The Independent Recommends: Pop

A FEW TICKETS remain for the second Royal Albert Hall show by The Mavericks (right). Judging by the response at Wednesday night's gig, there'll be a fair few returning for a second dose of this contagious mix of all-American popular musical styles, ranging from ragtime to mariachi. They're a band on top form and their two-hour set is perked up by the Havana Horns brass section. Much better live than on (platinum-selling) record, Radio 2 has never sounded this much fun.

Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (0171-589 8212) 7.30pm

Another bunch of musical mavericks are Scottish pioneers The Delgados, who mix up feedback, fuzz, ethereal folk sounds and great pop. Until now, they've been overshadowed by some of their compatriots, such as Mogwai and Arab Strap, but there's been a growing respect for their current album, Peloton, and the new "The Weaker Argument Defeats the Stronger" single.

Morrisons, Belfast (01232 324924) tonight; The Works, Aberdeen (01224 648000) tomorrow