Front Row: Pop Concerts
Sam Phillips: The singer-songwriter lists smelly Bibles and electricity among her influences, and she's master of the smart, serious pop song. This year Phillips comes bearing the earthy, elegant, and oddball tunes from her new album, "Don't Do Anything." Sept. 13, Somerville Theatre. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Sigur Rós: Don't let the new album title throw you. "Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust" is a sunny, stripped variation on the Icelandic group's otherworldly soundscapes, and the language barrier vanishes in the music's rapturous glow. Sept. 19,
Weezer: They won't grow up, thank God. Rock's anthem-obsessed boy-geeks are back with more petulant musings and massive choruses. Angels and Airwaves and Tokyo Police Club open. Sept. 23, Tsongas Arena, Lowell. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Janet Jackson: She's Ms. Jackson if you're nasty. Or is she? Janet returns from the dead - er, a really slow patch - to try her hand at divadom once more. Oct. 1, TD Banknorth Garden. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Death Cab for Cutie: Straight outta Seattle's indie fringes and into the big leagues, modern rock's unlikely torchbearers bring "Narrow Stairs," their most adventurous, commanding, and magically delicious album yet, to town. Oct. 3, Agganis Arena. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Maxwell: The R&B star kicks off his first tour in six years in Boston, to grease the wheels for the (still unannounced) release of "Black Summers' Night," the long-overdue follow-up to 2001's "Now." Oct. 8, Opera House. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Dr. Dog and Delta Spirit: A heavenly double bill of independent pop-rockers whose affection for classic forms collides brilliantly with fresh, youthful spirit . Oct. 10, Middle East Downstairs. 617-931-2000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Carrie Underwood: Part larger-than-life diva, part girl next door, the country songbird and former "American Idol" winner takes another well-deserved victory lap in celebration of last year's "Carnival Ride." Oct. 15, Agganis Arena. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Madonna: More than 3,000 clothing items whipped up by 36 designers, four acts that span gangsta pimp, gypsy folk, rave, and dance music, and a heavy-metal version of "Borderline" are among the treats on tap at Madge's Sticky & Sweet tour. Oct. 15-16, TD Banknorth Garden. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Fleet Foxes: Seattle's baroque-pop upstarts are touring in support of their alluring, self-titled debut, which uses spot-on mix-and-match instincts to draw on every era of folk and rock known to humankind, and a few we haven't dreamed up yet. Oct. 19, Somerville Theatre, 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
The Who: Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend don't agree on much, and maybe that's why the Who still sounds great. There is no complacency on this stage. Canadian band of brothers Inward Eyes, who sound a lot like the Who, open the show. Oct. 24, TD Banknorth Garden. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
David Byrne: In support of his new album with Brian Eno, Byrne comes to town to perform "The Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno." No plans for Eno to join him. Oct. 31, Citi Wang Theatre. 866-348-9738, www.citicenter.org.
Tina Turner: She blew Beyoncé away at this year's Grammys, still has the best thighs in the business, and at 68 is coming out of retirement to head out on her first tour in eight years to show the kids how it's done. Nov. 16-17, TD Banknorth Garden. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.
JOAN ANDERMAN 