For an artist whose name often draws puzzled looks outside of Texas and certain pockets of Europe, Doug Sahm has certainly had his share of career-spanning anthologies. The singer/songwriter/instrumentalist/bandleader’s mix of rock, C&W, R&B and norteño set as much of a standard for the eclectic music of the Lone Star State as did Roky Erickson’s, and if the turntables on which his music still spins most often remain in his birthplace, his legacy lives on through his protégés and antecedents, whether fans know it or not. Whether under his own name or that of the Sir Douglas Quintet - his most famous banner thanks to the oft-covered hit single “She’s About a Mover,” - Sahm made his impact on American music, and the cracks in the pavement can still be seen if you look where you walk. more ›

Mono is another stellar band from Japan that never fails to include an Austin stop on its U.S. travels and the 2010 tour is no exception. The explosive post-rock outfit was here last October in support of 2009’s Hymn to the Immortal Wind and turned in a typically fiery set, garnering many new fans along the way, no doubt. Later last year, the band was joined on stage by an orchestra at its 10th Anniversary Show back home in Tokyo. Mono also celebrated the occasion while in New York during that 2009 tour, this time accompanied by Wordless Music Orchestra. The result is a brand new CD and DVD, Holy Ground: NYC Live with The Wordless Music Orchestra, released this past Tuesday on Temporary Residence Limited. Although the 24-piece orchestra won’t be in attendance this Friday, head down to Emo’s regardless and watch the gifted musicians from Mono meticulously conjure up the calm before the storm before delivering an aural assault that engulfs you in the storm itself. Doors open at 9 p.m. -- be sure to get there early for Balmorhea’s beautiful, euphonic compositions; check out our review of Constellations here. more ›

This past weekend might have been one for the ages but The Mohawk is not resting on its mighty laurels just yet. This Saturday, prepare for yet another sonic blast at the venue when Japanese band Mono sets up shop to peddle its atmospheric post-rock compositions. Mono’s forte is epic instrumental soundscapes that build up gradually before erupting with ferocious splendor, à la Mogwai and Explosions In The Sky. The members’ technical expertise is evident in the intricate details and it’s no surprise that they bring it all together in a very cohesive fashion -- they’ve been honing their skills collectively for over a decade now. The band formed in 1999 (a few years after that other Mono) and has released five full-lengths, including 2009’s Hymn to the Immortal Wind. No strangers to the use of assorted string instruments in their work, the band employed a chamber orchestra to further embellish Hymn’s lush, grandiose sound. more ›