Do It. Local Natives at UCLA.

I admit it -- it's a bit difficult for me, a Trojan, to try and convince anyone to venture to UCLA for any reason. But this will be worth it.

The ever-amazing Local Natives will be playing a free show on the campus (guitarist Taylor Rice is an alum) this Thursday at noon. Having seen the hometown heroes play a few shows -- and this is not something I usually do for a band that only has one album out -- I can attest to their amazing live performances. As my boyfriend once best described, 'no one loves playing their own songs more than Local Natives.' And it's true, and often even breathtaking.

Check out what the hype is all about, and you won't regret it.

Local Natives will perform at noon at the Bruin Plaza at UCLA, located at 308 Westwood Plaza in Westwood.

-- 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

Advance Notice. Local Natives at the Fonda.

I know I've already raved about Local Natives enough, so I'll try not to repeat myself, but really--it's time to jump on the bandwagon. The local band put on a breathtakingly energetic and passionate earlier this month at the Troubadour, living up to the hype and expectations better than anyone could have imagined. The harmonies soared, the drums rumbled in everyone's hearts, and you could just see in their eyes how in awe they were of the audience as the audience was with them. I don't know if they'll still be setting up their own instruments during soundcheck come September, but it's sure to be an amazing show nonetheless. Don't miss out this time--trust me, you'll regret it.

Local Natives will be playing the Music Box at the Fonda on Sept. 17. Tickets go on sale today at 10am, and it will sell out quickly.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Local Natives

Do It. See these Coachella bands.

I don't need to tell you, but Coachella starts tomorrow. And I'm sure that you've been mulling over those set times list for hours now, planning your trek. It's impossible to see everything you wish you could, and if you're going to this, you probably don't need yet another recommendation, but I'm going to give some to you anyway.

I've kept it simple for you, though, keeping it to one pick a day, with other 'throwaway' suggestions at the end (I've stayed away from the main stages though; you should have those handled). Coincidentally, the main picks are all on the Gobi stage, and they mostly lean away from the usual rock, but variety is all what festivals are about, right?

Friday
Gil Scott-Heron, Gobi stage at 6:55pm
You may not know his name, but all your favorite musicians do. Proof? He's the guy behind "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." Seriously. People scoffed at the amount of legends at last year's Coachella, but this is the one not to be dismissed.
Also: Sleigh Bells, Yeasayer, Little Dragon, Fever Ray

Saturday
Flying Lotus, Gobi stage at 10:45pm
Atmospheric beats that'll wind you down after that druggy madness taking place on the main stages. L.A. native who makes songs like movies, and hey, he's the nephew of jazz great Alice Coltrane (and John Coltrane). He also recently opened up for Thom Yorke's new band, Atoms for Peace.
Also: John Waters, Girls, Beach House, Dirty Projectors, Devo

Sunday
Local Natives, Gobi stage at 2:10pm/Mayer Hawthorne and the County, Gobi stage at 3:20pm
Okay, this was a tie, but they follow one another and will both be awesome. Also both already mentioned by me before, but Local Natives have got amazing drumbeats and beautiful, arching harmonies to go for days (even Ed from Grizzly Bear's a fan!) and Mayer Hawthorne will swoon you off your sweaty feet.
Also: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Matt & Kim (for all out partying) or Florence & the Machine (for aesthetic value)

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Local Natives [The Monday Download].

I was pretty bummed about missing SXSW yet again this year, but thanks to a little live streaming via NPR and KCRW, I still got to enjoy listening to some great tunes. One particularly awesome set was played by one of my new favorite bands, Local Natives, for NPR Music's Day Party at the Parish, which you can listen to here.

But if that doesn't already endear you to the (yep!) locally based band (Silver Lake, to be exact), then the following videos should. Probably inspired by the amazing Take-Away Shows from La Blogotheque (more praise about that to come another time), these creative and beautifully plotted videos take the indie rock band away from the usual stage to perform acoustic versions of songs from their intricate, soaring debut Gorilla Manor. From an alleyway to a barnhouse to an abandoned room in a high-rise, the videos do a great job of not only capturing music in a different atmosphere but also highlighting the innate talent of the band who can adapt to surroundings and still sound so darn good even in these situations.

In short, these videos are wonderful pieces in and of themselves, but also give a talented band its justice.

-- Chau Tu