Warning: If you haven't bought a ticket, you ain't coming.
Round 2 (well, three if you count the Star Festival) of La Musique a la Summer in Japan is Summer Sonic 09, a 10th anniversary edition over 3 days. Sadly they've gone for quantity over quality, and the lineup this year is far inferior to years gone by. However, a few gems are nestled amongst the wannabe's, enough that I've considered it good enough to go on both Saturday & Sunday. Here's my planned viewing schedule:
SATURDAY
[13.40] Girl Talk
The rather arrogant, very entertaining "mash-up DJ" Girl Talk plays early afternoon, possibly the worst timing at SS since MSTRKRFT played that early 2 years ago. While he should be excellent, it will be warm and light and it only makes me feel ever more justified in saying that the early dance acts should be at the Sonic Stage, inside where it's dark and cool.
[14:20] Phoenix
The distance between the Sky Stage and the Dance Stage and overlapping of Girl Talk and the friendly French boys from Phoenix may be enough to suggest skipping the former in favour of seeing the whole of the latter. They did indeed rock out when they played here in '05, so it'll be interesting to see how they bring it 2 albums later...
[16.10] Datarock
I only know the track Give It Up and Computer Camp Love from these guys, but they should be good fun back at the Dance Stage.
The songs are good, the video even better (see below).
[17.30] Tricky
One of the fine Bristol trip-hop crew from the 90s, if you don't know Tricky, you're a liar because you actually do know Tricky.
[17:55] Nine Inch Nails
Soon after Tricky starts, however, I think I'm going to have to head to the main stage to see what has been rumoured as NIN's final tour. They were excellent in 2005, as were the crowd.
[19:00] Soulwax
I can imagine this will pack out, but the boys from Belgium are always worth a look. Their set last year really showed their live incarnation is now their strong point.
[20:00] Aphex Twin
The last time I saw this guy, it was quite confusing indeed. Much as I love him for his mental breakdown music, I do hope he pulls something together that we can all enjoy. Live vids on youtube look promising.
SUNDAY
[13:10] Little Boots
Again, I feel they got this wrong - Little Boots is an outdoor stage girl, or at least the Dance Stage. The Sonic Stage is a bit too dark at 1pm for Miss Boots, but it should still be wonderful to see her.
[14:00] Yuksek
Though we'll miss half his set thanks to the commute, Yuksek should be a fun afternoon electronica affair.
[15:05] Placebo
Finally, after 9 long years the original androgynous emo boys (well, not ORIGINAL, but still "veteran") return to Japan. Their new album is severely mediocre, but their back catalogue is some of my favourite music. I do wonder how the crowd will take them - never hear their music here. Hoping they'll go down well.
(Placebo clashes with Birdy Nam Nam, 4 scratch DJs from France who do indeed look very impressive. I'll regret missing them, but it's a choice that needs to be made)
[16.40] Metronomy
A unique, impressive 3-piece of boys who look like jocks and play music like...a parallel universe made of playdough. Very nice use of brassy synth and strange guitar sounds, with catchy vocals. Music to dance in the strangest way possible to.
[18:30] CSS
Brazilian...electronic band fronted by an odd Japanese-Brazilian girl, who may be considered a cross between Bjork and Chicks on Speed. Should be fun - though I find a lot of their music a bit simple.
[20:10] Klaxons
I did enjoy these boys back in 07, when their album come out and they visited. The lead singer was in a wheelchair with a broken leg, and perhaps a bit sombre, but it all worked, mate. This time around? Who knows? They had a new album worked out, it got canned, and it's back to the drawing board. So will we hear more of the old, or some of the new? Who knows? Will I care enough? I may be a bit tired by then.
Youtube playlist of tracks from all of the above (though I suggest visiting it directly on youtube here, seeing as the friendly ppl at universal & emi won't let me embed their artist's videos).
