Glastonbury Preview 2011 (Part Two)
12 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Festival Preview, Music Blog Tags: Bez, Big Audio Dynamite, Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Glastonbury Festival, John Cooper Clarke, Murray Lachlan Young, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
Even by my own usual disgusting standards I have firmly been lodged on the planet lazy this past week. My gaming levels playing Football Manager 2011 literally burst through the roof (more of that nonsense in my next blog proper). I actually starting half writing this Thursday but with one eye firmly on the game I am so hopelessly addicted to, it never got any proper care and attention. Finally shook off this latest FM obsession yesterday but a severe lack of sleep hampered proceedings. It’s a rain-lashed Sunday evening inEast Angliaand I’m determined to finally get this completed!
The awful weather this evening reminds me I’m convinced Glastonbury 2011 is going to be a very wet one. Which is just as well as have invested in some brand shiny new wellies and these days I can fit into my mackintosh which is darn handy! I’ve continued to divulge the lengthy list of acts and here’s a few more I think will be worth checking out. None of whom I’ll probably see due to my radio commitments but will certainly check out if I get the chance.
Big Audio Dynamite
When I heard the news the original 80’s line up of BAD were reforming I actually found myself pretty excited. This is no sad, basking in former glory nostalgia trip; BAD were and still are the real deal. Normally reformations are a shameless cash in but not in this case – Mick Jones and Don Letts hardly need the cash or to reinvent their careers! The importance of their first four albums is often overlooked and understated but the records haven’t aged one bit. A poor return of just one top twenty hit (‘E=MC2’) sees them occasionally labelled as one hit wonders – a harsh statement considering the dross usually associated with that genre. A breathtaking fusion of varying styles laced with innovative sampling. In amongst all the craziness of their effective mix of punk, dance, hip hop, reggae and funk you’ll find some surprisingly catchy and toe-tapping tunes. It’s fantastic to see the original BAD coming reunite to spread their unique word.
Since the reformation was confirmed in January this year, the band embarked on a shortUKtour which was a commercial and critical success. No news on whether they plan to record new material but there’s enough in the back catalogue to keep the juices flowing. In fact having gone back and revisited those first four albums recently (the other albums when the line-up fluctuated are OK but not in the same league as what the original band recorded), I’d forgotten just how awesome and groundbreaking BAD really are. Not appreciated enough first time round, if anyone deserves this rebirth it’s BAD. The Times summed it up perfectly in their assessment of one of their sold out Shepherd’s Bush Empire shows. ‘Not just a reformation – this is their time’
Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip
If they were handing out prizes for best names, this British hip hop duo would win hands down. TheUKhas never had a particularly good standing in the rap genre so it’s refreshing to see some home-grown talent breaking the mould and giving the Americans a run for their money. The combination of Dan Le Sac’s piercing electronic beats fusing with Scroobius Pip’s tongue-in-cheek words of wisdom works on every level. Just read the words to their debut single ‘Thou Shall Always Kill’ for proof.
http://www.lyriczz.com/lyrics/dan-le-sac/42050-thou-shalt-always-kill/
The Beatles… Were just a band.
Led Zeppelin… Just a band.
The Beach Boys… Just a band.
The Sex Pistols… Just a band.
The Clash… Just a band.
Crass… Just a band.
Minor Threat… Just a band.
The Cure… Just a band.
The Smiths… Just a band.
Nirvana… Just a band.
The Pixies… Just a band.
Oasis… Just a band.
Radiohead… Just a band.
Bloc Party… Just a band.
The Arctic Monkeys… Just a band.
The Next Big Thing.. JUST A BAND.
Those simple words really got me thinking, we tend to view certain bands as movements when in reality they are ‘just a band’. Scroobius Pip is a modern day poet with a purpose. His words speak a truth about modernBritainthat many attempt but few get right without being downright patronizing. This gig in one of the dance tents will no doubt be a hot and sweaty affair with Dan Le Sac’s massive beats scratching your eyes into submission whilst Mr Pip furiously waxes his raps of wisdom. This is the duo’s fourthGlastonburyappearance and they’re becoming perennial faves at the festival.
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
The spirit of 71 stage looks an interesting affair. Expect lots of ageing hippies smoking extra strength roll ups eating veggie food drinking the strongest cider available talking about ‘the good old days’. My kind of dudes if truth be told. One of the most iconic images of the late 60’s is the sight of Arthur Brown performing his number one smash ‘Fire’ on Top Of The Pops which is a joy to behold. Back in 1968 you could easily get away with such shenanigans but highly unlikely he’d be allowed to perform in such a manner today. He may not want to as he fast approaches his 70th year on the planet.
His debut album did get to number 2 in the charts so somebody somewhere purchased it and will hopefully know one or two other tunes. Actually if you delve deeper into his lengthy career so far, you’ll find there is so much more to him than THAT song though it’s about all he’ll be eternally remembered for. Looks an intriguing proposition. His dancing style was an influence on a generation and the live show presents a hugely exciting and vast sound with adventurous visuals. My favourite Arthur Brown fact is he was the first man to use a drum machine live back in the early 70’s! Anyone who heavily influences Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper and George Clinton has got to be worthy of your attention.
The Unfairground – Bez’s Acid House
No idea what this is all about. It has a listing to itself with no information. Anything organized by ex Happy Monday dancer and maracas shaker Bez is by default going to be a blast. And having been there first time around, anything with the words ‘acid house’ present always gets my musical loins in a trance of anticipation.
Murray Lachlan Young
This esteemed performance poet was once signed in a blaze of publicity by EMI for an alleged million quid in 1996 and flirted with the mainstream. The deal resulted in one album (Vice and Versa), some ligging with the stars and tours with the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Julian Cope and The Pretenders. It was to be short-lived and the experience left him so traumatized he didn’t write for a number of years. Thankfully he came out of his shell and continues to tour and perform to a small but wholly appreciative audience.
His poetry borders on the surreal and if, like me, you’re into abstract thinking then his wise words should be a soothing accolade to all the madness which surrounds when on the festival site. A craziness of its own, indulge yourself in what Mr Young has to say. Bizarre poetry with a modern twist never sounded so good.
John Cooper Clarke
Often referred to as ‘the bard ofSalford’ John Cooper Clarke has been spouting his uniquely northern brand of punk poetry since the mid 70’s. Having opened for a number of number of significant alternative acts over the years such as New Order, Joy Division, Buzzcocks and Elvis Costello, he continues to tour, perform and release new records and books.
A career which has ranged from drug addiction paying adverts for Sugar Puffs (playing second fiddle to the infamous honey monster) to having his poetry featured on Arctic Monkeys single inner sleeves; Clarke is a force to be ignored at your peril. Now 62, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
This is just a handful, a mere drop in the ocean for what’s on showcase. If you are going, absorb the atmosphere and you never quite know what you will come across. There is so much to savour and it’s also worth looking beyond the music. As always the big acts will get most the limelight but the real delights are to be found where you least expect it. And don’t forget your waterproofs!
