POP / Gig Guide

SNOOP DOGGY DOGG

A thoroughbred gangsta rapper from LA, closely connected to ex-NWA man Dr Dre, and unique in his laidback delivery and chilling, amoral angle on the 'hood. This show will be just six tracks done to Dat, but with Rampage on the decks, it will be the shiznit, in Snoop parlance. There's plenty of fun inside, and try hanging around outside for a freebie. Also, see him on 'The Word', C 4 Fri 11.05pm.

Tonight London Leicester Square Equinox

COCTEAU TWINS

Almost operatic, thanks to Liz's wide vocal range and her habit of singing in a foreign language. Ethereal's the word. Request 'Frosty the Snowman'. Support from Seefeel.

Tonight Leeds T&C; Fri Glasgow Barrowlands; Sun Manchester Academy; Mon Norwich UEA; Tue Cambridge Corn Exchange

PAVEMENT

Nowheresville rock, which is very big over here.

Sun Belfast Limelight; Mon Dublin Rock Garden; Tue Cork Sir Henry's

SUEDE

More pop-star posturing and Bowie pastiche. Low-key shows coupled with lots of magazine covers and awards. Always an event though.

Fri Blackpool Tower Ballroom 0253 22242; Sat Edinburgh Queen's Hall

D:REAM

House pop that caters surprisingly well to the teen crowd (bite-sized lyrics, humane sentiments) and the genuine clubber (hooks and hard beats, plus instrumental patches). Plus support from the altogether smoother Tyrell Corporation. Tonight Brunel Uni; Fri Surrey Royal Holloway Uni; Sat Manchester Academy; Mon Leicester De Montfort Uni; Tue Bournemouth Uni; Wed Norwich Waterfront

ELASTICA

A sweet little new wave band dressed in suits. Plus Baby Chaos.

Fri Wales Lampeter Uni

COMPULSION

This is just the venue for these pogoing punks with a Ramones-type plainness about them. The lead singer looks grey-haired but it's bleached.

Tonight London ULU

SULTANS OF PING

Irish R & B act with a growing following. In Japan.

Tonight Aberdeen Uni; Fri, Sat Glasgow King Tut's; Sun Dundee Oscars; Mon Newcastle Riverside; Wed Manchester Uni

WILL DOWNING

Overdressed soul. Supported by Juliet Roberts.

Tonight London Hammersmith Apollo

FREAK POWER

Norman Cook, now making garage records for total divas Ashley Slater, ex-Microgroove.

Tonight London Subterania; Tue Aberdeen Pelican; Wed Glasgow King Tut's

GUNSHOT

London speed-rap trio who usually tour with death metal bands, but nevertheless, are very popular with the few hundred people who buy underground rap singles.

Tue Exeter Cavern; Wed Portsmouth Wedgewood Room 0705 863911

GLOBAL SWEATBOX

As the ambient / world music crossover gets up steam, you'll be getting a lot more club nights like this, with quality, up-and-coming acts. Loop Guru feature Iranian vocalist Sussan Deihim (also in The Last Temptation Of Christ), and now a thrid drummer (Chip Carpenter, ex-Pigbag). Banco De Gaia are a dreamy, dubby outfit with bazaar beats and chanting. Children Of The Bong are unknown quantities.

Sat B'ham Moseley Dance Centre

SUGAR FALLS

Sweet soul funk. Plus Fat Planet, street soul act fronted by three Nigerian girls. Of the South London school of Nubiana.

Sun London Ronnie Scott's

THE SLUT HUT

A Bit Ginger: this is their Valentine Ball, 'for Dykes, Queers and Perverts. Free entry in full fetish gear. pounds 5 for voyeurs.'

Mon Manchester Home (info 061-228 1112)

COUNTRY, FOLK, JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC

SHERYL CROW

Plain, modern Country.

Tonight London Camden Underwold

JAMES BLOOD ULMER

Mon London Dingwalls