Critic's picks - pop music

The Mars Volta — at the Orpheum, tonight. For rock fans who like their riffs monstrous, screams piercing, and metal shot through with a fierce dose of funk, hie thee to the Orpheum for some powerfully progressive hardcore. The show is at 7:30. Tickets are $30-$38 at www.ticketmaster.com or 617-931-2000.

Dan Kaplan and Leland Sundries — at the Lily Pad, tomorrow. Kaplan, a Cambridge folk strummer with a keen ear for pop hooks, teams up with country-lovin' Brooklyn indie-rockers Leland Sundries. The all-ages show starts at 7. Cover charge is $10 at the door. For more information, go to www.lily-pad.net.

Jackson Browne — at the Orpheum, Tuesday. Be the first on your block to hear songs from "Time the Conquerer," the new album (out next week) from California's quintessential singer-songwriter. The show is at 7:30. Tickets are $35-$49.50 at www.ticketmaster.com or 617-931-2000.

— Joan Anderman