There was no escaping the gravity of Austin in 2007. Three major festivals drew artists, labels, promoters and press from around the world. Critically and commercially, Spoon was an undeniably dominating force. Production power increased with the emergence of C3 Presents, a joint venture between heavyweights Charles Attal, Charlie Jones and Charlie Walker. Yet our unique universe still grows from within. Bands like Okkervil River and businesses like Transmission Entertainment continue to expand our horizons. My best of list is a celebration of what makes the Austin music scene independent and innovative....

If braving the Texas heat and wading through crowds of festival-goers at ACL isn’t your thing or you just couldn’t afford it, but you still want to get out of the house and your dancin’ shoes are beggin’ for some wear and tear, feel free to visit Emo’s Friday night. ‘Free’ being the most important word there, because it is. The Clientele, Oakley Hall and Zykos are offering a varied night of art pop,......

Chicago based David Vandervelde plays Emo’s this evening in support of his debut full-length The Moonstation House Band, out now on Secretly Canadian. The album highlights Vandervelde’s versatility and multi-instrumental panache. His ability to tint pop songs with an orchestral emphasis, psychedelic strains, and worldly sounds results in an intriguing and enjoyable product. Vandervelde’s vocals bleed sincerity and the live show tonight should combine all his potential into one powerful performance. Blitzen Trapper from......

FRIDAY [2] theatre • Improv rap group Aww Shit (Chris Trew, Cody Dearing, Eric Seufert) compose freestyle rap songs and improvise scenes based off of them at this week's Cage Match at Coldtowne Theater (11:30pm) art • Opening Reception for The Llamerret Show at Darkroom Gallery (7pm) art • Texas Biennial Opening Reception at Okay Mountain & Site 1808 (7-10pm, 301 Chicon Unit E at Third and Chicon) art • B Scene: A Night......

The Autumn Defense, led by Wilco band mates John Stirratt and Pat Sansone, have been creating folk-pop indulgent in melody and texture since the turn of the century. We’re not sure if it’s just the name, but the soft sprawls of multi-instrumental nonchalance do evoke a seasonal flair, and should be appropriate tonight for our town’s indecisive winter, or spring, or whatever. The band is supporting their self-titled release on Stirratt’s Broadmoor Records, and......

TUESDAY [21] beer/books • Austinist's very own Truecraig presents a very special reading in honor of the release of his new memoirs, I Am An Idiot (but there's nothing wrong with you) at Club de Ville (8pm, Free, Recommended) food • Massive free pre-Thanksgiving feast at Palmer Events Center (4-8pm) books • Nomi Prins presents Jacked: How Conservatives Are Picking Your Pocket (Whether You Voted For Them or Not) at BookPeople (7:00pm) film •......

TUESDAY [8] [music] Mike Booher & Catherine Davis (Zykos), Ladyhawk, The Coke Cares at Emo's [film] By the People at Dobie (5pm) ® [film] Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia at Alamo Downtown (7pm) ® [film] Mister Roberts at Paramount Theatre (7pm) [film] Dr. Strangelove at Rounders Pizzeria (8pm, Free) ® [film] Fong Sai Yuk, a Jet Li classic, at Alamo Downtown (9:45pm) ® [film] Twelve Angry Men at Paramount Theatre (9:30pm) [film] War......

MONDAY [7] [film] Anthony Kaun Hai - Special Bollywood Screenings at Tinseltown South (6:30pm & 9:45pm) [film] Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia at Alamo Downtown (7pm) ® [film] Magnolia at Austin Java (8pm, Free) ® [film] V for Vendetta at Café Mundi (8:30pm, Free) [film] Urgh! - A Music War at Alamo Downtown (9:45pm, $2) [film] War of the Words at Alamo South (10:10pm) TUESDAY [8] [film] By the People at Dobie (5pm)......

Mike Booher looks like a rock star until he smiles. Tall and lanky, shaggy black hair, smoking a cigarette outside his practice room, he is a throwback to the Ramones. Then he grins, waves, and he’s the friendly guy everyone loves. Who just happens to be the front man for Austin’s much-hyped Zykos. Originally from Houston, Booher grew up on the same street as bassist Mike Roeder and keyboardist Catherine Davis, a petit blonde piano......

If you’re a true music enthusiast living in Austin, we know you already love Zykos. But just wait until you hear their new stuff. A little slower, strong lyrics, still echoing the eighties, yet completely innovative. Essentially, it is everything that makes the band fantastic taken to the next level. Mike Booher, you are a genius. In cowboy boots - which is the best kind. The only way you’re going to hear these songs......