There really is nothing like it. More than 1,200 bands, ranging from the roots rock of Jon Dee Graham to the Brit-pop of Bloc Party, playing something like 50 venues citywide for the 2005 South by Southwest Music Festival.

The headline this year: an unprecedented international invasion that includes nearly 300 acts from as far away as Iran, Nigeria and Plano. (It's a joke. Lighten up.) See music writer Joe Gross' report on the foreign phenomenon.

Then there's the hip-hop story line. For more than a decade, commentators have claimed that hip-hop — surely the most influential music of our time — had established a foothold at SXSW. This year, the claim can be supported with evidence: Robust hip-hop shows dot the city every night, and some of the most vital acts come straight out of Houston. (Hence, Gross' cover story for Thursday's XL.)

As always, we plan saturation coverage of the city's most celebrated entertainment event. Reports from the SXSW film festival, which launched Friday, will continue in the Life & Arts section. As for music, there is never enough time, paper and ink to blanket it all.

Still, we try. Today's XL Extra will be echoed by Extras on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Expect recommendations from our small legion of music critics, hints on where to eat, shop, drink and dance, and reviews of more than 50 bands.

Can't wait for the street or home editions of the Xtras? Log onto Austin360.com/sxsw. There you will find minute-by-minute updates on the news and reviews from SXSW. Our crew will work 'round the clock to bring you observations from the streets, the Austin Convention Center and a slew of clubs.

Have a great time. While our coverage indicates an abiding respect for the official SXSW events, we also acknowledge the festival owns no monopoly on mid-March entertainment. (You don't have to explain that to basketball fans.) So look for stories on the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo — the March 3 XL cover story on rodeo legends is available on Austin360.com — as well as coverage of unofficial SXSW events by music correspondent Lynne Margolis.

And watch for our report on the Austin Music Awards in Thursday's print and online editions.