Now, Mondays aren’t supposed to be gig-going nights. But try telling that to hardened grungers Dinosaur Jr, who play the Art School in Glasgow.

And just showing that Edinburghers can rock out on a real school night, punk troubadour Billy Liar is at Bannermans, along with Paper Rifles, punting fine new single ‘Faith Healer’

The first of a series of much-loved acts bounding around the country like it’s still the 1980s are Hipsway, who are at the Town House in Hamilton on Tuesday.
Not quite as ‘vintage’ but sporting some retro sounds, is Jane Weaver, at King Tut’s in Glasgow.

Also on Tuesday, Lewis Capaldi is at Madhatters in Inverness. And he moves even further north on Wednesday for a show at Ullapool’s Arch Inn.

On Wednesday, Electric Honey signings Pronto Mama visit Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh. In Glasgow, the decidedly youthful Static Union bring their perky pop-punk to King Tut’s , and on the southside, a sprightly Withered Hand is at the Glad Café.

On Thursday, Pronto Mama are in Dundee, at Clarks on Lindsay Street,.

Friday night is gigging night around the country – Karine Polwart, riding on the crest of great reviews of her ‘musical’, ‘Wind Resistance’, has a solo show at Stirling Tolbooth.

In Aberdeen on Friday, Dreadzone are at Aberdeen Lemon Tree, while just along the road, Ride play the Garage.

In Glasgow, Mogwai have a stadium-size show the Hydro, while also on Friday 15th at the Art School, a late nighter as Numbers + Warp present Hudson Mohawke, Rustie, Yves Tumor, Sophie, Errorsmith, Spencer, Minor Science,Debonair,Complete Walkthru and Ribeka (phew).

And also on Friday 15th, at Platform in Easterhouse, the venue’s Christmas Carousal will feature Malcolm Middleton, MC Almond Milk and Jo Mango. As ever, a magic bus will transport you from the city centre to the outskirts – it leaves Mono at 18.30pm £5 return

On Saturday in Edinburgh, it’s the eighth annual Kid Canaveral‘s Christmas Baubles at Summerhall while at Leith Depot, Little Love and the Friendly Vibes.

In Glasgow, another 80s act China Crisis are at Òran Mór, The Men They Couldn’t Hang have a show at King Tut’s, and former Bible frontman Boo Hewerdine is at Milngavie Folk Club.

Finally, on Sunday, no rest – Heaven 17 are at Aberdeen Assembly while in Glasgow, Gogol Bordello play the O2 Academy, and RM Hubbert is at The Hug and Pint. And the big gig is on Sunday at Glasgow’s Stereo – ‘A Pop Fan’s Dream‘ with The Just Joans plus Colin’s Godson, The Hector Collectors, BMX Bandits and more…