One of the most difficult band names to google -- and a group that insists on not having a myspace page -- this beyond-hardcore bunch of freaks will take the stage late tonight at Emo's inside room. This isn't '80s political punk, this isn't throwback thrash, this is some of the crustiest, horrifying music you'll ever hear. A couple of 7"s are out there and there's a rumor of an LP coming on an esteemed indie. We're guessing it's not Rounder.

Also on the bill are hard-working Austinites Iron Age, launching a 2-week tour and planning an LP release for this Fall. Giuda from Italy and Black Congress start up the show 'roundabout 10pm, so deliver a blow to the bummer that Tuesdays can be, and go check out some gorgeously ugly music tonight.

Okay, I know Warren Ellis isn’t a musician. He’s a writer. A way cool writer of comics, novels and the upcoming Castelvania movie (aww yeah!) Because Mr. Ellis is so groovy, I decided this was worth running here as I know he must have loads of musical-type fans.

Prolific, and with a personality that extends beyond the world of the make-believe, I’m a regular reader of Ellis’ blog, and in addition to his popular comic Black Summer, this week also marks his debut as author of the most excellent Astonishing X-Men series.

So without further ado, please enjoy Mr. E’s take on The LP Questionnaire.

Name: Warren Ellis
Pro Wrestling Name: Apparently it’s Smooth Jackal.

1. Pretend you’re 15. Name three songs you’d put on a mix tape for your girlfriend. God, 15… that makes it 1983. What did we have in 1983 that’d go on a romantic mixtape? Especially, you know, when you’re 15, it’s dark and cold all the time “Blue Monday,” New Order. “Never Never,” The Assembly. And… hell, this is tough, actually. “Red Red Wine"? The Banshees covering “Dear Prudence"? No: Dexy’s Midnight Runners doing “Come On Eileen.”

2. Which evil villain would make the best President? Hell, I don’t care. I live in England. Watching you actually choose an evil villain every four years is a great spectator sport for us out here in the rest of the world. Although we confess to some disappointment that Arnold Schwarzenegger won’t be running against Jesse Ventura in ‘08. What a cage match that would be.

3. What was your favorite cartoon as a child? I remember when I was very small, seven or eight years old, my favourite cartoon was this odd Japanese import called Marine Boy, that played all one summer on the morning TV.

4. What superpower do you wish you had? Teleportation. Without a doubt. Except maybe I’d like the power of Not Dying better.

5. What would the title of your autobiography be? I Am Not Finished, So Sod Off

Thanks so much for joining us for this edition of The LP Questionnaire. You can read other groovy LP?s here, if you like.

I heart Beast,
Ms. P

ps. I would have given a photo credit but could not find a shooter to go with the shot. Cute pic, though.

For the past three years, the folks at Armed Forces Entertainment have come to SXSW to host a party, do business in the SXSW trade show and scout out bands to travel overseas to play for US troops stationed abroad. AFE is about entertaining the troops and giving artists an opportunity to travel to and play in places they never dreamed they would go like Japan, Korea, Italy, Greece, Spain and the Middle East. AFE hosts about 1,200 shows at 270 military installations every year. The bands get all travel and lodging covered and a per diem is allotted to each member of the group. AFE also provides the bands a stipend to produce merchandise (CDs, t-shirts, etc.) to give away to the troops.

Several of the bands who've toured with the program played to about 1,000 SXSW registrants at AFE's sanctioned SXSW party this year at Brush Square Park, including Tripdavon, Five Star Iris and Urban Sophisticates, who were signed on at SXSW 2007. After this year's SXSW, AFE received about 330 applications and have signed up nine bands for tours.

The Gin Blossoms, Edwin McCain, Bret Michaels and Kid Rock have toured with AFE and in 2007, popular Texas country musicians Charlie Robison and Kevin Fowler toured with AFE in Iraq, playing military bases in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Al Asad, and Balad.

"Personally, it was the most amazing experience ever," says Robison. "They (AFE) contacted me out of the blue and asked me to tour with them. It took me about one second to say yes once I heard what they are about. But it was a way I could do my duty, and the experience of playing to and talking to those soldiers made it all worthwhile."

Bands currently touring throughout the summer include Hinder, Scratch Track, King Cone, CatchPenny and The Scarlet Ending.

Photo of Charlie Robison by Woody Welch.

I just got a press release about Dave Mustaine appearing at The Guitar Center in Los Angeles. An evening of dialogue and insight with Dave Mustaine will take place on July 10 and is free and open to the public. I miss every cool thing in LA! All the Luke Chueh shows, now this. Drat! I heart Dave Mustaine! Please enjoy this Dave Mustaine guitar lesson. He’s awesome!

In other news, Boy George was unsuccessful in his Visa appeal and has cancelled his tour. I guess they really do want to hurt him. Ouch. I know that was bad. Poor Boy.

Someone called Nardo sent me this mighty cool Ulrich Schnauss poster for Schnauss’ upcoming July 6 show at The Parish. Another US show that I’ll be missing. Way to rub it in, Nardo! But thanks!

And last but not least, please check out San Francisco singer-songwriter Ryan Auffenberg whose record Marigolds came out a week ago on Evangeline records. Some lovely mellow songs there.

What’s new and exciting in your musical world? Please feel free to email us at musicblog@sxsw.com. You can subscribe to our extra tasty rss feed here.

I’m watching Nancy Drew, lp

Jay-Z answers Noel Gallagher’s charge that his music doesn’t belong at a festival like Glastonbury.

Meanwhile, My Morning Jacket rocked the house on a tiny stage.

Tee hee, lp