Good Vibrations 2007 @ Centennial Park, Sydney

As summer approaches its end, the summer festival action seems to just get better. Very warm temperatures, a mystery guest and acres of sun and grass greeted punters at Centennial Park for Good Vibrations 2007. The late change of timetable and the vacant spot on the schedule caused the more in tune punters to think of only one name: Snoop Dogg. His appearance at only the Gold Coast and Melbourne left Sydney punters disappointed, but this small change of timetable left the door ajar.



Upon arrival the timetable change caught me and my entourage off guard as Van She were just about to take the stage earlier than anticipated. Again this band proved why they are the real deal; their cool new-wave inspired tunes, their knack for creating infectious hooks and their fashionable threads combine to make them the hottest ticket in town. Crowd favourites 'Kelly' and 'Sex City' were complimented by a strong repertoire of new songs which I believe sound even better than their self-titled EP's material.



With a wander around my ear caught parts of Dirty South, responsible for that horrific Evermore remix, and Trance queen Amber Savage under her Miss Savage pseudonym dropping some great house/electro tunes under cover to very appreciative crowds who enjoyed both the music and the welcome shade. Back to the main stage, Melbourne 80's lovers Cut Copy emerged to cool down the masses and send them into a writhing frenzy. Their set was patchy with some songs not holding up well in a festival environment, however with highlights such as 'Saturdays', 'Bright Like Neon Payphone' and their new and very good track 'Hearts On Fire' Cut Copy get a thumbs up from me.



Ajax provided the interlude music between Cut Copy and Sneaky Sound System and as with all the previous times I have seen him DJ he just gets better and better, playing and mashing even more crazy and fantastic tracks. But he was merely an appetiser for Sneaky who were surprisingly fantastic. Previously I have slagged off this band on this blog, as I have always thought they were this superficial band from superficial Bondi, lacking any real substance. I still think they are superficial, but now I believe they are a perfect party band. Their songs are fluffy and easy on the brain, full of cool synth melodies and Connie Mitchell's adorable vocals. Full marks for stage presence, with MC Double D bouncing around like an 8 year-old after its first hit of Cotties Red. Interestingly, 'Pictures' featured twice, once in orginal form and then at the end of their set in remix form which worked a treat





The time had come to reveal who the mystery act was. Before his/her/their arrival, the area in front of the main stage was not very full, leading me to believe that many people were unaware of who it was that would surprise the crowd. If you didn't know by then you were an idiot. However front of stage real estate became a premium once the guest emerged and his unique intonations reverberated around the venue . It was Snoop Dogg, the king of West Coast hip-hop. Being a fan of the 'Dogg since the age of 10, this was a very special moment for this blogger. Clad in an oversized South Sydney jersey, apparently a gift from Russel Crowe (genius marketing if you ask me), Snoop's hour long set saw him deliver all his big tracks. 'Whats My Name'. Check. 'Gin n' Juice'. Check. 'The Next Episode'. Check. He was charismatic as you would imagine, interacting with the crowd using call and response, even at one stage giving kudos to Tupac during their classic track '2 Of Americas Most Wanted' , with the crowd dutifully responding to every command. In true Snoop style he smoked a joint on stage and implored the crowd to do the same, and judging by the smell in the air they obliged. The rest of the day seemed insignificant at this point, Snoop Dogg was worth the ticket price alone.


The Beastie Boys followed with a cameo from Snoop, having already seen these guys live I didn't hang around, instead wandering to the smaller stages to catch some Timo Mass and John Course, who both ended the day in superb fashion. Kudos must go to Justin Hemmes and the whole organising crew for this festival. The line up was solid, the toilets ample and the bars plentiful. Good venue, good music, Good Snoop Dogg. That was Good Vibes 2007.



Thanks to Clint and news.com.au for the photos