SXSW 2009

Wednesday critics' picks

V.M. Black

8 p.m. Hacienda (rock) Produced by the Black Keys, this band of Cen-Tex blood brothers deconstructs Beatles and Beach Boys inspired pop. (Headhunters)

9 p.m. The Summer Wardrobe (twisted country) Psych-country meets shoegaze reminiscent of that road where Sherilyn Fenn picks at her brain in David Lynch's 'Wild At Heart.' (Submerged)

10 p.m. Heartless Bastards (rock) Austin transplants fronted by guitar-slinging hottie Erika Wennerstrom will rock your face off and raise your blood pressure. (Stubb's)

11 p.m. St. Vincent (rock) Dallas multi-instrumentalist/former Berklee student Annie Clark is the real deal, rocking an ideal venue for her angelic, poignant voice. (Central Presbyterian Church)

(12:30) Echo and the Bunnymen (rock) Pretend you're in a John Hughes film and relive the 1980s with one of the best – and underrated – bands of that decade. (Emo's Main Room)

1 a.m. Ida Maria (rock) At times sounding like Nico fronting the Strokes, this Norwegian put her synesthesia to work yielding music that'll propel your protagonist. (Buffalo Billiards)

Kathy Blackwell

8 p.m. Anni Rossi (folk/rock) Watch magic happen on viola as Anni Rossi performs songs off debut 'Rockwell,' produced by Steve Albini. (Central Presbyterian)

9 p.m. Jessica Lea Mayfield (rock) Her lyrics betray her youth; otherwise this 19-year-old sounds like an old soul. 'With Blasphemy So Heartfelt' was produced by Dan Auerbach. (The Parish)

10 p.m. Heartless Bastards (rock) Show Erika Wennerstrom you're glad she moved here and support the showcase behind the incredibly strong 'The Mountain.' (Stubb's)

11 p.m. Dan Auerbach (rock) The Black Keys' guitarist and vocalist has a few minds to blow tonight. (10:45, The Parish)

12 a.m. The Decemberists (rock) For its NPR-broadcast showcase, this Portland, Ore., band will play upcoming 'The Hazards of Love' in order. Adding to the excitement: possible special guests. (Stubb's)

1 a.m. Gary Clark Jr. (blues) We know the blues are in his blood, but he's got soul and funk to spare as well. (Continental Club)

Michael Corcoran

8 p.m. Hey Negrita (alt-country) British band translates Prine with textures and gives kick to the mopes. The Pogues of country? (Lamberts)

9 p.m. Capsula (rock) Nothin' deep about this Spanish trio's Velvet fixation. Love it raw. (Habana Bar Backyard)

10 p.m. Lee Boys/Travelin' McCourys (gospel/bluegrass) They'll play together and separately, a glorious fusion of steel and grass. (Smokin' Music)

11 p.m. St. Vincent (alternative) New album 'Actor' was inspired by Prince and made for high ceilings. (Central Presbyterian)

Midnight Black & White Years (dance rock) Austin's most fun band will flip this swankery right. (Pangaea)

1 a.m. General Fiasco (rock) Young trio from N. Ireland mix pop and panic to end the night. Potential plus! (Cedar Door)

John T. Davis

8 P.M. Randy Weeks (Americana) California-native-turned-Austinite makes a distinctive melodic and songwriting statement on his new. 'Going My Way' (Velveeta Room)

9 P.M. M. Ward (rock) Oregon native enlisted fans from Lucinda Williams to Zooey Deschanel for his latest disc. He plays Auditorium Shores, too, but this is a far more intimate showcase. (Central Presbyterian)

10 P.M. Doug Sahm Tribute (Tex-Mex rock) Son Shawn and friends fete the late, great Texas music synthesist and all-around groover. (Austin Music Hall)

11 P.M. The Travelin' McCourys (bluegrass) The sons of bluegrass maestro Del McCoury make acoustic music for the 21st century. (Smokin' Music)

12 MID. Tony Joe White (swamp rock) The funky groovemaster used digital technology to reframe his classic swamp groove for a contemporary audience. (The Parish)

1 A.M. Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters (Americana) 'Actor-turned-musician' is usually a punchline, but Thornton's musical side complements his acting prowess. (Smokin' Music)

Joe Gross

8 p.m. Dred Skott (hip-hop) Start your night with some Austin hip-hop — smart, political, righteous. Google the Dred Skott for President mixtape. (8:30, Fuze)

9 p.m. Dikes of Holland (rock) Austin noise rockers; one of the city's best up and coming bands. (Soho Lounge)

10 p.m. Vetiver (folk) This era's signature freak folk act not named Devendra is hitting its stride, evoking the drifty, sad mellow '70s. (Emo's Jr.)

11 p.m. St. Vincent (rock) Indie rocker Annie Clark dba St. Vincent, will release one of the year's best albums in May. (Central Presbyterian)

Midnight Easy Action (rock) Thunderous rock 'n' roll voiced by John Brannon, one of the great screamers hardcore ever produced. (Scoot Inn)

1 a.m. Ida Maria (rock) Scandinavian pop-rock hope. Inspiring song title: 'I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked' (Buffalo Billiards)

Peter Mongillo

8 p.m. Bell (rock) Powerful singer and her band offer up dark, effect-laden rock. For fans of Radiohead. (Club de Ville)

9 pm: M. Ward (rock) Portland, Ore., songsmith's SXSW 2008 church set with Jim James was a knockout; he's back with new material. (Central Presbyterian)

10 pm: Department of Eagles (pop/folk) Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen (of Grizzly Bear) merge layered, ethereal pop and melancholy folk (Central Presbyterian)

11 p.m. Dananananaykroyd (pop/rock) Glasgow pop-rockers dubbed 'The best new band in Britain with the worst name' by NME. (Dirty Dog Bar, 11:30 p.m.)

12 am: The Decemberists (rock) Colin Meloy and company will be performing their new album, a fantasy rock opera, from beginning to end. (Stubb's)

Deborah Sengupta

8:30 p.m.: Dred Skott (hip-hop) ATX rhyme twisters who go hard. Soulful like early Outkast with sharp-tongued bravado and blunted humor. (Fuze)

9 p.m.: DJ Sun (DJ) Houston selecta takes listeners on a smooth journey through vintage soul, hip-hop, reggae and international grooves. (Barcelona)

10 p.m. Wayna (R&B) Native Ethiopian songstress who lives in D.C. but hails from the same musical neighborhood as Jill Scott. (Mohawk)

11 p.m. Gerald G. (hip-hop) Another vote for the home team. Hard-driving, fast rapping fiery MC who reps East Austin fiercely. (Fuze)

Midnight: Ashu (rock) Surreal cinematic road trip rock from Mumbai, India. Equal parts emotional outcry and psychedelic dream. (Copa)

1 a.m. Choc Quib Town (hip-hop) Funky Latin hip-hop from Bogot?, Colombia, guaranteed to make you shake something. Hard. (Speakeasy)

Chad Swiatecki

8 p.m. Ulrich Schnauss (electronic) This seems criminally early for one of the most revered techno artists of the last however many years. Expect a line. (Elysium)

9 p.m. Von Bondies (rock) I loves me some White Stripes, but I've played the VBs' 'Pawn Shoppe Heart' more. A straight-forward thrilling rock band. (Vice)

10 p.m. Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs (alt country) One of the weirder cases in the garage rock growth spurt. She ain't really garage rock, but she's still awesome. (Parish)

11 Grant Hart (rock) I don't even know what he's doing these days, but come on; it's Grant Hart, from H?sker D?. Respect. (Aces Lounge)

12 Decemberists (rock) The allure of these literate indie darlings was lost on me until ACL 2007, when they brought pain live. Playing their epic new record on this visit. (Stubb's)

1 The Bronx (punk) What better way to end the night than with some bruises and a bloody nose? Bronx is a brooding L.A. punk band that roars something fierce. (Red 7 Patio)