It’s that time of year again… The festival season is well and truly underway, and it’ll be difficult not to notice the coverage of this year’s Glastonbury Festival as it finds its way onto our screens for another weekend of live music and unpredictable weather. Here are my top ten artists heading to this year’s festival:
Robert Plant – ‘Rainbow’
Rock legend Robert Plant returns to Glastonbury with a big slot on the Pyramid Stage before Jack White and Saturday night’s slightly controversial headliners, Metallica. Plant will be promoting his new album, Lullaby And The Ceaseless Roar, which will be released on September 8.
Here’s a taste of Robert Plant’s new track, which was aired for the first time on 6Music on Monday. The official video seems though to be unavailable in the UK so this is a live version:
Anna Calvi – ‘The Devil’
A great performer, and a voice that is both haunting and mesmerizing; Anna Calvi has landed herself a small slot playing at the Park Stage. It’s certainly one not to miss, if you’re happy to choose Calvi over the unfortunate clash with Jack White on the Pyramid Stage
Arcade Fire – ‘Normal Person’
If the rumours haven’t started already, then I’m starting them. Will David Bowie make an appearance for ‘Reflektor’? The answer, sadly, is probably not, but it won’t stop Arcade Fire putting on a great show after rave reviews from their shows at Earls Court earlier this month. Expect to see some special guests in this headline slot on the Pyramid Stage.
This version of ‘Normal Person’ also has a few lines of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ in the intro, and was performed on Later… With Jools Holland in May.
St. Vincent – ‘Birth In Reverse’
Annie Clark brings her latest album, St. Vincent, to Pilton with the promise of a UK tour this coming August. St. Vincent will then head to the states before yet more dates in the UK and Europe, so it’s set to be a very busy year for the 'Digital Witness' singer. Catch her at the Park Stage.
Jonny Greenwood – ‘Overtones’ (From The Master Soundtrack)
Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has been focusing on his film scores of late, working with the London Contemporary Orchestra performing classical music including works from his film scores for There Will Be Blood and The Master. It’ll be interesting to see how this one goes down with a festival atmosphere, but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
On a side note, what are the odds of Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood turning up for an impromptu set somewhere at Worthy Farm this weekend?
The Mariachis – ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby’
Yes, it’s that band from the Doritos advert. Yes, you can see them over at Avalon. Yes, I hope they play this song.
Kodaline – ‘One Day’ (2014 Version)
Any regular readers of this column will be aware that I am a fan of Kodaline. Their first album last year was greatly received as they played early on the Friday at the John Peel. This year they take to the Other Stage, potentially with a few new songs in the repertoire.
Lana Del Rey – ‘West Coast’
Having released Ultraviolence last week and then watched it top the UK album charts, Lana Del Rey should be full of confidence ahead of her slot on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday. With a reputation as a great performer, it’s difficult not to expect great things.
Kwabs – ‘Last Stand’
I cannot tell you how talented this man is. Having worked with renowned producer SOHN, Kwabs has produced some truly spectacular tracks. He is sure to impress on a small stage; you can catch him at La Pussy Parlure Nouveau on Sunday afternoon.
Plastic Ono Band – ‘Give Peace A Chance’
I didn’t even know that the Plastic Ono Band were still going, but they were a welcome surprise on the line up this year. Glastonbury is the perfect setting for a sing-a-long to this classic track, and the perfect chance to pay tribute to John Lennon with Yoko and co; it could be quite the moment.
You can follow Tom on twitter @tom_fake
