We’re entering what most touring bands consider the “off season”. That is to say, you’d have to be insane to want to drive a tour van / bus / trailer through most of the U.S. in the winter months. It’s also one of the best times to live in Austin, because the music isn’t going away, the touring bands are just sticking a little closer to home.

Check out this week’s recommendations below. They run the gamut again, featuring everything from neo-soul and hip-hop to hardcore punk and instrumental rock.

Monday 12/8
Dan Dyer @ Momo’s
I’ll make this one simple for you. Stevie Wonder + Jamiroquai = Dan Dyer.

Tuesday 12/9
The Lemurs @ Lambert’s
Indie pop rockers The Lemurs have built quite a name for themselves. See them at Lamberts to hear material off their new album Million Little Bits.

David Banner and Bun B @ Austin Music Hall
Two pillars of Southern rap together, in Austin. This show is a must see if you’re into hip-hop.

Thursday 12/11
Eagles of Death Metal, Airborne Toxic Event and The Black & White Years @ Emo’s
Sponsored by 101X, this lineup is packed from start to finish. Ting Tings and Black Kids play as well.

Friday 12/12
The Boxing Lesson @ Emo’s
Space rock straight out of Austin. Rumor has it these guys just recorded a Daytrotter session.

Mike Truth & The Replacement Killers and Oak is Keeping @ Red Eyed Fly
INsite Night at the Fly featuring Mike Truth’s new band (remember him from Rubberhed?!!) and Oak is Keeping, who I interviewed for the December issue of INsite, which you can read here.

The Calm Blue Sea and Follow That Bird! @ Mohawk
A night of instrumental rock and power pop punk at Mohawk. Check out my review of The Calm Blue Sea’s recent album here.

Krum Bums @ Red 7 (free)
Straight up, this show will be a hardcore punk rock free-for-all. True punk in the ATX, done right.

Saturday 12/13
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead @ Red 7
This week’s No Duh recommendation. Needs no further explanation.

Local H and Lions @ Trophy’s
If you’re into 90’s era, sweaty moshing alt. rock, say no more. This show is for you.

Porterdavis and Carolyn Wonderland @ Saxon Pub
A little blues, a little rock and a little country, courtesy of two true Austin originals, this show is going to pack Saxon Pub to the gills. Get there early and grab a seat.

Sunday 12/14
Ice Cube @ Mohawk
Another No Duh recommendation. Check out the video for Ice Cube’s song Get ‘Em Up below, produced by Paul Oakenfold.

Post from: Austin Sound Check

As you can tell by the headline, this is an incredible week for Austin’s finest local talent.  Every genre from Southern Rock to Electro to Hip-Hop is represented. Go on, get you some!

Tuesday 11/11
Matisyahu @ Stubb’s
The album that launched his career was recorded at Stubb’s. Maybe you’ll get lucky and hear new material from the new album rumored out in 2009.

Thursday 11/13
Electric 6, Local H and Lions @ Emo’s
A great lineup from start to finish, rounded out by one of the most exciting pure rock bands to come out of Austin in a while.

Bavu Blakes @ Mohawk
Austin is not known for hip-hop, but Bavu Blakes will change that. After his set at ACL, I’m a big Bavu fan.

Friday 11/14
Ghostland Observatory @ Stubb’s (Sold Out)
Austin’s original indie blog darlings return to town for a sold out two night stand.

Tribella @ Hole In The Wall
Comprised of Austin scene veterans, check out Tribella for their new-wavey indie pop rock.

One Eyed Doll and Mike Truth & The Replacement Killers @ Red Eyed Fly
A little grunge and a little funk. This show will be entertaining from start to finish, guaranteed. Check out One Eyed Doll on our free compilation, Feedback Vol 1. 

Saturday 11/15
Ghostland Observatory @ Stubb’s (Sold Out)
Night two of GLO’s triumphant return to Austin city limits. Another packed house.

Spin Alley @ Dirty Dog Bar
Local punk – hoppers perform their last show in Austin before their debut album is released in January 2009. The night is sponsored by INsite Magazine and also features Joint Method, Gobi and Zlam Dunk.

Grady @ Room 710
True grit rock from start to finish, Grady is well worth the cover. Check the band’s MySpace for other upcoming Austin dates.

Car Stereo (Wars) @ Beauty Bar
Mash-ups ahoy! Car Stereo (Wars) has been doing it and doing it well for a while now. This show won’t be any different.

Post from: Austin Sound Check

Lions latest album No Generation is scheduled for re-release on October 28. Austin Soundcheck will be bringing you a review of No Generation in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Lions Tour Diary #1 is below for your viewing pleasure. Check out the awesome live footage from Lions opening for Toadies at Stubb’s. See if you can spot the navy blue? nail polish.

Post from: Austin Sound Check

October
4 – Clutch & The Sword @ Stubb’s [Tickets]
8 – Presidents of the United States of America @ Stubb’s [Tickets]
9 – Jonezetta & Shiny Toy Guns @ The Parish [Tickets]
10 – Citizen Cope @ Hogg Auditorium [Tickets]
12 – The Roots & Gym Class Heroes @ The Backyard [Tickets]
13 – Ryan Adams @ Paramount Theatre [Tickets]
15 – Phantom Planet @ Emo’s [Tickets]
16 – Opeth & High on Fire @ The Monarch [Tickets]
18 – Portugal. The Man @ Emo’s [Tickets]
18 – Pepper @ Stubb’s [Tickets]
20 – Weezer @ Frank Erwin Center [Tickets]
20 – Girl Talk @ Emo’s [Tickets]
20 – Uh Huh Her @ The Parish [Tickets]
24 – Cold War Kids @ Emo’s [Tickets]
25 – Ben Folds @ Stubb’s [Tickets]
26 – Rise Against & Alkaline Trio @ Austin Music Hall [Tickets]

November
2 – Ben Kweller @ Antone’s [Tickets]
6 – Mickey Avalon @ Emo’s Lounge [Tickets]
7 – Diplo @ Emo’s [Tickets]
8 & 9 – Fun Fun Fun Fest @ Waterloo Park [Lineup / Tickets]
9 – Girl in a Coma & Bitch @ Mohawk [Tickets]
11 – Matisyahu @ Stubb’s [Tickets Not Announced Yet]
13 – Electric 6 & Local H @ Emo’s [Tickets]
18 – Murs @ Emo’s [Tickets]
18 – Method Man & Red Man @ Stubb’s [Tickets]
19 – Dragonforce @ Stubb’s [Tickets]
22 – The Black Crowes @ Austin Music Hall [Tickets]
25 – Scars on Broadway @ Emo’s [Tickets]
26 – O’Death @ Mohawk [Tickets]

Post from: Austin Sound Check

This week, Austin’s very finest in homegrown indie, goth, metal, psychedelic, nerd rock, jungle rock, americana and ska is ripe for the picking. Our indie music scene is alive and well and proudly boasts something for fans of all genres.

I know gas is getting expensive, so if you’re a Shearwater fan, save a few bucks and enter to win our ticket giveaway here. Our friends at Covert Curiosity and Ultra8201 are also giving away tickets. So now you have no excuse… free tickets. Go downtown and see a show. Austin’s got its best on display this week.

Tuesday 5/27

• Outlaw Nation @ Stubb’s

Wednesday 5/28

• Band of Heathens @ Hill’s Cafe

Thursday 5/29

• Shearwater @ The Parish
• Death is Not a Joyride @ Beauty Bar (tour kickoff)
• Southern Front @ Rock City Icehouse
• Mother Truckers @ Continental Club

Friday 5/30

• The Black Angels (cd release) & Possessed by Paul James @ Emo’s (outside)
• Built by Snow @ The Parish
• Los Skarnales @ Flamingo Cantina

Saturday 5/31

• Pachanga Fest @ Waterloo Park
• Riverboat Gamblers @ Red 7
• Car Stereo Wars @ Beauty Bar

Sunday 6/1

• Lions & Local H @ Emo’s

Post from: Austin Sound Check