Good Vibrations - 1.2.2004
Author: Michelle Pirovich
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
Slow meandering was the order of the day; as were trucker caps and green fabric which must have been selling at spotlight for an outrageously good price. Most were content to wander about the vast space that is the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, others were happy to settle on the grass with a few quiet drinks and watch a determined TZU who admirably managed to get a decent crowd hopping about at the Roots Stage.
Over at the Good Vibrations stage the comical stylins of I'm not sure who kept a growing crowd entertained as they awaited the arrival of 'I haven't slept for three weeks - Boogs' who was making his way directly from Revolver.
Crazy Penis was the first to pull a respectable sized crowd to the main stage. Sporting a sensational seventies floral frock, Danielle alongside Jim, Chris and co performed all their classics and got the crowd swivelling their hips and in the good vibrations mood.
As a fashionably late Jazzie B rocked a massive crowd at the Roots stage, Freeland and his band were rocking a smaller crowd with their aggressively addictive combination of dirty electronic beats and hard rock. 'We want your Soul' was what everyone had been waiting for and as he jumped madly about the stage donning a George Bush mask the crowd responded accordingly.
By this stage John Course had everyone in party mode and the occasional glimmer of sunshine kept spirits high and the crowd warmly welcomed a chatty Gilles Peterson who took things slowly after having spent a 'shameful night' in Sydney.
Nitin Sawhney treated a small but hugely appreciative crowd to a stunning live performance. Playing tracks from 'Beyond Skin' and 'Human' Nitin was joined by his immensely talented vocalists, bassist, tabla player and percussion section.
Whilst a hungry crowd stocked up on their carbs, Blackalicious had the crowd hearing it and well and truly shaking it, as did Miguel Migs over yonder. A rather lonely Paul Arnold got down and dirty in the cocktail tent and as a humble Tom Middleton swapped the turntables for CDJs the crowd began to pour in for the highlight of the evening - Moloko.
Finally it felt like a true festival as thousands looked on at an eccentric Roison. Dressed in mini skirts, fishnets, high heeled boots and spectacular head gear, the bold and sexy lead draped herself in lights, fabric and silk cloaks and marched, pumped and grinded her way all over the stage. Their performance was nothing short of remarkable and the crowd couldn't get enough. I should have made my way over to Gangstarr who reportedly gave their all to the crowd and also to Tayo who despite securities requests didn't want to stop playing, but Moloko was just too good.
After the stage diving Roison closed proceedings it was all over, and all in all it was a fantastic day. Food and drinks were as we have all come to expect from music festivals - over priced. All drinks (including water) were frustratingly served in plastic cups, but I guess there will soon be a generation of people who can add 'I can successfully carry 4 cups of over priced liquid through a crowd of jumping, Melbourne shuffling punters without spilling a drop on me or anyone else' to their resume.
Venue wise, Melbourne really could do with an outdoor venue smaller than the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, as at the best of times the place looked rather deserted despite their being a respectable sized crowd.
But it was the music we all came for and that's exactly what we got, outstanding live performances and perfect Sunday afternoon sessions from a set of DJs who genuinely wanted to be there with us. A great big thumbs up from me.
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