It's always a drag figuring out what the hell to do on New Year's Eve.  No one really wants to battle the crowds in Times Square, but staying home with your champagne bottle(s) and a movie is lame.  Here are our top picks for ringin' in 2010:

Dead River Company (pictured right) @ Pete's Candy Store (709 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn):  First off, there's no cover.  Secondly, Pete's is giving away FREE chocolate from Sweetriot to the first 75 people.  Thirdly, Dead River Company are the funnest, silliest, most hollerin' ragtime country folk pop rock band there is.  They hit the stage at 9, followed by garage rockers The Parking Lots at 11, self-described as "the bastard lovechild of Dexter Romweber and Bob Pollard.  Loud and Proud."  Spiced rum and champagne a-flowin'.

The Woes @ Spike Hill (186 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn): Ten bucks gets a night of music from 7 pm - 2 am, featuring a special two hour set by folky, bluesy Americana rockers The Woes from 11-1.  An empty Monday night with this 12+ piece band is a drunken, rowdy and stumbly party, so be prepared! Michael Evans opens at 7 with Beyondo Band at 8, Communication Corporation at 9, The Nightmare River Band at 10 and Peephole closing out the night with a 1 am set.

Your 33 Black Angels @ Don Pedro (90 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn): Your 33 Black Angels host a rockin' New Year's Eve party with their detailed yet catchy pop/punk/folky rock.  Electro soul groovers Apollo Heights will also make an appearance, along with Hoa Hoa's, Hollands, Hobson's Choice, Humboldt Fog and other guests TBA.  Also, FREE COLT 45 brewskies from 11pm to midnight! Only $8.

The So So Glos (pictured left) and Titus Andronicus @ Mercury Lounge (217 East Houston Street, New York City): This late night party kicks off at 1:30 am with a set by straight-up punk rockers The So So Glos, oft described as "wise beyond their years" but still full of in-your-face 'tude.  Titus Andronicus hits the stage at 2:30 with their indie rock rooted in punk with loads of catchy pop riffs.  Knocks is jealous of Mercury's booking agent for thinking of this lineup before us!  $15, doors at 1 am.

Hypernova @ Don Hill's (511 Greenwich Street, New York City): Theo and Michael T. host the Rated X Red and Black Panty Party Masquerade Ball. The night starts at 10:00 pm sharp with Kayvon Zand, followed by Natasha Komis at 11. Iranian rockers Hypernova take the stage at midnight, ushering in the new year with their magnetic live show. Michael T. says, "Let's rock 2010 with blood and eyeliner!"  Infamous "Hot Body Contest" at 3 am with a $100 grand prize.  Yikes!  $15 with invite, $20 without.