AwaWell the others have summed it up pretty succinctly, I think. Not much more to say, other than don’t listen to anyone on what you should like.

But we don’t go for the music. Nope. If it were the music we went to see, then we’d shell out like the rest of you do. Then we could actually relax and enjoy said music. I remember a few years beck, our esteemed leader commented that he was having a near perfect weekend, catching up with old friends, and if only the bands would shut the fuck up and give them some peace it would have been truly perfect!

Get a beer. There is much more than Heineken, which can certainly grate after a few days of spirited consumption. My recommend is the Tokyo Ale in the Field Of Heaven. Number one, it’s the tastiest drop at the fest. Number two, it’s served by someone who cares about what they’re dispensing to you. And number three, last year, when everybody else bowed to the pressure of the big boys to raise prices to ¥600, these guys held out at ¥500. Whatever beer you buy, make sure you tell them “Awa sukuname, kudasai!” It will get you a smile or maybe a scowl. But more important is what it won’t get you, and that’s half a cup of foam. Just a skeric of head, not Japaneses style at all. Yes, a full beer. Full of beer, not bubbles. And that’s definitely worth the extra effort!

Of course the Crystal Palace Tent & Arena is where you’re most likely to find us. This is where your esteemed team regroup, after running around like idiots all day. It’s where we can finally relax. And have another drink, this time with friends. It’s also the most likely spot to do some star spotting. I’ve played Roulette with Chemicals Tom & Ed, and watched a peep show with Lee Scratch Perry. I’ve seen top billed punched out by also-rans. Or was it the other way around? Names not mentioned to protect the guilty. This is the place for late night debauchery. And yet people continue to stream past on their way to their hotel.

What else should you bring that hasn’t been mentioned? Bring a camera. Not for the bands, you’ll be too far back anyway, and if you’re not the security will put paid to your snapping the stars. No, the camera is so you can remember all those kodak moments and show your friends what they missed.

How much cash should you bring? Well, I’ve looked into that before. Add a few sheckes for inflation though. It never ends.

I know Jinki and Jeff already said it, but I concur: A trip on the gondola to DayDreaming is well worth the time invested.

If you want to hear what I’m most looking forward to seeing (and in many cases will be missing), my list goes a little like this:

Friday will find me at Ken Yokoyama. Excellent.
Mad Professor. Love that dub.
Fischerspooner. Might have to rely on pictures and a vivid verbal description though. Can’t be at red and orange at the same time.
All Night Fuji. Cancelled last year, so it’ll be twice as good this time around!

Saturday sees me wanting for Flogging Molly. One of those bands I love to see live, but I’d never listen to their record. You just have to be there when they do what they do. Mustang in the Crystal Palace. It’s bound to be the pick of their plays.

Sunday I will catch LCD Soundsystem. And then James Murphy DJ set later. And then Horse Meat Disco. Because it will be the mash up of the party. And then Rasmus Faber. Who I know nothing about. But he surely sounds good. And anyway, I like to see the last act. Even though there’s more.

Then there are the any timers. They are performing all weekend somewhere, so you have to catch these guys at some point. I’ll squeeze these in when I can. Big Willie Martinez. This man is a true entertainer!
Palace Arena risk-of-death shows. This year it’s the Human Cannonball and the Wheel Of Death. I can’t wait. Nothing like someone else taking a whole lot of risk of personal bodily harm purely for your entertainment.
Rookie-a-go-go. Always worth a go.

See you out there!