For over thirty years, Graham Parker has been one of the most underrated musicians of his time. Forming the band, Graham Parker and the Rumour in 1975, they began a pub-rock scene in England. According to Rolling Stone, Graham was named, “One of the most critically acclaimed graduates of the mid-70s punk scene.” Also, compared to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan for his eloquently written songs and for his mixture of Punk, R&B, Country and Soul. Tonight at One World Theater.

Tonight at The Swan Dive, come see The High Tones with Chase Frank and The Ghost Wolves bringing together a party of some swinging hips and sexy licks.

Swan Dive 9pm

Also in the Clubs:

Snow Patrol (Sold Out Show) After Party at The Haven 9pm

Run DMT at The Beauty Ballroom 9pm

Mr. Lewis and the Funeral Five with Izzy and the Catastrophics 9pm

Listening Party for Sigur Ros-Valtari Waterloo Records 7pm

The Marshall Ford Swing Band The Highball 8pm

Martina McBride at ACL Live at Moody Theater 7pm

At the Movies:

Strap on your combat boots and throw your flannel on for The Alamo’s 90′s Alternative Sing-Along. Come howl with the rest of the nostalgic crew and belt out your best Eddie Vedder. Along with music from Oasis, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana and Weezer. Celebrate the time when Alternative actually meant Alternative.

Tonight at The Alamo Ritz 11o min. 9:45pm. R

-Stephanie Groves

Space Rock band Spirtualized formed in 1990 and clearly stood ahead of their time. The ambient drones and pedal sounds send you into a trance along with the influential echos of the Brit-pop band, Blur. With an ever changing line up of band members from album to album, Spaceman Jason Pierce, has withstood the test of time.

“There is a guy called Jim Dickinson who produced a lot of Memphis artists and he has this theory that music is all about electricity pushing air molecules around, so it therefore stands to reason that all the best music comes from sea level, where the molecules are thicker – places like Memphis, Louisiana, Los Angeles and Austin. I don’t know if the science stands up, but I love the idea.” -J. Spaceman

Tonight With Nikki Lane at Emo’s East Doors at 9pm/Show at 10pm. $22-$24

Come celebrate the life and legend of Ronnie James Dio tonight at the Mohawk. Featuring competitions to show your metal loyalty including: “a high-pitched vocal prowess” challenge a “draw a rainbow in the dark activity”, “Pin the horns on Ronnie’s hand game” and a Ronnie James Dio look-alike contest.

Ronnie James Dio Tribute With Scorpion Child 9pm Mohawk.

Also in the Clubs:

The Donkeys, Buxon, Paul Banks and The Carousels at ND at 501 Studios 9pm

The Smith’s Hoot Night with Shane Bartell and many more! Hotel Vegas  8pm

Broken Teeth, Bible of the Devil, Party Wizard, The Greater Good at Red 7 9pm

At the Movies:

Weird Wednesday presents: The Apple. Set in a not-so realistic depiction of the future from 1980 of 1994, this Rocky Horror clone is a satirical look at the evils of the music industry.  A young couple, Bibi and Alphie, leave their small town for the big time, only to fall in the clutches of a satanic music producer, Mr. Boogolow. His huge music conglomerate, which is ran close to like a military-industrial complex, entices the young couple to sign their souls away. Bibi becomes under the influence of Satan’s drugs, while Alphie musters up the power of Jesus to save her. This movie is full of trippy surprises and sure to have you in sheer 80′s heaven. Alamo Ritz. 10:10 R

-Stephanie Groves

Beach House, Bloom - The dream-pop duo made up of Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally had a major breakthrough in 2010 with Teen Dream, which was on AME’s short list of the best records of that year. This highly-anticipated follow-up apparently takes the pleasing, languid approach of Beach House to its harmonious conclusion.

Best Coast, The Only Place – Speaking of charming modern-day duos, California’s Best Coast released their second album today. The Only Place has been described as the band responding to its career breakout and subsequent detractors in its trademark, strummy garage rock.

Norah Jones, Little Broken Hearts – The soulful singer-songwriter teams up for her fifth album, bringing Danger Mouse to the producer’s chair. Should be a more eclectic, atmospheric outing than Jones’ usual roots approach.

Tenacious D, Rize Of The Fenix - Jack Black and Kyle Gass return (with Dave Grohl guest-drumming on many tracks) for Tenacious D’s “comeback” album. This eschews the arena-metal of the D’s other work and goes in a variety-laden, prog-rock territory.

Eric Brendo, started out as a tour manager for Detroit-based soul singer Robert Bradley a.k.a Robert Bradley’s Backwater Surprise. The Detroit native got a taste of the industry and wanted to set out as a musician forming the band, Downtown.  A year in half later, after plunging himself into the depths of NYC clubs and countless studio sessions, it happened. Discovered by Polydor Records and producers Flood, Alan Moulder & Toni Halliday (Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, The Killers). Downtown had an intriguing sound that gave way to several U.S tours, rave reviews, and substantial record sales.

Now on his own, Eric Brendo, creating his solo E.P in 2010 “Over The Dunes and Into The Cave”, has channeled the likes of Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed and has partnered up with Christopher Joseph for “The Parish presents: Dust and Devils, Eric Brendo and Christopher Joseph” tonight at The Beale Street Tavern. 8pm. Beale Street Tavern

Also in the Clubs:

Juakali, McPullish, and Dr. Dubbist at Flamingo Cantina

Eric Hutchinson with Graffiti 6 at Stubbs

David Grissom, Bruce Hughs and the All Nude Army, Marshal Hood and Tessy Lou at The Saxon Pub

At the Movies:

Hungry? Well, save your appetite for the super 80′s gore film, Blood Diner. Have time for some topless cheerleaders getting shot up by a man in a Reagan Mask? Battered and deep fried heads? Or how about falling stalactites impaling a couple while they get it on. Hell Yes?! Then shoot on down for this rare archival 35mm of “Terror Tuesdays” brought to you by The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz and Vulcan Video. 1hr. and 28 min. 10;30. R

-Stephanie Groves

MuhSinah brings a unique craft of Urban Underground and mainstream together for a must see tonight with Reggie Coby at Hotel Vegas Doors at 8pm/$10 presale. Hotel Vegas

Also in the Clubs:

Coma in Algiers,White Suns (Brooklyn), Lechuguillas and Expensive Shit 29th Street Ballroom 9pm

Hot Club in Cowtown (8pm) and The Whiskey Sisters (6pm) Continental Club

Micheal Mordecai’s Jazz Jam at the Elephant Room 7pm

Sony Wolf at The Trophy Room 8pm

In the Movies:

Music Monday presents: Johnny Cash’s 80th Birthday Tribute!

If there is one thing this town can’t get enough of, its the iconic and legendary music of the Man in Black.  Tonight, the Alamo Ritz  and Austin City Limits bring you the Birthday Tribute Show featuring Johnny Cash and the Carter Family’s full, uncut 1987 performance on ACL. Also known to Cash himself, as one of his finest TV performances. All proceeds benefit HAAM, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Tonight at The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz. 10pm

-Stephanie Groves

MOVIES

Dark Shadows - Tim Burton and Johnny Depp team up again for this adaptation of the cult British series, about an 18th century vampire transplanted into early ’70′s America. Michell Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Chloe Grace Moretz and Helena Bonham-Carter co-star.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - A crack cast of veteran British actors (Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy) take a trip to India. Romantic, comedic vignettes result. Should be a charmer.

Girl in Progress - Eva Mendes and Cierra Ramirez star in this mother-daughter coming-of-age story.

Sleepless Night - A crooked cop races to recover a bag of cocaine in this crime drama.

MUSIC/OTHER

FRIDAY

Note: Friday, May 11th is the beginning of the Austin Vintage Style Fest Spring 2012. Various outlets feature fashion, style, and design of yesteryear blended with the vibe of today’s hip generations. Starts early at 10 AM! More here.

Fiesta Gardens – It’s Pachanga Fest 2012 from 11 AM until Saturday! the Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food festival will feature performances from Calle 13, Los Lonely Boys, Chico Trujillos, Ana Tijoux, Alejandro Escovedo and more.

Hotel Vegas – One night, two cozy sets with What Made Milwaukee Famous. Starts at 9 PM. It’s the “In The Room” series.

SATURDAY

The Backyard at Bee Cave – Remember Z102.3, Austin’s long-lost classic rock radio station? Well, re-live that golden period with Foreigner and Foghat. Doors at 6 PM. Slow ride, take it easy.

The Belmont – Speaking of classic, get your groove with hip-hop icons Salt N Pepa. God-des and She will also perform. Doors at 8 PM.

Bass Concert Hall – The alternative rock will be strong in the air tonight with Jane’s Addition appearing at Bass. The Duke Spirit are in backup. Starts at 9 PM.

SUNDAY

The Highball – Happy Mother’s Day! Celebrate mom with The Highball’s Mother’s Day Brunch. Starts at 10 AM.

Antone’s – What better place than Austin, Texas to hold the Girl Guitar Showcase? Doors at 5 PM.

The Continental Club – A full lineup with Junior Brown being joined by the lovely Tanya Rae, Heybale! and Redd & Earl & Dallas. Starts at 6:30 PM.

Austin post-rock luminary Explosions in the Sky is still hard at work plugging 2011′s mesmerizing Take Care, Take Care, Take Care with the release of this video for one of the album’s best songs, “Postcard from 1952.” While the song stood out among the consistent Take Care (wait until those drums kick in about two minutes into the track), the video that accompanies is that rare piece of work that elevates its connected piece of music.

As “Postcard” is seven minutes long, this is less a “music video” than a short film set to music. As for the visual content, it is strongly influenced by Terrence Malick’s 2011, Texas-shot, art film masterpiece The Tree of Life . Which makes sense, as the piece was directed by Peter Simonite – Malick’s second unit director. Like Tree, the video is filled with galvanizing photography. The connection goes deep than that, though. Using just visuals and Explosion’s music, “Postcard From 1952″ contends with the mysteries of time and lifespan, much like Malick’s film.

Here, you should just see it for yourself. It’s one of the best music videos of 2012; if you only watch one this year this should be it. Go here to watch.

Austin based band, The Boxing Lesson, is a high intensity Synth-Rock explosion with soft-driven drone sounds using sexy dark melodic guitar echos. Perfect for a sweet nightly outing out on the town. With Residual Kids and Megafauna. ND at 501 Studios. 10pm

Straight out of Tallahassee, the indie rock band Look Mexico, has set its roots in Austin and has been flourished with a positive response. Teaming up tonight with The Calm Blue Sea, Tactics and Jonah Vin. 9PM at The Beauty Ballroom

Also in the Clubs:

Get Yo Mind Right! with Mr. Lewis & The Funeral 5 and Flemish Giant at Club Deville (7pm)

Electric Guest with Shivery Shakes at The Parish (8pm)

East Cameron Folklore CD Release Party with Shaky Graves and The Blind Pets at The White Horse (10pm)

Love at the Cantina tonight with Malford Milligan,Courtney Sanchez and Ginger Leigh at Flamingo Cantina (7pm)

Thrice with Animals As Leaders and O’Brother Emo’s East (8pm)

At the Movies:

Beastie Boys rap-along tonight with 100% of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Come out and bust a rhyme and  play tribute to the late MCA. Show your support and help in the fight against cancer. Let’s celebrate the life, the music, and the legend of Adam Yauch RIP.

“We got a party on the left, a party on the right, we gonna party for the motherf-%$#  right to fight, Make some noise if you’re with me!!” Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar 10pm.

-Stephanie Groves

The Three piece band of Little Brave encompasses the soft and sultry voice of Stephanie Briggs, summoning all the influences from Pop-Rock, Jazz to Tin Pan Alley tonight with Mobley. Mohawk 9pm.

Hot Club in Cowtown brings the hot Jazz and Western Swing to the Continental tonight (6:30pm) along with Barbara K, Trube, Farrell & Snizz (8:30pm), Jon Dee Graham(10pm) and James McMurtry (midnight).

Also in the Clubs:

Black Red Black at The Highball

Easy Tiger, No Future, Black Owl Society at The Hole in the Wall

Lambchop at The Cactus Cafe

The Spazmatics at Cedar Street

At the Movies:

Weird Wednesday presents the 1982 Action/Drama film Vice Squad. Hooking you from the beginning with the opening credit song “Neon Slime” sung by former soap star and film’s star, Wing Hauser, you’ll know your headed to the slimy streets of Hollywood hell. A film with prostitutes surviving the night and murderous pimps looking for their next pleasure kill, Vice Squad is nothing short of some 80′s pure sleazed out entertainment. 107 min. R. Alamo Ritz 11:50pm.

-Stephanie Groves

Damon Albarn, Dr Dee – The phenomenally talented Blur and Gorillaz frontman has already given the world a massive wealth of great music, but Albarn keeps exploring and experimenting. This album is an opera based around the story of 16th-century alchemist John Dee. Sounds about right.

Here We Go Magic, A Different Ship – This Brooklyn indie quintet pulled quite a coup in their producer selection for their third album – Nigel Godrich, famed producer of Radiohead. The result is Here We Go Magic’s most consciously crafted studio experience; it’s a far cry from their jumbled live shows.

OFF!, OFF! - Keith Morris’ punk supergroup gears up the enthusiasm and youthful abandon on their second, somewhat-unexpected release. Apparently Morris spends a good chunk at the album calling out his former bandmates in Black Flag and Circle Jerks.

Silversun Pickups, Neck of the Woods – The fuzzy-retro, guitar-painted L.A. quartet returns with one of its grittiest, darkest releases. Seeing as the band has consistently been criticized as Smashing Pumpkins/My Bloody Valentine sound-alikes, that’s a good thing.