Nov. 17

 Robert Pollard is one of the good guys of rock 'n' roll. He led Guiding by Voices for centuries, released a batch of albums under his own name, and is now out on the road under that name. He is at the Paradise Friday Nov. 17, with the Starling Electric. (GbV, we believe, he has put to bed.) Pollard is a master miniaturist - short, twisting, turning pop-rock songs that make their mark and then make way for the next one. We covered one of GbV's shows once and grabbed a set list afterwards. In 45 minutes there had to have been 28 songs. Amazing. Bob also likes a brew or two, before, during and after the show and that endears us to him as well. And now, the funny bit: Before a show at the Middle East - and before the club had installed backstage rest rooms - Pollard was in a packed area and had to take the stage in moments. It would take 15 minutes to cut through the crowd to the rear of the room. So, Pollard took matters into his own hands and used the barrell that contained ice and beer for his most immediate needs. We all politely turned our backs. Sometimes in war and rock 'n' roll, you do what you gotta do. For this show - where there are plenty of rest rooms - Pollard is asking $16.50. Gets underway at 9 p.m.

967 Commonwealth Ave., 617-562-8801 thedise.com