Franz are pick of Britpack

Rockers Franz Ferdinand have started the New Year as they ended the old one - grabbing headlines.

This time they lead the nominations for the 2005 Brit Awards.

The Glasgow band are shortlisted in five categories, including best group, best album and best rock act.

Muse have four nominations, while Natasha Bedingfield, Jamelia and The Streets have three.

Newcomers Kasabian also have three nominations for the awards, as do Keane and Snow Patrol.

Acts due to perform at the awards - hosted by Chris Evans at Earl's Court on February 9 - include Franz Ferdinand, Joss Stone and Scissor Sisters, while Natasha Bedingfield will appear alongside her brother Daniel for the first time.

This year's ceremony marks 25 years since the British music industry's first awards ceremony, and a special prize will be given for the best British song of the past quarter-century. The five finalists are Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division, Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush, We Are The Champions by Queen, Angels by Robbie Williams and Leave Right Now by Will Young.

US stars Tom Waits and Brian Wilson feature in the best international male category, while Band Aid founder Bob Geldof will be given an outstanding contribution to music award.

The remake of Do They Know It's Christmas? is up for best British single, along with Jamelia's Thank You, Your Game by Will Young, Shapeshifters' club anthem Lola's Theme, and LMC vs U2's Take Me To The Clouds Above.