The Independent Recommends: Pop

THE CURRENT UK tour by those punk and new wave trailblazers Ian Dury and the Blockheads (right) is their first on such a scale since 1982. Several festival appearances over the summer proved that Dury, despite his health problems, is as charismatic a leader as ever. The band also proved that the new material from current album Mr Love Pants fits in well in a live set scattered with such well-known singalongs as "Reasons to Be Cheerful", "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" and "Sweet Gene Vincent".

Junction, Cambridge (01223 511511) 7.30pm

Country blues musicians often opt for murder ballads, but Johnny Dowd takes the idea on a deeper and darker trip, creating a "scaro-blues" sub- genre with noir commentaries on life uplifted with generous shots of Texan humour. His Wrong Side of Memphis album from last year has attained cult status and this UK debut show should be a gem.

Borderline, London W1 (0171-734 2095) 8pm