V Festival

The Boy Least Likely To were first on the menu on Saturday, and they certainly proved to be an appetising starter. Their harmonious country-twangled sound was warmly received, along with the multi-coloured balloons and badges which were being generously handed out. However, less than 10 seconds into Be Gentle With Me, the band were unreasonably ordered to bring their set to an abrupt conclusion – a pathetic decision which deservedly triggered cries of derision.

Lilly Allen & James Morrison

Next I went to check out Lily Allen, but would she make me Smile? Daughter of comedian Keith (arguably the worst kept secret in music), Miss Allen thrilled a teeming JJB/Puma Arena with her reggae-calypso-pop. This 21-year-old is much more than a MySpace sensation.

Faithless

James Morrison was top of the UK singles chart, and his sudden surge into the national spotlight was the main reason behind the Virgin Mobile Union tent being absolutely crammed. Like Allen, Morrison is 21 years old and prodigiously talented, but his style could not be more different. Fans waited patiently to hear You Give Me Something and on this showing he’s not likely to fall victim to the dreaded one-hit wonder tag.

Sugarbabes were surprisingly great...

I then popped over to the V Stage to get a glance of the luscious Sugababes in full swing – purely for the music as any warm-blooded gentleman would tell you! After taking an eyeful of the lovely ladies, I decided to stay, something I must admit I was not planning on doing. But with Hard-Fi up next, I was more than happy to gaze and admire while Keisha, Heidi and Amelle concluded their set. In fact, I quite enjoyed Freak Like Me, and Round, Round, and Hole In The Head, and Overload, and Red Dress, and Push The Button. Okay, they were great!

Hard-Fi’s debut album Stars Of CCTV has to be one of my favourite records of recent years. But I was really disappointed with their performance. In all fairness, the band’s music was pounding! However, the same cannot be said for Richard Archer’s voice. He was brilliant at working the crowd, but he was so weak some of their songs were barely recognisable. How can he call himself a lead singer? It reminded me of drunk karaoke! I don’t want to sound too harsh because I can’t sing for toffee, but it’s difficult to be positive when you feel let-down.

Faithless - a great festival act

Would Faithless restore the faith? Sorry, terrible pun! I knew they were a wicked festival act, and they didn’t disappoint. It’s hard to find enough superlatives in the English language to describe just how awe-inspiring they were! Maxi Jazz, a devout Buddhist in case you seek a random fact, endeared himself to the thousands with his infectious charm alongside Sister Bliss who kept the whole thing pumping. And to think they play everything live as well. Truly amazing!

When you come out with statements like “If Bob Dylan’s making the chips then I’m drinking the champagne”, you’ve got a hell of a lot to live up to. But then again Johnny Borrell’s a true contemporary performer, and Razorlight are one of the most exciting bands of their generation. I thought they were simply tremendous. Golden Touch and Somewhere Else were the highlights of an unforgettable performance where Borrell and the boys showed their true class.