The Good Life Experience (Day 2) British Sea Power

Well, I managed about 4 hours sleep last night but at least my new sleeping bag did me proud and kept me very cosy as I lay awake!

Today was another day of running around attempting to photograph as much as possible, stopping only for delicious sustenance from some of the excellent food stalls… and a brief afternoon nap to help me get through the night’s entertainment!

The highlight of my day was undoubtedly the chance to see, hear and photograph British Sea Power. I'd been anticipating this greatly as I'd never previously seen them play live but had heard many, many excellent reports about their gigs. And I wasn't disappointed!

I think they're amongst the best bands of the last couple of decades and it was a real thrill to get up close to them! They played a selection of songs old and new, from recent singles such as ‘Bad Bohemian’ to old favourites including the classic, ‘Waving Flags’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4g4eTB9Z1Q

Superb!

So my main photo today is of Hamilton (bass/vocals) and I've added Extras of his brother Yan (guitar/vocals) and of the other guitarist, Noble.

My only disappointment was that BSP clashed with Trembling Bells, who I'd also wanted to see - but I made it across from the Main Stage to the Taste of Freedom Beer House in time to catch their last couple of songs before I headed back to the comfort of my sleeping bag…

My other favourite acts of the day are included as Extra Photos…

Michael Head is one of the great ‘lost’ stars of music. He was the leader of two legendary Liverpool bands, The Pale Fountains and Shack but, rather like his Scouse contemporary Lee Mavers of The La’s, he seemed hellbent on undermining his own career. So, it was good to see him back, in very robust form, with his new compadres in The Red Elastic Band. I saw several audience members of middling years weeping openly as Mick treated them to songs old and new. Very touching it was too.

My discovery of the day were The Orielles www.theguardian.com/music/2017/mar/20/new-band-of-the-week-the-orielles-no-144 The band have clearly been influenced by all the bands that I listened to at their age (late teens, early twenties) so I was immediately won over! Here they are with ‘I Only Bought it for the Bottle’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUU9W2TRfDU and here's a shot of lead singer/bassist, Esmé.

I bumped into the splendidly dapper DJ78 at The Orielles performance and he was most obliging about posing for me. What a nice chap he is! His approach to DJing is to eschew 12” vinyl and the ‘wheels of steel’ in favour of spinning old 78 rpm records on two vintage wind-up gramophones - much rug-cutting ensues! Genius.