Ladytron and Mercury Prize jazz nominees Basquiat Strings are among the top five gigs playing over the weekend.

Ladytron
ULU, WC1
The Liverpool synthpop quartet have now lasted for three albums without ever really breaking through, and become a formidable live proposition in the process. This one-off London show comes in between highprofile support slots with Nine Inch Nails and the Pet Shop Boys. Then it's off to record a fourth record. (020 7344 4444). Tonight, 7.30pm.

Don't Look Back - Sonic Youth play Daydream Nation
Roundhouse, NW1
This year's season of bands revisiting their finest albums in a live context includes the Cowboy Junkies, House of Love and Slint but this is the undoubted highlight. The second and third of three nights at the Roundhouse will see art rockers Sonic Youth demonstrate thrillingly why their 1988 epic Daydream Nation was the most influential moment of a long, always influential career. (0870 389 1846). Tonight, Sat 1 Sep, 7.30pm.

Eagles of Death Metal
Koko, NW1
The jokey side-project of Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age isn't quite as loud as their name suggests, but does churn out a relentlessy upbeat rock'n'roll boogie that should get feet moving in the mosh pit. (0870 432 5527). Tonight, 7pm.

Acoustic Ladyland
The Spitz, E1
A jazz band in the loudest sense, Acoustic Ladyland feature drumming two-time Mercury nominee Seb Rochford among their number and have successfully crossed over to the rock crowd thanks to a riotous live reputation. (020 7392 9032). Sun 2 Sep, 7pm.

Basquiat Strings
Pigalle Club, W1
The token jazz act on this year's Mercury Prize shortlist are a classically trained string quintet who, unusually, specialise in improvisation. Their campaign to be the first group in their field to actually win Tuesday's prize may be enhanced by two London shows this weekend. (020 7734 8142) Fri 31 Aug, 7.30pm. The Vortex, N16 (020 7254 4097). Sat 1 Sep, 7.30pm.