Ahhh….my first full concert-going experience in London. What better than an all day festival. I thought I had sworn them off after Jazzfest this year (since nothing else compares!), but the lineup was just too tempting. For a one stop indie music all day extravaganza, I was impressed by how orderly most of the experience was. Most of it. There was a brief moment when I thought about a potential stabbing at the Dizzee Rascal performance. But, luckily, these high schoolers were not in the mood for violence.
Highlights/Lowlights of the Get Loaded 2007 festival:
Outstanding DJ ability – DJ Semtex. Sometimes you only need one arm to break it down on the ones and twos. He’s building some buzz from hip hop heavy hitters (Jay Z, Kanye, 50, Snoop) and deservedly so. Played a lot of fun American hits and mixed them well with the UK set. All around pleasure to watch and listen to.
Least response from the crowd – Peter, Bjorn, and John. Yep, “Young Folks” never made it across the Thames. Not even errant whistles from the crowd for the greatest whistled melody of 2006.
Least response from the stage – Remi Nicole. She even noted how disengaged she was while performing. Usually anyone can get decent crowd participation at a festival. Not so for Remi. After much goading and prodding, a few willing (drunk) participants decided to sing along to her “now the crowd sings” chorus. She didn’t even congratulate them. Lowest of the low energy from a girl who wrote “Go Mr. Sunshine”. Black people. Figures.
Most appealing crotch grabs/devil horns – Bondo De Role. Portuguese for ROCK! In spite of awful sound (“We would like to bring on the sound guy for this next song for all of his hard work…”), they kept up their spirits and put on a show. I stood front row and was not dissapointed. I even had to pee for 30 minutes prior to their arrival but chanced a hold just to stay at the front. After the show started, I couldn’t stop dancing and completely forgot about nature calling. For those in the MSP, do check them out for a steal at the Triple Rock. They may even have face paint on
Breakthrough performance – The Rumble Strips were a delightful surprise. I was mindlessly biding time until M.I.A and here is this fine British band with quite a strong following. A lead singer with a big voice, a horn section and lots of songs about the dangers of love. And a cardboard cutout banner of their band name. Very crafty. They have quickly become my UK version of the White Rabbits.
Worst performance – The Mitchell Brothers. Even though the rest of the crowd was screaming, I was bored out of my skull. Even after scarfing down a nutella crepe. That takes serious suckage to pull off. I left after only 2 songs.
Best performance – Not the Streets! Shocking, I know. M.I.A, even on crutches, brought more energy and exuberance than anyone else that day. Worth the 35 pounds alone, she sang, danced, screamed, grinded, and crowd surfed (yep, I touched her). Afrikan Boy is the perfect hype man and helped take the show to an ecstatic frenzy. If Kala didn’t make you a believer, the live show will definitely convert you.
For a look at my bootleg photos from the show, check out my flickr set for Get Loaded.