Xiu Xiu are what many would call a success story. After all, they’ve evolved from an experimental freakshow of a duo who appealed only to the outer edge of musical snobs and depressed hipsters, to a full-on, four member, MySpace friendly, blog-writing, book-producing, ceaselessly collaborating, networking whirlwind with legions of fans and the respect of critics. Not only that, but unlike some rise-to-glory stories, Xiu Xiu’s transformation has been nice to see, mostly because founding members Jamie Stewart and Caralee McElroy always seem to be having a lot of fun, connecting well with their fans and managing to maintain their sense of humor and their honesty....

The Invasion Kidman stars in this remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. While some might argue that this particular sacred cow does not need a remake, others might argue that a remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers that was first directed by the German guy who made the fantastic Der Untergang, and then meddled with post-production by the Wachowski Brothers, is a totally different story. Monstruous and beautiful hybrid, we hail you. [Trailer]......

This is completely subjective, but it's good to see that The Parish is once again hosting some halfway compelling indie-rockers. After some changes in management, resulting in some rather bizarre talent decisons, perhaps our old stomping grounds is returning to form? One can only hope. That's neither here nor there this evening as we are blessed by a visit from Portland trailblazers (har har) Menomena in all their precocious glory. Riding high on the......

You may not know this, but here at the Austinist theatre desk, we work our little fingers to the bone every weekend looking up all the fabulous theatre our fair city has to offer, compiling it into a list, and forwarding it to Austinist's esteemed editor for compilation into the Ist Lists. Sometimes our work is kinda cinchy...say, 15 lines or so. But other times it's a beast. Take this week, for example. This week......

Friend of Austinist and the dude responsible for last fall's wicked Ghostface Killah-Ghostland Observatory mashup (download it here), Chris Rose is half of DJ duo Car Stereo (Wars), with whom we've partnered to throw many a get-down in the past months. CS(W) is making its SXSW debut as a proper showcasing artist this year -- check 'em out at the Beauty Bar on Wednesday, March 14th, at 11pm. [mp3] Car Stereo (Wars) - SXSW Mixtape......

Austin Pets Alive!, a local organization working to hinder pet overpopulation, is hosting a fundraiser tonight. Their Pet Friend of the Year, Tom Spencer from KLRU, will be feted, and State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez and City Councilmember Lee Leffingwell will make appearances. The money raised tonight will benefit a group that promotes spaying/neutering services to the Austin community. Austin resolved to become a "no kill" city in the 90s, but in 2005, over half......

Welcome back kiddos, the year is kicking off with a shotgun bang. Head over to Waterloo or End of an Ear and ask for these albums: as far as we can tell, it's hard to go wrong this week. The Shins Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop) Well, they're definitely stretching, and they're definitely getting more and more familiar with the studio, as "Phantom Limb" demonstrates: James Mercer is still having trouble falling asleep,......

15. Mogwai - Mr. Beast (Matador) As ever, Mogwai manage to blend unadulterated post-rock weight to their shoegazer tendencies with tracks like "Glasgow Mega Snake" and "Folk Death 95," showcasing their ability to create anthems with no words. This is where Mr. Beast really shines, in between blistering chord progressions and gradual swings into corybantic climaxes. In some ways a throwback to earlier (and heavier) Mogwai material, Mr. Beast isn't merely a rock album.......

Here's what's new this week: The Walkmen Pussy Cats Starring the Walkmen (Record Collection) When John Lennon and Yoko Ono took a break in 1974, the former jumped into the studio with pals Ringo Star, Keith Moon and Harry Nilsson (among others) to produce Pussy Cats, a fascinating mix of classic tunes and originals arranged primarily by Nilsson and Lennon. Misunderstood and bizarre, Pussy Cats is the ultimate buddy album for music geeks with......

Stop by the Driskill Hotel to purchase movies passes or badges. Individual movie tickets can be purchased at the theatres. Sounds of Silence Documentary Feature Competition Screens: 7pm @ The Arbor [from AFF] Regional Premiere. Hidden beneath the alarming headlines from a totalitarian regime lies a bustling culture desperate for recognition at home as well as in the eyes of the wider world. This documentary offers a view inside Tehran and its burgeoning pop......

Four and a half years ago, Catellus Corporation was chosen as the developer for the site of the former Robert Mueller Airport in North Austin, which spans 700 acres along I-35 around the east 40's. Catellus specializes in constructing modern, urban communities that combine residential and business areas, and -- wisely -- art. (Check out their previous work in California here.) If you flip through the 1,000+ page agreement between Catellus and the City......

As always, let us know about any corrections or suggestions! MONDAY [3] [music] ICP Orchestra at Scottish Rite Theatre (link) [art] Gabriel Perez-Barreiro, Curator of Latin American Art, discusses "Art is Connection: America/Americas" at Blanton Museum of Art (Free, 6-8pm) (link) [books] Michael Gordon presents Cobra II at BookPeople (7pm) (link) [books] AAIM, Austin Area Interreligious BookGroup will discuss Peace is the Way by Deepak Chopra. Lori Seremetis will be the Special Guest at BookPeople......

[mp3] The Hold Steady - "Your Little Hoodrat Friend" [mp3] The Hold Steady - "The Swish" [link] The Plastic Constellations - "Iron City Jungles" [mp3] Baby Dee - "Endless Night" [mp3] Baby Dee - "Love's Small Song" [mp3] Baby Dee - "Lilacs" [mp3] Shearwater - "I Can't Wait" [mp3] Shearwater - "Whipping Boy" [full EP] Weird Weeds - "This Is Not What You Want (EP)" [mov] Nina Simone - "I Want A Little Sugar In......

Check the IST List to see when and where these acts will be playing this week Laura Cantrell 14th Street I'll Remember You I Lost You (But I Found Country Music) Bees Letters Rain Boy The Handsome Charlies (samples) Friend of Mine Eighty One Makes Me Love You Ghostland Observatory Podcast Interview with Laurie Gallardo, KUT's "Before the Break" The Deadly Snakes Gore Veil Sound Team Don't Turn Away It's Obvious What's Happening Here......

F R I D A Y · World Leader Pretend are back in town, kicking the night off with an in-store appearance at Waterloo Records (3pm5pm) and following that with a show at Stubb's (9pm). Opening for them are none other than our new favorite English lads, Nic Armstrong and the Thieves, who'll be trying out all-new material for their forthcoming album. Those of you who were at the Parish this week know why we......

Austinist thinks this M4M posting is a super long shot, but we think its cool that he's trying. We support rock and roll homosexuals, and know how cute SXSW volunteers can be. Introduced myself and invited you to my band's showcase. You ended up being there with a chick. Girlfriend? Best Friend? Wife? Would do the lot of you to get to you! You were amazing. Click here to read and respond.......