Noise Pop 2009 is just around the corner. A few highlights: Anthony & the Johnsons, Goblin Cock, Monument to Masses, A.C. Newman, No Age, Clues, Ryan Auffenberg, Ex-Boyfriends, and Martha Wainwright (Not-Judy's sister). Films will include Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, which documents "the most important day in the career of an American icon, and Agile Mobile Hostile: A Year with Andre Williams.

To check out the entire lineup, go here.

But the most important part the annual music festival, as is with any festival, is the opening night party. It's like tasting the house soup or checking out a restaurant's bathroom; it's how you (well, journalists) judge the entire thing. And this year's opening night party, happening next Tuesday, promises to be a hangover-causing one. Deerhunter (l'indie rock) and Lilofee (electo, pop, grindcore) will take the stage, while Popscene's DJs Omar (one the state's finest DJs) and Aaron Axelson (also fine) man the decks.

And best of all, it's 21-and-over. (No 18-year-olds to make you feel even older than you already do.) Admission will be on a first come, first serve basis. Arrive early. (Free if you R.S.V.P.)

To purchase Noise Pop Festival badges, which provide entry to all Noise Pop Festival events, go here. Noise Pop takes place on February 24 through March 1 at venues throughout San Francisco.