No doubt you have all been busy with highlighters at the ready, making your own lists of acts to see at Electric Picnic this weekend. The line-up is pretty amazing and they have got a nice balance between international and homegrown acts.

Here is a brief run through a few of the acts I’m hoping to see. If I was to list all the acts worth seeing I’d be here till next week. Feel free to post your own recommendations in the comments below, it is always greatly appreciated.

PS – There is a special feature on the Irish acts playing coming soon too.

Friday:

The Lost Brothers (Main Stage 15:30)

Their timeless acoustic folk/roots songs are a great way to kick off the weekend. The duo of Mark McCausland and Oisin Leech have been a firm favourite since releasing the enchanting Trails of the Lonely (Part I & III) in 2008.

The Lost Brothers – Ribbons and Bows

Jimmy Cliff (Main Stage 19:15)

Ska and reggae legend Jimmy Cliff’s career has spanned over four decades. I saw him play a few years back and he was absolutely amazing, judging by his performance at Glastonbury we can expect the same. How can anyone argue with songs like ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People’, ‘The Hard They Come’, ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ and ‘Vietnam’?

Jimmy Cliff – Vietnam via Paddymseventyseven7

Shit Robot (Little Big Tent 00:00)

The DFA signed Dubliner’s debut album, From The Cradle To The Rave, was one of last years standouts. Shit Robot was also one of highlights at Oxegen this year. The set, show and sound was amazing, such a shame so few people witnessed it. One must feel that his 80’s infused electro house will be much more palatable to the EP crowd. Hopefully.

Shit Robot – Losing My Patience

Others: PJ Harvey (Main Stage 20:45), The Charlatans (Crawdaddy Stage 23:00), Boys Noize (22:15 Little Big Tent)

Saturday:

The Undertones (Crawdaddy Stage 16:00)

The legendary Derry punk outfit are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the self-titled debut and will perform the classic 1979 album in it’s entirety. It is strange they are on so early but it won’t faze them, I’ve seen them a few times before and the never fail to deliver.

The Undertones – Girls Don’t Like It via Phono Select

The Chemical Brothers (Main Stage 00:30)

The Chemical Brothers need no introduction, so many great albums and songs. They are back on top of their game following last year’s Further, which saw a serious return to form following a less than prolific few years. Expect big beats and bigger visuals, the show at Glastonbury looked amazing. It has been along time since I’ve seen them live (8 years some how?) so I’m looking forward to this one.

The Chemical Brothers – Swoon via Rocknrolla

Ghostpoet (Body & Soul 03:00)

Sounding like Mike Skinner crossed with Roots Manuva, Ghostpoet’s wonderful off-kilter fusion of dub-step, electronica, hip-hop has been one of the finest new sounds to emerge this year. His stunning Mercury nominated debut album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, is one of 2011’s must haves. A show with a 3am start sure why not?

 Ghostpoet – Survive It

Others: Ghost Estates (Crawdaddy Stage 12:30), Toby Kaar (Little Big Tent 13:35), Toots & The Maytals (Main Stage 17:15), Yuck (Cosby Stage 20:00), Tu-Ki (Little Big Tent 20:40), Death In Vegas (Electric Arena 20:45), Public Enemy (Electric Arena 22:45), Flying Lotus (Little Big Tent 00:45)

Sunday:

Moths (Body & Soul 14:00 & Love Letter stage 22.45)

What a year it has been for Moths (aka Jack Colleran). From uploading a few tracks, it has gone to Interpol asking him to do a remix for their EP and signing a record deal. His chilled electronica is something special. His Castlepalooza performance was a glorious success so this isn’t to be missed.

 Download: Moths – Summer

The Go! Team (Electric Arena 18:00)

The Go! Team are one distinctive and unique sounding acts around. Their bright, blend of indie, brass and funky hip-hop beats should go down a treat, pasting smiles on faces and infecting the Electric Areana with a serious feel good buzz.

 The Go! Team – Bust-out Brigade

Pulp (Main Stage 22:30)

Formed in 1979, it tool Pulp over a decade to receive any real acclaim but by the end of the ’90s they had released era defining albums His ‘N’ Hers, Different Class and This is Hardcore. I was taken by surprise by the announced of their return and wasn’t sure how to greet it, looking at their performances at other festivals this summer those fears have been allayed. I was just too young first time round to see them live, looking forward to making up for lost time.

Pulp – Common People via Electric Picnic

Others: Laser Tom & The Blast Crew (Little Big Tent 13:30), Moths (Body & Soul 14:00), The Minutes (Cosby Stage 14:00), ASIWYFA (Cosby Stage 18:15)