Pop: The Five Best Gigs

1

Fatboy Slim, Armand Van Helden tonight

A transatlantic DJ challenge from a pair who have both notched up Number One singles this year. The two do their individual sets and then stage a deck- to-deck shootout. See preview, p3.

Brixton Academy, SW9 (07-77 2000)

2

Cornelius Tue

Supporting the recent release of FM/CM (a remix of last year's Fantasma album), the Japanese genius twists and turns through a beat-laden set with a nod toward Brian Wilson.

Scala, N (07-833 2022)

3

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Wed, Thur, Fri

The South African a cappella ensemble, with Alvin Youngblood Hart supporting.

NIA Academy, Birmingham (02-200 2222) Wed; Royal Albert Hall, SW7 (07-589 822) Thur; Oxford Apollo (0870 606 3500) Fri

4

Echo & The Bunnymen tonight, Mon, Fri

The Liverpudlians' comeback pokes into some new musical terrain.

Cambridge Corn Exchange (0223 35785) tonight; Wolverhampton Civic (0902 5522) Mon; Brixton Academy, SW9 (07-77 2000) Fri

5

Stereophonics Thur, Fri

Much of the Welsh trio's success rests on their dynamic live act rather than their recycled American rawk noise. A goodtime boozy affair is guaranteed.

Wolverhampton Civic (0902 5522) Thur; Leicester De Montford (06- 233 3) Fri