In the news today: Speedy Ortiz, Matt Skiba, Lektron, AFI, Against Me!, Palehound, Ithaca, Janelle Monáe

AFI remind a sold-out Orlando crowd, and Jen Cray, that just because you’re emo doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.

Year of the Black Rainbow (Columbia Records). Review by Tim Wardyn.

Everything is illuminated in Nina Davenport’s inside peek at the nutty world of Hollywood filmmaking.

Angels & Airwaves soared into Orlando recently, with a slew of young bands in tow. Jen Cray gave them a shot, but was not quite convinced.

O-Rock 105.9 may have really dropped the ball on this year’s annual No Snow Show by splitting it into two separate shows, but at least they scored Jimmy Eat World and Silverchair to co-headline the second night of the event. Jen Cray was amongst the masses at Orlando’s House of Blues trying to convince themselves that the pair was enough to justify the pricey ticket.

Conviction (Victory). Review by Jen Cray.

Something Quite Peculiar (Science). Review by Jen Cray.

Music From Regions Beyond (Hellcat). Review by Jen Cray.

Of Montreal have taken their glam rock traveling circus show on the road, and after frontman Kevin Barnes Full Monty stunt in Vegas recently the band’s Orlando stop was packed with fans as well as curiousos. Jen Cray was front and centered for this fully clothed event.

Horror Thirteen (Blood and Guts). Review by Jen Cray.

Decemberunderground (Interscope). Review by Jen Cray.

Joining forces on a co-headlining tour, Rise Against and Thursday are bringing their seasoned skills to mid-sized theaters this winter. Jen Cray caught the Orlando set.

Exile in Oblivion (Fat Wreck Chords). Review by Vinnie Apicella.

Daniel Mitchell enjoys the occasional musico-archaelogical jaunt through the wonderful world of Ohio record shop dollar bins; what follows are his top 19 finds of 2003.

A clothing line based on his tattoos. A new band. A new dedication for his instrument. Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx skips the past and talks about present projects and a future of cracking coconuts on the beach. Gail Worley digs up the dirt.

6TWENTY (Hollywood Records). Review by Daniel Mitchell.

The third AFI hate mail reminds us that it’s once again time to share Letters with the rest of our readers!

The Unruly Sounds of Damnation (RAFR). Review by Daniel Mitchell.

Stein Haukland talks changes, hair metal, and straight edge with Glasseater’s drummer-turned-vocalist, Julio C. Marin.