Gig-goers rejoice, we seem to have a more substantial live music list this week …

In the ‘get your skates on’ category i.e. Monday 19th, Scandic country-poppers First Aid Kit are at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, while grey-maned, former Dino Jr frontman J Mascis plays Glasgow’s Art School

A contemporary of Mr Mascis (well, ish), Mark Lanegan, is in Glasgow the following night, the former Screaming Tree / QotSA man is at the O2 ABC in Glasgow (no word on whether Isobel Campbell will make an appearance, however). Also on Tuesday 20th Esperi are in the convivial surroundings of Brewdog in Dundee (we assume they’re playing some tunes).

On Wednesday 21st, Rachel Sermanni is at Oran Mor in Glasgow. Probably a Celtic Connections show. Though one band not playing the celebration of all things American(a) are Algernon Doll – at Glasgow’s Bloc on Thursday followed by Perth Green Room on Friday 23rd, followed by a show at Drouthy’s in Dundee on Saturday 24th.

Back to Thursday 22nd, as Lach has a gig of sorts – launching a book of prose at Woodland Creatures in Edinburgh, in the company of various poets as well as Roy Moller.

It’s Burns Night on the 25th of course, but for nine days (that’s a lot of haggis) across Dumfries, it’s the Big Burns Supper starring the likes of Hue & Cry and Nina Nesbitt this weekend, with the Vaselines and Undertones also scheduled to play. And, curiously, on Saturday 24th of January, Studio 24 in Edinburgh will host what the describe as the capital’s first ever FULL METAL CEILIDH, starring Reels of Steel.

On Saturday 24th Kathryn Joseph launches her debut album at Glasgow’s Pipe Factory. She’s also at Roxy Assembly in Edinburgh on Sunday, with Aberdeen and Inverness shows coming next week.

Edinburgh’s the place to be on Saturday 24th with the ever-lively Jamie & Shoony at the Electric Circus, while Lost Map signings Insect Heroes are at the Banshee Labrynth.

Finally – well, almost – at 2.30 PM, Shambles Miller is a belated high point of the week at Glasgow’s Stereo on Sunday 25th.