| live review Why choose this small, cosy, intimate, friendly, eclectic, bizarre festival out of all the others on offer in the UK?
Well, other than the reasons listed above, it’s the all-important winning line up of bands that bring me back to Standon Calling year after year.
But that’s not all. The cleanest toilets anyone will ever see at a festival, the only festival with a swimming pool (ah! to take a welcome dip on a hot Saturday afternoon while listening to Stealing Sheep…. just heaven!), parking so close you can practically step out of your car onto the festival site, real ale bar, exclusive kids-only area for the plethora of young families in attendance; Standon seems to make sure everyone is catered for.
But back to the music. If you’re a fan of the Amorphous Androgynous’ series of compilations A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding In Your Mind, then this festival is definitely for you.. From the inspired (Penguin Café, Africa Express Sound System, Errors) to the sublime (Battles, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Revere) to the ridiculous (Chrome Hoof – believe me, these guys are ridiculous in the best possible way), Standon is a voyage of musical discovery.
I go to Standon religiously because I know I’m going to see an eclectic line-up of bands who are just that bit different from the norm.
With Michael Eavis sounding the death knell for UK festivals, I can’t help thinking it’s because most of them are booking similar acts and it’s all getting a bit samey.
Not so Standon – whoever it is booking the line up seems to get it bang on every year.
Inspirational offerings this year include the manic Sonic Youth meets Deerhoof oddness of Chapter 24, the shouty-but-melodious insanity of Dananananaykroyd, the always brilliant, always bizarre musings of Beans On Toast; Zun Zun Egui, who are so many years before their time it beggars belief, Azari & III, The Mummers, the list goes on and on! Oh, and I have to mentions the banging, BANGING set from Filthy Dukes on the new and very popular Horsebox stage!
But don’t take it from me – ask Big Jeff ! The legendary festival punter seems to be a barometer of good taste! Follow him and his seemingly boundless enthusiasm and you’re bound to experience some great music. Standon Calling is his favourite festival apparently – praise indeed.
Hats off to the team for making it all happen again this year – I’m already looking forward to 2012!
Simon Baker
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