Last Shadow Puppets play orchestral show at Reading

United Kingdom | | 25 August 2008

The Last Shadow Puppets played an extraordinary orchestra-backed set at Reading Festival, although it was not without its faults.

Opener 'Calm Like You' fell foul to sound problems in the Radio 1/NME tent, prompting singer Alex Turner to demand a restart.

'Separate And Ever Deadly' was also started again but that time Turner admitted: "That was my fault", before pleading with the crowd: "It's only our fourth show, you know".

Despite several problems, the orchestra managed to realise the scope of the Shadow Puppets' expansive sound, with hits 'Age Of The Understatement' and 'Standing Close To You' prompting mass sing-a-longs.

Another well-known face making an appearance in another guise was Conor Oberst, who brought his Mystic Valley Band to Reading, rather than his usual Bright Eyes outfit.

The singer appeared more upbeat than his usual demeanour, sporting shades and drinking throughout, and songs like 'You Know By Now' proved surprisingly uptempo.

But the notoriously moody Oberst still made time to berate a fan for holding up a lighter, saying: "I never could get used to happy songs".

The folk singer also gave a somewhat ironic shout-out to Pendulum, who preceded him in the Radio 1/NME tent with their pounding drum'n'bass, before he launched into a cover of Bob Dylan's 'Corrina, Corrina'.

Lightspeed Champion drew a far bigger crowd than his one-time mentor, as 'Dry Lips' and 'No Surprise' got things off to a lively start.

Addressing the crowd, singer Dev Hynes joked: "I played here before with my last band Test Icicles and there were about 20 people. There are at least 25 now so thanks".

The band played new song 'Marlene' before Hynes stoked up tonight's headline rivalry to condemn Metallica and lionise The Cribs. He then brought the show to a close by smashing his guitar into his amp.

Sunday's Radio 1/NME headliners didn't disappoint and were joined by their new permanent member Johnny Marr, formerly of The Smiths.

The Cribs introduced him with minimum fuss, telling the crowd: "This is our lead guitarist. His name is Jonathon".

The legendary guitarist added structure and texture to their sound, which, while not virtuoso, proved invaluable when the Jarman brothers missed the odd note in their excitement.

This was particularly true when during 'The Wrong Way To Be' Ryan tore off his shirt and dived into the crowd, only to be thrown to the ground by security.

He made it back up to close the festival with 'I'm A Realist' as the Wakefield band and their new member brought Reading Festival 2008 to a sweaty and messy close.