Reading Festival 2011: My Top 3

That's it. Another Reading Festival has gone by, leaving a smokey haze over the deserted, muddy and tent-ridden fields at Little John's Farm. Seen by many punters as an uncharacteristically poor line up this year, tickets took longer than ever to sell and even hardcore festival goers turned their back on the legendary August event. Melvin Benn (the festival organiser) must have been pretty worried by the festival's reception in anticipation to the main stage's christening last Friday. The truth is, though, he had absolutely nothing to worry about as Reading Festival delivered a knockout blow once again.

I, myself, had an epic time at this year's bash whilst being able to witness some of my favourite bands as well as a myriad of breakthrough artists who are taking the music scene by storm. Racking up a view count of around 30 different performances, I knew it would be incredibly difficult to compile a 'Top 3' when looking back over the eclectic line up. However, taking everything into account from my terrific experiences over the weekend, I now present to you (in no particular order) my Reading Festival 2011 Top 3:

The Strokes

First up are the NY giants who headlined the Main Stage on Saturday night with their lo-fi, garage sound. Although, playing along with a minimalist style set up on stage, the quintet oozed coolness . Combining a pretty much greatest hits set with a few tunes from their new album Angles, The Strokes had the crowds entertained throughout. A nostalgic mix of classics along with a number of crowd-pleasing future hits seemed to be just the right ticket for a bustling and excited Saturday night audience.

Best Bit: When Jarvis Cocker joined the band for a rendition of The Cars' Just What I Needed.

Worst Bit: Julian's vocals were a bit off at some points, but we still love him!

Pulp

Playing just before The Strokes at Reading and headlining Leeds on the Sunday, Pulp came back with a bang that left everyone wanting more. After a tedious wait during soundcheck, the crowd were at fever pitch when Mr Cocker swaggered onto the Main Stage. Opening with 'Do You Remember The First Time?' and closing with 'Common People', Pulp offered up to Reading an unforgettable set jam-packed with Britpop, singalong gems. Being slightly wary before the set as Pulp are a band who made their name before my time, I was seriously impressed by their performance. So impressed, I had to put Pulp in my Top 3!

Best Bit: The mass singalong to 'Common People' as Pulp closed their set in a perfect fashion.

Worst Bit: Not alot really. Maybe a couple of songs didn't get the crowd going as much but it was still an excellent set.

Muse

One of the biggest and best live bands in the world graced the final Main Stage slot of the weekend and took the whole festival's breath away. Playing 'Origin of Symmetry' in its entirety for the first half of the set, hardcore Muse fans were treated by Matt Bellamy and co. Later on though, the not-to-so-hardcore fans of Muse were also indulged with a mammoth greatest hits set which closed with their legendary guitar anthem 'Knights of Cydonia'. Just before this though, I had a musical epiphany. As Muse's set came to a close, I came across the realisation that Muse just had to be the best live band I had ever witnessed. I now know why their stadium tours are in such demand and I will most definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for the next one. Truly exhilarating stuff.

Best Bit: The special effects, the stage set up and the grandeur in general. Also, 'Knights of Cydonia'.

Worst Bit: When I was bursting for a wee at the start. Some of the songs from 'Origin of Symmetry' didn't engage the crowd that much.

Notable mentions also go to My Chemical Romance who dug deep and excited the audience with a brilliant, underdog-like performance. The band, who were famously bottled in 2006, came back and proved many wrong with a setlist packed with memorable hits. Also, Brian May made an encore appearance for 'We Will Rock You' and 'Welcome To The Black Parade'. Not too shabby at all. Friendly Fires were another band who got the crowd jumping and dancing like fools with their summery beats. Pretty impressive too seeing as it was extremely cloudy and on the verge of raining! Finally, Metronomy also deserve a big mention as they have risen up the festival's ranks to play a midday slot on the NME Stage. Their hits from Mercury Prize nominated 'The English Riviera' added a true touch of summer to the festival.

On a final note; bring on next year!