CRIT TIPS

Detroit Cobras – at T.T. the Bear’s on Thursday, Oct. 25. These Detroit rockers have swung through town a lot lately, but they deliver a sometimes necessary jolt of garage-punk by digging out ‘60s underground classics that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Sarah Borges – at Johnny D’s on Friday, Oct. 26. The Somerville-based singer has worked hard to become a national touring act this year. She’s as likely to be in Vancouver as she is in Boston. Her vital country-rock is the reason why.

Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theatre – Tingle’s Davis Square venue has been creative in its bookings. This Friday and Saturday they’ve got Jeremy Lyons, a New Orleans bluesman who came her after Katrina, along with catered food from Redbones.

Buffalo Tom – at the Somerville Theatre on Friday, Oct. 26. Tom Janovitz and the lads aren’t resting on their ‘90s alt-rock laurels. They just released a new album and have been promoting it vigorously.

Angeline and Robin Lane & the Chartbusters – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday, Oct. 26. The female-fronted Angeline is up and coming, while the Chartbusters had their heyday in the ‘80s. But the constant between these two groups is Boston rocker Asa Brebner, who always lifts whatever act he’s playing with.

Paddy Saul – at the Lizard Lounge on Saturday, Oct. 27. The local Celtic rocker has been on the move. He has emerged from the Tir na Nog circuit to play some larger venues – and this is his first headlining stint at the Lizard. I believe.

Mary Gauthier – at Club Passim on Monday, Oct. 29. The former owner/chef of Boston’s Dixie Kitchen restaurant has become a startlingly emotional folk-country singer. Give her credit for trying a new career and making it.

Pink-Tie Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball -- at the Hard Rock Café on Monday, Oct. 29. The bands Gretel and Static of the Gods are among the acts playing this benefit event, which WBOS is helping sponsor.

Van Halen – at the TD Banknorth Garden on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Van Halen’s onetime clown prince, David Lee Roth, is back in the saddle, so this should stir some memories. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen is still aboard, while his son, Wolfgang, is on bass this time.

Australian Pink Floyd – at Agganis Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 30. My WBOS DJ partner John Laurenti loves these guys. Close your eyes and you’ll think the real Pink Floyd might be in the room. They deliver a spectacular light show as well.