POP: THE FIVE BEST GIGS

1

Gomez Thur

This year's Technics Mercury Prize winners for the best album celebrate with a sold-out gig blending psychedelia and swampy rock.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W2 (07-77 2000) Thur

2

John Zorn Tue

A rare UK appearance from John Zorn as part of the boundary-pushing American Pioneers series.

Barbican, London EC2 (07-638 889) Tue

3

Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach Thur

A one-off show celebrating their new Painted From Memory album with Burt conducting a mini orchestra.

Royal Festival Hall, London SE (07-960 4242) Thur

4

Bernard Butler Wed

Final lap of Butler's first UK tour with excellent support from Sunhouse and Mojave 3.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W2 (07-77 2000) Wed

5

Brian May Sun

One for Queen fans with the band's guitarist playing some of their hits.

Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 (07-589 822) Sun; Colston hall, Bristol (07 922 3686) Tue; Academy Birmingham (02 200 2202)Wed

FIVE MORE NOT TO MISS

Buffalo Tom Only UK show for one of America's best live acts, supporting its new Smitten album.

Astoria, London W (07-434 0403) Tue

Bob Mould The ex-Husker Du legend's last electric tour. Mercury Rev support.

Alleycat, Reading (08 956 6) 26 Oct; Junction Cambridge (022 35 5) Tue; Waterfront, Norwich (060 363 277) Wed

Grandaddy Intelligent and eclectic pop-rockers from California ending their UK tour.

TJs, Newport (063 32 6608) Sat; Arts Centre, Colchester (020 657 730) Sun

Alvin Youngblood Hart Excellent country blues with a contemporary edge from the dreadlocked Hart.

Pump Bottom Farm, nr Chichester (024 377 3828) Sat; Ronnie Scott's, London W (07-439 0747) Sun; The Brook, Southampton (070 355 5366) Mon

Clint Boon Humourous pop with bubblegum tunes.

Garage, London N (07-607 88) Sun; Esquire's, Bedford (023 434 020) Fri