Thank god for Fox's runaway hit, The O.C.. Without it, we wouldn't know what's hot in the world of indie music. After a season of strategically placing Death Cab posters in the character's rooms and the characters admitting to listening to the Postal Service, the show's producers have released yet another soundtrack to the show. This one includes The Killers, Interpol, Death Cab for Cutie, the Walkmen, Beulah, Jem, and the Album Leaf. I am most anticipating Nada Surf's cover of the 80s classic "If You Leave". The full tracklist is...

A trend these days seems to be quirky boy/girl duos. The ones at the head of the pack are Mates of State. On october 8, they will release a 4-song EP entitled All Day on their home label, Polyvinyl. If that is not enough, they are headed out on tour with Pinback and Bishop Allen. Jack and Meg, watch out!

A handful of PJ Harvey dates to take place the first half of October were announced for North America this week. No West Coast dates at this time, but who knows what the future holds.

Running from mid-October to mid-December, Ted Leo + Pharmacists are heading out on a pretty comprehensive tour of North America. Wherever you are, chances are, he's coming to see you.

GWAR will be releasing another sure to be classic entitled War Party on Ocober 26th. They'll also be popping the cherry on their "Mock the Vote" fall tour that same day with support from Dying Fetus. You know you want the dates...

According to this VH1 article, The Postal Service will shoot a video for "We Will Become Silhouettes" with Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess. Lucky. In other news, the band will play the annual USPS convention on November 17th in Washington DC.

Muse is heading back out on the road in support of their stellar new album, Absolution. The full list of dates is below, but if you want a chance at winning tickets, then head over here where they are giving away a pair for each show.

We told you about the one-off Blonde Redhead show at the Conway Hall, but now we have learned that the band will also be doing a full US tour when they return back to the US. The band will be supported by The Liars on all dates.

4AD has announced that the first three Pixies albums are are being reissued on heavyweight on 180gm vinyl. The mini-album Come On Pilgrim was where it all started back in 1987, followed by Surfer Rosa in 1988, and Doolittle in 1989. Each re-release features the complete original artwork, except for Doolittle which now includes an insert including the lyrics, taken from the booklet which came free with initial copies first time around.

Lovitt Records has announced the signing of Washington, D.C.'s own Del Cielo. The band, who currently has a couple of 7" records out as well as an album release on Eyeball Records, will be recording their Lovitt full-length in October 2004 to be released in January 2005. More info on the band below.

Ramones Guitarist Johnny Ramone died yesterday (9/15) from his prolonged battle with cancer. He was 55 years old. To read a statement from the band's website, go to [more] Goodbye Johnny. You will be sorely missed.

The Ocean Blue are about to head out on the first leg of their tour to suport the release of their latest album, Waterworks. The band's first three records had become staples of modern rock/college radio in the early 90's, scoring multiple top 5 Billboard hits, spurning MTV videos and appearances on late night TV, and selling over half a million copies worldwide. The band has been writing diligently and plan to release both Waterworks and a new full length in early 2005.

De La Soul are set to release their 8th CD, The Grind Date, on October 5. In other news, the band has also been busy designing a new limited edition shoe with Nike called the ‘De La Dunk’ that is due to arrive in stores in the fall. Lot's more on the album can be found below.

Wyclef Jean and The Black Keys have recently joined the all-star line up of artists, musicians and actors scheduled to perform at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Freedom Concert at Lincoln Center on October 4th. Much more info below.

Green Day's entire new album is currently being featured on MTV.com's The Leak. Hear the album here. American Idiot hits stores on Sept. 21st.

Yesterday the Freaks and Geeks Soundtrack, the music that made the Emmy award-winning series, was released on CD. The Freaks and Geeks Original Soundtrack and Score CD includes tracks by The Who, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Styx, and Rush – and ties them together with the most memorable portions of the shows score.

Modest Mouse has announced a secret show tonight at Webster Hall in New York City to support their friends in Wolf Parade. Ticket details are below. In other news, it has been announced that the band will be the curators and headliners of the third annual All Tomorrow's Parties festival, scheduled for November 6 and 7 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. The Flaming Lips and The Shins set to perform as well.

Though there is no obvious mention of it on their website, apparently Grandaddy will be releasing a mix CD entitled Below The Radio featuring a new track track from the band themselves and then a slew of songs from bands they like (The Fruitbats, Snow Patrol, Blonde Redhead, Beck). The 18 track disc is due out on October 19th.

The new Beck album won't be seeing the light of day until 2005. There was a tenative release for late October, but its just too tight of a schedule for the label to make it (and still properly promote the latest from U2). Hopefully the intended first single, "Gospel", will be released relatively soon so we can all check out the Dan "The Automator" remix.

If you're dying to hear the new Brian Wilson redux of the much fabled SMiLE album (remember September 28th) you can check out an online album player here. The more people that register, the more of the album and artwork that gets revealed.