First Call, Last Call

First Call

A COUPLE of years ago, PJ Harvey came to prominence, along with Alanis Morrissette, as part of a new wave of angry, young women. It was an unfortunate label to be stuck with and one which seemed to fall arbitrarily on any female singer with a penchant for autobiographical lyrics and wailing like a banshee. Yet with the release of her fifth album, PJ Harvey has gone beyond such stereotyping. Is This Desire is a passionate record with dark and thrilling lyrics.

Barrowland, Glasgow (0141-287 5511) 9 Dec; Manchester Academy (0161-832 1111) 10 Dec; Shepherds Bush Empire, London (0171-771 2000) 13 Dec

Last Call

AFTER A sell-out run at the Lyceum Theatre, stand-up comedian Steve Coogan (right) has extended his show, which is now booking up to 14 November. Although he has become one of the most popular comic talents, it is certainly not by being nice. He has enough obnoxious characters up his sleeve to offend anyone's sensibilities, from Paul Calf, the notorious student-basher and lager lout, to Tony Ferrino, the Portuguese hit singer, who produced albums such as The Dog's Ballads and Nice Ass.

Lyceum Theatre, Wellington Street, London WC2

(0171-420 1000) to 14 Nov