US not out of the question.

Coldplay gave many key media representatives their first chance to hear some of the new songs that will comprise the album at a intimate performance last Thursday at London's Whitfield Street Studios. Parlophone managing director Miles Leonard says, "This is probably the most anticipated album of the year. I for one feel this is going to be their best album yet. The songs are stronger than ever."

Also presenting new material at the event were Scottish act Idlewild, who are fast becoming veterans of the alternative market as they approach the release of their fifth studio album--another remarkable example of long-term development.

A&R manager Matthew Rumold--who has worked with the band since their second album through Parlophone's Food imprint ...