Live
< Jamie T at V Festial '08, Chelmsford
words by a judgemental, snobbish Danny Canter
Don't ask how, but I've somehow ended up at the V Festival, Chemlsford. It's a wretched place where hairdressers cackle about seeing T4's Dave Berry on a golf cart and polo-clad fellas act geez as they large about Hylands Park, on a mission to catch Pigeon Detectives' "boss set". And if I sound bitter, it's because I am, which is the most damning aspect of this Essex soiree. How dare these people have a good time? Right?
I feel like a snob. A cynical kill-joy, turning my nose up at fans of music that I consider of less importance than my tastes. It's not healthy. But then something happens. I see eye to eye with the masses of V as we unite over Wimbledon scally-wag Jamie T. Shoulder to shoulder with Lyle & Scott models and perma-tanned lasses, I'm in the JJB area as Jamie wonders onstage to a half empty tent. Smarter than we've seen him before, he boldly starts with a newy, 'Bruce'. It’s 'Panic Prevention' plugged in and cranked up, as is 'Sticks & Stones', which, despite veering towards Kaiser Chief 'Oaah's for its terrace ranting chorus, is pretty bloody brilliant.
The tent soon fills to capacity and Chelmsford soon surprise me, if not from the opener, from 'If You Got The Money'. It's all intelligent mob-rallying from Jamie's side, as he races through choice cuts from his Mercury nominated debut album, spitting his witty lyrics, dropping his guitar when he wants to raise encouraging fists to his people. Out front it's tough to tell how intelligent the receiving mob is (maybe because I'm a snob today, remember?) but it's definitely a lively bunch that have sacked off the clashing Kooks, Newton Faulkner and Will Young (seriously!) to catch this racing set - one bloke gets so caught up with the beginning of 'Brand New Bass Guitar' (a track that Jamie plays at double speed, along with the penultimate 'Salvador') he punches him self in the face, slicing his nose with his sunglasses. And we're only halfway in the arena.
Refusing to chance his tact, Jamie's Pace Makers bugger off for the solo 'Back In The Game', his very own 'Wonderwall', which brings with it the second loudest sing-a-long of his set and a daisy chain of chavs, all linked by their bare arms (clothes would only cover up pumped biceps and San Tropez tans here).
The loudest bellows back at the stage of course come for the closing 'Sheila'. The sight of the stage is lost for the amount of arms in the air and Jamie's vocal seems like they’ve morphed into that of Lily Allen's, but that's because a group of neighbouring girls are rapping along to every word in unison.
It's by far the best thing of V 2008, yes, even more than The Hoosiers doing that 'Ray' song on the main stage. And it's proof that good can be found in every situation. My name is Danny, and I was a snobby arse until Jamie T saved me... Now get me back to the hospitality tent and away from these common peasants, my scones are getting cold!
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