Glastonbury 2007
After the floods of 2005, quiet optimism quickly dissolved into swamps of mud as the heavens played with 177,000 hearts. Spending 18 hours a day in wellies wading through everything from sludge to superglue was gruelling - but never threatened to dampen the Glasto spirit of debauchery at the world's biggest show. Musically the best year I've yet to experience featured a number of the best gigs I've had the pleasure to witness. Here's a mere selection of the finest;
Thursday
Candi Payne: A rising talent with a voice, sound and sexy chic that borrows lovingly from the Dusty Springfield's 60's. Displayed an alluring retro sound to kick start Glasto. (Queen's Head)
Friday
Martha Tilston: Opened proceedings confidently and charmed a huge crowd, playing across traditional and nu-folk with a touch of a soul. (Acoustic Stage)
Kate Nash: A quality musician whose adventurous set exceeded her own standards, bringing rare sunshine. 'Foundations' rocked it. (The Park)
Martha Wainwright: Her unique voice is both angelic and angry - 'Bloody Motherfucking...' still doing it. (The Park)
Toumani Diabate: I felt privileged to watch the Mali legend's graceful brilliance on the kora. He played with Bjork later that evening. (Jazz World)
Amy Winehouse: A fascinating but baffling display that saw 'Rehab' Amy stumble and mumble through interludes, while transfixed by her off-stage boyfriend. Like a true diva, she carried the show off (just) with a strut that oozed sexuality. At times embarassing - always entertaining. (Jazz World)
The Klaxons: I like their sound and the set was crammed with anthems, but they were disappointing - sounding out of their depth. (Other Stage)
Arcade Fire: Billed as the most anticipated set of the weekend, I blindingly followed the buzz and was not left disappointed. They delivered a tour de force performance to match the depth of their sound and 10-deep band. A flurry of instrument-swapping activity, they worked up the crowd to a frenzy and crescendoed with a genuine Glasto moment in 'Tunnels'. (Other Stage)
Bjork: A palpable buzz was greeted by an epic set, spanning her classics to Timbaland's latest productions. The sound was intricate and beautiful - capped by Toumani Diabate's kora, a choir and a huge brass section. Big. (Other Stage)
Damian Marley: Tore it up with fire MCing and raw charisma that truly echoes his father's energy. 'It Was Written' was the moment of the set, culminating in the anthemic 'Welcome To Jamrock'. (Jazz World)
Saturday
CSS: Colourful show with flair and energy, but on this larger scale their sound failed to hold my interest. (Other Stage)
Lily Allen: Smiles, vibes and a slick show glossed over her voice, peaking when The Specials reunited to reprise 'Gangsters' alongside Islington's finest. (Pyramid)
Lou Rhodes: Relaxed and serene, she hit the spot as always with a remarkable voice (The Park)
Babyshambles: Lethal Bizzle back-2-back with Kate Moss, alongside a sober Pete Doherty... moment of the festival? Unexpected, for sure. The band weren't bad either. (Other Stage)
Bonde Do Role: Brought the Brazilian heat and some serious booty-shaking beats. (Dance Lounge)
Mark Ronson: The place went off! Pure good vibes and mass singalongs as he mixed up his considerable catalogue alongside Hip Hop classics. The 'Stop Me' performance was memorable. (Dance East)
Bong Ra: Mentalist, topless, dreadlocked, head-banging, spasming DJ with a thirst for frenetic Gabba darkness. Hilariously intense, followed by Andy C to great comic effect. (G Stage)
Stephen Marley: Blazed down a rammed tent, with Damian 'Jr Gong' guesting with impact as 'Traffic Jam' demanded a slew of rewinds. (Roots Stage)
Sunday
Marley Brothers 'Exodus' 30th Anniversery: Jr Gong smashed it a third time, spitting fire during 'One Love'. The sun burst through - perhaps inevitably - for the singalong to escape that sinking feeling... mud. (Pyramid)
Pete Doherty: Secret show and unexpected highlight. Not being a fan, I was surprised by his enigmatic presence and ability to control the crowd with brash ease. What he lacks in vocal is made up for by considerable lyrical talent. A startling atmosphere ensured a succession of special Glastonbury moments. (The Park)
Amp Fiddler: Brother got soul. Slickly backed by a quality band. (Jazz World)
Jamie T: The tent was heaving as Mr.T thrived with an electric performance. His angry confidence echoes Punk and Grime at times, spiced with a distinctly London attitude. (John Peel Stage)
Pendulum Live: Bonkers. The rave went off like nothing I've seen before - 3000+ ravers, rock kids and discerning dance heads brocking in unison. 'Voodoo People (Remix)' was an incredible experience. (Dance East)
Chemical Brothers: You know the coup - huge light shows, great set and a mass of messy ravers. Does exactly what it says on the tin. (Other Stage)
K'Naan: Entertaining and intelligent, skilful and conscious, MC K'Naan put on a rousing display of musical craftsmanship. (Roots Stage)
Friday
Martha Tilston: Opened proceedings confidently and charmed a huge crowd, playing across traditional and nu-folk with a touch of a soul. (Acoustic Stage)Kate Nash: A quality musician whose adventurous set exceeded her own standards, bringing rare sunshine. 'Foundations' rocked it. (The Park)
Martha Wainwright: Her unique voice is both angelic and angry - 'Bloody Motherfucking...' still doing it. (The Park)
Toumani Diabate: I felt privileged to watch the Mali legend's graceful brilliance on the kora. He played with Bjork later that evening. (Jazz World)
Amy Winehouse: A fascinating but baffling display that saw 'Rehab' Amy stumble and mumble through interludes, while transfixed by her off-stage boyfriend. Like a true diva, she carried the show off (just) with a strut that oozed sexuality. At times embarassing - always entertaining. (Jazz World)
The Klaxons: I like their sound and the set was crammed with anthems, but they were disappointing - sounding out of their depth. (Other Stage)Arcade Fire: Billed as the most anticipated set of the weekend, I blindingly followed the buzz and was not left disappointed. They delivered a tour de force performance to match the depth of their sound and 10-deep band. A flurry of instrument-swapping activity, they worked up the crowd to a frenzy and crescendoed with a genuine Glasto moment in 'Tunnels'. (Other Stage)
Bjork: A palpable buzz was greeted by an epic set, spanning her classics to Timbaland's latest productions. The sound was intricate and beautiful - capped by Toumani Diabate's kora, a choir and a huge brass section. Big. (Other Stage)Damian Marley: Tore it up with fire MCing and raw charisma that truly echoes his father's energy. 'It Was Written' was the moment of the set, culminating in the anthemic 'Welcome To Jamrock'. (Jazz World)
Saturday
CSS: Colourful show with flair and energy, but on this larger scale their sound failed to hold my interest. (Other Stage)Lily Allen: Smiles, vibes and a slick show glossed over her voice, peaking when The Specials reunited to reprise 'Gangsters' alongside Islington's finest. (Pyramid)
Lou Rhodes: Relaxed and serene, she hit the spot as always with a remarkable voice (The Park)Babyshambles: Lethal Bizzle back-2-back with Kate Moss, alongside a sober Pete Doherty... moment of the festival? Unexpected, for sure. The band weren't bad either. (Other Stage)
Bonde Do Role: Brought the Brazilian heat and some serious booty-shaking beats. (Dance Lounge)
Mark Ronson: The place went off! Pure good vibes and mass singalongs as he mixed up his considerable catalogue alongside Hip Hop classics. The 'Stop Me' performance was memorable. (Dance East)
Bong Ra: Mentalist, topless, dreadlocked, head-banging, spasming DJ with a thirst for frenetic Gabba darkness. Hilariously intense, followed by Andy C to great comic effect. (G Stage)
Stephen Marley: Blazed down a rammed tent, with Damian 'Jr Gong' guesting with impact as 'Traffic Jam' demanded a slew of rewinds. (Roots Stage)
Sunday
Marley Brothers 'Exodus' 30th Anniversery: Jr Gong smashed it a third time, spitting fire during 'One Love'. The sun burst through - perhaps inevitably - for the singalong to escape that sinking feeling... mud. (Pyramid)Pete Doherty: Secret show and unexpected highlight. Not being a fan, I was surprised by his enigmatic presence and ability to control the crowd with brash ease. What he lacks in vocal is made up for by considerable lyrical talent. A startling atmosphere ensured a succession of special Glastonbury moments. (The Park)
Amp Fiddler: Brother got soul. Slickly backed by a quality band. (Jazz World)Jamie T: The tent was heaving as Mr.T thrived with an electric performance. His angry confidence echoes Punk and Grime at times, spiced with a distinctly London attitude. (John Peel Stage)
Pendulum Live: Bonkers. The rave went off like nothing I've seen before - 3000+ ravers, rock kids and discerning dance heads brocking in unison. 'Voodoo People (Remix)' was an incredible experience. (Dance East)
Chemical Brothers: You know the coup - huge light shows, great set and a mass of messy ravers. Does exactly what it says on the tin. (Other Stage)K'Naan: Entertaining and intelligent, skilful and conscious, MC K'Naan put on a rousing display of musical craftsmanship. (Roots Stage)
posted by Killa Dan at 22:04
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