Bells and Whistles is conspicuously avoiding 9/11 anniversary hype. To be truthful, we just aren't feeling up to dealing on any level with what was a terribly shocking and sad event the first time around. It if troubles you as well, avoid the hysteria-inducing media coverage tomorrow and do something positive--however large or small--for the world, or another person, or something.

Happier news on the music front:

Thrill Jockey, the label that brings us The Sea & Cake, one of my favorite bands, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Millions of post-rockers now living will never die. (Puzzlingly, the anniversary tour kicked off in New York, not Chicago. Hello?)

The Mekons are celebrating their 25-year anniversary with a series of concerts. I hope to check out the Cultural Center gig on Friday at lunch.

Chickfactor, the magazine that inspired, well, the song "Chickfactor," has a new spiffy online presence. Full text of back issues, Web extras, photos, and a new issue coming soon! Just the thing to banish that end-of-summer malaise.

And finally, the Indie-List, Finley Breeze, and Telegraph archives are now back online. Check out the 1994-96 years and find out how Eric and I spent our time before Tivo. We made many friends and learned about much good music through this avenue and, I daresay, contributed our own little nugget or two to indierawk history. Enjoy!