Critics' picks - pop music
A FINE FRENZY The nom de pop of singer-songwriter Alison Sudol, A Fine Frenzy is a fine example of doing pop music right. The songs on second album “Bomb in a Birdcage’’ have all the right moves: They’re melodic without being cloying, clever without being smug, charming without working too hard. 8 p.m. Nov. 2. $17.50. Paradise. 877-598-8689. www.livenation.com
LAURA IZIBOR This burgeoning R&B sensation hails from Ireland and is making noise with the lush, sassy sound of her debut album, “Let the Truth Be Told,’’ which shows off a sparkly pop soul sound evoking forebears ranging from Joan Armatrading to Jill Scott. 8 p.m. Nov. 4. $18. Showcase Live. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com SARAH RODMAN
THE VERY BEST “Warm Heart of Africa’’ is the title of its new album, but it hardly encapsulates the wide spectrum of sounds this pan-global trio conjures, from Afropop guitar to bass-heavy synths. Anchored by Malawi-born musician Esau Mwamwaya’s vocals, the Very Best is shaping up to be this year’s sleeper world-music sensation. 9 p.m. Nov. 1. $12. Great Scott. Tickets available at the door. www.worldmusic.org
HARPER SIMON If you must know, yes, his father is Paul Simon, but Harper sounds like his own man on his new self-titled debut. A belated introduction for the 37-year-old artist, the album is full of chiming and charming folk-pop sung in a sweet timbre that reminds you of his dear ole dad back in the day. 8 p.m. Nov. 4. $15. Café 939. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com
JAMES REED 
