Are you a festival junkie looking to get your last fix before the summer fizzles out? Look no further than Bestival. Held on the Isle of Wight, the music festival is now in it's tenth year and celebrations are to follow this September throughout the duration of the event. Fusing music with creative arts in a remote country setting, this festival is like no other. With a theme based around the HMS Belfast, fields will be turned into an underwater paradise. Expect fishy fancy dress, pirates, sailors and wacky watery adventures.

 

Festival waters will be infected by headliners such as Elton John and his band, Snoop Dogg and Fat Boy Slim. Whilst, rock fans may not be catered for on the main stage, there's plenty of action on smaller stages coming from the likes of Sheffield based blues duo Drenge, who made waves after the release of their self-titled debut album recently. The 1975 have been tipped by almost everybody in 2013 so far, but don't just take their word for it go and check them out for yourselves, when they bring their hook laden sound to the festival.

 

Bringing solo material and hits of former band The Smiths to the table, NME's current 'Godlike Genius' Johnny Marr is worth a watch if you fancy a taste of guitar driven music with fantastic beats, equally measurable vocals and cracking on stage banter. There are instances when you might want to slow the pace briefly; Tom Odell's the guy for you. The singer/songwriter from Chichester is hardly a young Bob Dylan but he has some woozy harmonies that will definitely cause a delight.

 

One of the biggest draws at the festival, Bombay Bicycle Club will do their best to set their mood to a shimmering pace, in one final attempt to convince us that it's really summer (even if the sun's not shining). Meanwhile, a young and wildly talented four-piece rhythm and blues band from Cavan, Ireland - The Strypes will get hearts beating faster with their slick sound. Finally, Performance poet John Cooper Clarke puts on a hell of a live show, and in the late 70s the 'punk poet' became the voice of a generation and crowds gathered to witness the revolution. Experience it once more, as the poet by trade is welcomed to the festival to deliver a hell-raising live set. Jump aboard shipmates and prepare for Bestival to reach a new level of cool.

 

 

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Four days, four mega headliners, sun, sea and sand - if the mud and unpredictable weather of a British festival doesn't tickle your fancies, then Benicassim is the one for you. Located on the east coast of Spain, between Barcelona and Valencia you can catch the hottest of headliners whipping the crowds into a frenzy. Plus, if you need a break from the music the beach is literally next door.

This year's festival sees Queens of The Stone Age topping the bill on Thursday (18), whilst other headliners include: Beady Eye (19), Arctic Monkeys (20) and The Killers (21). Currently holding the crown for Best Overseas Festival (UK Festival Awards) it's not hard to see why, with scorching temperatures, a world class line up and sun kissed location.

With so much to see and do throughout the duration of the event, Rock Revolver has handpicked an assortment of acts you'd be a fool to miss. In addition, if the headliners aren't your cup of tea, or you fancy a break from the magnitude and scale of their performances - the following artists might be more of your thing.

Expect a hazy feel to take over when Kettering's psych revivalists Temples take on the Pringles Fibclub Stage on Thursday. Flower power riffs and a resurgence of psychedelic pop will ensure the masses experience feel-good moments aplenty during their eagerly anticipated set. On Friday, the Pringles Fibclub Stage also plays host to Birmingham's Swim Deep, ahead of the August release of their debut album Where The Heaven Are We. Prepare yourself for an excess of indie magic and glittering vibes.

Headlining the Trident Senses stage on Friday night, is ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. Catch his set if you're looking for an alternative to Beady Eye or if you fancy seeing a few of The Smiths hits played out almost in their former glory. The one to push your way down the front for on Saturday night, is the one and only Miles Kane. Taking to the stage shortly before his pals Arctic Monkeys, the Wirral riddler promises a storming and energetic set brimming with old hits and new wonders. Warning - it will turn into a sweaty affair.

On the final day of the festival, head over to the Pringles Fibclub Stage as baroque pop revivalist Jacco Gardner will deliver his tunes to the masses. Also, the electropop scots CHVRCHES are appearing on the same stage later in the evening.

Hopefully, this guide gives you an indication as to who to watch if you're going to the festival. Fear not, if you don't possess a ticket there's always live streaming.

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Anyone who knows me, will know that The Smiths are one of my favourite bands and have been for a while. However I cannot pinpoint exactly what it was, that led me to falling in love with the band.

 

The band were formed in Manchester in 1982, and split in 1987. There have been many rumours of a reunion in recent years, although members of the band firmly deny it. The group was made up of Morrissey (vocalist), Johnny Marr (guitarist), Andy Rourke (bassist) and Mike Joyce (drummer). The song writing partnership of Morrissey and Marr was heavily scrutinised, and still is to the present day.

 

The Smiths were signed to Rough Trade Records (a record company with a reputation for releasing the best of independent British music) and they released four studio albums, several compilations and multiple non-LP singles.

 

Although the band's commercial success was contained mainly to the UK, and their singles never charted higher than Number 10. The Smiths still gained quite a significant following behind them. They were one of the most important alternative bands of the 1980's, as the rock scene declined (along with the readership of the NME) The Smiths were seen as saviours of music. In a time when the youth were obsessed with Smash Hits and pop music, Morrissey & Co challenged societal ideals (with their controversial and often politically opposing) music and lyrics.

 

It has been suggested that the band broke up due to ongoing tension from two parties (Morrissey and Marr) the latter suffering from exhaustion and on the verge of alcoholism. Marr eventually took a break from the band, before announcing his permanent departure.

 

Both Morrissey and Marr have enjoyed successful solo careers away from The Smiths. Whilst Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce continued their working partnership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This week I have been listening to some new releases, old music and of course drowned myself in The Smiths. Some things never change.

Foals - Inhaler

Already, I have heard two tracks from Foals' upcoming third album 'Holy Fire'. The first being this song 'Inhaler' and the other being 'My Number'. Both contain the standard Foals sound, making the tracks sound effortless but classic at the same time.

For fans of: The Drums, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Horrors and Bloc Party.

Blue Foundation - Eyes On Fire

I'll admit that yes, I heard this years ago on the Twilight soundtrack. However I had always regarded it as just an okay song. My opinion changed when this track was featured on the latest episode of The Vampire Diaries. I downloaded it and now I am hooked.

For fans of: The XX, Alt-J, The Maccabees, Breton and Bastille.

Imagine Dragons - Radioactive

This song is everywhere at the moment - it's massive. I was browsing iTunes for something new, and I came across this song. Upon previewing I realised I'd heard this on the radio daily. Like me, you have probably heard this but remained unaware of the title. Give it a listen it's really good.

For fans of: Passion Pit, The Black Keys, Broken Bells, Young the Giant and The Wombats.

The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again

Yes, I feature The Smiths every week but they are one (of two) of my favourite bands and I can't resist. This song comes from the album 'The Queen Is Dead'. It was their third studio album and the most dramatic, of their back catalogue. It won't change your life but it's still bloody good.

For fans of: Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Joy Division, The Beatles and The Kinks.

Johnny Marr - The Messenger

By now you're probably aware of how much I love The Smiths, so it's only natural I adore Johnny Marr too. As you can imagine, I am so excited for his new album (also called The Messenger) to be released early next year. This is the lead track from the album and it's brilliant. Check it out.

For fans of: The Smiths, Morrissey, The Cure, The Stone Roses and David Bowie.

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