Glastonbury 2011: are you a scenester or senior?

Plan your weekend if you're after emerging bands or legends

Howard Jones - 16 June 2011

Howard Jones looks at each day as it comes and chooses the bands to get you in a tizzy if you're a scenesters of have you reaching for a throat sweet if you're a senior ready to belt out the words!

Friday
The seniors get strong representation from B.B King and Billy Bragg, whilst U2 and Morrissey are heading that way - all on the Pyramid Stage.

The scenesters will be sure to be seen at The Park stage watching Crystal Castles and Warpaint along with Chase and Status on West Holts. Here's our picks though:

DJ Shadow
The return of DJ Shadow in 2011 generated hushed whispers from music fans who still have the genius of 1996's 'Endtroducing' etched in their minds.  'The less you know, the better' will see his fourth LP released in September. A DJ Shadow set will be the coolest hour of your life.

Scenesters: DJ Shadow - 'Midnight In A Perfect World'

Jamie XX
Jamie XX has seamlessly moved into the realms of  superstar producer, remixing the late great Gil Scott-Heron for 'We're New Here' and is currently co-producing the forthcoming Drake second album. High in demand, his producing skills have meant The XX follow up can wait a little longer.

Scensters: Jamie XX - 'Far Nearer'


U2
Opinions on Bono aside, U2 are still an enchanting prospect live. The visual of 100,000 people singing along to their songs will still be amongst the most powerful images from this year's edition. Fingers crossed for a B.B. King on stage duet too.

Seniors: U2 - Pride (In Name of Love)

Jimmy Cliff
'Wonderful World, Beautiful People', Jimmy Cliff's first single on Trojan Records, captures the magic of Glasto perfectly. The legendary Caribbean singer has been recognised by his Jamaican government for cultural services to his homeland. 'You Can get If ou Really Want' will bring the sun out, whatever the weather.

Seniors: Jimmy Cliff - 'You Can Get It If You Really Want'

Verdict: Too tough to call. An honourable draw.

Saturday
Tinie Tempah, Friendly Fires, Nero and James Blake are all superstar scenesters. The seniors should maybe chase down Deacon Blue and Neneh Cherry for her cult classic 'Manchild'. Maybe not?

Big Boi
One half of the rap's most successful duo ever, Outkast's Big Boi has done the impossible and put chief collaborator Andre 3000 into the shadows recently. 2010's 'Sir Lucious Left Foot' transported listeners to the streets of the dirty South and armed with a full band, the rapper is sure to bring some Atlanta heat to Worthy Farm.

Scenesters: Big Boi - 'Shutterbug'

Battles
2007's debut 'Mirrored' got music aficionados in a right sweat but it was their live shows that generated rave reviews. New album 'Gloss drop' continues the buzz. Drummer John Stanier's crash cymbal position high up in the heavens may look a gimmick but await  'Atlas' and enjoy one of the most thrilling moments in music.

Scensters: Battles - 'Atlas' 

Pentangle
Pentangle may be one of Britain's great forgotten bands, despite being regarded as one of the finest and  innovative UK bands of all time. Between 1967-1973, few could touch them in the world folk scene and their reformation in 2007 with their original five members finally got them the recognition they deserved.

Seniors: Pentangle - 'Let No Man Steal Your Thyme'

Verdict: The tragically hip prevail on scenester Saturday!

Sunday
The young bucks should move aside with Kool and the Gang rocking the field. Still, Skream & Benga, Mount Kimbie and Plan B will get the cool kids drooling despite the Don McLean and Paul Simon doubleheader.

Foster The People
Foster The People from Los Angeles have unexpectedly found themselves with Radio 1 airplay and big supporters in the NME. After mini success in their native States and Australia, they release their debut 'Torches' later in June and it seems that success beckons.

Scensters: Foster The People - 'Pumped Up Kicks'

Paul Simon
Simon and Garfunkel's records have crossed generations with Paul Simon's music career now into a seventh decade and his influence still cited by new artists. A man who owns 13 grammys and has written some of the most famous songs ever play the coveted Sunday afternoon Pyramid stage slot in a new milestone for a recording legend.

Seniors: Paul Simon - 'Cecilia'

Jamie Woon
Billed as one of the BBC's sound of 2011 artists, his popularity has yet to explode unlike the likes of Jessie J, James Blake and The Vaccines. Yet, Woon still has a buzz and his debut 'Mirrorwriting' has been slowly building up his following, with a sound that has no current contemporaries.

Scensters: Jamie Woon - 'Lady Luck'

Don McLean
From his humble folk roots, McLean struck gold with the song we wont mention, from his 1971 second album 'A*mer*can P#e'. Staggeringly, that second album remained in the charts for two years subsequent to its release. His career never matched those highs despite remaining popular across the world throughout the decade, but he will take a legendary status with him to the grave.

Seniors: Don McLean - 'Vincent'

Verdict: Seniors on Sunday. Get out your bus passes and move over scenesters!

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