POP / Gig guide

DURAN DURAN

Leather trousers began in 1980, right? Simon's throat is better and, apart from cancelling Brighton (again), they're ready to rock - plenty of Duran Duran (the last album), re-arranged greatest hits and a cover of Grandmaster Flash's 'White Lines'. Incidentally, get ready for their cover versions CD, Thank You, which includes tracks by Led Zep, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, Bowie, Iggy Pop and even Sly Stone. Missing link stuff, for some.

Sat Manchester G-MEX; Mon Sheffield Arena; Tue Birmingham NEC

UB 40

Gentlemanly whiteish reggae. Plus Bitty McLean.

Tonight Manchester G-MEX; Sat, Sun, Mon, Wed Wembley Arena

MEDICINE

California-style shoegazing. Weird tunings.

Fri London Islington Garage

CHAPTERHOUSE

English-style shoegazing, gone suddenly but nicely ambient housey. Global Communication and Sonic Boom support, making a perfect crossover of guitar music and trance noodling.

Tonight Oxford Jericho Tavern; Sat Islington Garage

SULTANS OF PING

Thrashy pop from Eire, big in Japan. Their absurdly titled second album is due soon, Teenage Drug (Rhythm King). Live, a laugh.

Wed Cambridge Junction

CUD

Seven long years they've been at it, refining their sound to a chunky drum and bass thrum with rock guitars and sarky lyrics. Tres Leeds.

Mon Brighton Pavilion; Tue Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms; Wed London Islington Garage

TINDERSTICKS

Bad name, good band - Leonard Cohen plus guitars.

Mon Newcastle Riverside; Tue Derby Wherehouse; Wed Bath Hub Club

VOODOO QUEENS

Famous for being Asian women who eat chocolate. A fun indie pop group. Main tour next month.

Mon London Forum

HEITOR

Simply Red's guitarist, jazz influenced. He sings.

Tonight London Jazz Cafe

INTASTELLA

Dreamy Barbarella wannabe Steella's pop group, much despised for coming at the tail end of Madchester. Good though, even if they didn't manage to distribute drops of the drug Point Hope on their new single's cover.

Fri London Powerhaus

CE CE PENISTON

Bit of swing, bit of banging house. At this point in her career it could go either way.

Fri Glasgow Tunnel Club; Sat London Subterania; Sat (late) London Busby's

URBAN SPECIES

London rappers, word-led rather than groove-led, but improving all the time.

Fri, Sat London Jazz Cafe

MANASSEH V FATMAN

A proper clash of dub sound systems, with speakers like wardrobes and bass that can microwave your gizzard. White middle-class boys Manasseh take on the really old school sound of East London's Fatman. Hyping a rather good compilation, Timewarp Dub Clash (Island).

Wed London Subterania

APPLEMOUNTAIN

London groove music. Recently stuck in one.

Fri London Kensington Orange

CABBAGE PATCH

Opening night for a new indie music club at the ferociously trendy Raw. 10.30pm-3am

Tonight London 112a Gt Russell St Raw Club

COUNTRY, FOLK, JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC

SHERYL CROW

London debut for the country-ish singer songwriter, cf Bonnie Raitt, Ricky Lee Jones, all the usual suspects.

Tue London Borderline

THE BEVERLEY SISTERS

Relive WW2 with the fabulous Beverley Sisters, the Glenn Miller Orchestra (UK), and the Princess Royal in attendance. Marvellous.

Wed London Royal Albert hall