The Steps These young cats from Austin rip open guitars with a thick blend of American garage and British pub rock. Timeworn riffs and chords, headshaking sing-a-longs and a steady rhythm section make for a rocking good time. The quartet is a feisty live act to boot and has released a handful of noteworthy singles and records. With Palm Trees and Shine River. Milestone (Samir Shukla)

Eric Lindell Schooled in and based out of New Orleans, Lindell is a bluesman with an ear for folk, foot-stomping R&B, blue-collar rock, and especially Crescent City funk. A taut musician as well as tunesmith, Lindell's combo of blues, R&B, and funk pegs him as a continuer of blues cool. It's an acclaim earned through a natural musical work ethic. With Deb Callahan. Double Door Inn (Shukla)