The Black Lips have been known for many things; crazy and lively rock shows, feeling free of clothing, er, and getting kicked out of a country. But now the four-piece is seeing to it that deaf children have a chance to hear and play music.

Read more: The Black Lips Get Into the Game of Giving Back

There are many “back in the day” moments for tried and true, dedicated to the end, obsessed music fanatics. We’re proud to be music snobs and relate to the banter featured in the flick “High Fidelity.” While the record store chains like Tower have gone to the grave site, and digital download numbers continue to make their mark, independent stores are still alive and thriving. The in-person, record store culture lives on and is celebrated by an international holiday on April 17: Record Store Day (www.recordstoreday.com).

Read more: Record Store Day - April 17, 2010

Creating a SXSW playlist (by downloading select showcasing artist’s MP3s from sxsw.com/music) to carry with me on my iPod or iPhone has been a way for me to really get to know bands that are completely foreign to me—literally—prior to stepping foot on Austin soil. Listening to bands from all over the world that expand on the breadth of music that is SXSW, along with some of my favorites who also happen to be playing, has helped the planning process and brought rewards months after the last band has played and we all go home.

This year things are a bit different.

Read more: SXSW 2010 Bands – Find Them, Take Them With You