The love child of the local post-punk outfit Tuxedo Killers and the experi-pop racket of Awesome Cool Dudes, more at www.austin360.com

I remember a March afternoon in Stubb’s four years ago when a Swedish garage band came out and made the Spin party feel more like a concert than ever before. T more at www.austin360.com

Mike Stroud and Evan Mast first met as Skidmore College students, but they did not work together until they recorded several songs under the name Cherry in 2001. more at www.austin360.com

Wreckless Eric was one of the original Stiff artists, releasing the legendary Whole Wide World back in 1977. more at www.austin360.com

These days – when membership of the rock army can be symbolised by the simple purchase of a Ramones T-shirt – dedication has become a debased currency, subject to the hyper-inflationary dictates of fashion. more at www.austin360.com

When you hear Merle Haggard, you might think of a sharp guitar riff and great old country voice. What some might not know is his music almost didn’t happen. After serving time in juvenile detention facilities, it wasn’t until he saw Johnny Cash in concert that he decided to straighten out his life. Most recently, he wrote a song for Hillary Clinton titled “Hillary.” He’s better known, however, for his 42 No. 1 country hits. Tonight he plays the Paramount. more at austin360.com

Even in the precious world of indie rock, it’s possible to be too cutesy, and Mates Of State have been toeing that line for most of their career. But the dewy duo continues to save itself by producing albums that are better than the previous ones, including the new Re-Arrange Us, which puts a few spins on the band’s drums-and-organ format via extra instrumentation from producers Peter Katis, Chris Walla, and Spoon’s Jim Eno. Its 10 catchy songs are so solid that you probably won’t even notice their creators making googly eyes at each other. Headlights hails from Illinois, though sonically—with its gauzy harmonies and swooping guitars—it could be the offspring of Britain’s early-’90s shoegazer movement and the chipper side of the Montreal scene. Also playing: Black Joe Lewis.

Agreed, Delta Spirit’s really where it’s at. Show Preview.

Here’s a show preview, for Ladyhawk at least, if anyone needs a little convincing. Should be great.

The 30th anniversary of Pecan Street keeps it weird with five stages and 20 locals. Saturday beams with Bill Baird’s Sunset, the Lemurs, Ume, Attack Formation, Daniel Francis Doyle, and more before setting off fireworks (literally) with Grupo Fantasma at 8pm. Sunday sets an ethnic vibe with a Latin stage, St. Edward’s Ballet Folklorico, and Sabaya Belly Dancers, plus a country stage for good measure (the Moonhangers, Texas Sapphires, et al.). See www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com for complete lineups. – Darcie Stevens more at austinchronicle.com

Man Man impressed my pants off.