Well ladies and gentlemen, it is that time of the year again. This weekend 0ver 80,000 punters descend upon Punchestown Racecourse to catch the some of the finest musical acts around for Oxegen 2010, and once again Goldenplec is here to give you the lowdown on the must see acts of this years festival
With over 100 acts playing this weekend it was a hard task to pick out our favorites but below find our musical recommendations for the weekend. Of course it is just our opinion and we have the full line up available for you to pick your own must see acts and plan your weekend.
Campsites open from 12 noon Thursday 8th July with the Main Arena from 1.30pm on Friday 9th July. Full details on getting to the festival and opening times are available at the Official Oxegen website. We recommend bringing a rain jacket / rain poncho’s as its almost guaranteed to rain according to the forecast. Where possible we recommend travelling by Public transport as they will be given priority leaving the concert, so it will save you time.
Friday
Jay-Z
Main Stage 20:50
I use the word ‘Superstar’ carefully but what else can you call the Brooklyn born rapper? With 15 No.1 Albums in the US, Numerous musical awards, a popstar wife and many successful businesses, Jay-Z really is a true global superstar, but on top of that he is a performer. Anybody who saw his Glastonbury performance in 2008 knows he can win over even the most hostile crowds and deliver a performance that is talked about for weeks after. With an arsenal of songs that includes ’99 Problems’ ‘Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Empire State of Mind’, expect one of the performances of the weekend.
Goldfrapp
Green Spheres Tent 21:40
Electro duo Goldfrapp are one of the most progressive and interesting acts out there, actively exploring different music genres and styles but always with the same result of brilliant Music. When Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory take stage on Friday you don’t know what you are going to get but with songs like ‘Strict Machine’, ‘Ooh La La’ and ‘Ride A White Horse’ you are guaranteed a filthy synth-filled disco.
Vampire Weekend
Main Stage 17.35
After being the sound of the summer in 2008, Vampire Weekend returned with their second album ‘Contra’ this year with music press asking “Will they be one album wonders?”. Well, ‘Contra’ proved to be one of the most interesting and entertaining albums of the year with songs like ‘Holiday’ and ‘Cousins’ fitting in seamlessly with favorites from the first album like ‘Oxford Comma’ and ‘Walcott’, giving Vampire Weekend a catalogue of songs to produce a cracking set this Friday.
God Is An Astronaut
Green Spheres 16.10
Quite simply, God Is An Astronaut are one of the most progressive and consistently brilliant Irish acts we have. Their epic instrumental post-rock compositions reverberate at an emotional level with the listener. Eagle eyed GP readers will know we recommended God Is An Astronaut as a must see act at Oxegen 2008 and anyone who followed our advice were not disappointed. One of the most impressive and underrated Irish acts out there.
Sweet Jane
2FM / Hotpress New Bands Stage – 15:30
An Irish band, Sweet Jane are another good rock based act for you to catch this weekend, They have just released their debut album “Sugar for my Soul” and will be well entertaining. Drop by! check out our interview with Sweet Jane HERE
Kassidy
Heineken Green Sphere 14:55
One of those unique bands out there at the moment, boast a 4 piece cast, all guitarist, they have a unique sound and will be worth catching if you find your tent pitched nice and early and are looking for something to help kick off your Friday.
Saturday
Muse
Main Stage 23:10
If there was ever a band who have everything needed to be unforgettable headliners, it is Muse. The Devon trio have always been an impressive live proposition but as their albums have become more ambitious, so have their stage show. Muse are one of the few live acts that understand the power of live spectacle, and with songs like ‘Knights of Cydonia’ and ‘Super-massive Black Hole’ mixed with old favorites such as ‘New Born’ and ‘Plug in Baby’ it has to be one of the must see sets at Oxegen.
The Drums
Red Bull Music Academy 21:40
One of most surprising acts to emerge over the last year, The Drums brand of Beach Boys meets The Cure indie-pop has everything needed to be sound of the summer. With their debut album released in June, The Drums will be going out to impress with tracks like ‘Best Friend’, ‘I Felt Stupid’ and ‘Lets go surfing’, and after recent tours in support of Florence + The Machine expect them to be on top of their game.
Dizzee Rascal
Main Stage 18.05
What a 12 months for Dizzee, the british rapper has become the toast of the UK music scene with a succession of cracking tunes such as ‘Holiday’, ‘Dance Wiv Me’ and ‘Bonkers’ and a no.1 album ‘Tongue N Cheek’. This popularity has also seen Dizzee become a main stage act, and he is taken this jump in his stride. While the bill is full of international superstar rappers, the best rap performance of the weekend might come from the lad from East London.
Two Door Cinema Club
Vodafone Stage 16:05
Two Door Cinema Club are quite simply the biggest Irish music success story of the last 12 months. With their songs featuring in every other TV ad and performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live in the states, the lads have come a long way from Bangor. With their debut album ‘Tourist History’ sure to make most end of year lists, expect a huge crowd at the Vodafone Stage this Saturday.
Sunday
Mumford & Sons
Green Spheres Tent 22.50
I never thought a folk band would become one of the must see acts at Oxegen, but over the last year Mumford & Sons transcended their genre to become one of the hottest bands around, and the biggest crime is that they are not on the main stage. The Green Spheres tent will be absolutely jammed from their set this Sunday so our advice is get their at least one band early.
Fake Blood
Dance Arena 19.15
One of the biggest electro acts at the moment, Fake Blood has a knack of producing tracks that can be retro-style rave and modern party electro at the same time. Add in his remixes of the likes of Little Boots, Hot Chip and Calvin Harris you get a guaranteed party atmosphere going on in the dance arena this Sunday
The Temper Trap
Vodafone Stage 19.00
What a difference a year makes. There is a big difference playing Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena early on a Friday and Oxegen’s Vodafone Stage Late on a Sunday, and in less that 12 months Aussies The Temper Trap popularity has grown enough for them to be considered one of the hottest acts at the moment, in no small part to songs like ‘Sweet Disposition’ and ‘Fader’.
General Fiasco
Green Spheres Tent 14.00
One of the most promising Irish acts at the minute, Northern Ireland’s General Fiasco have gotten alot done since forming in 2007. Aside from supporting the likes of The Enemy, Snow Patrol and The Pigeon Detectives, as well as playing the Glasgowbury, Leeds & Reading and Belsonic festivals, they released their debut album ‘Buildings’ in March this year. Hoping to live up to the hype, the belfast 3-piece will be looking to impress this Sunday.
Planet Parade
Red Bull Music Academy Stage – 14:00
I’ve seen these guys twice in small venues and they have really impressed me, if your into a vampire weekend kind of sound, planet parade will be right up your alley. They got featured in reviews Here and Here