10 unmissable bands at Reading Festival
- Aug 24, 2011
Reading and Leeds Festival 2011 is upon us, and once again has bowled us over with a tantalising line-up. From The Strokes to Pulp, here are the top 10 unmissable* bands of Reading Festival 2011...
*I will undoubtedly be missing at least two of these 10 unmissable bands, and apologise for the frivolous hypocrisy of these actions.
10. Pulp
Pulp's reunion has been an absolute triumph, with Jarvis Cocker retaining the wit and showmanship of old and the songs reinvigorated by the band's lengthy break. Sharing headlining duties with The Strokes, expect a dazzling mix of nostalgia and naughtiness from Pulp.
9. Death From Above 1979
Another reformed band, and one whose reasons for doing so can be neatly summarised by that currently omnipresent Alo Blacc song. Never mind that though, they make the kind of riotous noise Reading Festival was created for. Sometimes they even duet with sign language interpreters.
8. My Chemical Romance
Can they deal with being headliners? Should they be topping the bill of Reading's traditional rock day? Will the rumoured Friday night rain ruin Gerard Way's make up? Big questions, big questions.
7. The Horrors
The Horrors have recently released one of the best albums of many a year, yet they're billed on the little ol' Festival Republic Stage. Get there early (ignoring the admittedly contradictory advice to watch MCR above) and see Faris Badwan lurk in the shadows letting an arsenal of jaw-dropping songs take centre stage.
6. Muse
Yes, they've played Reading Festival more times than the festival has even been held (not strictly true, but still), and yes they do these monster gigs with all the subtlety of a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a tutu. But this time they're playing 'Origin of Symmetry' in full. That's the one with all the good songs on it.
5. Best Coast
The weather might be miserable all weekend - you need a band to give you sunshine pop, silly lyrics and just enough edge to make it work. At Reading Festival 2011, Best Coast are that band. And they're in a tent so it doesn't matter if the sun doesn't shine.
4. Frank Turner
Reading Festival regular Frank Turner has bagged a main stage slot this year, so expect all guns blazing as ever from the man who comes from Winchester and happily reminds you at the end of every set. There's some perfect festival fodder on new album 'England Keep My Bones', and Frank Turner works a crowd better than nearly anyone else out there.
3. OFWGKTA
When Odd Future play festivals, most of the crowd end up onstage after being roundly abused by the rappers, while Tyler, The Creator and his cronies end up in the crowd after jumping on the people they have been confronting for the previous half an hour. Less a gig and more a philosophical conundrum. With added swearing.
2. Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is playing two sets at Reading Festival 2011 as his endless assault on the music-loving public rolls on. Armed with charm, catchy songs and a free Nandos card, he will add you to his ever growing army whether you like it or not. You'll probably like it, mind.
1. The Strokes
Oh, The Strokes. Playing a neverending game of daisy petal pulling with each others' affections, the only ones who are sure they still love Julain Casablancas and co are their fans. New album 'Angles' isn't the masterpiece its predecessors have been, but is still half-full of indie gold. Add to those the unabashed brilliance of 'Hard To Explain', 'Someday', 'Reptilia' et al and you have a Reading Festival headline set to treasure.
