POP: THE FIVE BEST GIGS

1

Chemical Brothers tonight

This additional, and all-night, gig concludes the current tour with a host of guest DJs headed by Richie Hawtin.

Brixton Academy, London SW9 (07-77 2000) tonight

2

Billy Bragg & The Blokes Wed & Thur

Bragg at last has a great, swaggering band that adds muscle and entertainment value to his songs. Mercury Prize-nominee Kate Rusby provides folkesy support.

WAC, Coventry (0203 524524) Wed; Anson Rooms, Bristol (07-929 9008) Thur

3

Quannum Tue

An evening of superbly inventive hip-hop sounds from the Cali collective featuring Blackalicious, whose excellent NIA album has just been released.

Subterania, London W0 (08-960 4590) Tue

4

Elvis Costello Fri

The last show of this tour with Steve Nieve, should see EC run through most of his hits and best-loved songs. Royal Festival Hall, London SE (07-960 4242) Fri

5

Ani DiFranco Thur & Fri

Two nights at a great venue for the American political folkie whose splendid To The Teeth album reveals an increasingly funky influence.

Forum, London NW5 (07-344 0044) Thur & Fri