Pop: The Five Best Gigs

1

Mogwai tonight

The penultimate gig in the NME Premier week should see Mogwai introducing material from their new album. Support from Bonnie "Prince" Billy (See album review, page 42).

Astoria, London W (07-434 0403)

2

Barenaked Ladies Wed

A rare UK show from the Canadian quintet playing stuff from Stunt which is released in February. Think Hootie, but funnier (See Going Out, page 3). Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W2 (07-77 2000)

3

The Corrs tonight, Mon, Tue and Wed

So popular, tickets will be hard to find.

NEC, Birmingham (02-780 433) tonight; Westpoint Arena, Exeter (0990 3232) Mon & Tue; Wembley Arena, London (08-902 0902) Wed

4

Mansun tonight, tomorrow, Tues, Wed, Thur

Chester's finest complete a short tour.

Corn Exchange, King's Lynn (0553 764864) tonight; Winter Gardens, Margate (0843 296) tomorrow; Civic Hall, Guildford (0483 444555) Tue; Event, Brighton (0273 709709) Wed; Brookes Uni, Oxford (07-344 4444) Thur

5

The Cardiacs Fri, 30 & 3 Jan

A three-night residency at the sweaty little Barfly should be a good place to catch these energetic rockers.

Barfly @ the Falcon, London NW (07-482 4884) Fri plus 30 & 3 Jan