The Best gigs

Chemical Brothers | Saturday 20 NovemberTheir records of late might be hampered by dodgy vocalists but as a live proposition the CBs know exactly when to lay down the beats. Barrowlands, Glasgow (0141-339 8383)

Chemical Brothers | Saturday 20 NovemberTheir records of late might be hampered by dodgy vocalists but as a live proposition the CBs know exactly when to lay down the beats. Barrowlands, Glasgow (0141-339 8383)

Nick Cave | Saturday 20 and Tuesday 23 NovemberFinal solo shows of the year from the Gothic One, with acoustic versions of his best-known songs, covers and spoken word pieces. Sat Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (01203 524524); Philharmonic, Liverpool (0151-709 3789) Tue

Pavement | Saturday 20 NovemberA superb night of off-kilter American rock is in store from the headliners and gloriously idiosyncratic support act, Royal Trux. See Pop Preview, p15. Brixton Academy, London SW2 (0171-771 2000) Saturday

Elvis Costello | Saturday 20 Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 NovemberPlaying with long-time associate Steve Nieve, EC tours in support of his recent greatest hits album. De Montford, Leicester (0116-233 3111) Saturday; Brighton Centre, (0870-900 9100) Tue; Regent, Ipswich (01473 433100) Wed

"Free Satpal Ram" Benefit | Monday 22 NovemberThe Asian Dub Foundation sound system and a host of DJs and MCs lend their services to draw attention to the plight of a jailed Asian man, also the subject of an ADF hit single. Scala, London N1 (0171-833 2022) Mon

Barenaked Ladies | Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 NovemberThe occasionally goofy but consistently entertaining Canadians play their biggest UK headlining gigs during a week when their Stunt album is re-released with a bonus live CD. Barrowlands, Glasgow (0141-339 8383) Mon; Apollo, Manchester (0161-242 2560) Tue

Foo Fighters | Tuesday 23 Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 NovemberAlways a refreshing live act, Dave Grohl's band have finally come out of the Nirvana's shadow with the excellent Nothing Left to Lose album. Barrowlands, Glasgow (0141-339 8383) Tue; Academy, Manchester (0161-832 1111) Wed Brixton Academy, London SW2 (0171-771 2000) Thur

Coldcut | Friday 26 NovemberThe Ninja Tune founders present their sonically eclectic multi-media vision, placing equal emphasis on "V-Jamming" and concocting weird beats. Planet K, Manchester (0161-832 1111) Fri