pick of the week

Aztec Camera

No joy this week if you're a ticketless Blur or Stone Roses fan. But there's always Roddy Frame, without whom there would be no Blur. The new album Frestonia won't set your ears alight, but live it will be another story.

Tonight 7pm, Manchester University (0161-832 1111); tomorrow 7pm, Bristol University (0117-929 9008); Sun 7pm, London Shepherd's Bush Empire (0181- 740 7474)

Aimee Mann

Nib-faced Aimee back to cult acclaim in her natural constituency. She'll be gloomy, sarcastic and sing brilliant songs.

Tonight 7pm, London The Forum (0171-344 0044)

Rod Stewart

Arena shows are the closest Rod gets to intimacy these days (discounting his private life). He'll do all the songs you sing when you're drunk, still sounding like he's quaffed a sack of Blue Circle.

Sat/Tue/Wed/Thur 6.30pm, London Wembley Arena (0181-900 1234)

COMING UP

Pulp + Edwyn Collins

1996 brings the biggest shows yet for Cocker & Collins, pop's durables.

20 Feb, Brighton Centre (01273 202881); 21 Feb, Cardiff Arena (01222 224488); 22 Feb, Birmingham NEC (0121-780 4133); 23 Feb, Manchester Arena (0161-930 8000); 25 Feb, Edinburgh Royal Exhibition Hall (0131-555 3773); 26 Feb, Newcastle Arena (0191-401 8000); 28 Feb, Humberside Arena (01482 325252); 29 Feb, Sheffield Arena (0114-256 5656); 1 Mar, London Wembley Arena (0181-900 1234)