SoundsXP Message Boards - Indie, Indiepop, Nu-Folk and Alt-Country Forums

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Has something against Spotify...

I made my choice on the basis of where I'm most likely to see a band at their best; i.e. good sound, both out front and on stage and good sight-lines. The atmosphere is an obvious consideration, but I think that's more down to the band and to a lesser extent the promoter, than the venue. Having said that, some venues always seem to have a dead atmosphere, no matter who's playing.
The Shacklewell Arms put on some great bands last year (The Excitements, Shannon & The Clams, Cheap Time, The Masonics etc), but I'm still not keen on the venue and would much rather see those bands elsewhere; indeed Shannon & The Clams played at The Windmill the next night and it was definitely a better gig, with a better atmosphere and better sound.
The Lexington also scores points for me as, along with the Buffalo Bar, it is one of my most local venues, though that's not why I voted for it.
The Windmill, my joint 2nd choice, along with The Grosvenor, loses some points for it's layout; unless you're in the area immediately in front of the stage, you can't see much and you lose a lot of the sound quality.

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Curmudgeonly Rock 'n' Roll time traveller from ye olden days

2nd verse same as the 1st...

Betsey Trotwood?

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Pop meets anarchy & I love them both!

02 Arena?

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Definitely isn't inbred...has the GCSEs to prove it!

REVOLUTION PURITY LOVE SUICIDE ACCURACY

http://www.thesoundofconfusion.com

Not a fan of Power Lunches myself. It's pretty grim down there and the sound's never been good. Awkward to mill around in the cafe or whatever the fuck it is upstairs as well.

Buffalo Bar's always good fun, although not much is on there these days.

Lexington's great when it's not oversold.

The Sebright would be perfect if the ceiling wasn't so low at the back. Gets a bit muggy down there.

Dalston Victoria's surprisingly good.

Lot of love for the Windmill, obvs.

In summary - they've all got their pros and cons eh? Wouldn't go to Birthdays even if Nick Drake came back to life and did a gig there.

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Looks like Elijah Wood. Supports Liverpool. Likes Coldplay.

I don't go to that many gigs in London these days due to the last train leaving during the headliners set. here is my view on the venues I visit most.

The Sebrights. From a promoting angle this place is a dream. Full backline provided (bar amps and breakables), the sound engineers are great (especially Johnny) and the beer is drawn from a range of East End Micros. The sound quality is great. The downside is the back by the bar (as Westie points out) and the beer prices (It doesn't travel that far people).

Betsey Trotwood - Despite the small size I have always liked this venue for the atmosphere 40 odd people can generate. The downside is that it is a Shepherd Neame house.

Buffalo Bars - Consistently a strong venue despite the lack of beer choice (there is a theme here can you spot it) and now sadly the lack of anyone decent playing there.

The Lexington - this is about the largest venue I go to these days. A hit and miss venue for me depending on who is playing or promoting. And Blue Moon is not, and never will be, a great tasting beer (nice try bar person).

I am not a great fan of the Windmill due to it's layout. It's a great venue when you are behind the decks but if it gets packed as it often does you are hard pressed to get a decent view. The beer is shite and that is why we all drink elsewhere first when heading to a gig there.

On another note is the Enterprise still going as a venue. It's not been cleaned since 1987 as far as I can tell.

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

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I went to The Windmill the other day and I've made a pledge to go there more often 'cos it really is a fun place to go, it is one of a kind and I love it for that.

The Sebright though, as Bola mentioned, is a dream as a promoter... who likes a tasty burger

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Tall, moustachioed alcoholic - plays firewood with a bow.

Went to Servants Jazz Quarters (Dalston) for the first time last night. It's slightly larger downstairs than the Betsey Trotwood. Thought it had a good atmosphere and we all like a party with that!

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

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Has something against Spotify...

Wrangler (John Foxx) with Stephen Mallinder (Cabaret Voltaire). They were great despite playing a pretty short set. We didn't bother with the supports.

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If Ian Curtis had lived, and enjoyed the ale…

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Mod Supreme, Demon Headmaster