SoundBites: Imagine Dragons, Maroon 5, Robbie Williams

Imagine Dragons. AP

Recent musical visitors to these shores have been somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to crowd interaction and showmanship.

Imagine Dragons singer Dan Reynolds had the Vector Arena crowd in the palms of his hands last month, but Maroon 5's Adam Levine performing a few weeks ago could have done a lot more to give his Auckland fans the impression this wasn't just one more night on tour.

You couldn't argue with the quality of the music, especially the intricate fretwork of lead guitarist James Valentine, and Levine's vocals were incredible, but it would have been nice for the thousands in attendance to hear just a little more conversation from the flamboyant frontman.

There should be no such issues when Robbie Williams performs in Wellington and Auckland this week and next.

The cheeky English singer, who is one of the best-selling artists of all time, will be performing a best-of set, along with a few covers.

If the Australian shows are anything to go by, there's a good chance he might throw in a Queen song or two.

Known for his audience interaction, Williams will perform at the Basin Reserve and Vector Arena on a stage that extends out into the crowd.

The Wellington gig is October 31 and the Auckland concert is November 3.

REVISIT A CLASSIC
Amid all the new music being released, sometimes it's too easy to forget the best albums of the past. Why not take another listen to Radiohead's In Rainbows?

While the band's 1997 release OK Computer was oft touted as the best album of all time, and 2000's Kid A changed the rules completely, In Rainbows - released eight years ago - finds the band at its introspective best.

Without a dud track in sight, Thom Yorke and co mash rock, electronica and experimental elements to create aural bliss.

The band made history by releasing the album on a pay-what-you-want basis online.

Tracks to check out first - House of Cards and Jigsaw Falling Into Place (plus Bodysnatchers, above).