Photo by Jim Graham

Anchorless Records is releasing All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash on October 21. The record features covers performed by 16 bands that are just below the popularity line, including: Chuck Ragan, The Bouncing Souls, The Gaslight Anthem, The Dresden Dolls, and – most imp, Derekortantly – Russ Freakin’ Rankin doing “I Walk The Line.” It’s kind of a bummer that there aren’t any rockabilly bands on here. But there’s already a psychobilly tribute to the Man In Black, so I guess it’s okay. And yes, there will be a vinyl version. Go to www.myspace.com/weareanchorlessrecords to hear a few tracks.

The Museum of Sex in NYC is showing one of Molly Crabapple’s new, large-scale paintings to coincide with the second presidential debate on October 15. I’ll probably be there taking photos.

Joetown – picture a cross between Andrew WK and AC/DC – posted new songs from their debut record on their Myspace go to www.MySpace.com/Joetown and decide whether they suck or not.

Derek Hess has a new book out with Kent Smith titled “Please God Help Me.” The book is an attack on right wing politics set to the backdrop of Ness’s stunning yet frantic artwork. Visit www.strhesspress.com for book signing dates. Alas, nothing is set for New York…yet.

Finally, Los Straitjackets and Laika & The Cosmonauts are playing two local dates. Check them out at Maxwell’s on October 24 and Southpaw on October 25. This is the last chance to see Laika before they call it quits and the Straitjackets are just awesome.