Anyway.
The bill for Glastonbury 2013 was crammed full of major headline acts (many of them not in headline slots), and came with more than a smattering of hidden gems. As a result the festival line up was clash central. So much so, making decisions on what to see each day was the biggest worry I had all weekend. I needn't have worried, I didn't see one disappointing act. And before you ask, no. I didn't watch Mumford and Sons.*
Not much is certain in the fields of Glastonbury, but I have learned one truth: everybodys' experience of Glastonbury festival is different. Even attempting to give a comprehensive review would be a fools errand. That said, here is a brief overview of this year's festival highs and lows as I saw them.
For me, Glastonbury 2013 was a chance to see many acts I had been trying and failing to watch live for years. I certainly made the most of the opportunity. Below my mini review you will also find I've included a 'long list' of everything I watched (for context as much as geekery). Please comment if you saw anything I didn't (even if it was just on the tele), or want to share your thoughts on any of the acts listed. I love a good discussion, and new musical recommendations.
GlastonHighs
- Phoenix
The ultra-suave Parisians are simply the coolest band I've ever seen. The drummers passion compliments the bands outstanding contributions to slightly geeky fashion. They are stylish, and just a little eccentric. In Phoenix exceptional stage craft meets quirky showmanship and slick performance. Their set felt hyper energetic, yet perfectly controlled. Their set also featured a number of tracks that were seamlessly interwoven with each other; a pretty neat touch. In all honesty, the only fault of their performance was it was all over too soon. That said, it absolutely left everybody wanting more.
- Ben Howard
"Surf-folk vibes for a sun drenched Saturday. Serene yet powerful, like the seas that inspires his music." said a pretentious blogger, this one time.
- Daughter
Daughter aren't the sort of act that forces you to remember them. There was no showing off, or any musical cries of 'look at me'. In fact the performers themselves all came across very humble. I left their show having enjoyed it, they do craft a stunningly beautiful yet eery sound. I then carried on with my day, looking forward to all the other performers. It wasn't until that evening I realised how good Daughter had been. Then it clicked. Daughter don't stun you, or command that you have a reaction to their music. They haunt you. Consequently, I now have their album on repeat. All the time. In the hope repeat plays are as good as a priest who gets a kick out of exorcisms.
- Foals
Math-rock, with a bit of dance attitude thrown in for good measure. Oh, and a rapid drummer. Psuedo-clean guitar tones take you on a journey (if you are able to enjoy/ignore Yannis Philippakis' voice).
- The Hives
The most energetic headliners not to be in a headline slot. 'For the first time ever, the festival line up has been turned upside down' announced the banterific Hives front man Howlin' Pelle Almqvist. The Hives laid down a huge gauntlet; they claimed to be the best band of the weekend, and they did this on the morning of the first day. They set the festivals' musical bar very high, and only a few challengers got close. Oh, and they also have stage Ninjas. Genius or what?
- Of Monsters and Men
They're young, very talented, and still brimming with potential. Even though I didn't know their music before going to watch them, this Icelandic ensemble turned out to be a surprise highlight of the festival. Their music is friendly, well written, and comes with a generous helping of feel-good fun. Happiness all round.
GlastonLows(AKA GlastonRegrets)
Its hard to truly regret anything at Glastonbury. For instance, I was gutted I didn't see Mick Jagger singing 'I got them moves like me'. Granted this actually happening in reality would have been a long-shot, but that sort of thinking doesn't ease the pangs of delusional disappointment I still feel...
Genuinely, I do regret only seeing half of the Chic show. I was late to the party, and it was a great party. In the same vain, I also completely missed a few acts I wanted to see. First Aid Kit eluded me this year, just as Crystal Fighters eluded me two years previous. I always seem to miss one of the bands I get irrationally excited about before the festival starts. I know I shouldn't dwell on this. Its near impossible to see everything at Glastonbury. Even Bernard with his magical watch would struggle. He'd start the festival as a schoolboy, and finish with a zimmerframe. I have definitely let these 'first world disappointments' annoy me more than than is resonable. After all, at worst I have an excuse to get out and see more great bands and music in the future.
So... I win?
Having regrets isn't really in the spirit of Glastonbury festival either. You are supposed to lose your plans when you get to the site, and you are supposed to get swept away by the festivals bizarre and irregular current. That said, there were certainly things I was hoping to do that I didn't. I guess I'll just have to do them next time. Things like:
1) Find out who was holding that Pikachu flag I see every time I go. The very same flag that taunts me when I watch my favourite performances back on TV. I like to think the flag's owner must have a similar taste in music to myself. After all, I always see it.
2) Avoid wearing myself out during the day so I can spend a full night enjoying Shangri-La.
3) Successfully wear my purpose made Tie-Dye T-shirt at some-point over the weekend.
If aspiring to become a nocturnal, flag chasing, hippy in a field isn't a good enough reason to go back to Glastonbury, I don't know what is.
What I Watched: The Long List
Thursday
Hackman
Alt-J
Eats Everything
Friday
Beady Eye
The Hives
The 1975
Jake Bugg (Acoustic)
Arthur Smith
Andy Parsons
Miles Kane (w/ Alex Turner)
Dinosaur Jr.
Foals
The Arctic Monkeys
Chic
Saturday
Beatbox Collective
Jaguar Ma
Charlie Sloth (w/ Guests)
Laura Mvula
Ben Howard
Daughter
Johnny Marr
Two Door Cinema Club
Steve Winwood
The Rolling Stones
Fatboy Slim
Chase & Status
Sunday
Zulu Winter
Leftfield Debate (Feat. Tony Benn, Billy Bragg and John Harris)
Stornoway
The Palma Violets
Of Monsters and Men
Sergio Mendes
Kate Nash
Lianne Le Havas
'Amazing Grace' (Feat Billy Brag and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.)
Phoenix
The Congos
*It is easy to hate on Mumford and Sons. Especially as their name sounds like a crap shop run by a man in a dirty off white apron, with a torn pocket. He sells thimbles, loose tobacco, golden syrup, hinges and off biscuits... I'm also pretty sure the Mumfords bring musical pleasure to a large number of people and that is important, and should not be devalued, even if they are annoying. Just listen to them. Quiet then loud, then quiet, then loud again... then quiet. Wait, no, its a pause. Or is it? No, it was just quiet, and of course, they've gone loud again; using that one hoarse-y, throat-y, roar-y note that gets absolutely abused. I guess thats just their sound. At least they have one.
If you can't tell by now, I personally find M&S difficult to warm too. Especially if I have to listen to more than one of their songs in row. Never say never, one day I might find myself singing a long. Probably with little choice, and with the ambition of saving the life of a loved one.
(Too much? Probably. Loads of bands sound the same. This one just attracts a hyper-irrational dislike. Bite me.)
