Stereo Jealousy

So, you’re off to one of the biggest festivals in the world; revered and loved by all whom attend? You lucky soul! I’ve picked five acts that you shouldn’t miss and hopefully demonstrating some of the variety that Glasto is famed for. The headliners are Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Blur for the main stage, with great bands throughout the bill.

The Soft Pack

Where: John Peel Stage When: Sunday, 4:55 – 5:45pm Why: Feral racket making of the highest order, California’s The Soft Pack (formerly The Muslims) are a fantastic live prospect. Fast, loose and exciting the band will bring garage to Glastonbury. Expect tunes from their recent Extinction EP.

Listen: Call It A Day Watch:Extinction

Rokia Traoré

Where: Jazz World Stage When: Saturday, 3:45 – 4:45pm Why: Malian superstar Rokia Traoré has a voice that could melt Glastonbury Tor. Rich and vibrant, her band play with such sheer joy that despite the language barrier you’ll find yourself captivated and understanding exactly what is going on.

Listen: Aimer Watch: Tounka

Bon Iver

Where: Park Stage / Other Stage When: Saturday, 10:45pm-12:15am / Sunday, 8:00-9:00pmWhy:I guess little explanation is required for this pick. Justin Vernon’s act has been one of the critical smashes of the last eighteen months or so and For Emma, Forever Ago still sounds as good as the hype that surrounded it. The opportunity to catch him out in The Park should be a big draw.

Listen: Blood Bank Watch: Skinny Love

Florence And The Machine

Where: John Peel Stage When: Saturday, 8:00-9:00pm Why:An opportunity to catch Florence Welch before she goes stratospheric. Lungs, her debut album, is just around the corner and is likely to be in the mould of her output so far; fresh, intelligent and delivered with a killer voice. Watch out for her cover of You’ve Got The Love – it’s a barnstormer.

Listen: Dog Days Are Over Watch: You’ve Got The Love

Speech Debelle

Where: Pussy Parlure When: Friday, time TBC Why: Rap? At Glastonbury? Speech Debelle is an incredible talent balancing fresh-yet-old-school beats with thought provoking lyrical flourishes. Coming straight outta London, catch Speech and her incredibly personal tunes will burrow their way into your heart and mind.

Listen: Buddy Love Watch: The Key

Enjoy – and if you haven’t checked out who is playing in full yet, the whole line up is here.

Photo: CmdrGravy, Glastonbury 2007

Gig Of The Week – Vivian Girls – Brixton Windmill

Brooklyn’s Vivian Girls have had a whirlwind 2008. Recently named in Rough Trade’s 50 albums of 2008 (#9, no less), the band follows support slots with Deerhunter, Fucked Up and Love is All over in the States with a couple of shows here in London. The first is the peach, set in the dark, cramped surroundings of Brixton’s tiny Windmill venue. The sound is resolutely lo-fi, with hints of Sarah Records influence along with classic girl group vs Jesus And Mary Chain noise. So ignore the glitzy XFM bash up the road at the Academy and go and head for Brooklyn in Brixton.

You can stream the entire debut album over at Last.fm

Where Do You Run To (mp3)

Photo: Mercurialn

Don’t forget to vote in our Best of 2008 section!

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