The Guide offers a critical view of what's hot for the coming week.

Two Spot Gobi, Joogleberry Playhouse, Brighton, Sunday, March 12
- Within 20 minutes of distributing their debut EP around town, nu-jazz funkateers Two Spot Gobi had landed a gig at Joogleberry Playhouse. Five months later, the Brighton sixpiece are regulars at the venue and in demand across London. The group met at Sussex University and combine cello, trumpet, guitar, bass and drums, with impressive vocals from James Robinson. He also writes the songs, taking inspiration from summers spent surfing on the North Cornish coast. He cites fellow boarder Jack Johnson as a musical influence on Two Spot Gobi's band's effortlessly cool and upbeat sound. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £5 and 4. Call 01273 687171.

Neville Staple, Concorde 2, Brighton, Thursday, March 16
- With the likes of The Libertines and The Ordinary Boys pilfering Seventies' ska sounds right, left and centre, this gig from the man who brought us The Specials and Fun Boy Three is a timely reminder of how good the real deal can be. As The Specials' singer and percussionist, Coventry-born Neville guaranteed himself a place in rock history with songs such as Too Much Too Young and Ghost Town. After The Specials split in 1985, Neville formed Fun Boy Three before finally going solo. His last album, The Rude Boy Returns, was hailed as 'the most unexpected and rewarding comeback of the year' in 2004, and his live shows have been equally well received. Starts 8pm, tickets cost £10 in advance. Call 01273 673311.

Chumbawamba, Komedia, Brighton, Thursday, March 16
- Best-known for giving John Prescott a good soaking at the 1998 Brit Awards, Chumbawamba are a group guaranteed to raise a smile. Although Tubthumping was their only commercial hit to date, the group's trademark blend of witty, political lyrics has won them a huge underground following over the years. As prolific as ever, the Chumbas are now on their 13th album - the beautifully-named A Sing Along And A Scrap - and have just released a book about politics and music called Adventures In Anti-Capitalism. This gig will see the band pay an acoustic homage to England's radical past, complete with their signature four-part harmonies and catchy, sing-a-long choruses. Starts 7pm, tickets cost £14 and £10. Call 01273 647100.