It’s that wonderful time of the year again. When people debate the relative merits of wellys and tents in the most serious of voices. When lists of must-see-acts are compiled and promises are made that this year you will see everyone you want. Of course your wellys will leak, your tent will collapse and you’ll only see two of the acts you’re planning on seeing but that’s the magic of Oxegen; the optimism that this year will be different.
Of course when it comes to picking the must see acts it’s impossible to come up with a definitive list so here at meg we’ve decided to nominate our favourite act from each stage on each day. If you get to see even half of them you’re a hero, and you don’t have the alcohol dependency problem that we in meg HQ do.
Friday
Main Stage
Arcade Fire. Jay Z will pull out all the stops and Vampire Weekend will be great late afternoon fare but this is the Canadian’s first gig in aeons, they have a huge Irish following and Wake Up is just made for the optimistic ‘this is great, I’ll never be hungover again” feeling that Friday night brings.
Vodafone Stage
Republic of Loose. There’ll be heavyweight dance acts on later in the day with Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada always good at festivals but we have to go with one of the most reliable Irish acts appearing over the weekend.
Heineken Green Spheres
God is an Astronaut. Again going for the Irish choice, GIAA are one of the best Irish live acts going and deserve to have a packed tent on the opening day. If you can deal with the chavs around you David Guetta should also put on a decent show. 
2Fm/Hot Press Academy Stage
Villagers. It’s obviously not quantifiable but if it was this would be the bookies favourite for best set of the weekend, Conor should just improve on what’s already been an amazing 2010.
Red Bull Music Academy
Tinie Tempah. If you are over the age of 20 you’ll feel a little self conscious, but just pretend you drive a Suburu Imprezza and enjoy one of the singles of the year; Pass Out.
Dance Tent
Simian Mobile Disco. Just when the energy is waning a trip to the dance tent (shed) for this London duo should do the trick, a kind of British Too Many DJ’s – a good thing.
Saturday
Main Stage
Kasabian. Really strong mainstream line-up for the middle night; Dizzee followed by Florence followed by Kasabian followed by Muse. Kasabian win for being the best suited to get a mainstage crowd going.
Vodafone Stage
Two Door Cinema Club. Again we’re showing an Irish bias, but their early billing could see them having one of those packed “I saw them before they were huge” sets that Oxegen throws up every year. Editors and Doves will be strong later on and for shameless pop Black Eyes Peas will do exactly what they say on the tin. 
Heineken Green Spheres
Hot Chip. LA Roux and Calvin Harris will also be bringing plenty of tunes but Hot Chip have the potential to be one of the acts of the weekend.
2FM/Hot Press Academy Stage
Kele. The Block Party front man has already played a sold out show in the Academy this year and debut single “Tendori” is one of the songs of the year. Should enhance his rep as a solo artist here.
Red Bull Music Academy
The Drums. Great evening line-up here with Dirty Projectors and Wild Beasts in tow. But the band that should be winning all ‘best newcomer’ awards come years end are the ones to watch. Rivaling Two Door Cinema Club in the “I saw them before they were huge” comp.
Dance Tent
Armand Van Helden. For those who don’t plan on leaving the dance tent for three days the American superstar DJ is by far an away the highlight of the weekend.
Sunday
Main Stage
Eminem. Probably the weakest of the Main Stage line-ups over the three days, but seeing Eminem live should be something any music fan would want to tick off a list. Those that did see him in Punchestown years back may want to compare and contrast the show now that he’s not off his tits.
Vodafone Stage
Professor Green. Festival virgins, aside surely everyone’s seen the Prodigy plenty of times already? Prof Green doesn’t have a massive back catalogue but his “Need You Tonight” single is worth checking out live. 
Heineken Green Spheres
Jamie T. Mumford & Sons will draw in a crowd later on, but for those who didn’t catch his sold out Academy show in February the young Londoner is well worth checking out.
2Fm/Hot Press Academy Stage
Julian Casablancas. Having seen him on stage in the Academy in December meg can confirm the Strokes front man is incredibly handsome, meg can also confirm he puts on a great live show. Probably should have re-ordered those two points.
Red Bull Music Academy
Broken Social Scene. Prolific giggers, the Canadian ‘Supergroup’ will be one of the most accomplished live acts playing on Sunday. 
Dance Tent
Chas & Status. Well known in dance circles, even if you’re not the biggest dance fan this duo have probably remixed several of your favourite songs at one stage or another.
Think we missed anyone? Leave a comment below with your must see acts.
dean
July 7, 2010
MUSE
VAMPIRE WEEKEND
PLAN B
mark
July 8, 2010
good list
i cant wait for hot chip and arcade fire