Flaming Lips At Camp Bestival

Let's get this out of the way. The Flaming Lips are one of the best live acts in the world. On the second day of the inaugural Camp Bestival the group proved very worthy headliners. Wayne Coyne arrived on stage in his familiar space bubble. But this time the singer was pushed from the beautifully lit Lulworth Castle and over most of the crowd as his bandmates started the set. The Flaming Lips treat every gig like a giant party and rather than save the streamers, fancy dress, stage invasions and ticker tape for the encore the madness starts as the first note is played. Most importantly though the group- who've been together over 25 years- have the songs. From the dreamy Vein Of Stars and The Test to the funked out anti terrorism jam of Free Radicals. A parred down Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robot- dedicated to the thousands of children in attendance- brought tears to this writers' eyes. Tackling the big issues- The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song is an anti-bush rally cry which had the crowd screaming back the title refrain in agreement. Forget the balloons, lasers, costumes and the space bubble for minute- the four piece are still one of the best live acts in the world (i've said it again). Earlier on the main stage Hercules And Love Affair brought his gay 70s style New York Disco to rural Dorset. While stunning transvestite singer Nomi got the crowd going (in a very skimpy outfit) the adept band ran through big tunes- Blind, Raise Me Up and You Belong. The basslines inparticular were gorgeous. Last time MTV saw Black Kids they were recording a Spanking New Session for us at the start of 2008. Now they've made one of the best albums of the year in Partie Traumatic. The Louisiana natives influences- The Cure, New Order and a lot of 80s nu-wave- are easy to read but the hooks are still collosal. In I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend and Friday Night they have two crowd pleasing singles and their call and response male-female vocals are perfect for a festival. Elsewhere MTV caught DJ Derek- the west country legend- spinning Reggae like only he can and DJ Yoda packing out the Bollywood tent until the early hours. The Cuban Brothers- with Wayne Coyne watching on- and their alteregos Barry Petters and gang were a highlight- as they were at Bestival last year. Their comedy, funk, costumes and breakdancing is always a winning mix.