Once in a while, we like to take some time to introduce you to bands -- both local otherwise -- that we think you'd enjoy. Le Diamont Brut aims to showcase those MySpace gems we hope to see shine. Recommend your local suggestions by emailing music@austinist.com. THE UNFORTUNATE HEADS What’s the Deal: The Austin indie folk fivesome has just released their sophomore disc, Come Be Light. Featuring multi-instrumentation by the likes of banjo, keyboards, upright......

Albert Hammond Jr., that mop-topped guitar-wielding cuddlebear from the late, lamented NYC band The Strokes--wait, nevermind they're still around. But Al Hammond is still one of the only players to come out of the New York scene who evinces any prowess at his instrument, let alone cuts loose with razor-honed licks if and whenever he pleases. His three-piece band will play songs from his new Yours To Keep album Sunday at The Parish Room......

Over the past six weeks, Austinist's music writers have spoken with dozens of bands playing this year's SXSW festival. In case you're just now joining us, here's a link-filled list of all Austinist SX07 band interviews: Albert Hammond, Jr. Alexi Murdoch Annuals Aqueduct Architecture in Helsinki Car Stereo (Wars) Evangelicals Girl In A Coma Girl Talk I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter Ladyhawk Lions in the Street......

After a six-month wait since the UK release, Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr.'s solo debut Yours To Keep finally arrived in US record stores this week. We reviewed the disc back in October, saying: "On his quick, punchy solo disc, Hammond does a slightly poppy variation on The Strokes' first album. This is meant as a compliment, because while most side projects are self-indulgent and weird, this one is concise, fun, and really catchy."......

Congratulations to the following folks, who won one of our contests from yesterday! Playboy's Rock the Rabbit Party: J. Payne Paolo Nutini ACL Taping: H. Kim, C. Fitzpatrick, K. Johnson, D. Crowe, V. Douroupis Diesel-U-Music: B. Christian NY2LON: S. Chang Albert Hammond, Robbers on High Street Package: D. Dirks Austinist's Gonna Gonna Get, Get Down! 2 Private Balcony: H. Kennedy......

We've gotten our hands on a bunch of tickets, guestlist spots, and assorted swag for several excellent parties happening during SXSW, and over the course of today we'll be giving these away. Check back every hour for the newest giveaway contest -- each will only run until the next one is posted, so your chances at winning are pretty damn good. Congrats to the winner of our last contest, who'll be announced at the end......

For some of you, SXSW is an obsession. For others...not so much. While we're rather immersed in the whole SXSW experience at Austinist, we know that many of you just want to take in a free or cheap event or two during the festival to experience the thing. No problem. Here's a list of events featuring local merchants, community organizations, and radio stations that will allow you to casually dip a toe in the......

THURSDAY [18] Beware of possible cancellations today and tomorrow -- call ahead! film • Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted Festival 2007 at Alamo Downtown (7pm, 9:30pm) film • Terror Thursdays: Revenge from Planet Ape at Alamo Downtown music • Carrots, Darling New Neighbors, The Sleepwalkers at Emo's music • Spaceinvader Orchestra, Supercontinent, Kosmodrome at Emo's Lounge music • Shuttle Debris, Matson Belle, Ear of Anon at Stubb's music • "Smash" video release, Chingo......

Now that we're in mid-January, club bookings for winter and spring shows are beginning to emerge. While much internet browsing has already been done looking for the SXSW 2007 lineup, there are also plenty of great touring shows dropping in outside of those dates (thankfully). New shows from The Roots, Explosions In The Sky, Midlake, and a Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard double bill top the new additions, but there is plenty here for all musical......

Well, it certainly feels like winter. This marks a usually slow time on the roadshow scene, as bands head home for the holidays and clubs close up shop. Not so fast, though: December is still unusually active this year on the Austin music calendar, so have a look below and see which acts you should bundle up and head out to. December: 12/01 FunFunFun: Spoon, Peaches, Prefuse 73 + more (Waterloo Park) 12/01 Dressy......

Badly Drawn Boy - Born In The UK (Astralwerks): If Talking Heads were last year's band to emulate, The Boss is certainly the sound of 2006. After seeing a great Springsteen record from The Hold Steady and a suspect one from The Killers, we now find Brit Damon Gough wrapping himself in the English flag and turning up the shiny, Human Touch-style production. Unfortunately, Badly Drawn Boy's main charm were his lo-fi early songs......