Glastonbury regulars, rejoice, and the ones missing out, now would be a good time to start whining. The Glastonbury line-up is every bit, spectacular and grand.Β
Glastonbury is one of the world’s premier music festivals as it brings to fore some of the biggest names in music, art, comedy, theatre, circus and cabaret. And Glastonbury’s history is proof to the fact that its lineup has been led by some of the most legendary musical acts of our time. Never mind the huge recall-Kanye controversy, or that very recently, the Foo Fighters have cancelled their act due to Dave Grohl’s injury, the 2015 line-up is still worth salivating over, with over 200 artists across the 5-day extravaganza.
And amidst that long list of artists, we pick The Sherp’s Glastonbury Big 10, the 10 artists absolutely unmissable at the festival. And if you’re not making it to the festival, they are what your playlists need.
1. Kanye West
Kanye West may not be the best interviewee for some. We, for one, love his metaphysical comments about everything and Beyonce. And people may find reasons to thrash him for his opinions, or who he’s married to. But there’s not denying that the man who got Sir Paul McCartney to work with him is one of the more talented music figures of this generation. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Yeezus will definitely go down as albums to remember, and there’s definitive proof to him being a brilliant stage performer.
2. The Who
The Who, though often woefully ignored, are right up there with some of the biggest rock bands of this generation. Pete Townshend, the guitarist and the principal songwriter of the band is one of the most influential figures in rock music history, with his vision having helped transcend The Who to legendary greatness. After 11 albums and countless live performances, they’re the one magnanimous rock performance of Glastonbury 2015.
3. Caribou
For fans of electronic music, especially those who prefer synth based productions, Dan Snaith cuts an innovative figure with his penchant for experimenting with his music via his several alter egos, one of which is Caribou.Β Caribou has been around for a while now, so if you havenβt lapped on to its neo-psychedelic style, itβs time you do as soon as possible. Caribou stands out for its sheer unique sound. He manages to produce never-before-heard music within the frameworks of pop, per se, in what is a unique amalgamation.
4. Lionel Richie
Cue to the last drunken party you had with your friends. Didn’t Lionel Richie helped usher in the mood belonging to romantic longing. He’s one of the true pioneering figures of soulful rhythm & blues, and the legendary singer will be heading to the Pyramid Stage this year. You know where to be if it is Lionel you’re looking for.
5. Belle & Sebastian
Belle and Sebastian is testament to how indie pop can sound beautiful, almost even thirty years after formation, and it riles us up how largely ignored this bandΒ seems to be in India. Melodic music, soulful lyrics, and beautiful vocals, theyβre just the band to wind up with after a long day, as they work as well as a soothing balm.
6. The Chemical BrothersΒ
The Chemical Brothers have, in their more than two decades of formation, reinvented the distinctive sound of electronic dance music, by fusing it with several lateral components to give us what is regularly a unique sound. Their new album, Born in the Echoes, bears great influences of neo-pyschedelia, as they band gears up for yet another big beat effort.
7.Β Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples is one among many things, an American civil rights activist, a gospel singer, and someone who is counted as one of the most influential rhythm & blues voices. As a songstress, Mavis Staples is equal parts revered, and cited as examples for the old-soul American voice.
8. Fatboy Slim
Legendary producer Norman Cook better known by his stage name Fatboy Slim is ending his sort-of-hiatus-like phase by appearing at a number of festivals. The crusader of the big beat genre along with The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim is known for his popular productions such as Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat and Right Here, Right Now. There is no excuse for missing him in action!
9. Β Super Furry Animals
In their three decades of existence, Super Furry Animals have waded across rock, with psychedelic leanings, electronic experimentation, indie rock influences, and the occasional pop borrowings. Billboard Magazine has termed them as ‘one of the most imaginative bands of our time’ and with good reason.
10. Patti Smith
Patti Smith belongs to the New York punk movement, with Andy Warhol and Lou Reed for company. She’s a songstress extraordinaire, a visual artist and a poetess sans comparison. A ‘punk poet laureate’, she remains one of the reminiscent figures of New York city’s art revolution, a true creative genius. A woman who did much taking poetry to rock. This artist live would be the performance of a lifetime.