Check It. Attack the Block.

It's a peculiar thing watching Attack the Block while being aware of all the riots and madness going on in London and surrounding whereabouts right now. There's a youthful grittiness that's almost all too real in this film, and can hit particularly hard if you think about it too much.

Thankfully, there's enough fast-moving action, witty remarks and just plain heart to distract you and have you enjoy this fun-filled adventure of a film. Attack the Block was directed by first-time director Joe Cornish, a friend of Edgar Wright (who also produced the film), and it's obvious that Cornish looks up to Wright's fast-cut storytelling pace. It's refreshing, keeps the movie young and holds well with the script's banter.

I went into the theater not knowing much anything about the plotline, and I think other moviegoers should do the same. But if you're curious, the basic story follows a group of British teenagers as they encounter a pretty crazy, out-of-this-world (wink wink) night. I was extremely impressed by the cast of actors -- many of them young and new and right of the gate (similar to Super 8 earlier this year; the kids are killing it!). They really help to bring you into this South London world, and you strangely might not ever want to leave.

Attack the Block is playing at the Arclight theaters, L.A. Live and other theaters.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Aquarium Drunkard's "L'Aventure" compilation [The Monday Download].

I still remember the first time I listened to Television. It was in college, a few years ago, and although I had heard of the band before--namely for their association with the New York punk and CBGB's scene--I'd never really paid much attention to any of their songs. But it was summer, and a friend was introducing me to Marquee Moon, and most pointedly, its title track. With those dueling guitars and the snarling punk vocals, I've never looked back.

And admittedly, I didn't look forward either. I neglected to listen to the band's next and basically last album (they broke up soon afterward, and then reunited in 1992, but it's just not the same), Adventure, but it seems like a lot of other people haven't listened to it either. L.A. music blog Aquarium Drunkard hopes to change that.

With its new compilation L'Aventure, AD rounded up a few local up-and-coming bands like The Henry Clay People, Foreign Born, The Deadly Syndrome, Local Natives and The Growlers to do covers of songs from Adventure. What I've heard so far has been great, and has definitely piqued my interest in the original album.

Get a taste of the covers album by clicking here. What's even better: the entire eight-track compilation is free as a high-quality download, but you can also make a donation, of which 100% goes to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. Even with just a $5 donation, you'll be supporting local music in so many ways. What a deal!

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Aquarium Drunkard