Critics' Choice

Film

Andrew O'Hagan

quote An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance quote

2012 Theatre

Fiona Mountford

quote The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C quote

Blood Brothers Music

John Aizlewood

quote The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed quote

Muse

Reader reviews

Theatre

Rachel Dalziel

quote I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play quote

Gilbert Is Dead Restaurants

Raja, London

quote I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food quote

Babbo Music

Katy, London

quote Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW! quote

Muse

Critic's Choice: Top five gigs

By David Smyth 08.09.06

Look here too

Rowdy Scottish rock quartet The View, supercool Brazilian band CSS and hard-working Toronto punk band Billy Talent are among the highlights of this weekend's live music in the capital...

The View
Koko, NW1
Part of the next wave of rowdy Scottish rock bands, this Dundee quartet have been signed by influential A&R man James Endeacott and have already supported Primal Scream. This weekend they perform as part of Club NME. (0870 432 5527). Tonight, 9.30pm-4am.

CSS
Building a buzz from Sao Paulo to London, these supercool Brazilians have already booked a bigger Scala gig for November. Their fabulous debut album, Cansei de Ser Sexy, is an explosion of edgy electropop to file alongside the likes of DFA and Ladytron. With six of them on stage, these should be fun shows too. 93 Feet East, E1 (020 7247 3293). Tonight, 8pm-3am. Dingwalls, NW1 (020 7267 1577). Sun 10 Sep, 7pm.

Billy Talent
Hammersmith Palais, W6
Hard-working Toronto punk band who played together for a decade before getting a break and releasing 2003's self-titled debut album. They've just released a second album, Billy Talent II, on which frontman Benjamin Kowalewicz tones down the screaming and the tunes get to shine. (0870 154 4040). Tonight, 7.30pm.

Brand New
Brixton Academy, SW9
The kids love this Long Island punk-pop quartet, who rose to prominence alongside noisy neighbours such as Glassjaw and Taking Back Sunday. Now they're playing this huge gig without ever having really grazed the mainstream. (0870 771 2000). Sat 9 Sep, 7pm.

The Fence Collective
The Spitz, E1
The Spitz Festival of Folk, running until the end of the month, features all manner of tempting shows. This is a strong highlight featuring John Lynch, a founder member of Fife's Fence, the Wu-Tang Clan of folk that has spawned connected musicians such as King Creosote, James Yorkston and KT Tunstall. (020 7392 9032). Tonight, 7pm.