I have steadily been adding good local links into my sidebar, so I figured I would let you all know about them. Austin is the top blogging market in the U.S. (followed closely by Portland, San Francisco, Seattle,) so it is no surprise that there are so many blogs in Austin worth taking a look at.

I have put together a list of the local blogs that I frequent along with a brief description below, and if you have a link that you think should be included in this list be sure to let me know. Most of these are obviously music-centric, and will add some quality padding to your bookmarks folder.

Alphabetically:

• Austin360 Music Source

Always a handy resource, with show reviews, previews, music news & more.

• Austin Hip-Hop Scene

One of the few local spots to get your hip-hop fix.

• Austin Sound

Extreme lovers of local music, offering reviews, interviews, and mp3's for your downloading pleasure.

• Austin Sound Check

Keeping tabs on good musical happenings in Austin, constantly updated.

• AustinSurreal

Mostly Austin, mostly hip-hop, mostly events, digs photos.

• Austin Town Hall

Well-rounded blog with good album reviews & show information, bonus points for comedy.

• Austinist

Informative previews on local shows, interviews, music, art, film, politics & more

• Big Diction

On a "mission to consistently provide thoughtful content with an emphasis on local Austin, as well as national music, sports, film and current events through thinly veiled cynicism and contempt."

• Both Sides of the Mouth

A quality destination spot for sweet indie music complimented by thoughtful reviews and custom art.

• Burnt Orange Juice

Music blog operated by staff of The Daily Texan.

• Cannibal Cheerleader

Good live show reviews, photos, and video production to boot.

• Covert Curiosity

That's me, an mp3 blog covering whatever I happen to be listening to at the moment.

• Cubik Musik

Electronic music curated by a fine Irishman, covering all sorts of electro.

• Earache!

Music blog operated by staff of the Austin Chronicle.

• East Austinite

Telling you what to do on the east side, including music, food, and events.

• Electronic Austin

Covering good electronic music from all over, all the time.

• Flux-Rad

Informed commentary on various subjects, including music.

• Funeral Pudding

Mostly indie, run by a live music aficionado.

• Ian Loves Music

Lovingly reporting on fun times had on behalf of music in Austin.

• Little Boys' Choir

Mostly indie, from a fellow with a good taste in music.

• Party Ends

A musical outlet run by a couple of guys who like to party, and do it often.

• Recycled Love Songs

Good commentary on lots of music with updated information on local concerts.

• Salad Days Music

Covering a good mix of music from all over the map.

• Side One: Track One

Jam-packed with content on various artists, and plenty of goodies for the ipod.

• Sonic Itch Music

Lots of music news, concert picks, original photography, and informed reviews.

• Sounds Like Austin

Covering live music in Austin.

• Switchburn

A video team that documents all kinds of bands in a live setting, and gives it to you to see.

• The Corner

All about telling you about things you should know about.

• The Sound of Marching Feet

Keeping tabs on new music and good bands coming to town.

• ultra8201

Concert recommendations, new music, video, and plenty of downloads.

• Woof In Stereo

Healthy live concert reviews & more.

Rags:

• Austin American Statesman
• Austin Chronicle
• Austin Daze
• Austin Music and Entertainment
• Misprint Magazine
• Soundcheck Magazine
• That Other Paper

Records:

• Antone's Record Shop
• Backspin Records
• Cheapo Discs
• DJ Dojo
• End of an Ear
• Friends of Sound Records
• Music Mania
• Sound on Sound
• Trailer Space Records
  
• Waterloo Records

More:

• Austin City Limits
• Austin, TX Showlist
• Do512.com
• Fun Fun Fun Fest
• SXSW

...and here's a few minutes of local ambience from Ghost of the Russian Empire, a foursome who have been described as a "Radiohead-influenced alternative rock group with a pinch of My Morning Jacket and just a dash of psychedelia." Sounds to me like there's just a dash of Eels in there as well...

• Ghost of the Russian Empire - "Nov 2070"
• Ghost of the Russian Empire - "August 1914"
• myspace.com/ghostoftherussianempire