First off, let me say I probably should of seen more bands than I did! Sometimes all those good intentions go out the window, plus the weather did not help. So, let’s start with who really rocked Hydro-Connect 08 - for once all the headliners were superb. Kasabian, Bloc Party and what I caught of Franz Ferdinand on the Sunday evening. You know though, the best band of the entire weekend were yet again Sigur Ros. Man, I don’t think I will ever tire of seeing those guys live. Yet again, people came away amazed and inspired. It’s almost magical to hear. The whole show just bleeds into one as the ebb and flow carried us way up into the mist of the Scottish hills.
Running those Icelandic masters close were Elbow and The Levellers on Sunday. Saturday was a harder one for me to call. I really, really enjoyed the drawl of Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst with his sideproject The Mystic Valley Band.
Over on the Guitars And Other Machines stage, the now all-conquering Glasvegas ruled the roost on home soil. I’m told over 7,000 people crammed in to catch the set. I caught up with the band for a Hydro online exclusive interview - more on that later in the week. Paolo Nutini was the surprise package for me, backed by an awesome band he played both new and old material to an adoring crowd of young fans. Saturday over in the Speakeasy tent, I caught the much talked-about Grace Emilys who are well worth catching if you are out and about in Scotland.
Friday is an easy one for me. The Manic Street Preachers stole the show lock, stock and two smoking barrels. Running through their awesome back catalogue with consummate ease, the highlight being a singalong version of “Design for Life”. I’m thinking that people probably heard it in Glasgow some fifty miles south. The Manics just seem to work the stage, crowd and get things spot on.
My other Friday highlight has to be Ladytron. The crowd was somewhat less for them but those who took the time must of left impressed. I’m guessing that you will all have your own opinions of highlights. I’m cross that I missed Sparks because I’m told they were a sight to behold! Still, you can’t be in two places at once. That’s always the trouble with these kind of events, just too much to see and do! Bring on 2009!
MP3: Ladytron - Runaway
MP3: Conor Oberst - Souled Out!!!
MP3: Manic Street Preachers - Design For Life
MP3: Sigur Ros - I Gaer
- Mark
September 15th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
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