Tonight is a benefit for Hugh; this means there are a awful lot of people playing and it is difficult to chat. I am particularly keen to see Frank Bangay who is a unique talent. There are several other interesting acts including some classic Klinker  rolling around on the floor. I can't remember the last time I was at a Klinker where Hugh didn't do some sort of performance himself. Here I think time runs out before he could play. This month is downstairs at the Cross Kings, it is an ideal setting for the Klinker, upstairs is nice, but more open to the outside world. Downstairs is more like a secret den where you need a password to experience the delights within. Like the old venue at the Sussex Arms where you had to know where the door to enter the Klinker was, a bit like finding your way through the looking glass or wardrobe.
I have praised the Cross Kings before, so I will not reiterate.
The Klinker is at the Cross Kings on the third Thursday of the month. If you haven't been to the Klinker, you haven't lived.

I was quite drawn to see No Cars tonight, but they were playing at some obscure place in Camberwell. I generally find it easier to get to France, or Bristol than Camberwell. Strangely No Cars sound like the type of band that have typified the Klinker over the years. Maybe they can get in touch with Hugh and play north of the river, ideally at his Cross Kings gig (3rd Thursday of the month) as his other venues are still a little tricky to get to.The other gig I was considering was Rosie & the Goldbug at Hoxton Bar and Kitchen. Purely on a band + venue calculation I would have gone there. But sometimes the mountain has to come to Mohammed; several of my friends were talking of going to the Klinker, not for any particular band, just because we hadn't been to the Klinker for a while and the Cross Kings Klinker in particular should be supported. So I gave up my proposed solitary night in Hoxton (I still haven't got pointy shoes, but I do have a cardigan), for a pleasantly social evening in Kings Cross. Sometimes the London Pride can tip the balance. I haven't been to the Cross kings since New Year's Eve. It is a very nice venue with two stages - I upstairs, and the other in the (red) cellar. If this venue was in Camden or Hoxton it would be packed every night. Not that its empty, but it doesn't feel fully appreciated. I suppose that nearly 3 months has passed since I was last here is indicative of this. They are only 5 minutes (10 if you are unfit as its uphill) from Kings Cross and have an informative, up-to-date website (as good as any frankly). All they really need to become a trendy venue is a comment in a Sunday newspaper or a resident celebrity or maybe just for a 'scene' to develop (hopefully without pointy shoes and rigor mortis). They also do good food and excellent beer. I think I have convinced myself I should hang out there more often, I don't think I'd draw the crowds though.

The Klinker has moved around a bit since the Sussex Arms changed hands and then its name and booted out the Klinker. Tonight's acts seem a little more normal than a classic Klinker evening but still enjoyable and not exactly normal.
Next month's Klinker at the Crosskings features the wonderful Frank Bangay. Drop everything on 17th April and come to the Crosskings.