Critic's picks - pop music

Brooke Fraser — at Paradise Rock Club, tonight. Already a star back home in New Zealand, Fraser combines the introspection of a brooding singer-songwriter with the voice and hooks of a mainstream radio darling. Florida troubadour Matt Hires opens. Doors are at 7, show at 8. Tickets are $15 at 617-931-2000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Joan as Police Woman — at the Middle East Upstairs, Wednesday. Violinist, guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter extraordinaire Joan Wasser has a new battle cry: "Beauty is the new punk rock." She practices what she preaches on her latest album, "To Survive." Doors are at 9, music starts at 10. Tickets are $12, $10 in advance at 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com.

Zucchero — at the Somerville Theatre, Thursday. The Italian rock god isn't well known on these shores, but you can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps. The guest list on Zucchero's records has included ?uestlove, Sheryl Crow, B.B. King, Sting, and Eric Clapton. The show is at 7:30. Tickets are $39.50 at 617-931-2000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

— Joan Anderman