Starting next Wednesday, we're wishing the Rickshaw Stop a very Happy 3rd Anniversary! In the last three years the venue has presented shows with everyone from Jonathan Richman to Silversun Pickups and has hosted all manner of wacky special events. Our favorite memory was an early show by Phosphorescent, and a pretty fun time on New Year's Eve in '05. They're celebrating their anniversary with a three day festival featuring a different style of music each night, from singer-songwriter folk to pop to clubby dance-rock-electro. more ›

It's been a few months since we raved about Ratatat and gave away their CD, so we figure it's time again to extol their greatness. Like we said last time, RATATAT's music is so melodic, varied and compelling that it makes vocals and lyrics seem superfluous. The Brooklyn duo expertly mixes snakey synth lines with sneering guitar, cello, sleigh bells and samples like the appropriately primal roar in "Wildcat". File under: Things That Make You Go "ROWR!" more ›

SFist Interviews Nate Grover, Singer of Love is Chemicals more ›

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After travelling to Austin to see about 30 great bands in three days at SXSW, next week we don't even have to leave town for a phenomenal music festival. Monday brings the start of Noise Pop 2006, San Francisco's annual indie rock smorgasbord. All-festival passes and several shows are already sold out, but SFist will be bringing you coverage so not to worry. more ›

Before anyone accuses us of having a soft spot in our hearts for bands from Texas, let us just go ahead and admit we do. That leads us to this week's giveaway featuring Pilotdrift, a band from Texarkana. Don't get any ideas about their sound from their hometown though. Their music is atmospheric, symphonic, theatrical, and the singer even sounds a bit like Bowie. Their debut album is out now on Good Records Recordings, owned and operated by the Polyphonic Spree's own Tim DeLaughter. more ›

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