Here’s the pick of the array of musical talent set to soundtrack what promises to be one of the best weekends of the year. Myself? I’ll be at Leeds, as per usual, where the lineup is looking pretty great on the sly.
#5 - Lovvers - BBC Introducing stage, Reading Friday/Leeds Sunday
Lovvers - ‘Human Hair’
This appearance from the noise-punk outfit coincides with the recent release of their first full length record ‘OCD Go Go Go Girls’ earlier in the month. No doubt the band will be lending heavily from that and their highly acclaimed 2008 release ‘Think’.
#4 - Arctic Monkeys - Headlining the main stage, Reading Saturday/Leeds Friday
Arctic Monkeys - ‘Crying Lightning’
Yeah, I don’t care, I still love ‘em. This first flavour of ‘Humbug’ has grown on me, a lot. It’s brilliant, I can only hope that the rest of their third LP continues in the same vein as it reveals new sounds with each play through.
#3 - The xx - Festival Republic stage, Reading Sunday/Leeds Saturday
The xx - ‘Crystalised’
This week saw the release of debut album ‘XX’ from this London four piece which will no doubt prove to be one of the debuts of 2009, as they deliver a record far beyond their tender age. Destined for great things, perhaps.
#2 - 65daysofstatic - Festival Republic stage, Reading Saturday/Leeds Friday
65daysofstatic - ‘Drove Through Ghosts To Get Here’
Whilst only recent call ups after A Day To Remember dropped out of the bill, Sheffield post-rock pioneers 65dos are set to grace the cramped Festival Republic tent for what is set up to be one of the festival performances of the year. Watch and learn.
#1 - Radiohead - headlining the main stage, Reading Sunday/Leeds Saturday
Radiohead - ‘House Of Cards’
I’ll make no bones about it - if Radiohead were the only band playing throughout the whole four days, I would still probably part with my pennies. Whilst the possibilty of hearing new material or not remains a mystery, their two hour set will still undoubtedly provide the highlight of the weekend.
