James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
We arrived at noon ready to see a variety of talent and praying that the rain would hold out. When it became obvious the latter would never be true, our merry group bought a cider and settled down to review the former.
First off were The Yorker favourite Ambisonics. The melodic, self-depricating duo of Dave Pearce and Alastair Dickie were tuneful, beautiful and the perfect opening to the event.
Next up we wandered into the drizzle to soak in some of Rock Revelation Gospel Choir, who, whilst ever-fabulous, would have just gone down so much better in the sunshine.
Second Yorker favourite Oli Warne, who we'd met several times on our adventures around "York's got Talent" sang several crowd singalongs including a version of You're so Vain that got us singing along followed by hand waving in Handbags and Gladrags.
There was a quick visit to watch Zamar, another group who I feel the majority missed out on due to the Yorkshire rain. Luckily for us, we didn't.
Next up were the immensely talented DanceSoc. We were treated to Tap, Salsa, Ballet and Hip-Hop. They were a good interlude to the music but did make us feel incredibly untalented.
After a burger and more cider we settled right at the front to take in the final of York's got Talent. Having been to 5 out of 7 heats I was excited to say the least. I'm afraid to say we were glad we hadn't sat through the Alcuin and Derwent heats, as it seemed we'd picked the right five to watch. But in the end we were incredibly happy to say that our own, and recently high-profile, James College had the best talent (although the Judges didn't quite agree).
The rain brought one benefit, and that was that more people watched the final and saw the finale to a great event, and a wide variety of acts.
Fliss, from James College, was the first act to silence the Dining Hall. Everyone shut up and took note. She truly is a diva in the making, the pairing with Charlie was immense.
They sang a unique version of Aretha Franklin's classic RESPECT which was described as "soul mixed with techno. You will love it." And yes we did. Turns out they'd made it in the early hours of that very morning, even more impressive, and something I could see us dancing to in Gallery.
After three hours we not only discovered there are too many acts to name - but if you heard the group of girls at the front cheering at you then you know we liked you!
The final places in the contest were awarded to:
The three hours and five heats leave so many acts to praise, but most have received it during the reviews - the incredible Richard (who nearly reduced me to tears) and his piano, Dani with her monologue, the list goes on.
I stand by my original comments about Jonny P and the Howlie T Experience although I may have put them second in this competition. They're great. I love them. Can I have your CD please?
Then we left, we saw the end of Minus IQ's set (whose chat-up lines on my housemates were unsuccessful earlier in the day) who were musically impressive. During said conversation they described themselves as "Killers meets Scissor Sisters" and their best cover was by Coldplay.
Next up we saw some more DanceSoc action indoors, and then due to a cold I had to go home...so my review has to stop there, for the second part of the review try reading this.
There are so many people who should be proud of the event. Not only those who battled the weather, but the stewards, Doorsafe and obviously the bands and hard-working, fantastic organisers. It's an awesome event, made special by every act who performs, everyone who hands out leaflets, collects money, face-paints and was only different this year because of the weather.
The memories from Woodstock over the years will always remain with me. The way Fliss silenced the packed hall, the girls and I singing along to Oli Warne, (and giggling to Irresistaboyzz) as well as the intense jealousy at DanceSoc for their incredible moves; all those are now part of it.
If you decided to stay home because of the rain, you missed out. You really missed out.
What were the winners like?
Distinctly average really
The Irresistaboyzz should have won, they were really fit.
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