The options for SXSW 2009 were quite overwhelming as usual. Here are some of the great bands I’ve been cheking out this year:

Deer Tick - An excellent band from Brooklyn that is difficult to pigeon hole. Great singing and songwriting upholding my observation that all indie bands with “deer” in their name are good.

Pete & The Pirates - A very fun British punk/pop band that has a great live presence.

Easy-Star Allstars - The best Pink Floyd / Radiohead cover band you will ever experience live!

The Hold Steady No strangers to SXSW or Austin, The Hold Steady has got to be one of the best live rock bands touring today.

Heartless Bastards - An indie jewel from Ohio that played four shows at SXSW 2009. I can’t wait to hear all the great records these guys put out over the next few years.

Dead Confederate - An excellent hard rock act from Athens, Georgia.

Ume - A very fun three piece rock group from Austin.