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The Review - MUSIC - grooves with CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 7 February 2008

Grooves

HOHO. I didn’t know Koko was so unpopular – but after singing its praises last week, more than one person has written in to correct me.
“It’s a lovely building but Club NME is terrible and The Album Chartshow is so bad no band that goes on ever wants to do it again” was one comment. Another said it was the worst place for live music.
Personally, I respect the contribution the venue plays to the area, and its history (I can’t remember a few lost evenings there).
But it’s true that in its present state, run by the faceless Mint Group, it certainly doesn’t have the heart and soul of other, more down-to-earth establishments such as The Dublin Castle and the Electric Ballroom, which are both family owned.
Mint Group bought the Camden Palais in 2004 and turned it into the jewel in their crown of London-wide bars and clubs, including Infernos in Clapham.
But even if you don’t like the club, or the shows being held there, you still have to rate that Mint pulled in international superstars Prince and Madonna, and regularly bring big names to Camden.
Meanwhile, the NME have a lot of fingers in bowls – as their month-long showcase of new and established acts proves.
Being held at venues across London, including The Roundhouse and The Astoria, hopefully it will be better received than their weekly one at Koko.

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