WEDNESDAY [7] music • The Shins, Viva Voce at The Backyard music • Love and Dancing, with Daetron Vargas, Disco Nihilist, Majora Y Minora, and John Gomi at The Peacock music • Spinto Band, Dios, The Changes at Emo's music • Invincible Czars, Bee vs Moth, Golden Arm Trio at Emo's Lounge music • Woodgrain Wednesday with Bavu Blakes, DJ Rapid Ric, D-Madness at The Parish Room music • Patty Griffin at Waterloo Records......

Everyone and their mom's favorite neo-popsters, The Shins have had a banner year; their third LP, Wincing The Night Away, set some sort of ridiculous sales record for their label, their single "Phantom Limb" is all over everything, and most people don't even remember that god-awful movie Natalie Portman flogged them in. In short, nobody is pretending to not like them anymore, and so much the better. Tickets are still available for their gig at......

We'd heard rumors of a big blogger bonanza taking place during SXSW Music, and today finally got a glimpse of their awesome setup: two days, three stages, and 32 bands divided between Club Deville and The Mohawk. But then again, what else would you expect from music bloggers like Chromewaves, Gorilla vs Bear, Largehearted Boy, My Old Kentucky Blog, rock insider, and You Ain't No Picasso? Friday Catfish Haven, Thunderbirds Are Now!, Apostle of......

Easily indie rock's most well-read bunch, The Decemberists returned this year with The Crane Wife, their follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed LP, Picaresque (as well as their bonus EP, Picaresqueties, a nifty collection of b-sides). Frontman Colin Meloy imbues the record with his signature storytelling acumen, narrating esoteric tales of airships, Civil War romances, and Belfast terrorists while managing intricate and often exhilarating rhythm sequences. Produced in part by Death Cab's Chris Walla,......

TUESDAY [3] music • Viva Voce, Silversun Pickups, The Kingdom (Inside) at Emo's ® music • Sparta, Soundteam, Lola Ray (Outside) at Emo's ® music • Alice in Chains, Hurt at Stubb's music • HAAM Benefit Concert with Carolyn Wonderland at The Parish Room music • Citizen Cope at Waterloo Records music • HAAM Benefit Day - 5% of store proceeds go to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians - at Waterloo Records music......

Viva Voce -which many scholars maintain translates literally from the Eye-talian into the English as “long live voice”- have a winner in their latest release Get Yr Blood Sucked Out. Blazing harmonies and dusty drums abound (please listen to “We Don’t Fuck Around”). The sound is surprisingly robust and no notes are played in vain. Kevin and Anita Robinson provide an aural banquet despite being just two people. They’ve got the goods for you and......

Fans of the indie-rock will find much to like in the latest concert update. Flying V lovers My Morning Jacket, the willfully obtuse Fiery Furnaces, and alt.country godfather Jay Farrar have each been added to Austin's fall music schedule. As we've mentioned, the sheer volume of shows is unprecedented, so get out and enjoy the fact that every band you like is coming to town in the next two months. Thanks as always to......

Hang on to your wristbands, people, there's a lot going on this week in the world of legitimately released music! The Rapture Pieces of the People We Love (UMVD) The Rapture have finally caught up with their own hype following 2003's Echoes, working with producers Danger Mouse (Gorillaz/Gnarls Barkley), Paul Epworth (Bloc Party) and Ewan Pearson (UK DJ/Remixer) and delivering a disco, funk, punk and pop-influenced album worthy of all your parties, speedy drives......

As Elvis Costello might say, we just don't know where to begin. Even if you are skipping ACL, the fall is turning into a music wonderland. Acts of every genre and size are booking Austin's clubs up like there's no tomorrow, leaving music lovers with many questions on how to spend both time and cash this fall. Trust us, you can't see it all, so pick your favorites and buy tickets in advance to......