25 days of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, eye-gouging Jared diamond commercials and family "togetherness" -- this month's an endurance test. But if you've made it out to the other side, the reward is yours for the next few weeks: raging local concerts, gift money to blow and finally some time to curl up with all the records friends swear you've been missing out on.


Tonight, if you're looking to shake off the holiday cheer, book it to 1919 Hemphill in Fort Worth at 7 p.m. for Power Trip, Mammoth Grinder, Harm's Way, Wiccans and Human Error. Dead Beat already swooned over Dallas hardcore thrashers Power Trip for their crushing new EP Armageddon Blues, but there's an even better reason to drop $5 for this killer lineup: the show's for a good cause. All of the concert's proceeds will benefit the Zenaida Martin breast cancer fund. Austin's Mammoth Grinder has trampled through the North Texas DIY scene more than a few times the last two years. Recently signed to Relapse Records, the band's incessant touring has made its dark brew of stoned death metal a welcomed delicacy not just in the metroplex.


On Wednesday, Dallas doom-gaze trio True Widow plays an extended set of entirely new material with Denton's spookiest surf rockers, Switchblade Razors, at City Tavern. Drummer Timothy Starks recently discussed True Widow's new songs in an interview with Dead Beat, and if the new cuts are as brooding, cryptic, and calculating as he hinted at, you'll want to bring your bribe money to convince the band to stamp the new jams onto 180-gram vinyl ASAP. Doors are at 9 p.m. $5.

In this week's paper (on newsstands Thursday), you'll be able to read about my favorite local music of 2009. Look for the top 10 local-album picks of the year, as well as more favorite releases from acts with strong local ties.

And while we wait, here are a few of the songs that made my "Favorite Local Songs" list. I won't reveal where these tunes fall in the rankings. There are 20 spots. Guess away if you must.

Get back here tomorrow for another sampling of the listmania to come on Thursday.

Veteran singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen has a slew of signature songs ("Gringo Honeymoon," "The Road Goes on Forever," "Feelin' Good Again"), and he's still cranking out thoughtful material on his new album, The Rose Hotel. Given the time of year, bet on hearing one of his witty holiday classics -- "Merry Christmas From the Family" or "Happy Holidays Y'all." With Sons of Bill. 8 p.m. House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. $47.50-$97.50. ticketmaster.com.

The Old 97's continues its run of four consecutive pre-NYE gigs at Deep Ellum's Sons of Hermann Hall. 8 p.m. 3414 Elm St. $26-$30. 214-747-4422. tickets.frontgatetickets.com.

Joe Ely performs at the Granada Theater at 8 p.m. with Merrol Ray and Jason Eady. 3524 Greenville Ave. $20-$35. 214-824-9933. granadatheater.com.

Check out DJ El Macho's weekly "Underground" night at the Lounge on Elm St., featuring classic indie rock and pop. 7 p.m. 2810 Elm St.
No cover. myspace.com/theloungeonelmst.

Center Divider (featuring members of Telegraph Canyon and Paper Chase), Emil Rapstine and Will Kapinos performs at Dan's Silverleaf at 10 p.m. Cover TBA. 103 Industrial St., Denton. 940-320-2000. danssilverleaf.com.

Denton DJ Yeahdef presents his weekly '90s night. 10 p.m. Hailey's, 122 Mulberry St., Denton. $5 for under 21, no cover for over 21. 940-323-1160. haileysclub.com.

Disqo Disco at Fallout Lounge, hosted by Sydney Confirm DJs. 835 Exposition Drive. 10 p.m. myspace.com/disqodisco.