November Mixtape

Rap greats Public Enemy, seen here performing at Virgin Mobile FreeFest in August, remain a vital live act. (Kyle Gustafson - For The Washington Post

If you're looking for the Next Big Thing, it might just be one of the artists above. Maybe it's Philadelphia singer-songwriter Kurt Vile, who offers both meditative fingerpicked acoustic songs and sludgy psych-rock freakouts. Maybe it's Alela Diane, a young singer-songwriter who plays songs with a simple beauty. Or maybe it's locals Le Loup, who expand their sonic palette on sophomore album "Family."

Music veterans will also make their presence felt this month: in town will be rap legends Public Enemy, dancehall superstar Capleton and reunited sludge rockers the Jesus Lizard. See details for all of our picks on the November Mixtape Best Bets list.

-- David Malitz