Glastonbury 2009

What a year for Glastonbury it turned out to be. I think a lot of people are getting caught up in some competitive element between festivals and their lineups, personally, I think they should all be celebrated- we all love live music, right?

As ever, Mr. Eavis provided us with controversy, diversity, and most importantly, damn good tunes! So what were Load Aim Fire's highlights?

4. Ghost Town- The Specials

They've still got it! A song that resonated through a country in such dire straights when it was released has its chance to shine again, so fitting, and so well delivered.

3. White Lies cover Dancing in the Dark:

A cheeky cover version from a band causing big waves in 2009, performed during their slots on both Friday and Saturday.

2. Deadmau5!

A late addition to the Glastonbury lineup, this guy's reputation is really starting to grow, and the fact that such a forward thinking musician can be included in this festival displays a hunger for new music at festivals as well as the old classics. We're hoping the problem of so few videos floating around online is eradicated soon!

1. Blur. I'll say no more...

A Changing Music Industry

Well it's what we're all about. Load Aim Fire wouldn't have ever been established if the industry weren't in such disarray, but I'd hate to dwell on the negatives with so many positives finally rearing their head.

I was at a party recently and found myself fascinated by the way the music was rigged up, no stereo (so outdated, of course), not even an iPod dock, no, two speakers and a playlist on Spotify, which attendees of said party were encouraged to add to. Genius. Spotify, and similar services, are providing people a way of finding music without being asked to pay £10 not even knowing if they'll like it that much. It's the same vision we have here at L.A.F, just executed in a different way, with streaming music rather than downloads. Not only is this great for fans, it's great for the musicians too. It's all great promotion for them, and royalties are starting to be paid now too, and just this week, Martin Talbot of the Official Charts Company said it was only a matter of time before online streaming music could count towards chart positions. It really is a sign of the times, new ways of finding and listening to music, and it's acceptance as the norm. Exquisite!

Spotify also announced this week that their music was to be streamed at CD quality too, even better.

So, it's festival season (inevitable blogging to come), the sun is out, some great tunes are being played on the radio (I know, hard to believe), and things are getting exciting I hope you'll agree. So, why not watch Wimbledon in the sun and listen to some tunes? (Maybe you could even stream them!)

Peaaaace

Ben

Load Aim Fire

x