- UNEARTH has posted a new song titled “Giles” on the Ozzfest media page.

- Google debuted its new online wallet feature today called Google Checkout which allows for express shopping at online stores and provides incentives for online store operators to participate in Google’s AdWords program. Interesting stuff.

- Vagrant is offering people a free CD from their entire catalog to those who send in a proof of purchase of the new DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL release Dusk and Dawn. Details are here.

- The CANCER BATS have joined up with Abacus Recordings for the US release of their new album Birthing the Giant. Abacus continues to sign bands like they’re the New York Yankess of hardcore/metal labels.

- Two thumbs up to the “physically enhanced” woman on the train home with the shoulder tattoo that read “Tiny.”

- The new RISE AGAINST is chock full of excellence. It’s a pleasure to listen to a band that’s actively hitting its stride.

- Indiehq recently chatted with Asian Man’s Mike Park about the label’s recent 10th Anniversary. Park’s operation is a true inspiration and he seems like a class act all the way around.

- Philly’s metal warriors THE DIVINING have a new demo track posted on their myspace page.

- KILLING THE DREAM and RUINER are on tour together through the US in July. Go see them.

- Hey STRUNG OUT! Give us an update! The last time you updated your website was in April. Show the fans some love!

- Speaking of STRUNG OUT, I have an urge to reprint some lyrics from “Too Close To See,” as they have had particular importance to me over the past week with regards to being the operator of a fairly popular music site.

Some times you get too close to see

Don’t stare to hard, just take a look around…