Lets Sit Down for a Catchup

Well finally I have some computer time. In a rush again so I’ll try to cover the last few days quite quickly.

So the Electric Picnic was very, very good. But the adventures surrounding it were probably as good as the festival itself.

Left Nottingham first thing Friday morning, travelled along those M roads to Holyhead which is on the coast of Wales. Wales is very nice, pretty boring looking but nice countryside and little towns and stuff. Caught a massive ferry to Ireland, the ferries have big restaurants and stuff, was quite interesting jetting at high speed across the ocean.

Arrived just outside of Dublin late in the afternoon, then it was a mad rush to get to the festival which was a couple of hours drive away out in the country. Got there and set up our camping spot then rushed to the ‘Bodytonic’ area and quickly set up the stage. I made myself useful lifting gear around and making sure everyone had fresh booze. The gig was really good as usual. The Crazy P guys weren’t 100% satisfied but from where I was and from the crowd reaction it was nothing but quality.

Once the gear was packed up and back in the truck it was down time at the camp before a wander around the huge festival. Think BDO on a massive massive farm with a fair distance between each stage and no cement or proper buildings anywhere. Very nice. The Irish punter is a bit strange though, can’t quite explain it but they’re pretty tame I think.

So Saturday…we had an awesome breakky/lunch in the artists area (oh yeah!) and that was a tops start to the day. Drinking beers by early afternoon and watched some awesome awesome music all through Saturday. One of the best days of aural pleasure I’ve had I reckon. Started with a 7 or 8 peice ska band the ‘The Skatalites’ who kicked the day off in fine fun skank style. Then Micheal Franti, who was OK I guess. I’m not really down with his preaching antics. Was still light hearted afternoon music.

I think the Super Furry Animals were next. A very very good band, very much in the rock mould with loads of electronics going down as well. A fantastic set, especially since I didn’t know their tunes. Surry Furry’s are Crazy P favourites so the team were all buzzing after that show.

Was dark now and after some tucker and a chill and a restock of cheap booze back at camp I went to watch Bloc Party with one of the others. Very tight and entertaining, same as I remember them from the Metro gig. Was good to see one of my fave albums of last year played live with 15k other people. Then it was the The Unabombers in the smaller Bacardi tent. They’re a house-ish Dj act out of Manchester. Holy shit!!! Probably the best ever. Easily in my top 5. The DJ was supported by a male vocalist and also a percussionist. Tough deep house all night long with fantastic accompaniments by the others. I could rave about it all day but I dont have the time. Finished off with drinks and a teepee session in the VIP area. A wicked day all round.

Sunday was the last day of Electric Picnic and the day where most of the acts I wanted to see were on. But, the crew had to get back to England so we left mid morning. So I missed out on Metro Area, Charles Webster, Hot Chip, Laurent Garnier etc…oh well one or two of those are at Bestival so not to worry.

The trip back was pretty cruisy, lots of snoozing. Once we got back on England soil we got some red wine and cheese and biscuits and had a little tour bus party. Good times.

So back in Nottingham late on Sunday, unpacked all the gear from the van then went and got drunk at a wicked little bar that CP’s tour manager owns.  More good times.

So its Wednesday arvo now and the last 2 days have been very cruisy. Rest and recouperation before Bestival this weekend. Looking forward to that! Everyone is really excited about it and lots of people have told me its the best of the UK’s festivals. Will also meet up with some friend from Oz as well.

Oh forgot to say we went to see Amp Fiddler last night at a tiny little venue here in Nottingham. It was fantastic. Such a a great band, proper funk from stateside.

OK I’m really sick of typing so thats it.

Sorry no photos as the camera has a flat battery. But I’ve got hundreds of awesome shots to show everyone.

Email me please – mitch_od@yahoo.com.au

Hope everyone is really well and loving life.

PS. Go the Tiges! Good way to finish the season.