DAY ONEFor the third straight year, Richard Branson and his “Tubular Bells”-fueled brand name, Virgin, brought the American version of the longstanding British V Fest stateside, tearing things up at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore. Traveling three hours by car from Northeast Pennsylvania proved to be a test in patience as I sat in an hour-plus pile-up outside the capital of Harrisburg, but the thunderous beats of Erol Alkan welcomed me (albeit a little late) as I found a parking spot, helping to ease the tension. By the time I was able to check-in and receive my credentials, the amazing partnership of Donald Glaude and DJ Dan was just beginning, combining the over-the-top, animated, electronic bongo-playing Glaude with the funky, zipperish anthems of Dan’s in a perfect meld of performance and DJ-ing that proved to be the perfect start to an already questionable first day. Standout tracks included new remixes of “Where’s Your Head At?” by the Basement Jaxx and “We Are Your Friends” by Simian vs. Justice.As Lupe Fiasco kicked off his set with “Kick, Push” to a crushing throng of teenagers, Soulwax took over the dance tent, bedecked in tuxedos, complete with bow ties and cummerbunds, bringing a totally live set of all their best hits, including a powerful shot of “E-Talking”, to the mix.
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