Live Music Highlights - December, 2008

Fusing bouncy 60s pop, dreamy, soporific harmonising and dirty garage rock guitar tones, the Vivian Girls are rightly one of the most talked-up new bands to emerge from the US in a good old while. Dark, beautiful and swirling with good ideas, we think they might be just the ticket for those of you looking for a brilliant new band to fall in love with. They play Captain's Rest Glasgow on 6 December.

At the other end of the sonic spectrum we find Thea Gilmore; honey voiced darling of the broadsheet music supplements, and of all this month's artists the one most likely to soundtrack that bit near the end of each episode of Smallville where Clark stands in his barn looking sad. Although her records may be far too polished, she really shines on stage and her voice will knock you for six (The Pleasance, Edinburgh, 7 Dec).

Initially written off as a novelty act, the fact that Alabama 3 are still writing and performing great music almost 20 years after their inception is a testament the enduring genius of this pack of weirdos. Old school techno beats, country stompin' and gospel energy is what fuels these unkillable beasts. Step forward and testify at Aberdeen Lemon Tree on 10 December and Glasgow Academy on 11 December.

NYC based folk singer Lucy Kaplansky makes a rare appearance at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar in Edinburgh on 11 December. She may not be the most well known name, having spent a fair chunk of her adult life working as a professional psychologist, but her simple, affecting songs and warm personality make this gig a must-see for fans of folk or classic singer/songwriters.

Perennial psych-rock favourites the Dandy Warhols return to Glasgow with a gig at ABC on 15 December. With another frustratingly sprawling mess of an album to promote, one hopes that the Dandys will be able to find their old fire tonight and remind the casual fans that there's more to them than that sodding mobile phone advert. The Skinny knows they've got real form, and if Courtney's notoriously shonky voice holds out this show could be great.

With the Dandy's pals the Black Angels freaking out Glasgow the following night (Stereo, 16 Dec), fans of both bands may be keeping their fingers crossed for a guest appearance - but even if that doesn't happen there'll still be enough throbbing, psychedelic energy to keep you transfixed all night. Given that their most recent album gives such a poor indication of the band's potential, there's all the more reason to go see them in the flesh. Dark, intense and well worth seeing.

Stalwarts of the Edinburgh scene, Isa and the Filthy Tongues will be menacing the punters at Cabaret Voltaire on 29 December. They have spooky pop hooks in spades and a hugely captivating lead singer - a fine show is all but guaranteed.

Love them or hate them, you can't ignore them; Bad Manners make a bid to be your last coherent memory of 2008 with a gig at Dundee Doghouse on 30 December. With the larger than life Buster Bloodvessel still gurning away at the helm after all these years, it would be a cold person indeed who couldn't raise a smile for these legendary apostles of ska.