Season of the Arts

Pop music

Critic’s Top 5 Pop Music Bets

 

mikehamersly@gmail.com

•  Florence + The Machine

It’s easy to see why this British art-rock “It Band” was nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy Award in 2011. Led by strangely seductive singer Florence Welch, the group is as visually dazzling as it is sonically compelling, mixing a flamboyant stage presence with soulful, cathartic anthems that arouse ancient longings. Florence + The Machine hit the BAC in support of its second album, “Ceremonials,” featuring the hits “Never Let Me Go,” “What the Water Gave Me” and “Shake It Out.” You’ll also hear favorites from its debut album, “Lungs,” such as “You’ve Got the Love,” “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)” and “Dog Days Are Over,” plus new tracks with superstar DJ Calvin Harris, “Sweet Nothing” and “Spectrum (Say My Name).”

Sept. 26, 2012 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise; LiveNation.com or Ticketmaster; $35.50 and $49.50.

•  Fiona Apple

It’s not often that a truly unique talent comes along in pop music. When Fiona Apple burst onto the scene in 1996 with the album “Tidal,” featuring the singles “Sleep to Dream” and “Criminal” (oh, that video!), it was immediately clear that she was an unstoppable force. Her husky voice, stark sexuality, brutally honest lyrics and imaginative piano playing proved to be an unmatched combination, and won her a Grammy. Now she takes the stage at the Fillmore on the strength of her stunning fourth album and first in seven years, “The Idler Wheel …,” a raw and beautiful work that bares her tortured soul. Expect many can’t-look-away moments in concert —Apple is an artist who seems equally likely to nail a heartbreakingly lovely note or come unglued completely.

Sept. 30, 2012 at The Filllmore Miami Beach; LiveNation.com; $34.50-$65.50.

•  The Who/Quadrophenia 2012

When people talk about the greatness of The Who, anthems such as “My Generation,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Baba O’Riley” and “Who Are You” are typically brought up, or the British group’s rock opera “Tommy.” But often overlooked is the equally brilliant 1973 work “Quadrophenia,” which is more enjoyable and cohesive than “Tommy,” and gave us the classic-rock radio standards “5:15,” “The Real Me” and “Love Reign O’er Me.” Here’s your chance to see singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend and company perform the double album “Quadrophenia” – whose title refers to the four distinct personalities of the original band members and also plays on the word “schizophrenia” – in its entirety.

Nov. 1, 2012 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise; Ticketmaster; $50-$145.

• Weezer

Back in 1994 when MTV still mattered, this up-and-coming L.A. alt-rock band led by geek-chic singer Rivers Cuomo caused quite a stir with its video for the song “Buddy Holly,” directed by Spike Jonze, with its clever usage of footage from the classic TV sitcom “Happy Days.” But Weezer would go on to prove it was more than a novelty act with classic songs such as “Say It Ain’t So,” “Hash Pipe,” “Islands in the Sun” and “Beverly Hills.” Indie-rock doesn’t get any more fist-pumping than this.

Nov. 8, 2012 at the Hard Rock Live near Hollywood; Ticketmaster; $44-$74.

• Madonna’s World Tour 2010

Call her the Material Girl, Madge or whatever cheap nickname you want, but in concert this consummate performer never fails to show us exactly who she is as an artist. Yes, Madonna has had several recent concerts in South Florida, but each tour is vastly different. This time around, she’s focusing on her new album, “MDNA,” but you’ll still hear plenty of her timeless hits including “Holiday,” “Lucky Star,” “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” “Like a Virgin,” “Ray of Light” and dozens more. And how cool is it that she’s wrapping up her tour with two dates in the Magic City?

Nov. 19-20, 2012 at the AmericanAirlines Arena; Ticketmaster; $48-$358.

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