Big Day Out 2008

There was something not-quite-right about the Big Day Out this year, and for the cynics among you, no, it wasn't just because it was my first ever Big Day Out without drugs.

A plague upon dealers who don't come through on such an important day!

Ahem.

Where was I?

Ah yes. Not quite right.

It was largely, I think, the fault of the venue. I have loved the last two years of BDO shenanigans at Princess Park, with its lush lawns underfoot and ample shade. This year, though, we were in the car park at Flemington Racecourse, which was essentially a gravel-strewn dustbowl upon which the sun baked, bounced back and glared. Footing was treacherous, and there was virtually no shade.

The conditions, as a consequence, took the edge of the bands I saw.

Arcade Fire, however, were superb - the highlight of the day; rich, orchestral, dramatic and inspiring. Spoon were good, but too mellow for the mood I was in. Local lads Little Red were an absolute delight: fun, focussed and passionate, and already much evolved since the last time I saw them during their 2007 residency at The Tote. Skip hop outfit Hilltop Hoods were also in fine form, and the Icelandic pixie Bjork was, as expected, also wonderful. At one point, complaining of her strained throat, she said in that adorable accent of hers, "I can't sing, but I can JUMP!" She made the whole crowd come to life.

But unless there's a drawcard like her on the bill next year I don't think I'll be attending. Especially not if it's at the same site, which kills the mood that should be generated at the prospect of seeing so many excellent local and international bands.