More fun than the better-known eternal twosome of death and taxes, San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival returns for the 17th time with a savory assortment of well-known, lesser-known and “who-dat” indie-rock acts to chase those late-winter blues. With Antony And The Johnsons, Stephen Malkmus and A.C. Newman as the big guns announced so far, Noise Pop 2009 runs from February 24 through March 1 at various venues scattered throughout the city. No Age, St. Vincent, Josh Ritter, Martha Wainwright, French Kicks, Goblin Cock, Ra Ra Riot, Broken West, and the Submarines have been confirmed so far with many more to follow soon. To add spice to the music, Noise Pop will also include a film festival, an art gallery show and the inevitable industry conference educational panel (if there’s absolutely nothing else on that night). Noise Pop badges are now on sale for $150 each at the festival website with a 10 percent discount if purchased before January 12.
