I ALMOST instantly regretted choosing to do 'top five music venues', as soon as I had decided to, because there are so many to choose from on our doorstep.

They are all top, after all, for keeping the local music scene alive. I think this list should be 'five of the top 30', to be honest.

However, only so much space allowing, I've chosen the five which consistently pop up on my radar, and who keep their music roster rolling with quality acts and events.

RAILWAY HOTEL

Clifftown Road, Southend

This pub has music pulsating through the walls and floors, and has always got something going on music-wise, upstairs and/or downstairs, whether it's a locally renowned act, internationally famous, or brand new band cutting their teeth. Even its pub sign, created by artist and Railway Hotel patron Jack Melville, pays homage to Dr Feelgood legend and 'Thames Delta' export, Wilko Johnson.

Echo:

Even at quieter points at the day, the Juke Box or record player is blasting out top tunes. The events programme is always bursting so check it out via facebook.com/groups/TheRailwayHotel or railwayhotelsouthend.co.uk/upcoming_events

Incidentally, this might be a good time to mention the Railway Hotel's new opening times: 5pm -11pm Mon; 5pm-10pm Tues; 5pm-11pm Weds; 5pm-11pm Thurs; 12noon-11pm Fri; 12pm-1am Sat and 2pm-10pm Sun.

This Friday night see Mad King Ludgwig for 'lectic, eccentric and excellent music and madness', on the Do What Makes You Happy' tour, and on Saturday 70s country rock band Old Panama Red in the main bar from 5pm, and Darrah's Single Release upstairs in the evening.

CHINNERYS

Marine Parade, Southend

It would be easier to name what big bands haven't played at the iconic seafront venue which is Chinnerys at one time or another. With its professional set up and big stage, this is also the place where local bands climbing the rungs of the live music ladder, aspire to play. It's spacious, it's got a big bar, its all dark and just how a music venue should be. It's brilliant.

Echo:

As well as the main bands appearing on the main club stage, there are also often acts playing in the adjoining upstairs bar. Keep your eye on the website or sign up to the mailing list via chinnerys.co.uk to find out more.

This Friday night see rock bundle Minerva Falls, Killatrix and Walk in coma.

THE EDGE

High Pavement, Basildon

The core of the music scene seems to be around the Southend area, but if you're looking for places elsewhere, the Edge in Basildon town centre is often a great place to get your live music fix, with good sound. With locally renowned musican and promoter 'Hippy Joe' Hymas at the helm of getting bands in and on the stage - a man who has had his nose and ear to the ground of the Essex music scene and beyond for years - this place is always a good bet. Keep your eye on the page of Hippy Joe at facebook.com/Hippy-Joes-Live-Unsigned for the lowdown of who is on and when.

Tomorrow night see 'St Valentines Metal Massacre' with Copen, Fifty Foot Fool and Beyond Extinction. PEGGY SUE'S London Road, Leigh

Peggy's has evolved a lot of the years, and has now become somewhat of a hub for live music, with the proprietors working hard to make sure their programme is jam packed. With something going on most nights and some days, it's worth keeping your eye on their facebook.com/peggysueslivemusic to be sure you don't miss out. It's an intimate bar, with not so much of a stage, more of a 'corner'. But if it's the music you are interested in, you're guaranteed a warm welcome in a very down to earth and relaxed atmosphere, and get to be up-close-and-personal to a lot of talent.

This Friday see 'live loop and multi-instrumental action over electronic fat beats and breathy vocals' by F\gurehead with the CBD Cafe launch live music programme all day on Saturday up until 1am.

TEN GREEN BOTTLES

Rectory Grove, Leigh

Another tiny bar, which on paper you'd perhaps think wouldn't work, due to its compact size. However, there's a certain lively energy here, which I think its largely due to its dedication to put on quality live music, every weekend. It's always brimming with people having fun, and often spills out onto the outside area, where people like to gather and natter away from the crowd. You might need to take the Ten Green programme with the 'life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get' ethos however, as the venue itself is not great at regularly listing in any one place, who is playing when, and if the live music acts themselves haven't done any promotion, you'll have a job finding out who is exactly is going to be on.

You can contact them however, via facebook.com/Ten-Green-Bottles