COLUMBIA, S.C. — It’s not enough that his sister is an acclaimed short story fiction writer or that he’s often referred to as leading one of America’s smartest bands. Indie rock’s favorite bookish storyteller has decided to go the solo route so he can release more music for the adoring public, and if you’re quick enough you may just get a specialized bookmark to boot.

MADISON, Wis. — Three years ago, Elbow, a four-piece group from Manchester, England, pulled out all the stops with “Leaders of the Free World” — a dizzying array of hooks and clamors so filled with symbolism and messages it felt like an M. Night Shyamalan film put to music. Aside from the politically charged title track, Elbow unleashed a cosine of emotion with each track, sending a shockwave that resonated with fans until the group returned to the studio in 2008 for its latest album, “The Seldom Seen Kid.”

WASHINGTON — Two local record stores championed their independent ownership on Saturday as part of a nationwide initiative to celebrate the culture of record stores.

The fact Alex Smith’s favorite band is classic rock legend Led Zeppelin should come as no surprise — he’s the chairman of the College Republicans. While the two facts seem to be unrelated, a recent survey released by a rock radio consulting firm found that anyone who listens to classic rock is more likely to vote Republican.

About 60 Boston University students turned out to hear RIAA representatives explain the tactics the group uses to discourage copyright infringement and prosecute violators and field questions last night.

KENT, Ohio — If you’ve got no place to go, why not go to the punk rock show? But this is no ordinary punk rock show. Pop-punk veterans MxPx are bringing their Karaoke Nights Tour to the Grog Shop April 24. For the entire show, two fans will do vocals for the band’s performance karaoke-style, but with the actual band playing with them.