Dead Confederate | 03.19, 10 p.m. - Spiro's
Emerging from R.E.M.'s hometown of Athens, Ga., this indie band with the bad name has made a name for itself with its mix of rock and pop, fast and slow, stripped down and layered on. Hardy Morris's vocals are perfectly yearning and up front; the band crafts guitar lines and beats that are all kinds of alluring. With its wall of sound, this band is at the top of my list. (www.myspace.com/deadconfederate)

Dear and the Headlights | 03.18, 1 a.m. - Spiro's
With two releases under their belts—debut Small Steps, Heavy Hooves and follow up Drunk Like Bible Times—Dear and the Headlights remain one of my favorite indie acts today. Ain't nothing like Ian Metzger's reedy, beseeching voice, and the music fits the songs perfectly. Though I maintain they're a better band on disc than on stage, the quality of the music still makes them a great bet. (www.myspace.com/dearandtheheadlights)

Echo & the Bunnymen | 03.18, 12:30 a.m. - Emo's Main Room; 03.21, 4 p.m. - SXSW Live (The Bat Bar), Austin Convention Center; 03.21, 12 a.m. - Rusty Spurs
I've never seen them live. I have no idea what to expect from a show 20-plus years past their prime, and if it's anything like last year's English Beat reunion (can anyone say fat-ass Dave Wakeling and a bunch of young, black people?), you will want to run far, far away. Still, I believe in the power of Ian McCulloch—that, and curiosity almost always gets the best of me. As long as Ocean Rain is well represented (and well delivered), it should be a good show...or at least a memorable one. (www.myspace.com/thebunnymen)

Val Emmich | 03.19, 12:15 a.m. - Maggie Mae's
I actually ended up seeing Val Emmich last year, in lieu of Cary Brothers at the bluhammock brunch. He's thoroughly engaging and entertaining, more rock 'n' roll than your average white boy singer-songwriter. His songs are full-fledged rock outfits infused with good times, insinuating themselves into your subconcious when the music takes a back seat to the vocals. Good stuff. (www.myspace.com/valemmich)

Eulogies | 03.19, 7 p.m. - The Ranch
I feel like I was late to the party on this one, but now I've arrived—and the gift is all mine. This Dangerbird band (home of Silversun Pickups) is everything you'd expect from the label: softly soaring indie rock and gently rockin' melodies. Their live show hints at being a more laidback affair, the perfect chance to catch your breath while still taking in a show. (www.myspace.com/eulogiesmusic)

Glasvegas | 03.18, TBA - Vice; 03.20, 11:30 p.m. - La Zona Rosa
From their humble indie-rock beginnings, this Scottish band has grown to become all the rage. The Columbia Records quartet crafts quietly soaring, backward-looking (think '50s rock), catchy pop songs. There's something instantly appealing about frontman James Allan's engagingly whiny voice...that is, until there isn't (it gets a little old as the self-titled debut wears on). Live, however, I'm expecting a wall of sound and truly engaging personalities. Join me, anyone? (www.myspace.com/glasvegas)

Ed Harcourt | 03.19, 11 p.m. - Elysium; 03.20, 7:30 p.m., Friends; 03.21, 5 p.m. - SXSW (The Lone Star Lounge), Austin Convention Center
I think I've seen Ed Harcourt every time he's been at SXSW, and each time is a real treat. This Brit crafts richly layered singer-songwriter stuff; equally fluent on guitar and piano, Harcourt is a troubadour in the truest sense of the word. His interaction with the audience is minimal, yet you're all too willing to climb into his world as long as he will have you. With a smooth voice and contemplative lyrics, he deserves to be in the same arena as artists such as Rupert Wainright. (www.myspace.com/edharcourt)

Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band | 03.18, 11 p.m. - Radio Room Patio
Here's another one I take every chance to see. Capitol Records Kevin Devine is one of the most fun performers you will ever have the pleasure of seeing. He blends caustic, introspective and often political lyrics with the humor of a stand-up comedian. You never know when this singer-songwriter will launch into a rap cover, yet you're sure to be entertained. (www.myspace.com/kevindevine)