Starting with bands I’ve seen before, here’s my recommendations:

Rainer Maria (SXSW link) – I’ve now seen them twice – first at SXSW 2005 and then later when they opened for Copeland. Their performance is awesome. They have a ton of material out there, but I swear it’s better live than on their albums. Their show is at Karma this year which sucks because it’s so far away from 6th and far from every other club, but I guess I’m going to have to make the journey. Maybe they’ll play a day show.

Best Fwends (SXSW Link) – These guys cracked my shit up last year. Listening to their newer songs in myspace only makes me want to see them more.

Minus the Bear (SXSW Link) – Minus the Bear is one of my favorite bands. I’ve seen them twice now and I’m still in awe at the lead guitarists tapping skills. I wouldn’t doubt it if he knew every “…And Justice for All” solo by heart. They’re playing an awesome day show on Saturday (as Brian mentioned previously), unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) I’m going to be playing the Austin WPBT II so I won’t be able to catch them.

…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead (SXSW Link) – I’m not sure how many times I’ve seen these guys, but I know I was ripped every time I saw them. If you’ve never seen Trail of Dead before, I’d recommend seeing them once. I’m going to have to pass on this one though because I’ve seen them a number of times and I’m sure it’s going to be insanely crowded.

There are a lot of other bands I’ve seen before that will be playing and that I would recommend, but I’m feeling a bit lazy at the moment and I really need to get to sleep.