Though there has been no shortage of primary related news over the past few days, the most unusual story is that off Rock.com‘s (obviously unofficial) presidential primary. According to a Reuters story, Rock.com compiled a slate of alternate presidential candidates and encouraged fans to vote for their preferred musician-candidate.

The politically active Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong led the poll, besting Bono, Marilyn Manson, Pete Wentz, Gerard Way, Bruce Springsteen and Gene Simmons. You can check out the voting and some comments here.
Source Continue reading Billie Joe wins Presidential Primary at Rock.com, Pete Wentz in 6th →

In a pretty shocking LiveJournal entry, the now ex-girlfriend of The Shins‘ Marty Crandall blogged about alleged domestic assault. The entry has since been locked, but the woman in question, Elyse Sewell noted:

Think you had a shitty weekend? Nah. Why not compare it to mine? . . . On the drive home (home?) from Albuquerque to Portland, my ex-boyfriend got shitfaced and roughed me up in a Sacramento hotel. I escaped from the room through a blitzkrieg of violence and talked to hotel security, who called the fuzz.

Elyse has also been charged though she maintains her actions were purely in self-defense. Crandall has yet to make any sort of public statement, so the majority of publicly available information comes from the arresting officer and Sewell’s journal.

The wildly popular Shins released Wincing the Night Away in 2007. Punk fans may also remember guitarist Dave Hernandez from beloved 90s punk act Scared Of Chaka.
Source Continue reading The Shins’ Marty Crandall arrested for domestic assault →

This Is Hell have launched a 3-song e-card in support of their upcoming album. The record is titled Misfortunes and is due out February 19, 2008. It is the follow-up to Sundowning which was released in 2006.

You can check it out here.
Source Continue reading This Is Hell post three song e-card for “Misfortunes” →

Yellowcard will be headed to the Persian Gulf to perform a series of shows for enlisted men and women serving abroad.

This is the first USO tour for Yellowcard, who will hang out with armed forces, sign autographs and treat U.S. troops to a selection of hit songs from all their albums. Frontman Ryan Key notes:

We’re really excited about going to the Middle East with the USO and performing for the troops. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to visit and entertain those that serve our nation. This tour isn’t just a treat for them but also for us.

Since before the U.S. entered World War II, the United Service Organization has been the constant link between the American people and the U.S. military. In times of peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered its special brand of entertainment and comfort to service men and women. Entertainers who recently participated in USO tours include Robin Williams, Lance Armstrong, Lewis Black, Rachel Smith, Ronan Tynan, Sheryl Underwood, Keni Thomas, Darryl Worley, Tito Ortiz, Kellie Pickler, and many others.
Source Continue reading Yellowcard plans USO tour for troops in Persian Gulf →

Chris Norris, the artist behind Steak Mountain has unveiled his new project dubbed The New Wave Collection. Norris produced ten unique t-shirt designs that correspond with each of the ten songs on Against Me!‘s New Wave.

All the shirts will be available from the band but Norris is previewing the work now. All ten designs can be seen here: The New Wave Collection Part One and The New Wave Collection Part Two.

The artist, Chris Norris has designed shirts and CD covers for bands like Panthers, Fake Problems, The Draft and Atom & His Package.
Source Continue reading Artist prepares series of ten “New Wave” themed shirts →

Static Radio NJ have embarked on a tour as they gear up for their upcoming appearance with Hot Water Music in Sayreville, NJ.

The band will be joined on most dates by Seasick and are supporting their 2007 album, One for the Good Guys.

Source Continue reading Tours: Static Radio NJ / Seasick →

Genghis Tron have announced US record release shows and a European tour in support of their upcoming Relapse debut. The record is titled Board up the House and is due out February 19, 2008. It is the follow-up to Dead Mountain Mouth which was released in 2006.

Source Continue reading Tours: Genghis Tron →

According to this Buzznet report, former Drop Dead, Gorgeous keyboardist Aaron Rothe has joined up with former From First to Last vocalist Sonny Moore to work on his upcoming solo debut.

Moore departed From First to Last in 2007 and has been busy preparing for his solo debut. He will also be appearing on the upcoming AP Tour.
Source Continue reading Drop Dead Gorgeous keyboardist joins former From First to Last vocalist →

Small Towns Burn A Little Slower will be disbanding after their final shows and a release of their final album next month.

The band’s final performance will take place February 9, 2008, at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis (early all-ages and late 21+) for the release of their final album So Begins the Test of a Man on St. Paul, MN’s Dead Letter Records. The album will be released online and in stores on February 19, 2008.
Source Continue reading Small Towns Burn a Little Slower (2002-2008) →