Taste The Difference: Stereoboard's Glastonbury Setlist
Monday, 24 June 2013
Written by Sam Jones
Glastonbury is pretty big. It's got more stages than an Ikea instruction booklet, and a bill so diverse that there really is something for everyone. Presiding over things this year are the Rolling Stones, who will turn in one of the most-anticipated headline sets in recent memory on Saturday night.
Either side of Mick Jagger and pals are Arctic Monkeys and Mumford and Sons, while down the bill there are plenty of hidden delights and possible show-stoppers.
Here's our pick of the bunch, from established names to new faces, via a couple of left-field suggestions to get you up on your feet. All together now, “rain, rain go away...”
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Main Stage, Sunday
The enigmatic Mr. Cave will take to the stage just before Mumford and Sons on Sunday, and will bring with him a bag of tunes bursting with dark romance and eccentric compositions. He's one of the most arresting frontmen around and this could be a real highlight.
KTTunstall – Acoustic Stage, Saturday
Having just released the best album of her career to date, the excellent 'Invisible Empire//Crescent Moon', Tunstall will bring her brand of folk-rock to the acoustic stage on Saturday. This is a prime opportunity to see one of the UK's best songwriters in a stripped back environment.
Public Enemy – West Holts Stage, Saturday
In perhaps the toughest scheduling clash of the weekend, the hip hop legends go up against the Stones on Saturday night. If Jagger's blues don't do it for you, get over and see one of the most important bands in the history of music do their thing. You definitely won't be alone.
Vintage Trouble – Avalon Stage, Saturday
A late night treat for you. Vintage Trouble play high-energy soul and will turn in one of the best live shows of the weekend. Their 2011 collection, 'The Bomb Shelter Sessions' is a blistering set of '60s-influenced rock 'n' roll and in frontmanTy Taylor they have a real gem. They're fresh from supporting the Stones, too.
Portishead – Other Stage, Friday
This lot really need no introduction. One of the most celebrated, influential British bands of the last 20 years, Portishead will bring their downbeat electronica to the Other Stage on Friday night. Just go and see them. Just go.
Dinosaur Jr. - Park Stage, Friday
This will undoubtedly be the loudest hour of the festival. JMascis' guitar tone alone will be enough to shake some fillings loose, but luckily his reformed band also have some of the best alt-rock songs of the '90s to offer. Take some earplugs and let them show off their moves.
Elvis Costello – Main Stage, Saturday
One of the UK's finest songwriters. Period. Get down to the main stage early on Saturday evening for a one-two-three of Costello, Primal Scream and the Stones, with Costello up first and set to roll out timeless classics from his back catalogue. He also has a killer band, the Imposters, in tow these days.
Lianne La Havas – West Holts Stage, Sunday
Her debut album, 'Is Your Love Big Enough', is a brilliant collection of modern soul, with winning melodies and arresting guitar at the forefront. Live, La Havas one of the most charming artists you'll find anywhere, and boy does she have the songs to back it up.
Public Image Ltd. - Other Stage, Sunday
Wherever you stand on the John Lydon/Johnny Rotten debate, it's hard to overstate his importance to popular culture. With PiL he changed the rulebook completely after a few years with the Sex Pistols and this is a prime opportunity to see a living legend playing the most challenging material from his career.
Amanda Palmer – Other Stage, Friday
Whether it's with the Dresden Dolls or as a solo artist, Amanda Palmer is never boring. Her Kickstarter-funded 'Theatre Is Evil' record is another set of off-kilter pop shot through with her idiosyncratic lyrics and vocal style. Unpredictability is a wonderful thing, and she'll deliver it.
Jagwar Ma – John Peel Stage, Saturday
Championed by radio tastemakers in recent months, Jagwar Ma have been bringing back the sounds of early '90s pop, with something of a Madchesterinflection. Expect huge tunes and plenty of energy from a band tipped for big things in 2013.
Amazing Grace Live feat. Sam Duckworth – Left Field, Sunday
The man behind Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly will be a regular presence on the Left Field stage all weekend, helping to lead a series of political debates as well as forays into music and comedy. Amazing Grace will bring together a mash up of styles, from hip hop to punk, with guest spots from Sweet Billy Pilgrim, Jehst, Grace Petrie and RizMC.
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