This winter, Austinist wanted to take some time to check in with some of our favorite local performers, artists and musicians to see what they enjoyed in 2008. Our request was simple: give us a few things that you enjoyed listening to this year, and feel free to include releases that might not have been released in 2008, but that found their way onto your turntable anyhow. We'll be sharing our own list too, but be patient and hear what some of our favorite folks thought was worthwhile in '08. more ›

Today we're checking in with guitarist and vocalist Lauren Larson from Ume. Her guitar chops and classic rocker voice have been impressing Austinites for years, and we very much look forward to the band's upcoming album, an as-yet-untitled EP recorded at The Bubble Studio by "Frenchie" Smith. Check it out: "The Conductor" (mp3). Here's what had her spinning this year: more ›

The smell of weed hung in the air like a promise on the sweltering Saturday night at the Backyard as fans prepared their minds for the Doggfather, Snoop Dee-oh-double-Gee. Fresh off a run in with Dallas area police that resulted in the arrest of two passengers on his tour bus, Snoop Dogg performed with 311 and Fiction Plane as part of the Unity Tour 2008 at the Backyard. Taking the stage to the melodramatic strains of Verdi's "Requiem" with a T.O. jersey (blue, of course) and gripping a jewel encrusted mic, Snoop proceeded to bang out a set of classics including such party fav's as "Gin and Juice", "Nuthin' but a G Thang", and "Murder was the Case". With the disclaimer that he wasn't an R&B singer he also performed tracks off his latest album "Ego Trippin'", including the YouTube favorite "Sensual Seduction". more ›

Clinic, wrapped in their customary cloak of anonymity, play to the crowd at Emo's on Friday night. Their set was prefaced by an a capella rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," performed by recent tourmate, Jonathan Meiburg of Shearwater. As for the proper set, it was a doozy, starting with Do It! (their latest), and then a short break before a mind-blowing "Archive Set" including popular favorites from Winchester Cathedral, Visitations and more. more ›

After eight years of having Texas be a no-contest state for all presidential hopefuls, this election year it could play kingmaker for one of the two Democratic candidates. The Ohio and Texas primaries on March 4 have already been dubbed Super Tuesday Two by many news outlets. Between the two states, close to 400 delegates are at stake. Texas with 126 and Ohio with 140 (not counting superdelegates). Austin accounts for 8 of the total Texas delegates. more ›

It's been a big year for local acts. Big name bands like Spoon, Iron & Wine and Okkervil River made a huge impact on the independent music scene world-wide, while up and coming acts like White Denim and Moth!Fight! captured our attention at the indie rock water cooler all year long. As rising hopes and swelling egos swept the town alongside buzz and bravado, we parted ways with bands like SOUND Team and Clap!Clap!. more ›