MARCH 31

The only bona fide pop miracle to grace my Discman this year, and the only synth-pop miracle ever to adorn it, the intimate and unassuming The Wayward Bus/Distant Plastic Trees is a one-disc reissue of the Magnetic Fields’ first two recordings from 1991-92. These days, Susan Anway’s detached and lovely singing is replaced by songwriter Stephin Merritt’s own deadpan croon, and he leads a band instead of programming one. With a wry expression and a Danelectro slung from his neck, he launches small skyrockets of failed romance into the sad sack sublime. Lois headlines, Vita Pup opens at 10 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $5. (202) 667-7960. (Glenn Dixon)