The Independent Recommends: Pop

AMERICAN INDIE darlings Sebadoh (right) make a welcome return to the UK for a short tour previewing what promises to be an excellent new album, due for release early in the new year. Led by former Dinosaur Jr bassist, Lou Barlow, who shares his time these days with the Folk Implosion project, they're a smart live act juggling between two-minute pop songs and stimulating improvisation.

Coal Exchange, Cardiff (01222 330220) 7.30pm

Although he's just in his thirties, Roddy Frame wrote his first hit - the supremely catchy "Oblivious" - back when he was just 16 and heading the Scottish band Aztec Camera. Retaining his charisma, and with a fanbase still intact, he's on a UK tour playing songs from his well-crafted album The North Star. Support comes from another Scot in the form of singer-songwriter Astrid, who used to be the vocalist with Goya Dress but is also embarking on a solo career.

LA2, London W1 (0171-434 0403) 7.30pm