Josh King gets out his tripod and 35mm and Nathan May trawls the Encyclopaedia’s in search of the Northern Lines favourite places.

If you go down to the lock today, you really are sure of a big surprise. Camden is a town in transition, and we look at its changing faces

Founded by Charles Pratt, Earl of Camden, back in 1791, and later ‘touched up’ by no one’s favourite street artist Banksy, Camden Town has been at the heart of our beloved Northern Line ever since.

Attracting all sorts, from the most dedicated of Goths to born-again hippies in search of hallucinogenic shrooms, Camden has plenty of filth and grime to offer the scuzziest of shoppers.

The market stalls, trading all week, are always popular, if packed with army surplus, musty vintage and day-glo spandex. Ignore the crack dealers and focus on the fact it's a great alternative to the average Pret high street. (although there are two Prets, an Eat and a Maccy Dees)

The place has a huge variety of culinary options too - not all that mouth watering, but you can fill a shopping-sized hole cheaply. Everything from bartering your way to Chou Mein heaven, or sampling a cream filled doughnut, to filling your own crepe.

FOOD TIP: Gilgamesh – amazing design and a super anglo – eastern menu.

If it's supping a beer then you're spoilt for choice.

The area had also attracts the best in new music for years, with mainstream fare at Koko, with undiscovered gems slugging the guts out at Purple Turtle or Barfly. Of course, you can cram a month's worth of gigs in during the Crawl in April. While it's gone off the boil somewhat, it still boasts a heady line up and a unique buzz.

PUB TIP: Almost anywhere – my fave is the Lock Tavern due to the Pear Cider…but you can get that anywhere these days. Check out The Elephant’s Head for ultimate punk fever.

For fact fans

The lock at Camden was originally planned as a hydro-pneumatic water saving extravaganza…but it didn’t work. So they just used a normal one instead.

Want us to come to your local? Think you could do better? Well tell us what you want and we’ll strive to get our Oyster card tagged at more places than Christian Gross

www.theothersidemag.co.uk

Touted as the next big thing to come out of London, whatever that means, I blame Coco has the potential to take up the reigns of success from the likes of Allen and Nash. Coco, belts out tongue-in-cheek lyrics with a surprising confidence with an amazing voice. Backed up with help from Ben Hudson and Joy Joseph of Mr Hudson and the Library, this new group has put together clever, catchy tunes that scream out mainstream success. Hints of reggae, dub and ska flow through the music that gives Coco an effortlessly fresh sound.

Listen: myspace.com/iblamecoco

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter, Eugene McGuinness, born in London and hailing from Liverpool these days, is certainly one to watch at the Camden Crawl this year. His incredibly skilful and relentless guitar melodies, topped with a unique vocal style make for a compelling performance. The music itself is pop-orientated, with hints of Irish folk. Lyrically, McGuinness shifts from humorous comment on the everyday to a more serious and heartfelt side.

Listen: myspace.com/eugenemcguinness85

See: Camden Crawl, April 18-19

Off the back of a successful launch night in March, The Racket is set to open its doors once again in April. Held at the uber-cool Old Queen’s Head in Islington, The Racket kicked things off with Jem Cooke, charming the crowd with her gorgeous voice and warming stage presence.

Following that, Thoughtless Jolly treated the punters to some powerful lyrics over delicate tunes that reached heights few in the crowd had expected after fragile initial impressions.

Nat Jenkins did nothing to harm his ever-growing reputation, with a breakneck show that barely paused for a breath.

Headlining the night, Davie Fiddle and the Lucky Egg didn’t disappoint either. The set seemed to swell with the crowd numbers, as powerful sounds were carefully crafted from a selection of guitars, violin and subtle percussion.

Upcoming: The Racket @ Old Queens Head, Islington. April 10

Again, a must watch at the Crawl this year, Natty is making headlines by single handedly sparking a mini reggae revival. Headlining last month at Blue Flowers, Natty wooed the crowd with his soulful lyrics and enchanting guitar melodies. Backed up with a solid performance from his band, including a must-have bongo base line, the outfit produces a self-assured and fully captivating sound.

Listen: myspace.com/natty4d

See: Camden Crawl @ The Dublin Castle, April 18-19

Buy: “Cold Town” 28.04.08