Superfangs prepared a lovely repast for you on Wednesday, but spotty wireless signals and the general clusterfuck of SXSW have kept me from posting until now. What’s a couple of days when there’s music this tasty out there?

Perspective: Last year’s SXSW conference boasted 24,000 registrants, more
than 35,000 single admissions to officially sanctioned film and music
events, and 1580 showcasing artists. Phew. That doesn’t even take into
account all the various spin-offs and day parties that take place during the
annual clusterfuck. It’s pretty difficult to wrap one’s head around the
scope of what Austin becomes for one week each March, but bless them for
welcoming musicians from all over the world to play their bars, parks, and
hotels. At SXSW, bands find labels, managers find bands, and on and on.
What’s the payoff for us music fans? The resulting exposure to the creative
voices that stir our thoughts and emotions. Awww… Here are a few bands
that will be in Austin this year that strike our fancy:

MP3: Eliot Lipp- The Area
Producer/downbeat/techno whiz Elliot Lipp showcased in Austin at Barcelona, but is bringing his songs that ““tickle days after the last spin” (XLR8R) to the Lava Lounge in Chicago tonight.

MP3: Gentleman Auction House- The Book Of Matches
These St. Louis indie rockers brought twinkly piano and infectious stage energy to Club 115 on Wednesday. Their MySpace page says they’re still kicking around Austin this week, so keep an ear open.

MP3: The Blood Lines- Modern Science
These Canadian alterno-popsters are following Northern trailblazers like Stars and Arcade Fire into the public consciousness with 70’s-inspired riffs and sweet, warm analog recordings. Apparently they’re still around too.

SXSW Chicago-style Sundae Wafer
MP3: Naked Raygun- Treason
One of my favorite “old skool” Chicago punk movement bands, Raygun aced it on Wednesday night at the Red Eyed Fly. I only caught the first half of the set because I had to haul ass to the Black Keys, but it was 1999 all over again for 20 minutes.

MP3: Le Concorde- International Flight
I missed the showcase last night, but I ran into Stephen and Brian from Le Concorde at the Driskill Hotel bar and they said SXSW has been good to them. You know I dig ‘em.

Friday March 13th

MP3: Tift Merrit- Broken
North Carolina songwriter Merrit writes pretty melodies and tells the story of her own journey with pluck and panash on latest offering Another Country. She’ll be at the Parish in Austin tomorrow (Friday) night.

MP3: Tom Brosseau- Committed To Memory
9PM @ 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (500 N IH 35)

MP3: King of Prussia- Misadventures of the Campaign Kids
1AM @ Light Bar (408 Congress Ave.)

SXSW Chicago-style Sundae Wafer
MP3: Joan of Arc- Fleshy Jeffrey
8PM @ Habana Calle 6 Patio (709 E 6th St.)

Saturday March 15th

MP3: Black Moth Super Rainbow- sun lips
1AM @ The Thirsty Nickel (325 E 6th St.)

MP3: The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well
1AM @ Cedar Street Courtyard (208 W 4th St.)

SXSW Chicago-style Sundae Wafer
MP3: Bound Stems- Western Biographic
@ B. D. Riley’s

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