POP: FIVE UNMISSABLE AMERICANS

1

Flaming Lips Hail the return of Oklahoma City's finest.

Electric Ballroom, NW (07-485 9006) Thur

2 Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Twisted Delta rock'n'roll via New York City.

London Forum, NW5 (07-344 0044) Thur

3

Elliott Smith Gorgeously melodic songwriting.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, W2 (07-77 2000) Wed

4

Sleater-Kinney Possibly the best rocking female band right now.

London Forum, NW5 (07-344 0044) Thur; Brighton Pavilion (0273 709709) Fri

5

Jason & the Scorchers Veteran Nashville rockers play it loud as ever.

Mean Fiddler, NW0 (08-963 0940) tonight