Pop: The Five Best Gigs

1

Catatonia Mon

The ubiquitous Welsh quartet, headed by pop's most notorious big- mouth, Cerys Matthews, asserts its musical sovereignty with a little help from Radio One.

Kentish Town Forum, NW2 (07-344 0044)

2

David McAlmont Wed

Having rightfully come to rest in the world of soul, McAlmont will be making knees knock and hearts swell with his angelic vocals on Wednesday.

Improv Theatre, W (07-387 473)

3

Badly Drawn Boy Wed, Thur

The sparkling invention of the It Came From the Ground EP should be followed up with a spectacular set from Damon Gough, better known as Badly Drawn Boy.

Liverpool Lomax (05-707 9977) Wed, Improv Theatre (07-387 473) Thur

4

Mini-Meltdown: Barry Adamson Thur

Daniel Miller's spring meltdown kicks off with bassist Barry Adamson creating a weird and wonderful soundtrack for a silent film.

Royal Festival Hall, SE (07-92 0600)

5

Ash Wed, Thur, Fri

The infants of indie pop continue to reap the rewards of their second album, Nu-Clear Sounds. Nottingham Rock City (05-94 2544) Wed, Sheffield Leadmill (04-275 4500) Thur, Liverpool (05-707 9977) Fri

... BEST OF THE REST

Wayne Kramer

The guitarist from MC5 relives his glory days.

Camden Underworld (07-482 932) Thur

Ian Dury and the Blockheads

Pub-rock veterans headed by rock's most loveable rogue.

Shepherd's Bush Empire (07-77 2000) Fri

Faust

The original exponents of Kraut-rock.

Royal Festival Hall (07-92 0600) Fri

Runrig

Gaelic folk-rock lives on.

Royal Albert Hall (07-589 822) Thur

Fun Lovin' Criminals

US bad boys continue to extol the virtues of Barry White.

Blackpool Empress Ballroom (0253 292029) Thur, Doncaster Dome (0302 370999) Fri