Back home from the Cornbury festival, having taken one look at the weather this morning and (I'm sad to say) decided not to brave the elements for the second day.
Thought yesterday was very good, by and large. An excellent opening set from the mighty Love Trousers (although many didn't get to see it, I imagine because the gates opened late) and managed to blag their double B-Side CD from Mr Ellen himself.
Half Man Half Biscuit were their usual selves, helped by the excellent sound ensuring their lyrics were audible. In fact, that was a recurring theme throughout the day - just how well things could be picked out in the sound mix.
The Bangles were better than I'd expected, and looking remarkably well preserved.
Toots & The Maytalls really got the crowd going - lots of call and response. Hadn't expected to enjoy it, but it was impossible not to be won over.
Beverly Knight was the one act I saw yesterday who didn't do it for me, especially following the energy of T&TM who must be at least 30 years her senior. I didn't think she really engaged the crowd, but I could be wrong.
Paul Simon - bit of a mixed bag. I know you can't have all the hits, but no Still Crazy, no Kodachrome, no Bridge Over Troubled Water? I guess the curfew might have had something to do with it, though. I was also a bit unsure about some of the arrangements, at points I thought he might be threatening to do a Dylan and really play fast and loose with melody and rhythm - seemed to disturb the crowd singalong for songs like Mrs Robinson. It was nice to see him again, but I've seen better performances.
Oh, and there's a few photos here, including several of the Love Trousers...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/m_g_gray/sets/72157606012177897/
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