Pop: Barenaked Ladies

The Barenaked Ladies (in reality five fully clad Canadian blokes, right) have enjoyed a steady following over here throughout the Nineties but with Stunt, their impressive fourth studio album (released here on 22 Feb), they look set to follow-up their major North-American success. That long-player spent four months in the US Top 10 and the standout track, the hip-hoppy "One Week", topped the singles chart. Their cheeky power pop laced with folk, country and other influences, lends itself well to the live setting and these two London dates precede a support slot on the sell-out Beautiful South tour in April, by which time they should be much better known.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W12 (0171-771 2000) Wed; The Forum, London NW5 (0171-344 0044) 13 Feb