Pop: The five best gigs

1

New Order New Year's Eve

The Mean Fiddler's New Year's bash also sees live sets from Underworld, Laurent Garnier and Audioweb. Alexandra Palace, London N9 (07-344 0044)

2

Faithless New Year's Eve

Faithless will not fail to disappoint with their multifaceted live act, while the rest of the bill at this all-nighter is jammed with DJs, including Fatboy Slim.

Docklands Arena, London E4 (0990-344 4444)

3

The Crocketts Tue

Aberystwyth's finest help out in a dry week for gigs with their superbly riotous brand of punky rustic rock. A truly great and energetic live band.

Feet First at Camden Palace, London NW (07-387 0428)

4

Courtney Pine Sun to New Year's Eve

Britain's best-known jazz name does five nights in this relatively intimate venue, with tickets particularly hard to get on New Year's Eve. The Cameron Pierre band support.

Jazz Cafe, London NW (07-344 0044)

5

Squeeze New Year's Eve

The south-east London veterans offer a nostalgic seasonal option with a set crammed with old favourites.

Blackheath Halls, London SE3 (08-463 000)

FIVE GIGS FOR JANUARY

The Egg Trippy dance sounds performed totally live by the Oxford quartet promoting a kicking new single, "Getting Away With It".

Sound Republic, London W (07-287 00) 4 Jan

Red Snapper More excellent, completely live dance sounds, starting off the NME Premier Awards week.

Astoria, London W (07-437 9420) 8 Jan

Sebadoh Brilliant NME triple bill of angsty pop-rock with Elliott Smith, Hefner and Quasi in support.

Astoria, London W (07-437 9420) 9 Jan

Mercury Rev More NME action with the paper's album of the year group. Intriguing melodic guitar sounds.

Astoria, London W (07-437 9420) 2 Jan

Barenaked Ladies A rare UK headlining appearance by these eclectic Canadians before they return in the spring to support the Beautiful South.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London W2 (07-77 2000) 27 Jan