Today is the start of the granddaddy of San Francisco festivals, Noise Pop. Now in it’s 17th year, the festival is back with an impressive lineup after a lukewarm cast last year.

Since there are so many shows (32 by my count) this week, we’ll provide a daily preview of the bands playing that day/night. Most shows don’t sell out due to the volume of choices, so this will hopefully give you an opportunity to pick out what show(s) to catch each night.

The festival kicks off tonight with an official “Opening Night Party” featuring Deerhunter and local electro-poppers Lilofee, along with DJs Jimmy Tamborello (Postal Service), Aaron Axelson and Omar at the Mezzanine.

If you’re looking for something a little slower, Antony and the Johnsons will be supporting their new album, The Crying Light at the Nob Hill Masonic Center.

In addition to the musical options, cult favorite John Darnielle (leader of the Mountain Goats and #82 on Paste’s 100 best living songwriters list) will kick off the Noise Pop’s lecture series with a “conversation and song hosted by Tobias Wolff” at the Herbst Theatre. Darnielle will also perform under his Mountain Goats moniker tomorrow night at the Swedish American Music Hall.

Check back throughout the week for updates as well as photos and reviews of the previous night’s shows.

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