Austin Bands Make Good...In Washington!

Seattle's public radio station, KEXP 90.3, has long been a bellwether of up-and-coming bands in the national indie-rock scene. This year, Austin groups took not one, but two spots in their Top 90.3 albums of 2006. Nestled in the top 20, our own beloved electronica exhibitionists Ghostland Observatory's Paparazzi Lightning took #16, while brooding psych-rockers The Black Angels' Passover took #6. Not only is this titillating news for the bands, outplacing indie legends like Yo La Tengo and major label darlings like Beck, but its also one more indication that Austin is in the throes of its own indie-renaissance, producing great music like it ain't no thang.

Congrats, guys.