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This blog post was contributed by Max Willens, ZIO's Music Channel Assistant.

Well, it's official.

The schedule for CMJ 2009 was released yesterday, and what a schedule it is. Expect a lot more coverage and prep work from us next week, but here are some first impressions for you:

--The 90's guitar rock revival is in full effect. Those of you who thought plaid's resurgence was just an empty retro signifier are all encouraged to let bands like Des Roar, Surfer Blood, Kleenex Girl Wonder, and Ume change their minds. The good news here is that this revival could well yield something more interesting than the post-punk revival of a few years ago.

--There are even more venues involved this year. Yup. You read that right. More venues. This is absolutely a good thing (imagine if there had been fewer!), but that also turns the event into even more of an endurance test than in years past.

--Brooklyn's going to dominate the proceedings. Unlike some of the recent CMJs, in which there was either a fantastic balance of talent from all over the world or a certain outside scene (London's or Los Angeles's, e.g.) dominated, this year it looks like some of the strongest music is coming right out of Brooklyn.

--There is a noticeable uptick in the number of electro-rap artists (Pimp Ninja, Miz Metro, Bang Bang Eche) scheduled this year, and I would be stunned if any of them makes even the smallest thing resembling a dent. Or, at least, I'm praying that's how it shakes out.

More on this next week. We're going to go start stocking up on Gatorade and protein bars, and then start stockpiling sleep for the occasion.