Virgin Festival 2007 Playlist

M.I.A. wows the crowd with her awesome beats, photo by Natalie Gooding 

The Virgin Fest, a two-day musical extravaganza that hit the Toronto Island in September of this year, was the bomb diggity. With power pop and rock bands you’ve loved for years, bands you’ve never heard of and a darned good food selection, you’re probably sorry if you missed it. Worry not, with the success of the last two years of V-festin’, you’re probably good for next year. While you’re waiting, check these tracks out.

Today – Smashing Pumpkins

Though the Pumpkins played a lot of new stuff, you can always count on knowing their old ish. And you can’t argue with the classics. Today was the encore and old baldy didn’t disappoint with this old but awesome standby.

Best lyrics: Today is the greatest / Day I have ever known / Can’t wait for tomorrow / I might not have that long

I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor – Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys are a personal favourite, so please forgive me if I rave a little. This band, coming out of Britain a few years ago via the interweb, puts on a marvelous show every time I see them and V-fest was no exception. Despite their age and rumours that they’re a bit ***-ish, they remain one of my favourite bands to see live. They definitely outshined the headliners this year. And for a surefire go-to crowd-pleaser, I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor is definitely a reliable old friend. If you’re into pop, look for a surprisingly good cover of this song by Sugababes.

Best lyrics: Dirty dancefloors and dreams of naughtiness

Monster Hospital – Metric

Metric did a great job of revving up the audience on the second day of V-fest. Emily rocked out with her… frock out? Either way, I was doubly impressed by the ladies of V-fest. Check out this great track and for a different version, check the MSTRKRFT remix.

Best lyrics: I fought the war, but the war won / Stop, for the love of God

I Miss You – Bjork

Oh, Bjork, you lovely little faerie woman dancing about to sounds and noises that somehow translate into music! Even when she says “thank you,” it’s adorable. Bjork fans were in no way disappointed at V-fest with the amazing show she put on, complete with dramatic costumes and lasers. This song, an ode to a love not yet met, is one of my personal Bjork faves and I was glad that she incorporated it into her set.

Best lyrics: I'm so impatient / I can't stand the wait / When will I get my cuddle? / Who are you?

Your Ex-Lover is Dead – Stars

Stars left the best for last and played their most popular song, Your Ex-Lover is Dead. The performance sent tingles down my spine. Stars definitely engaged the audience, poking fun at Scarborough (my hometown, a suburb of Toronto – brrrup!) and Richard Branson. Their showmanship was definitely great, along with this song. If you haven’t already heard it (where have you been?), go to the store and buy it immediately. Why are you still here? GO!

Best lyrics: I'm not sorry I met you / I'm not sorry it's over / I’m not sorry there’s nothing to say

Read My Mind – The Killers

Anyone, Killers fan or not, has to admit that they put on a hell of a show. They’re the kind of band you don’t want to like because they’re too hip or too showy or full of themselves, but all of a sudden, you find yourself singing along. Brandon Flowers is the kind of *** you meet at a party and want to hate, but he’s so hot, you can’t help but hope he’ll find you on Facebook. The Killers wouldn’t allow press in to take photos, which is another reason not to like them, but their performance of this song was flawless. It’s also a great song and damn catchy.

Best lyrics: I don’t shine if you don’t shine.

No I in Threesome – Interpol

Firstly, all we needed to write here was the title of the song. Secondly, Interpol is surprisingly chill live. You’d think they’d rock out a bit more, but along with strong bass lines and masculine but melodic vocals, the laid back songs suit them. This one in particular was great. It’s definitely boy music, so check them out if they come to town. Apparently, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel if you’re in the market for a dude.

Best lyrics: See song title.

Paper Planes – M.I.A.

As my partner in crime put it, this track is sick. M.I.A. (pictured above) uses gunshots as beats and it completely works. She’s basically the hot new thing and her performance at V-fest was a highlight for everyone that saw it. Check out the Diplo mix of this song for extra inspiration.

Best lyrics: All I wanna do is (gunshots) and take your money

Written by: Nicolle Weeks