Besti-mix 28: Zero 7

This weekend the technicoloured musical jamboree that is Camp Bestival rolls into the beautiful Dorset countryside and opens its doors to three days of family fun, brilliant bands, unbelievable artists and more opportunities to have a great time than you’ll find anywhere in the UK, probably.

In celebration of this, our friends and experts at bringing out the best from festi crowds Zero 7 return with their second Besti-mix, a dancefloor-affair featuring the post-dubstep jazz-flecked Floating Points, psych-disco goodness of Black Van and two ace mixes of Zero 7 cuts from techno legend Carl Craig and future UK bass star Julio Bashmore. If you like what you hear, and trust us, you will, then check out Zero 7’s DJ sets onsite at Camp Besti this weekend – they’re playing on Saturday in the Bollywood Bar at 3pm and in Isle of Boden at 7pm. Bring it on...

Bestimix 28: Zero 7 by Bestimix on Mixcloud

Download: Bestimix 28 Zero 7

Tracklisting:
1. Funkineven - She's Acid
2. Linkwood - Who La La?
3. Black Van - Yearning (Emperor Machine Mix)
4. Mark E - Get To My Baby (Tbd Extension)
5. Feisty - Sea Lion Woman
6. Hungry Ghost - Illuminations
7. Floating Points - Peoples Potential
8. Tiga - Overtime (M.C.D.E Mix)
9. Actress - Lost
10. Morphosis - Musafir
11. Omar - Feeling You (Henrik Schwarz Mix)
12. Eygptrixx - The Only Way Up
13. Zero 7 - Ghost sYMbOL (Julio Bashmore Mix)
14. Doc Daneeka - Swine Flu
15. SCB - 35
16. Zero 7 - Futures (Carl Craig Mix)

Scroobius Pip's Camp Bestival Top Picks

Scroobius Pip has put together an amazing line up of the UK’s best poets for the East Lulworth Literary Institute at Camp Bestival this weekend. Read about his top picks on the dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip website.

Radio da Bank: Dub vs Dubstep special with Mad Professor, Adrian Sherwood, Coki & Appleblim

Rob da Bank presents a Dub vs Dubstep special and he's joined in the studio by the some of those scenes' leading lights - the Mad Professor, Adrian Sherwood, Coki and Appleblim (pictured).

Checkout the tracklisting below and get yourselves over to bbc.co.uk/radio1/robdabank to listen again online at any time this week...

Slim Smith — Ain’t Too Proud To Beg - Trojan
Joe Gibbs — Chapter 3 - Lightning
King Tubby — Roots Of Dub - Blue Moon
Benny Ill, Kode9 & The Culprit — Fat Larry’s Skank - Tempa
Dubkasm — Reespek I Spek (feat. Levi Roots and African Simba) (Gatekeep and Appleblim Remix) - White Label
Coki — Intergalactic Dub - DMZ
Coki — Serious - DMZ
Loefah — Bombay Squad - Rephlex
Primal Scream — Echo Deck - Creation
The Clash — Robber Dub - Epic
Rusko — Hold On - Mad Decent/Co Operative
Magnetic Man — I Need Air - Columbia
Coki — Movado - White Label
The Upsetters — Blackboard Jungle Dub - Upsetter
The Upsetters — Blackboard Jungle Dub (Adrian Sherwood Version) - Upsetter
Lee "Scratch" Perry — International Broadcaster (feat. Roots Manuva and LSK) - Egea
Addison Groove — Foot Crab - Swamp 81
Arkist — Rendezvous - Apple Pips
Massive Attack — Teardrop (Mad Professor Mazaruni Remix) - Circa
Mad Professor feat. Luciano — Unknown Track - White Label
La Roux — In For The Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravy Mix) - Polydor
TC — Where’s My Money (Caspa Remix) - DSR
Katy B — Katy On A Mission - Ammunition
Simian Mobile Disco — Cruel Intentions (feat. Beth Ditto) (Joker Remix) - Wichita

Besti-band of the week 7: Charli XCX

“Originality is rare, so if you find it, I suppose you should embrace it,” reckons Charli XCX, our latest candidate for Besti-band (or should that be 'artist') of the week and also one of the Bestival Residents, a staggeringly talented crew of singers, beatboxers and DJs who are so good they're playing both our festivals this summer!

Rather than the usual hyperbole, this preciously talented teenager really is a hyper-colourful pan-creative pop star in the making. From a self penned album, 14, released at the same age and sold to school friends to a significant record deal with Atlantic, the 17-year-old Hertfordshire lass seems to have hit an oil patch and is now skidding towards sure-fire stardom.

Already snapped by the likes of fashion hierarchy Rankin and David Bailey for Vogue, Charli has that rare mix of OTT persona, individual style and pop eccentricity that's the hallmark of many of our greats. She's also not short on self-belief, and 2010 could still see her do a Florence and go huge on us. Catch her at Camp Bestival this weekend, and on the Isle o' Wight for Besti come September, and make your own mind...

Besti-mix 27: Adrian Sherwood

Wow, no... seriously... wow. We’re literally bowled over by our latest Besti-mix, a bottom-heavy exclusive dub soundclash from a true bassbin-bothering legend, reggae producer and sound system operator par excellence, Adrian Sherwood. Best known, and loved, for his staggering production, releases and ear-crushing live shows with his On-U Sound Record label and traveling sound system, as well as his hugely influential productions for Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and other brilliant, charismatic Jamaican toasters including Prince Far I, Mikey Dread and Bim Sherman.

Over the years, Adrian has also been called upon to bring his production skills to bear on releases and remixes for the likes of Primal Scream, Depeche Mode and The Happy Mondays, which is where yours truly first saw him, scrambling brain cells and stiffening necks as the support act for the famed Manc baggies first London gig. Adrian, we salute you, and your superb On-U Besti mash up...

Bestimix 27: Adrian Sherwood by Bestimix on Mixcloud

Download: Besti-mix 27 Adrian Sherwood

[sorry no tracklisting with this one]

JA legends The Jolly Boys to play Camp Besti!

We're super excited to be announce that Jamaica’s legendary Jolly Boys have just joined the live line-up for Camp Bestival!

The legendary Jamaican band are synonymous with the island's original sound, mento, which pre-dates reggae and ska, of which they are the world's leading players.

The trio have been running tings in the JA city of Port Antonio since the 1950s thanks in no small measure to their inimitable front man Albert Minott, who in his younger years used to entertain at Jolly Boys’ shows with his hand walking, fire eating and limbo dancing!

With a bit of luck he'll be doing at least the latter at Camp Besti, when you can expect sun-kissed classics as well as songs from their new album, ‘Great Expectation’, released on Wall Of Sound Records this September. A collaborative project between Geejam’s Jon Baker and Wall Of Sound’s Mark Jones and the result is 12 stunning interpretations of songs by the likes of The Clash, Amy Winehouse and New Order given a mento makeover.

We can't wait to see these 'Boys in the flesh...

Ross Allen's Meltdown: Grime, Country, Free Music, Sun and Gigs

Hello... I’ve seen some great acts this week and heard and played some great tunes. It's not often that you see legends do their thing outside in their own inimitable style - stand up Grace Jones and Gil Scott Heron (pictured). From opposite ends of the live spectrum but both killer and both out doors - oh the British summertime again ! Gotta love it. Gil at Somerset House, was, well you know I am fan, great. He and the band just set a mood and then, he could just talk and i'd be transfixed. You hang on to his every word. He just says good stuff - political, funny and always on point. Oh and yes he does have amazing songs. Check him out whenever/wherever you can. I am looking forward to Bestival already as I will be warming up for him on the main stage.

Radio da Bank: Ladies Night with Holly Miranda, Lissie & Eliza Doolittle in session

It's Ladies night as Rob da Bank picks out his fave Maida Vale session tracks so far from some of his 2010 female live guests, including Holly Miranda, Lissie and Eliza Doolittle (pictured). Plus we hear the latest musical treats from The Chems, Hot Chip, The Count & Sinden and loads more...

Checkout the tracklisting below and get yourselves over to bbc.co.uk/radio1/robdabank to listen again online at any time this week...

Skream - The Epic Last Song
Hot Chip - Hand Me Down Your Love [Wild Geese Mix]
Aeroplane - We Can't Fly
DJ Shadow - Def Surrounds Us
Crystal Castles - In The Summer [Brookes Brothers Remix]

SUNRISE TRACK
Untitled - Angel Brain Lone

Tensnake - Coma Cat
Phil Selway - By Some Miracle

LADIES NIGHT SESSION TRACK
Holly Miranda - Waves

Jakwob - Here With Me
Caribou - Sun
Kid Adrift - Oxytocin
The Chemical Brothers - Swoon [Lindstrom and Prins Thomas Remix]
Prince - Sign Of The Times
Sleigh Bells - Tell 'Em

SATURAY SKANK
Bilal - Free

Mala - Don't Let Me Go

LADIES NIGHT SESSION TRACKS
Eliza Doolittle - Rollerblades
Lissie - When I'm Alone

I Blame Coco - Self Machine [Sub Focus Remix]
Mighty Mouse - Jungle Fish

FESTIVAL BOY

Mumford & Sons - The Cave
Spark - Shut Out Of The Moon

ROB'S BEST AND IMPROBABLY GREATEST RECORD IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW
The Knocks - Make It Better

The Count & Sinden featuring Mystery Jets - After Dark
Janelle Monae featuring Big Boi - Tightrope [Organised Noise Remix]

Radio da Bank: The A-Z of David Guetta

David Guetta, one of the world's most successful dance music producers, takes time out from creating number 1 records to have a chat with Rob da Bank about the tunes that shaped his life.

Click here to listen again online and check his A-Z tracklisting below...

A - Aretha Franklin - Son Of A Preacher Man
B - The Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling
C - Giorgio Moroder - The Chase
D - Destiny's Child - Bootylicious
E - David Guetta vs. The Egg - Love Don't Let Me Go
F - Farley Jackmaster Funk - Love Can't Turn Around
G - Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
H - Daft Punk - Da Funk
I - Nari & Milani - I Got My Eye On You [Chuckie Remix]
J - James Brown - Please Please Please
K - K'naan - Wavin' Flag
L - David Guetta & Afrojack - Louder Than Words
M - Depeche Mode - I Just Can't Get Enough
N - New Order - Blue Monday
O - Robert Owens - I'll Be Your Friend
P - Prince - Controversy
Q - Queen - Under Pressure
R - Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock - It Takes Two
S - Stevie Wonder - As
T - Timbaland - Morning After Dark
U - Uffie - ADD SUV (feat. Pharrell Williams) [Armand Van Helden Remix]
V - Steve Angello - Valodja
W - Lil Wayne - A Milli
X - X-Press 2 - Muzik Express
Y - Yazoo - Don't Go
Z - Cassius - Feeling For You

Stylin' on the Stylophone!

Main Stage Bestival 2011? We hope so...

Check here for more Brett Domino brilliance.

Besti-band of the week 6: The Belles of London City

As you might already know we're partial to a spot of Morris dancing 'round Bestival HQ, so are pleased as punch to be showcasing the multifarious talents of three young damsels who have fallen head over heels with the ancient English tradition.

The Belles of London City first met at Cecil Sharp House, the home of English Folk Dance, where they were tutored by none other than John Russell, a Gentleman of the Beaux of London City Morris Men. They've been traveling the country making fond friends, dancing with vigour and wearing remarkable corsets ever since.

"Our past-times include drinking at ale houses and singing bawdy songs," reckons the trio of Ellen, Alex and Michelle.

Check the videos for a sneaky peak of what's in-store for their show at Bestival this September...

The A-Z of Camp Bestival 2010

A. Acrobatics
There will be plenty of acrobatics on display from Zippo's Festival Circus, the Roundhouse Circus Company, the Insect Circus and the Big Top Mania Crew.

B. Boutique Babysitting
The Kids Club under Canvas gives you the chance to have a care-free few hours whilst the kids have a blast.

C. Cabanas
Why not hire one (for a Birthday Party, family picnic or a surprise treat) and check out the main stage in super slick style? The ultimate, intimate VIP area, the Kids can have a kip in luxury out the back while you bop to the Castle Stage's musical delights.

D. Bill Drummond/The 17
Become a member of The17: Bill Drummond's (KLF, Timelords etc) choir. In this exclusive UK appearance, Bill will work with 10 groups of 17 people to record one of his scores. These will be combined and played back to the entire audience at Camp Bestival on Sunday night. Sign up at the Sunday Best tent on site and get involved!

E. East Lulworth Literary Institute
A feast of food for your brains, from Spoken Word and Poetry to How To sessions with William Orbit and Andrea Arnold and The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company there's something for all the family. And don't forget you can head to the Penguin Children's Book Tent for some story time fun.

F. Fairy Tale Fancy
Dress Whether you make your own costume or check out Smiffy's and the Dressing Up Area on site, make sure you join in on Saturday, as we turn Lulworth Castle into a magical land of make believe.

(NB: the main Fancy Dress day will be Saturday and not Sunday as previously announced, although by all means get dressed up on both days!)

G. The Gruffalo
We've got two showings of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's award winning story performed by Tall Stories whose unique brand of physical story theatre has taken them around the world. The show will bring to life the amazing story of the clever Mouse's journey through the forest as he beguiles the creatures who'd like to eat him with tales of his friend the Gruffalo's terrible tusks and terrible claws, until he encounters the Gruffalo's terrible teeth in his terrible jaws for himself. Don't miss it.

H. The House of Fairy Tales
A fun-filled parallel world created by renowned artists Deborah Curtis and Gavin Turk that will keep you entertained for hours.

I. Isle of Boden
A brand new area where you can catch Howard Marks and Billy Bragg reading bedtime stories, attend the School of Rock and catch DJ Sets from the likes of Zero 7, Friendly Fires, DJ Yoda, Suggs and Rob da Bank.

J. Jousting
Don't miss the Knights of Lulworth Castle, performed by Horses Impossible, clashing lances and dodging burning maces. It's a truly amazing spectacle.

K. Kids Garden
This year it's double the size and double the fun with a treasure trove of good stuff to keep the little'uns happy all day long.

L. Lulworth Castle
The picturesque backdrop to a magical weekend!

M. Music!
As you'd expect we've got a veritable smörgåsbord of aural treats from Friendly Fires, Madness, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Calvin Harris, Chipmunk, The Human League, The Fall and The Cuban Brothers to Annie Mac, DJ Yoda, Mr Scruff, The Nextmen featuring MC Wrec, DJ Derek, Sombrero Sound System and Fear of Theydon, every angle is covered.

N. New stuff!
There's loads of new things to check out at Camp Bestival 2010, from the Freestyle Sports Park and Johnson's Baby Change Garden to Hendrick's Horseless Carriage of Curiosities and SingStar's Cocktail & Dreams arena where you can sing your heart out alongside special performances from 80s heroes including T'Pau's Carol Decker and the original Bucks Fizz.   

O. Over 100 free things for kids to do
From three appearances from Mr Tumble and tap dancing lessons to making balloon animals and learning about science the fun way with Punk Science, there's so much to do.

P. Parcour
Be amazed by the freestyle running displays at the Freestyle Sports Park, you can also catch skateboard and BMX displays and if you bring your board or bike you can even have a go.

Q. Queues!
There won't be many at Camp Bestival as we've added lots more facilities including food stalls and toilets to make sure you spend most of your time having fun.

R. River Cottage Café
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's incredible food-spot that proved a huge hit last year with its delicious food and nettle beer! Plus we have plenty of other gastronomically good food with loads of lovely concessions at Camp Bestival offering everything from The Grill's BBQ Breakfasts and The Sea Cow's mouth-wateringly fresh Fish & Chips to the Flaming Cactus's great Latino food and Pure Pie's finest hand-made pies, you won't want for anything

S. Son et Lumiere
Our staggering fireworks finale that has to be seen to be believed.

T. Travel
We hope you use a green method of transport like Big Green Coach Travel that provides hassle free travel to Camp Bestival and back from 8 destinations around the UK, check biggreencoach.co.uk/campbestival for more info

U. Unicorn Kid
Just one of the Bestival Residents that also include Greg Wilson, Jack Beats, Joy Orbison, Beth Jeans Houghton, Woon, Jaguar Skills, Charli XCX and Let's Go Crazy.

V. Videopia
You could be the star of Videopia's newest miniature masterpiece which, for Camp Bestival, will be a makeshift remake of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

X. Xylophone
We reckon at least one band will have one. Check them all out and see if we're right!

Y. You
Well, it just wouldn't be the same with out you!

Z. Zen
What you can expect to feel after a trip Heavenly Healing. Pre-book your treatment now!

There's only 26 letters in the alphabet and we've got loads more things to do than that so for all the latest news remember to keep checking campbestival.net

Besti-bod 22: The Camp Bestival Blue Coat

So, the World Cup's finally over and we can all start concentrating on the real fun of the summer. Yep, it's only two weeks to go until Camp Bestival, so for the last in our Besti-bod series Bugle editor Toby Collard presents a Camp Besti Special, featuring a man who knows better than most that nonsense is preferable to no sense at all....

....it's Bobby Lost! Camp Bestival Blue Coat and Lost & Found supremo Bobby (or Rob Wilson as he's known on the odd occasion you find him in civvies) has been bringing all manner of fun to Camp Besti over the last few years. From the moment the "Hi-De-Hi Campers" clarion call echoes across the site, his days are kept supa-busy umpiring rounders matches, organising team kiss chase, judging the Human Krufts competition and countless other delightful diversions aside. He's even had to play bouncer to nearly two-thousand frenzied nippers at a secret Mr Tumble gig!

The rest of the year he keeps busy as a theatre director and actor, not forgetting the all-important role of Professional Wally in his ever expanding Lost & Found empire.

You may be Mr Lost, but you've found your way into our hearts!

Name: Bobby Lost

Bestivals/ Camp Besti's attended?
"All of them, apart from I missed the first Bestival."

Everyone’s being encouraged to ‘Go Green to Bestival’ this year – what would be your ultimate way of travelling?
"Hot air balloon - powered by chip fat of course!"

What would be your ideal fancy dress theme?
"I like foodstuffs. People dressed as pineapples and mousakas dancing with a pint of milk and a block of cheese would be ace!

So what’s your fancy dress this year going to involve then?
"Not telling!"

Most memorable Camp Bestival moment?
"Got to be introducing Mr Tumble to a sea of excited under-fives last year for his secret gig at The Bluecoats Tent. GOLD!!"

What one item would you recommend everyone should take to Camp Bestival, and why?
"A small child - to keep you in line and give you an excuse to act like a silly sausage!"

Who would you most like to see performing at Camp Bestival?
"I'd like to see some of the old kids TV stars from when the adults were younger, like Chloe from Playschool and Bungle from Rainbow."

Funniest Camp Bestival memory?
"The Silent Disco battle last year between Sombero Sound System and Rob Da Bank - they played all Robby's signature tunes to win the crowd onto their channel and he was furious. I hear there's gonna be a rematch this year. Can't wait!"

If Camp Bestival is the answer, what's the question?
"What is the best atmosphere at a festival in the UK?"

Camp Bestival Island Discs? (3 tunes essential to a top Camp Bestival):
Coming Up - Paul McCartney
The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Jelly on a Plate (wibble-wobble remix)

Besti-mix 26: The Loose Cannons

London’s immaculately turned-out masters of ghetto-glamorous hip-hop, electro and disco turn out an exclusive-packed session for our latest weekly Besti-mix. Evergreen Bestival favourites The Loose Cannons’ unashamedly joyous ‘Pop Goes The World’ mix features studio-fresh LC remixes of this decade’s most outrageous and exciting pop stars (Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Gossip, Beyonce, Sugarbabes) while also repping undergroud house divas (Rosie Gaines) and producers (Foamo) as well as foregrounding their own mirrorball-turning productions, most notably the appropriately titled ‘Kids Will Love It’. As will you, no doubt...

Bestimix 26: The Loose Cannons by Bestimix on Mixcloud

Download: Bestimix 26: The Loose Cannons

Tracklisting:
01 Gossip - Pop Goes The World (Loose Cannons Big Bang Rinse)
02 Ray Charles Vs Eats Everything - Hit The Road Jack (Loose Cannons Jack The Road Rinse)
03 The Krays feat Ebony Bones - We're Ready When You Are 
04 Chuckie Vs Survivor - Eye Of The Moombah (Danny da Costa Remix)
05 Rosie Gaines - Closer Than Close (Loose Cannons Full Gaines Mix)
06 The Loose Cannons & Peo de Pitte - Tom Tom Song
07 Sharam Jey feat Cornelia– Army Of Men (Tai Mix / Loose Cannons No Prisoners Dub)
08 The Loose Cannons - Kids Love It
09 Lady Gaga & Beyonce - Telephone (Loose Cannons Redial)
10 Foamo - Centavo
11 Rihanna - Rude Boy (Loose Cannons Rihmix feat Lady Chann)
12 Sub Focus Vs LMP DJs - Could This Be Dos Monos (Boot)
13 Rogue Element - Lumina (Loose Cannons Reflux)
14 Sugababes - Wear My Kiss (Loose Cannons Tick Tock Dub)
15 Lego Johnson - Small Print (Kid Cola Mix)
16 Hot Pink Delorean - Field Agent (Loose Cannons Paris Rinse)
17 Mystikal - Shake Ya Ass (Loose Cannons Booty Re-Slap)
18 Santiago, Bushido, Hijack - Putting It Down

Ross Allen's Meltdown: Disappointments, DJ Shadow & Atlanta Got Soul

Well here we are another week, another festival and more sun !

A very British start to this missive - the weather ! But you gotta love it and it does make every thing good - well not every thing. It didn't make the debut of The Meltdown at The Albert & Pearl any better, it didn't help that miserable cow behind the bar - the one with the sense of humour/ joy of life by pass. May be it made it worse for her. Basically it was over before it started. You turn up, only 20 minutes after the start time of 6pm - fashionably late, blame the retarded old Clapham cabbie who didn't know his way north( neither do i), you know, its no big deal - normal i'd say. The only people in there were Ashley Beedle and friends and my brother and his gang - who i presume had come to see me. Anyway the night was cancelled by said girl and that was that ! 20 mins late and its all over before its even started. She wouldn't move - your late - its over - fair enough in some ways but it's not Wembley or some majorly timely event its warm up time in a, basically, empty pub. People, eh ? Anyway not quite sure what is going on there as we are off at festivals for a lot of Sundays from now onwards. So that one is parked.

Anyway, that was last week. This week, we couldn't get to the festival ! There we were myself, Emile and Kevin Beadle. All looking forward to Giles Peterson's Worldwide festival, in beautiful Sete. Sunday DJing on the beach, lots of great live music...French stuff. Well, thanks to Easy Jet - apparently one of the few to fly into Montpelier - we spent Sunday in Clapham, not too bad, on the common with the sun with its hat most definitely on but not a beach in France at a jazz (y) festival ! We were, collectively gutted and pissed. In the departure lounge for 6 hours - no info, no announcements, no staff to answer any questions. Easy Jet - I have never liked their style, though they often are a neccesity, nor all the extra costs they hide. Beware the orange airline - who ever thought an airline should be orange - well they were wrong then and were wrong on Saturday... and we were at home hearing the festival unfold on line ! Very frustrating.

Radio da Bank: Bjork interview and album preview & Steve Mason in session

This week, Rob da Bank talks to Björk and David from Dirty Projectors about their new collaborative album Mount Wittenberg Orca! Plus we hear ace session tracks from ex-Beta Band-er Steve Mason.

Checkout the tracklisting below and get yourselves over to bbc.co.uk/radio1/robdabank to listen again online at any time this week...

L-Vis 1990 - Do u Remember - CurbCrawlers
Caspa feat D1 - Back For The First Time - Fabric
School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep (Lusine mix) - Full Time Hobby
Aeroplane - We Can't Fly - Eskimo Recordings
Beach House - Love Of Mine - Bella Union
Doorly - Sausage Party - White

Steve Mason live in session
Boys Outside

Tennis - South Carolina - White

Rob da Bank talks to Björk - 'Mount Wittenberg Orca' album preview
Dirty Projectors & Björk - Ocean - Domino
Dirty Projectors & Björk - On and Ever Onward - Domino
Dirty Projectors & Björk - When the World Comes to an End - Domino
Dirty Projectors & Björk - Beautiful Mother - Domino
Dirty Projectors & Björk - Sharing Orb - Domino
Dirty Projectors & Björk - No Embrace - Domino
Dirty Projectors & Björk - All We Are - Domino

N.E.R.D. - Hot n Fun (Yeasayer remix) - White
Katy B - Katy On A Mission - Rinse
Prince Fatty - Insane - White
Juana Molina - Un Dia (Reboot mix) - Domino

Steve Mason live in session
Lost & Found
The Letter

Midnight Magic - Beam Me Up - Jacques Renault
Hurts - Wonderful LIfe - Capitol Records
Janelle Monáe - Tightrope - Cavenza

Rob's Best & Improbably Greatest record in the World Right Now... Possibly...Well At Least For This Morning... Maybe
Laura Marling and Mumford and Sons - Devil Spoke - Virgin

Faction G - Your Names Not Down (Rob da Bank dubplate) - Slaughter House
Klaxons - Echoes - Polydor
Arcade Fire - We Used To Wait - Merge
Professor Green - Just Be Good To Green

Besti-band of the week 5: Beth Jeans Houghton

"Beth wears a cracking bird's nest wig that makes me recommend her on its own," reckons our spiritual leader Rob da Bank. "Add in the entrancing folk, lo fi and pop tuneage she writes and I'm sold!"

If you're not already likewise turned-on by Beth Jeans Houghton's considerable musical charms and are headed to our very own Camp Bestival, where the 20-year-old starlet is performing, then now's the time to get acquainted with the Geordie lass.

With her lo-fi pastoral pop and wistful Brit-folk drawing comparisons both to New York avant-art duo CocoRosie and Brighton's beautiful pop belle Bat For Lashes, Beth has already collaborated with the likes of new folk royalty including Devendra Banhart, Bon Iver and Joanna Newsome, as well as with one of the old-school legends, John Martyn.

If that wasn't enough of a recommendation, then perhaps the fact that she's been strumming since 16 and has been working with the fabulous Tunng and Blur producer Ben Hillier on new material is.

We reckon this summer could just see her catapulted to stardom in the same way that Florence & The Machine were last year, so don't miss your chance to see her up close 'n personal at Camp Besti while you can!

Dolbyman

youtube.com/watch?v=NpKuVPykj0A

There are just a few things you need to know about this video:

1/ All of the sound in this film came from the mouth of Beardyman, without exception.

2/ The soundtrack was conceived, written and produced by Beardyman to bring to life the capabilities of Dolby's new surround-sound technology for mobile devices.

3/ You need to put your headphones on to experience it as it was intended.

4/ Beardyman is a genius and we're putting his album out on our Sunday Best record label very soon... watch out :)

Besti-bod 21: The Forum Legend

All year round - even the shiny summer months - there's a massive contingent of Bestivalites hunkering down in darkened rooms, glued to their computers. A strange yet wonderful breed, they devote their time to helping newcomers, reliving past glories, looking ahead to future triumphs and, possibly most importantly, spreading scurrilous rumours. And so today, Bugle ed Toby Collard pays tribute to the webheads who've turned Bestival into a year-round funfest as he meets a true legend of the Bestival Forum....

....It's Gary Hindmarsh! Gary (pictured above right with pal Mr Willoughby), was christened thedude "by a mysterious lady at the first Bestival", and the name seems to have stuck. Since then he's racked up over a thousand posts on the Bestival message boards, and was at the centre of the first grand forum get-together when he married fellow forumite Flora Mouse at the Inflatable Church in 2007.

And it's good to know we have yet another eco-hero in our midst, as when he's not feverishly hammering out posts on the forum he spends his time helping develop hybrid and electric vehicles. Top man.

You definitely get the green light from us Gary!

Name: Gary Hindmarsh - aka thedude

Bestivals attended:
"Five: 2004-2008. Had to take a sabbatical last time around, but I'm back this year!"

Everyone’s being encouraged to ‘Go Green to Bestival’ this year – what would be your ultimate way of travelling to Bestival?
"The company I work for has built a hybrid electric London taxi to demonstrate our various technologies. I would like to come in that, and am currently trying to persuade the guvnor that it's a good idea."

What would be your ideal fancy dress theme?
"I secretly wanted clowns."

Most memorable Besti moment?
"The Beastie Boys are up there as a Besti-wonder.... Son of Dave growling at us on a scorchio Sunday afternoon with a pitcher of southern and ginger in hand.... Carl Cox’s old school set in the Big Top.... getting married to a lovely lass in the Inflatable Church was unforgettable, especially as that was the first time we'd met. I'm not allowed to mention the bit about Howard Marks, but that was memorable too. Ahhh Bestival."

What one item would you recommend everyone should take to Bestival, and why?
"A family sized box of Alka Seltzer. The morning call of birdsong might be beautiful, but it's not normally as welcome as the fizzing sound of Alka Seltzer."

Who would you most like to see performing at Bestival?
"Howard Jones, I should say."

Funniest Bestival memory?
"The woods...."

If Bestival was a type of food, what would it be and why?
"Pie, mash & peas. Cook it for your tea tonight and you’ll work it out."

Message to any non-(Bestival)-believers out there?
"You really should believe. Most marvellous music and many a happy acquaintance occurs"

Bestival Island Discs (3 tunes essential to a top Bestival):
Queen - Don’t Stop Me Now
Max Romeo & the Upsetters - I Chase the Devil
Sebastien Tellier - La Ritournelle

Anything to add?
"Am I allowed to mention Stoke City?"

Besti-mix 25: DJ Shepdog (Nice Up!)

This week’s blooming marvelous Bestimix comes fresh from the palms of the man behind the hugely popular NICE UP! mash ups and music blog of the same name, DJ Shepdog. Like his trusty four-legged namesake, this fella leads rather than follows the herd, which is probably why his skanking remixes of The Gossip, MIA and Jamie Lidell have gone down such a storm in clubs nestled in amongst his reggae-hip-hop-funk-house-anything goes DJ sets.

As you might expect from a man ahead of the curve, Shep’s mix – a fist-punching ghetto ride over dancehall and hip-hop beats - is packed with exclusives, many of his own making. Download, and then re-load, again and again...

Bestimix 25: Dj Shepdog (Nice Up!) by Bestimix on Mixcloud

Download: Besti-mix 25 DJ Shepdog (NICE UP!)

Tracklisting:
01 Serious - The Hempolics (Reggae Roast)
02 Ghetto Story (acapella) - Baby Cham
03 Serious Version - The Hempolics (Reggae Roast)
04 Ghetto - Romain Virgo (Juke Boxx)
05 Bam Bam - Assasin (Juke Boxx)
06 Riddim Killin - Wrongtom (NICE UP!)
07 Dirt In Ya Dancehall - Infinite Soul (Thirsty Ear)
08 Youth Dem Cold - Richie Spice (VP)
09 Broken Hearts - DJ Shepdog (unreleased)
10 Major Luniz - DJ Shepdog (unreleased)
11 (Still) Passin Me By - Jstar (White)
12 Still In Love - DJ Shepdog (unreleased)
13 Rub-A-Dub (DnB mix) - Shaggy (White)
14 Heads High (DnB mix) - Mr Vegas (White)
15 My Sound A Champion (Serial Killaz mix) - T.O.K (Killa Dubz)
16 Rasta Be Good - Turntable Dubbers (NICE UP!)
17 Run Em out (Benny Page mix) - Breakage (Digital Soundboy)
18 On A Dubstep Tip - Adam Prescott ft Dynamite MC (NICE UP!)
19 World A Music - Numa Crew (White)

Besti-band of the week 5: Silver Columns

The brainchild of 'Adem' Ilhan (of Domino-signed singer-songwriter fame) and Johnny Lynch (of folk heroes the Pictish Trail), Silver Columns are as synthetically shiny and classically 'pop' as their name would suggest.

Rob da Bank is a big fan, having already wheeled them into Maida Vale for a live Radio 1 session. "They've made one of the albums of the year," he reckons. "Hot Chip, Bronski Beat and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy rolled into a fat joint of techy folk."

We say if you're a fan of synth disco god Georgio Moroder then this lot could be your new favourite band. Combine those lush melodies with astonishing Sylvester-like falsetto vocals and you have a package seemingly purpose built to bounce up and down and have fun to, perfect then for you lot, our beautifully bonkers Bestival faithful.

Radio da Bank: Campfire Special

Rob da Bank hosts a Campfire Special from Maida Vale studios with an acoustic performance from Mystery Jets, plus Rob is joined by Laura J Martin, Lucy Farrell and Jonny Kearney.

Checkout the tracklisting below and get yourselves over to bbc.co.uk/radio1/robdabank to listen again online at any time this week and watch videos of all the sessions...

Woody Guthrie — Car Song (Riding In My Car) - Disc Records
Melodica Melody and Me — Piece Me Back Together - Everybody’s Stalking
Stornoway — Watching Birds - 4AD
Kurt Wagner And Courtney Tidwell presents Kort — Incredibly Lonely - City Slang

Lucy Farrell and Jonny Kearney Live Session
Lucy Farrell and Jonny Kearney — Stand Up Show (session track) - click to watch video
Lucy Farrell and Jonny Kearney — Hares On A Mountain (session track)
Lucy Farrell and Jonny Kearney — Lullaby (session track)

Bob Dylan — Moonshiner
Kid Canaveral — You Only Went Out To Get Drunk Last Night
Otouto — Astronauts - Two Bright Lakes
MGMT — It’s Working (Air Remix) - Columbia

Laura J Martin Live Session
Laura Martin — Spy (session track)
Laura Martin — Tom (session track) - click to watch video
Laura Martin — Duckie Duckie (session track)

Serge Gainsbourg — Bonnie and Clyde - Fontana, Philips, Mercury

Rob's Best and Improbably Great Record In The World Right Now
Chromeo — Don’t Turn The Lights On - Floor Bangers

Mr Sun — Sharon Lois And Bram
How to Dress Well — Ready For The World (Twins Mix) - Lefse
John Martyn — Solid Air - Island

Mystery Jets Live Session
Mystery Jets — Dreaming of Another World (Session Track) - click to watch video
Mystery Jets — It’s Too Late To Talk (Session Track)
Mystery Jets — Flakes (Session Track)

Fairport Convention — Who Knows Where the Time Goes - Island

Maida Vale Live Session
Frank McConnell — Kum Ba Yah (performed by Laura J Martin, Mystery Jets and Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell) - Classic Fox Records

Laura Marling — Darkness Descends - Virgin

Tricky returns!

Expect to hear brand new tracks from trip-hop legend Tricky at Bestival this September, as the Bristol-born 'kid will be releasing his ninth studio album, Mixed Race, via Domino on September 27, a few weeks after his performance pon de Isle o' Wight.

It’s the follow-up to the Bristol-hailing artist’s 2008 effort Knowle West Boy, and will be preceded by a single, ‘Murder Weapon’, on August 30. You can listen to the track here.

Mixed Race was recorded in Paris, where Tricky – real name Adrian Thaws – currently resides. The album features guest appearances from Irish-American vocalist Franky Riley, plus Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream), Terry Lynn, Hakim Hamadouche, Blackman and Tricky’s brother, Marlon Thaws.

Tricky says: “Every album is a learning experience and this is concentrated music, there’s no dilution. I’m comfortable in my own skin now, comfortable with being in the light. I’m not just a kid from Knowle West trying to build a future, I have some experience, I can experiment, I can be honest, and honestly, musically, I can’t be touched.

“I used to hide in the shadows when I played live, now I perform. I used to hate doing interviews, now I feel honoured that people would be interested in what I have to say. I’ve spent my life going between cultures; Mixed Race is about that, and in a very direct way.”

Ross Allen's Meltdown: Glasto Memories

So here we are a week after Glastonbury started, phew and ouch, that went quickly and very well.

If you were there I am sure you had a similar ball to me. What can you say, or argue with... 4, 5, 6 days in the great British countryside, with music, culture and SUNSHINE. Now, that is all that has been missing in the preceding years. An obvious statement but with it your eyes really open up to all that Glastonbury has to offer. From The Greenpeace Fields, where kids can go climbing and roofs of buildings grow lettuce to the ability to be able to stop and sit and listen to what ever random musician performer is doing their thing. This year I really felt that Glastonbury was in full effect. Yes i did get down there early, and do have to big up all the Mutoid Waste Crew and Mutate Britain, for making our area and bar so mental to look at and be in and play in but the weather just changes everything and the military type mindset that you have had to have in preceding years - heads down, hoods up and definitely no sitting down - can be such a slog. Faces reflect that, and this year it was just smiley culture all round. It was great. Musically it was as diverse as ever and I totally enjoyed Willie Nelson on Friday afternoon, swiftly followed by Snoop Dog. Are that they different ? Not really both covering other peoples hits and both having their own fantastic commentaries on American life, albeit with different sonic back drops and different experiences - shame they didn't do a track together.

Besti-bod 20: The Festival Manager

When we started the Besti-bod profiles, it was with a mission statement to "salute the unsung heroes of Bestival and Camp Besti", and today Toby Collard meets a man who undoubtedly fits the bill: he's on site a week before things even get started and is still working three or four days after we've all headed home, and along with his colleagues at Loud Sound is responsible for the smooth running of, well, just about everything really! It's the Festival Manager....

....it's Dave Grindle! Dave spends his days liasing with everyone from the Site, Production and Transport Managers to security, the police, medical teams, environmental health and many more besides. In between times he's clocking up the miles out and about on site, checking for himself that everything's going to plan.

When he gets a bit of time to himself, Dave's thing is cycling and he can often be seen hurtling round Manchester Velodrome, but in his quieter moments you're more likely to find him "at home with my girlfriend Tess and Herod the cat." Aah!

Dave, you're one of the best!

Name: Dave Grindle

Bestivals attended:
"I have been at both festivals since the beginning."

Everyone’s being encouraged to ‘Go Green to Bestival’ this year – what would be your ultimate way of travelling to Bestival?
"If I ever had the time I’d take the triathlon approach: cycle, run & swim."

What's your fancy dress this year going to be?
"I have no idea, but I generally get presented with an outfit about an hour before the parade is due to begin."

What one item would you recommend everyone should take to Bestival, and why?
"If you’re camping .. a ‘Spork’ - a spoon and fork all in one. Genius."

Most memorable Besti moment?
"Bestival 2008 – ‘The Wet One’ – when the fancy dress parade made it through to the 24 hour field and a huge cheer went up across the site as the sun made a brief appearance."

If Bestival is the answer, what's the question?
"What has 100,000 legs and wears fancy dress?"

Who would you most like to see performing at Bestival?
"The Raconteurs."

Funniest Bestival memory?
"Mike Cuban as Barry Peters on the Main Stage commenting on a couple of French would-be tent thieves that had been apprehended …. ‘Quelle surprise ….’"

If Bestival was a type of food, what would it be and why?
"Risotto – it can be anything you want it to be."

Message to any non-(Bestival)-believers out there?
"Each to their own!"

Bestival Island Discs (three tunes essential to a top Bestival):
Roots Manuva - Witness
Underworld - Rez
Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor