If there was one festival I was looking forward to this summer, it definitely had to be Bestival. The Isle of Wight-based festival boasted an incredible lineup this year, which included some of my all-time favourite artists: The Cure, Brian Wilson, Boys Noize, Primal Scream, Robyn, and Public Enemy, amongst many others.
Headlining alongside The Cure was the Ice-cold-landic Queen Bjork, who majestically performed her new album ‘Biophilia‘ accompanied by an Icelandic choir and an intriguing instrument which she claimed to have created. Overall, she left much of the tired crowd in some sort of trance-like awe. True to oneself she did not perform the cover hit ‘It’s Oh So Quiet‘ ( which she supposedly hates ), and it seems that many would have wished to hear more of her earlier work, such as ‘Bachelorette’ or ‘Isobel’. However, she did thank us for ‘our patience‘.
One of the highest points of the festival was definitely the return of Public Enemy with the more than enthusiastic Chuck D and hype man Flavor Flav ( and yes, his clock), who managed to make an eager crowd dance on some classic rap tunes, reminding us of their position as moguls of political hip-hop. To be noted: PE’s guitarist Khari Wynn is probably one of the most impressive guitarists I have ever seen live. Hip Hop music was also represented by the pioneer of hip hop, Grandmaster Flash, who, without doubt, managed to give us a good lesson on what DJing should be and sound like.
The most disappointing act was in my opinion, Kelis, whose perseverance in going towards electronic music and DJing is seriously starting to infringe upon her work, i.e., how could she mix Madonna‘s ‘Holiday‘ with the classic ‘Milkshake‘? and how, how on earth could she play the most annoying song of the summer: LMFAO’s ‘ Party Rock Anthem’. Please, Kelis, stick to what you are amazing at.
Finally, the band I was most eagerly awaiting: The Cure. I genuinely never thought that I would one day ‘stand’ in front of Robert Smith, one of the leading figures of the post punk/New Wave culture, who wrote some of the most amazing songs in the library of British rock music. Well, their performance was as impressive as their career. They kept us dancing and singing for more than two hours, playing their biggest hits from ‘The Lovecats‘ to ‘Boys Don’t Cry‘ and of course my all-time favourite ‘Lullaby‘.
Overall, this year’s Bestival was a success with some great music and a super atmosphere. I can now say that I saw the Village People ( and had a great time ), the fabulous Robyn eating a banana on stage (once again); even though I managed to miss PJHarvey, Brian Wilson, Chromeo or Modeselektor. I suppose I’ll have to work extra hard to catch up with them during the remainder of this year.
TRACKS:
Grandmaster Flash – The Message (Re-recorded / Remastered)
