pick of the week

Manic Street Preachers

The Manics' return, sans guitarist Richey Edwards, is sold out but it's worth mugging a tout for a ticket. Don't take your sympathy along though - just your rock'n'roll trousers. And make your excuses and leave before headliners the Stone Roses turn your brain to blancmange.

Tonight 7pm, Wembley Arena (0181-900 1234)

Corduroy

Hip cats who bring pizzazz to Acid Jazz. Theirs are the songs that will be played at Mike Flowers' funeral .

Fri-Sat 8pm/Sun 7pm, Jazz Cafe, London (0171-344 0044)

COMING UP

The Bluetones

The rather splendid but near-forgotten pups of Britpop head the bill on the NME's annual "Brat Bus" tour (above the Cardigans and Heavy Stereo). If their new single "Slight Return" doesn't make you glad to be alive, you're already dead.

11 Jan, Glasgow Arches (0141-556 5555); 12 Jan, Belfast Conor Hall (01232 313131); 13 Jan, Dublin SFX (00353-1456 9569); 15 Jan, Manchester University (0161- 832 1111); 16 Jan, Leeds University (0113-245 5570); 17 Jan, Newcastle University (0191-261 2606); 19 Jan, Wolverhampton Civic Hall (01902 312029); 20 Jan, Bristol University (0117-929 9008); 21 Jan, Cambridge Junction (01223 412600); 22 Jan, London Astoria (0171-434 0403)

R Kelly

The man who makes Barry White look like Nick Owen returns for your daughters.

26-27 Feb, Wembley Arena (0181-900 1234)