I took in 23 bands in two days at the Electric Picnic. Day 3 looked to be a washout with the weather, so I decided to head home early on Sunday and beat the traffic. My only regret was missing Bat For Lashes and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

Day 2 was filled with some great performances including !!!, MIA, Architecture in Helsinki and Deerhoof. The drummer for Deerhoof is completely insane. He makes adjustments to his kit continuously, which may be required considering the pounding he gives it, or is just the result of nervous energy. I hadn’t heard of any of the bands before 3PM, so I took in as much as I could, coming across some pleasant surprises in Ratatat, Shychild and Final Fantasy. These are the only three acts I didn’t come to see who I will follow-up on in the next couple of days on Emusic.

The Chemical Brothers finished off Evening 2 with a set from 12-2AM. I was exhausted and didn’t make it the whole way, but the visuals were stunning.

All in all, I thought the Picnic was fabulous. I would never want to go by myself again. It was great seeing everything I wanted when I wanted, but it would have been much better sharing the experience. All in all, it is one big social event. And I would also smuggle in my camera. Just stuff it in the center of your rolled up sleeping bag, no one will ever know.