This year, SXSW is off the hook as usual. There are way too many great things to see, and with so many good bands playing in the same city — and in many cases, at the exact same time (just different venues) — we thought you’d like some help making decisions.

We were sweet enough to gather a list of a few choice bands and showcases that caught our eye, and we know this might not help. It might make your decisions more difficult, but tough cookies, you’re at SXSW. Deal with it.

Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt

Crazy props, spandex, capes, bright colors, and elated band members. Perhaps they’ll feed the audience cake, as they’ve done at past shows.

3/14 – Escapes XVI – Club 1808 – 1808 E 12th st – 9:30 p.m.
3/16 – STOUH BY SMES SHOUT 2 – 21st Co-op – 707 W 21st (w/ Dan Deacon, Grimes vs. Pictureplane vs. Doldrums, Maps & Atlases, Andrew WK, and Japanther)
3/16 – The Whiskey Room – 503 E 6th St – 1:00 a.m. (w/ Bright Moments)
3/17 – Wadzilla’s Boston to Austin Party – The Treehouse Pub – 501 E. 6th – 12:00 a.m.
3/17 – SXSWendy’s – Behind the Wendy’s on the interstate

Texas Stand-Off – Third Man Records Showcase

In the words of our photographer, Leigh, “Yes, please.”

3/16 – Featuring Jack White, Karen Elson, Pujol, Natural Child, White Rabbits, Reggie Watts and more – 7:30 p.m.

White Mystery

“Fiery redheads” doesn’t even begin to describe the explosive power of this duo.

3/14 – Hotel Vegas – Brooklyn Vegan Chicago – 12:00 p.m.
3/14 – Trailer Space – Burgerstock 2012 – 10:00 p.m.
3/15 – Elysium – Reggie’s Rock Club Party
3/15 – Headhunters – Blackout Booking Presents – 12:15 a.m.
3/15 – Gingerman – Dog Fish Head IPA / Blurt Magazine – 3:00 p.m.
3/16 – Cherrywood Coffee House – Girls Rock Camp! – 5:00 p.m.
3/17 – Beerland – Get Bent and Rubberneck present – 2:10 p.m.
3/17 – Spiderhouse – Burgermania – 11:30 p.m.

Heavy Cream

Heavy Cream makes crowds sweat so hard that C&C Music Factory bow to them.

3/15 – Trailer Space – Cake Shop Party – 7:00 p.m.
3/16 – East Side Bikinis – AyeAyeAye Tapes Escapes Party – 2502 Webberville – 4:30 p.m.
3/16 – Trailer Space – Get Bent Party – 10:30 p.m.
3/17 – The Side Bar – 40 Watt Club Party – 602 E. 7th St – 2:30 p.m.
3/17 – Spider House – Burger Records Party – 8:30 p.m.

Typhoon

Epic Portland band that has more members than my extended family.

3/14 – Stage On 6th – Paste – 2 p.m.
3/14 – Grackle – The Portland Party – 11 p.m.
3/16 – Homeslice Pizza – 3 p.m.
3/17 – Dirty Dog Bar – Denver Post’s Reverb Day party – 2:45 p.m.
3/17 – Swan Dive – Red Ryder Showcase – 12 a.m.

Screaming Females

Only two shows, better catch at least one!

3/14 – Bar 96 – Brooklyn Vegan official showcase
3/15 – Beerland – Chaos in Tejas

The Spits, The Gories, Thee Oh Sees

A great show with a fantastic poster.

3/16 – Emo’s East – 9pm (all ages!)

Fiona Apple

She emerged from her cave…with new music!

3/14 – Stubb’s – 7:45 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.
3/15 – Central Presbyterian Church – 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Alabama Shakes

This band will shake Austin to its core! Get thee down there.

3/14 – Radio Day Stage Austin Convention Center – 4:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
3/14 – Stubb’s – 801 Red River Street – 11:15 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
3/16 – Easy Tiger Patio – 12:00 a.m. -12:40 a.m.

La Sera

Let La Sera be your oasis of beauty at this dirty ol’ festival.

3/14 – Red 7 – Force Field / Terrorbird Day Party – 611 E 7th St. – 2:10 p.m.
3/14 – French Legation Museum – 802 San Marcos St. – 4:00 p.m.
3/15 – Hotel Vegas – Official Hardly Art show – 1500 E 6th St. – 1:00 a.m.
3/16 – Flamingo Cantina – Under the Radar Party – 3:10 p.m.

Get off the Internet – Feminist and Queer Showcase

Indeed, get off the internet. Go see some live music!

3/14 – Cheer Up Charlie’s – 1104 East 6th Street – 12:00 p.m.