Regional

Julie Axis is calling it quits with the Chicago-based trypnotica group My Scarlet Life after being with the band for five years.

She gave her reasons in a letter published in a My Scarlet Life fan e-mail list.

“There are so many things that I want and need to accomplish in my lifetime, musical and otherwise, and I realized that I could not accomplish most of them while I was a member of MSL,” she wrote. “I wish all the best to the remaining members of MSL, and I hope their dreams come true, individually and as a band. I am hoping that you will embrace the changes taking place and support both the new MSL, whatever form it may take, and my new project Jute.”

Only three more opportunities remain to see Axis with the band. Friday they’ll play a 19-and-over show at Steb’s (2215 College) in Cedar Falls.

The Q (221 Iowa Ave.) in Iowa City hosts the band Saturday for another 19-plus show. The band will play two sets starting about 11 p.m.

My Scarlet Life’s final gig with Axis takes place Nov. 27 at the Metro in Chicago (3730 N. Clark St.), with doors opening at 11 p.m. Fans can try to score free tickets on the group’s Web site before they run out.

For an event a little closer to home check out Machine Head Saturday at Uncle Frog’s in Des Moines. Videodrone and DDT will join the band for a rockin’ good time.

Be on the look out for Machine Head’s upcoming video, “From this Day,” directed by Michael Martin.

National

If you think Reel Big Fish sucks, don’t buy their first album, “Everything Sucks,” when it is reissued Jan. 25.

Mojo Records will bring “Everything Sucks” to the masses in an attempt to cash in on some of the profits bootleg copies have been gathering. Booties have gone for as much as $150, according to CDNow.

The new version of “Everything Sucks” features two previously unreleased tracks, “Super Hero #5” and “I’m Her Man.” “S-R,” originally on the initial release, has been scrapped on the reissued version. The enhanced CD contains the video for “Everything Sucks.”

Reel Big Fish hopes to have a new album out sometime next year.

The group plans to start recording in January.