The Review - MUSIC - grooves with CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS Published: 24 January 2008
Grooves
THERE is no one reason why Camden is cool again. Some say it’s the Hawley Arms pub, some say its the Winehouse effect.
What everyone agrees on, is that KOKO – formerly Camden Palais – is one of the best venues in London. And that this was basically confirmed, first, by the surprise gig Prince held there last year, and second of all, by The Album Chart Show, which started up again on Monday.
Every week the show films four new, established and megastar acts, to screen across the nation at the weekend.
Irritating Joe Mace interviews the musicians backstage and flashes some grimaces to the camera between bands.
And that’s when the fun starts – ’cos it’s all about the bands. This week they filmed Foals, Brit-nominated The Hoosiers, Young Knives and Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong.
Due to air this weekend, it will be the first episode of the fourth series in the flagship Channel 4 music show. I would say it is partly this that has re-established Camden as being at the heart of new music.
And the best thing about it is that anyone can go (provided you’re over 18) to watch their favourite new band. Simply go to www.channel4.com where you find out more on the show.
If you manage to get tickets, you’ll get to hang around Koko, watching Mace, and then see how television works (you’ll be asked to do a lot of clapping).
And then come the bands... Have a whale.
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