The V Festival Playlist
1/5
By: Alex Lee Thomson
What to catch this year at V Festival then... ah, such dilemmas. Below we offer the business class of the V Festival line-up which genuinely has one of the best of the year, shitting all over Glastonbury like some kind of deranged hippy. Seats in the upright and locked position, here we go...
1. Kings of Leon. Just beating Muse to the top spot this year in our must sees is Kings of Leon who have broken out of their genre specific Americana land to deliver pop songs so brilliant we're filling into massive venues later in the year to hear new material. 'Because of the Times' was an incredible album and we'll be sure to hear favours from that including the screeching, dauntingly epic 'Charmer' and of course the favourite fable 'On Call'. Maybe the best pop songs at V this year, heck maybe the best pop songs ever. Key festival track: 'The Bucket'.
2. Muse. If you've not seen Muse, see them at V Festival this year. It just needs to be done. In 2004 Muse changed this scribes life with a set so moving we were quick to gesture V as one of the best large festivals in the UK and at last they return. They are, dare we say, the ultimate festival band and an absolute must for rock fans. Three people making so much noise shouldn't be possible, but it is with this Devonshire slab of rock gold. Key festival track: 'Time Is Running Out'.
3. Noah and the Whale. When we first saw this band they were colorful indie kids but, like Kings of Leon, they've broken free of any specific genre ties, soaring away from nu-folk into making generally amazing pop records. See them now before they take over the universe... we can't stress enough how much they're going to do so in the next 12 months. Maybe their last mid-stage festival appearance ever and a great band to dance your bum-bag off to. Key festival track: cover of 'You Can Call me Al'.
4. Hot Chip. Do we really need to say why you should see this band? Okay... fine. 'Ready for the Floor' is all the reason you need. Key festival track: 'Ready For The Floor', durr.
5. Alphabeat. With unashamedly snarling pop anthems '10,000 Nights' and (the word is on your lips for shizzle) 'Fascination', this Europop band give you no other option than to dance in the sunlight, even when it's raining. The girl is a fox and she sings like an angel while the guy is a hyperactive toddler dancing as though he's the last person on the dancefloor at a wedding. All in, a good one for a sunny family-fun filled afternoon. Key festival track: 'Fascination'.
6. Kaiser Chiefs. Again, do we really need to persuade you on these chaps? Massive mosh pits, screaming fans, Ricky Wilson swagger, Peanut's hats and the most people you've ever seen shouting the lines "oh my god"... freakin' top notch. Key festival track: 'Oh My God'.
7. Captain. This is just a great band with a stunning debut and from what we've heard an equally as vibrant follow on record. Fans of quality guitar music should check out this quieter British Sea Power band in safety. Key festival track: 'Broke'.
8. Will Young. Erm... eh... Will Young. (Runs away). Key festival track: 'Switch It On'.
9. Paul Heaton. Playing songs from his new solo project this veteran festival performer will know how to make you dance. It's going to happen. He has the technology. He's like the Derren Brown of the live music world. His new material is among his best yet with ice-climbing pop melodies and that trademark harmonic voice. Key festival track: 'Mermaids and Slaves'.
10. The Stranglers. 'Golden Brown', 'Always The Sun' and 'Peaches' are just some of the legendary punk songs The Stranglers have made over the years. Real punk legends playing real punk songs with as much vigor and animation as ever. Be sure to have a black t-shirt at the ready. Key festival track: 'Always the Sun'.
Line-up so far includes:
Saturday 16th August
The Verve / Kings of Leon / Amy Winehouse / Lenny Kravitz / The Feeling / Girls Aloud / Squeeze / The Stranglers / Kaiser Chiefs / The Zutons / The View / Reverend And The Makers /Scouting For Girls / One Republic / The Courteeners / Delays / The Rifles / The Chemical Brothers / Hot Chip / Robyn / Sam Sparrow / Alphabeat / Captain
Sunday 17th August
Muse / Stereophonics / The Kooks / Maximo Park / Alanis Morissette / The Futureheads / Michael Franti and Spearhead / The Prodigy / Pigeon Detectives / Duffy / The TWang / Sugababes / Shed Seven / Air Traffic / Ian Brown / The Pogues / Jamie T / Newton Falkner / Royworld
For ticket info and more band names head to www.vfestival.com.
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment