V Fest

The Virgin Festival!!! That’s right - for the second time the Brits have brought us the party in one of the most beautiful locations anyone will ever experience at any festival. Truth. The scenic fairytale setting on Centre Island easily lends itself to a generally chilled out and relaxed atmosphere. For an entire weekend a person could binge on the fruits of pop culture’s tree that was in full bloom, and not feel guilty. Day 1 Surprises!!! First off, if you are not listening to M.I.A. you should be. She came on stage in her best French uber-hip electro dance shades (thanks to Busy P), and rocked the house. The crowd was alive and in awe of the pint-sized entertainer who definitely turned things up a notch, and set the precedent for the rest of the weekend. A self-confessed hung over K-OS followed and gave us a heavy-rock guitar rendition of his music, which was well revieved. Later on that day at the Future Shop stage Mute Math showed the crowd why people are talking about them, and now you will be to…c’mon, go check out their page on myspace (you know you want to!). Earlier in the day Interpol did a much anticipated signing. The reason why it was so anticipated was because they were about an hour late for it, but the boys made nice with a warm demeanor and quick-witted comments. Fortunately for the rest of the festivalgoers they were not tardy for their 7:30 appearance, which was ever so Interpol and very enjoyable indeed. Isn’t it amazing how you never see Carlos D lighting a cigarette, but he always seems to have one going? (Disclaimer: smoking is bad for your health, unless you’re in a crime thriller from the 50’s). Closing the night was Bjork! Not as timely as Interpol mind you, but worth the wait. It was a supericelandicfunksploitationallaserlightflagwavingextravaganza! (Source: Wikipedia). Our favorite nymph’s voice was in peak form, inundating our visceral senses to the point where certain members of the audience thought they just might be on planet Bjork. You’ve been Bjorked you could say, ha! Day 2 Day two started off on a somber note as…no, not really - I did spill coffee on myself on the ferry over to the island though. That counts, right? Yeah, no it doesn’t. What a treat to see the opening act Earl Greyhound on the Virgin Mobile Stage! Hailing from Brooklyn and wailing like banshees from the far reaches of Ireland, with thunderous crescendo bass lines and dynamic teasing drumbeats pampered with guitar virtuosity, the trio never, NEVER let up for there entire set! One must acquire the album A.S.A.P. Well, not really, you should actually get it NOW! Stop reading, seriously, I won’t write another… A diamond in the rough over the two-day event was the Souljazz Orchestra. For a good dance-filled time that’s fun for the whole family (and Spain as a whole I would say), check them out. Really good stuff! Other palatable stuff came from Louis XIV, Jamie T, Tokyo Police Club, Stars, Metric, Liam and Me, and Dirty Vegas. These bands are good both live and to have within your collection to just have a good listen too! Back to the more rocking-out side we have Biffy Clyro from Scotland! If you like your lead singer drinking a full magnum of wine during a short and high octane set, Biffy Clyro is where it’s at. Picture The Cramps and Pavement hanging out for an afternoon, accompanied by 16 gallons of red bull. Now you get the picture (?). Oh wait! I forgot about The Editors, another fine addition from over the pond too. Okay okay, regrettably I didn’t get to see them because of The Smashing Pumpkins…speaking of which… First, THE KILLERS!!! In front of the Virgin Mobile Stage (it was so sweet to have press passes) the crowed went wild. However as far as the press were concerned it was entirely “no pictures, please.” Well, actually they told us not to take any. However, all had a good show and a good time. Closing the festival, and this blog, was THE SMASHING PUMPKINS!!!! (Insert thunder and lightning). It was a perfect climax for any fan out there, and the Pumpkins delivered. There light show was in contrast to Bjork’s however, similar to the one that Graced Arrow Hall a few weeks ago thanks to Daft Punk. Triangles galore! Not to mention riff after recognizable riff from new tunes to rock classics from yesterday. Besides encore song “Today,” Billy Corgan also got the crowed excited with an impromptu solo of Oh Canada. Not really notarized for his guitar playing, Corgan however is a virtuoso and has to be heard live to be believed. Overall, the weekend was filled with a harmonious joy, and love of music and a sense that ever year, the newest run through of V-Fest will be the best. RG