Edinburgh's Hogmanay: First footers' stomp

THE ACT MOST LIKELY TO… MAKE YOU DANCE

HOT CHIP

There may be plenty of young pretenders to the dance floor genius crown on offer this Hogmanay, but clubbers' paradise Edinburgh-style will be found quite specifically in the court of Hot Chip. Previously the band have opted for Glasgow's Optimo at Hogmanay, but with a DJ set as part of the live line-up at the Street Party, and as the headliners of the Street Party's official after-show party at Cabaret Voltaire, those inclined to hit the dance floor to celebrate new beginnings in the capital are in for a treat.

Made In The Dark was a slightly disappointing album on the back of the Mercury-shortlisted The Warning, but when main members Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard get their toys out on stage, it's just one big party.

Synthesisers, computers and keyboards may sound like soulless instruments on paper, but Hot Chip inject such a frenetic style that the likes of 'Over And Over' will do nothing short of blow the roof off.

THE ACT MOST LIKELY TO… GET YOU A NEW YEAR KISS

GROOVE ARMADA

This is not just any headlining act, this is a Marks & Spencer headlining act. Well, almost, if you consider the fact that it's Groove Armada's 'At The River' the retailer has to thank for its TV advert's food porn success. And we all know that the best way to someone's heart is through their belly. Pavlovian responses should abound as soon as this strikes up.

The tune has other connotations, though, for those who were part of the Ibiza generation of the Nineties and who soaked up sunsets at Cafe Mambo or took in the island's sunrises on the terrace at Space nightclub to the sounds of Groove Armada. For them, this is a summer holiday classic about peace and communal love, man. Watch out for the smart Alec who thinks this is an excuse to bring out his glow stick on Princes Street. Everyone is sure to be feeling the love by this stage. What better timing for New Year embraces?

Choose this as your moment to pounce on your chosen one if you fear the 12 o'clock rush might turn a little too unpredictable and serve up too many undesirables.

As for Andy Cato and Tom Findlay's rowdier DJ moments, 'Superstylin' and 'I See You Baby' are irresistible party tunes, and if all else fails, your bezzie mate will appreciate the sentiment.

ACT MOST LIKELY TO… MAKE YOU GREET

GLASVEGAS

Front man James Allan hides his behind his sunglasses (what was that Buzzcocks performance all about?) but what's New Year's Eve without a wee greet, eh? Whether it's out of sadness or joy, a tear shed is a tear shared at this time of year.

Glasvegas have brought melancholic rock to a new level and won over the broadsheet and music magazine critics in the process, for there is potency in them there lyrics. 'Daddy's Gone' is an anthem to absent fathers, and Allan's vocal hits such a yelp of sadness in the chorus that even hardened music industry guru and ex-Oasis discoverer Alan McGee wept when he heard it.

Team that with a tribute to murdered Glasgow football fan Kriss Donald, 'Flowers & Football Tops', in which Allan imagines a parent's grief at the loss of their child, and it's a case of fastest hand to the hanky.

Don't worry, they 'do' happy too, just not very often.

ACT MOST LIKELY TO... HAVE A DRAM WITH YOU

PAOLO NUTINI

Nutini has been the sharing kind in 2008, what with a surprise appearance at T in the Park under the guise of Snake Derrick and the Vipers, and now two shows on Hogmanay – Edinburgh, 9pm and Glasgow, 11pm.

Clearly buoyed by playing live again ahead of his second album release in 2009, Nutini was explosive onstage in July, so those with tickets to see him celebrate Hogmanay on home turf should count themselves lucky.

ACT MOST LIKELY TO… MAKE YOU LOSE YOUR MATES

FRIENDLY FIRES

When it comes to cranking up the crowds and creating some near-cultish scenes of adulation, this year's answer to The Klaxons – laced with a little bit of LCD Soundsystem – are guaranteed to create a buzz when they appear on stage on Wednesday night.

More woolly jumpers and cravats than dayglo ravers, the euphoric indie dance act are set for the mainstream when they join the influential Shockwaves NME Awards Tour at the end of January. And don't think you're the only one who's heard of them. Zane Low has been tipping them for weeks. Get to the front and hold on to your mates for dear life.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS...

CANDLELIT CONCERT

The traditional performance of the St Giles' Cathedral choir and soloists this year features Vivaldi's Gloria, and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

• St Giles' Cathedral, High Street (0844 481 2009) 7.30pm

THE PICTURE HOUSE HOGMANAY PARTY

New capital music venue celebrates its first Hogmanay with folk acts Shooglenifty, Annie Grace, Corrina Hewat, Karine Polwart, Malinky and Chuting Blancs.

• The Picture House (0844 847 1740), 8pm