The guide offers a critical view of what's hot for the following week.

Sobel Campbell, Komedia, Brighton, Monday, February 20
- Isobel, formally of Belle & Sebastian, describes her latest album, Ballad Of The Broken Seas, as "sun-bleached and psychedelic, with a little bit of folk or country". Inspired by Johnny Cash's album American Recordings, and the songs of Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra, Isobel set out to make a record which would marry her ethereal tones to the raw energy of rock 'n' roll. Former Screaming Trees and Queens Of The Stone Age frontman, Mark Lanegan, collaborates on most of the album, his gruff voice a dark balance to Isobel's angelic tones. On Monday, however, she'll be going it alone, showcasing her new songs and demonstrating her considerable vocal talents along the way. Starts 8.30pm, tickets cost £9. Call 01273 647100.

Van Morrison, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Church Street, Brighton, February 17 and 18
- More than 40 years since Van Morrison kicked off his recording career, Belfast's most cantankerous son is once again back on the road. One of popular music's greatest innovators, Van The Man's fusion of rhythm and blues, jazz and celtic folk has amassed him a huge cult following and turned his records into rock 'n' roll gold. As prolific as ever, Van is set to release his 38th album in March - a collection of classic country songs called Pay The Devil. This live show should feature tracks from the new record, as well as a host of vintage Van delivered as only the curmudgeonly singer knows how. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £29-£33. Call 01273 709709.

African Soul Rebels 2006, Brighton Dome, Brighton, Tuesday, February 21
- Don't miss this triple bill of Africa's finest and freshest contemporary stars featuring funky Malian duo Amadou And Mariam (romantically and musically linked for more than 28 years), seductive Algerian songstress Souad Massi and Sudanese rap prodigy Emmanuel Jal. The tale of Jal's rescue from the clutches of a southern Sudanese rebel militia, for whom he had been fighting as a boy-soldier, is soon to be the subject of a major Hollywood movie directed by Tony and Ridley Scott. But more than his dramatic past, it's Jal's actual skills as a rapper which are reaping well-deserved praise on both sides of the Atlantic. Starts 7.30pm, tickets cost £15. Call 01273 709709.

The Upper Room and Howling Bells and guests, Ocean Rooms, Brighton, Tuesday, February 21
- Ever wished you'd seen The Strokes at the old Lift on Queens Road before they were famous or Coldplay at Concorde 2? Tuesday's double whammy of hotly-tipped bands The Upper Room and Howling Bells may well be one of those golden opportunities to see a band on the cusp of greatness. Howling Bells, Bella Union's most recent signings, have got it all. They've got the looks, the style, the swagger and most of all the tunes. Their debut album, recorded with Coldplay producer Ken Nelson and due to be released in spring, lurches from blues-fuelled rock to country-folk lamentations. Meanwhile, The Upper Room bring Brit Pop bang up to date. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £6. Call 01273 699069.

The Cribs, Concorde 2, Madeira Drive, Brighton, Tuesday, February 21
- It was New Year's Eve 1989 when three brothers from Wakefield - Gary, Ryan and Ross Jarman - gave their first-ever performance to the toughest audience there is: The family. Years later and signed to the same label as Bloc Party, Bright Eyes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the boys have gone on to release two albums (the second produced by Edwyn Collins) proving it is possible to blend The Smiths with The Supremes with their with their melody-driven, irresistibly infectious garage-rock tunes. Watch out for Ross who gets special credit for his standing-on-top-of-his-kit-and-still-playing-well stints. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £9. Call 01273 673311.