Live music picks for THURSDAY January 5 through Tuesday January 10, 2011.

THURSDAY JANUARY 5 / RATTLESNAKE CHOIR / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $10 / 19+
Why not start off 2012 with some live music from a local quintet? The Rattlesnake Choir, who regularly play at the Dakota Tavern, are bringing their brand of alt-country to the Horseshoe for one night only. And they're bringing along some special guests: the legendary New Country Rehab, and up-and-comers The Pining. This is a fantastic lineup if you're a fan of this kind of music, and really, who isn't?

SATURDAY JANUARY 7 / THE CREEPSHOW / THE OPERA HOUSE / 735 QUEEN E / $15.50 / ALL AGES

Since forming in 2005, this Burlington-based group has toured the globe extensively and made a name for themselves in the psychobilly scene. To be honest, I'm not even sure what psychobilly is, but after giving it a listen, I've got to say that it's not too shabby. The band's music is heavily influenced by horror films, giving it a very dark and amped-up feel. They also have quite the dedicated fanbase, so this should be a show to remember.

SATURDAY JANUARY 7 / GRAYDON JAMES AND THE YOUNG NOVELISTS / LEE'S PALACE / 529 BLOOR W / $7 / 19+

The first week of 2012 is definitely a great week for local music, and it continues with Graydon James and the Young Novelists at Lee's Palace. This indie-roots outfit specializes in very understated tunes that evoke memories of band such as Wilco and Blue Rodeo. Give them a listen if you haven't heard of them — you won't regret it. Maladies of Adam Stokes and Lowlands will offer support.

SUNDAY JANUARY 8 / MARC RIZZO / HARD LUCK BAR / 812 DUNDAS W / $14.50 / 19+

As the guitarist for Soulfly, and formerly of Ill Nino, Marc Rizzo is very well known in the world of metal. He's also released no less than four solo records — most recently, 2010's Legionnaire. The man is a true beast on the guitar, while metal is clearly his first love, he also touches on aspects of jazz, flamenco, and classical guitar. This will be nothing less than a guitar-playing clinic.

TUESDAY JANUARY 10 / ROYCE DA 5'9" / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $26.50 / 19+

It may be the first week of January, but this could very well be one of the best hip-hop shows that Toronto will see in 2012. Royce da 5'9" may be best known as one half of Bad Meets Evil (the other half being Eminem, of course), but hip-hop heads have known about him for years. And if you're familiar with his tracks, you know that he's one of the best lyricists in the game. Trust me - this is not one to be missed.

For more music listings, head on over to our events calendar.

Looking for tickets? Check out Rotate This or Soundscapes to avoid Ticketmaster robbery.

Have an event you'd like us to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO events calendar.

Photo of Rattlesnake Choir courtesy of the band