Better known as the vocalist/songwriter/keyboardist for the West Coast punk-pop quintet Something Corporate, Andrew McMahon explores the dark side with his emo pop side project, Jack's Mannequin. Utilizing the talents of numerous friends and collaborators, McMahon began work on the collective's debut in 2004. The resulting Everything in Transit, a "concept album exploring his alienating return to the hometown he left to pursue his music," was released on Maverick Records in August of 2005 to a positive response from fans and critics alike. A supporting summer tour was cancelled after McMahon was subsequently diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia that June; he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant (from his sister) in October. As he recovered, a video for the album's first single, "The Mixed Tape," was beginning to make waves on VH1 and MTV. Jack's Mannequin began playing sporadic shows in 2006, including a brief summer headlining tour before serving as openers for O.A.R. on nationwide dates. A repackaged version of Transit appeared that fall coupled with a bonus DVD.