Their momentum carries on as they have just released a remix to the Hummingbird track “Wooly Mammoth” entitled “Wooly Robot.” With their brilliant harmonies, Kelcey Ayer’s goosebump-inducing, cavernous lead vocals, and the group’s raw yet tempered musical stylings, Local Natives have more than proven that their Gorilla Manor LP was, in fact, not just 2010’s most brilliant aberration.

Now coming off the heels of their Coachella appearance in April, the band has announced new fall US dates on their world tour that takes them through November. They will be playing a hometown show at the Greek Theatre with Wild Nothing on September 13th, and tickets just went on sale today.

Watch this video on YouTube.

Local Natives Tour Dates:

05/18 – Melbourne, Australia @ The Forum Theatre
05/19 – Brisbane, Australia @ The Zoo
05/24 – Barcelona, Spain @ Primavera
05/31 – Porto, Portugal @ Primavera
06/07 – New York, NY @ Governor’s Ball
06/10 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
06/11 – Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
06/12 – Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
06/14 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
06/15 – Columbus, OH @ The LC Pavilion #
06/18 – Charleston, SC @ Music Farm
06/19 – Richmond, VA @ The National
06/23 – Amsterdam, Holland @ Best Kept Secret Festival
06/28 – Glastonbury, UK @ Glastonbury Festival
06/30 – Bialystok, Poland @ Halfway Festival
07/02 – Zagreb, Croatia @ Salata
07/03 – Monthey, Switzerland @ Pont Rouge
07/05 – Beauregard, France @ Festival Beauregard
07/06 – Arras, France @ Arras Festival
07/07 – Sesto al Reghena, Italy @ Piazza Castello
07/11 – Luxembourg, Luxembourg @ den Atelier
07/12 – Russelheim, Germany @ Phono Pop Festival
07/14 – Kinross, UK @ T In The Park
07/19 – Berlin, Germany @ Melt Festival
07/20 – Dublin, Ireland @ Longitude
07/21 – Suffolk, UK @ Latitude Festival
07/26 – Niigata, Japan @ Fuji Rock Festival
08/03 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/08 – Oslo, Norway @ Oya
08/09 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Way Out West Festival
08/10 – Haldern, Germany @ Haldern Pop Festival
08/11 – Palermo, Italy @ Ypsigrock Festival
08/15 – St. Malo, France @ La Route du Rock
08/16 – Hasselt, Belgium @ Pukkelpop
08/17 – Yorkshire, UK @ Beacons Festival
08/18 – Brecon Beacons, UK @ Green Man Festival
09/06 – Raleigh, NC @ Hopscotch Music Festival
09/08 – St. Louis, MO @ LouFest
09/12 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater*
09/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre*
09/15 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre*
09/17 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre #
09/19 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theater*
09/20 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre*
09/21 – Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus*
09/23 – Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head On Stage*
09/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory*
09/30 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle*
10/01 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City*
10/02 – New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s*
10/04-10/06 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
10/06 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom*
10/07 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom*
10/11-10/13 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits
10/15 – Cambridge, UK @ Junction
10/16 – Norwich, UK @ Waterfront
10/17 – London, UK @ Brixton Academy
10/19 – Oxford, UK @ Gathering Festival
10/20 – Newcastle, UK @ Sage 2
10/21 – Glasgow, UK @ Arches
10/22 – Belfast, UK @ Limelight
10/24 – Dublin, Ireland @ Olympia Theatre
10/25 – Sheffield, UK @ Leadmill
10/26 – Manchester, UK @ The Ritz
10/27 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy
10/29 – Southhampton, UK @ University
10/31 – Brussels, Belgium @ AB Club
11/01 – Cologne, Germany @ Gebaude 9
11/04 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Vega
11/05 – Aarhus, Denmark @ Voxhall
11/06 – Hamburg, Germany @ Molotow
11/08 – Vienna, Austria @ Flex
11/09 – Bologna, Italy @ Estragon
11/11 – Rome, Italy @ Black Out
11/12 – Florence, Italy @ Viper
11/19 – Bordeaux, France @ Theatre Barbey
11/20 – Paris, France @ Le Bataclan

* with Wild Nothing
# with The National

For more info:

Local Natives

5. “Technologic”

“Buy it, use it, break it, fix it, trash it, change it, mail, upgrade it.” “Technologic” is an anthem of the modern era that still rings as true now as it did when it was first released in 2005. At first listen, it’s easy to write the song off as repetitive, but when you listen to it more carefully, it’s hard not to appreciate the song’s carefree knack for building on itself.

4. “Aerodynamic”

Beginning with unassuming tolling bells, “Aerodynamic” soon launches into one of the sickest electronic breakdowns that anyone has ever produced. The track transitions from there to a phenomenal guitar bit that strings you along until the electronic backing beats triumphantly creep their way back in before the song abruptly shifts to the bells again. “Aerondynamic” takes the listener on an adventure, so it’s no surprise the track remains a crowd-pleaser to this day.

3. “Human After All”

Released four years after Discovery, which is still my favorite Daft Punk album, Human After All was a release I fondly remember looking forward to. Though I didn’t think the album quite captured the magic of Discovery, its title track definitely captured my attention. Rapid drum beats lead the way into a deliciously distinctive electronic grind coupled with that oh-so-sexy guitar. The signature robotic vocal flourish clinches it for me.

2. “Around The World”

This catchy number, whose trippy video was directed by famed French filmmaker Michel Gondry, was the song that introduced me to the now-legendary dynamic duo. Although the sounds used to create “Around The World” are simplistic in nature, it’s Daft Punk’s aptitude for layering them that made this track the hit that it was, and expert sound layering has since become Daft Punk’s hallmark.

1. “Something About Us”

“Something About Us” isn’t just my favorite single from Daft Punk, it’s my absolute favorite song by them. The opening bass line that sets the tone for the track is the epitome of seductive while each progression that follows it is understated perfection. Lyrically, it’s the closest the duo has come to producing a love song. For that reason, naysayers will call it out for being cheesy, but at the end of the day, love brings out the cheesiest facets of ourselves whether you’re willing to admit it or not. “Something About Us” is an authentic track that anyone who is or has ever been in love can relate to, and there’s a damn good reason I never skip it when it pops up on shuffle.

Honorable Mention: “One More Time”

It just feels wrong to have a list of Daft Punk singles that doesn’t include their biggest one. True, it’s a little on the overplayed side, but there’s no denying that “One More Time” is a universal electronic classic.

Watch this video on YouTube.

Jones’ signature style and groove created a standard that could not be met elsewhere, and the song marked the start of a career that became one of the most respected among jazz, blues, and funk musicians. He is a one of a kind artist who began his career playing as a studio musician in some of the earlier Stax recordings, but since then, he has released nine solo albums and earned a handful of Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award.

On June 25th, Jones will play a special show at El Rey Theatre. Not only can the audience expect a stellar performance from Jones, but also an incredibly talented special guest band. I’m not one for rumors (yes, I am), but being that they recorded and performed with Jones on his last album, The Roots would be great candidates as the backing band for such an exclusive and rare event. And why not? They will be playing at Club Nokia for the BET awards just a few days later. Hey, I can dream, can’t I?

Don’t miss this show! Tickets go on sale tomorrow, May 17th, at 10 AM.

For more info:

Booker T. Jones

Ariel Pink @ Hollywood Forever – Friday, May 17th – Sold Out

The Los Angeles-based artist has become something of a critical darling in recent years with his band Haunted Graffiti. Last year’s Mature Themes was just the latest in a series of well-received releases, and now Ariel Pink brings his show home to the unique confines of Hollywood Forever. The show will be intimate and is understandably sold out, so you might have to stand outside with a big stick a couple of hours before showtime to get a ticket for this one.

Big Boi and Killer Mike – House of Blues – Saturday, May 18th – Tickets

Two hip-hop titans are hitting the stage on the Sunset Strip this weekend in a dynamite double bill. Big Boi has long since graduated from being one half of Outkast to become a truly great solo artist in his own right, while Killer Mike (who first gained attention working with Outkast years ago) has just released the best album of his career with last year’s R.A.P. Music. This one is going to be special.

The Lucent Dossier Experience Private Party – Downtown LA – Saturday, May 18th – Tickets

If you’re interested in seeing a visual spectacle as well as hearing some heart-pounding music, then the Lucent Dossier Experience is for you. Tickets are still available for both of their LA dates this weekend, and their mix of vaudeville performance, epic dance music, and interaction with a no doubt startled audience is something not to be missed. Look out on the LA Music Blog next week for an extended feature on the troupe.

Fans of Hardwell’s progressive sound won’t find any surprises here. Krewella fans who aren’t into house might, for better or worse. This is big-room house, and it’s definitely meant to be played as such. Ditch those laptop speakers and grab some headphones if you want to give this one a listen. I’m thinking this’ll go over quite well with the EDC crowd later this summer; music like this never really sounds quite right unless you’re playing it through a 1.2 jiggawatt sound system.

For more info:

Hardwell

That is, until I got their new album, In Love, and was really able to fall in love with the band. Beatles’ post-acid guitar riffs and breakdowns (an especially “Day In The Life“-inspired bridge in “Drain”) are all supported with electric vibes and melodies sure to get even the most reserved hips swaying. Peace exhibits a wide range of styles, from the indie-pop melodies found in “Lovesick” to the carefully controlled vibrato of “Float Forever,” resembling a marriage of Bright Eyes’ I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Phantom Planet’s The Guest.

The quartet even shows the West Coast some love with “California Daze,” a track that LA girls are sure to appreciate. The song softly strums its way into your heart, and the flirtatious crooning of “Oh she tastes like sunlight, and she’s always gonna be there in the back of your mind” sets the tone for much of the record.

After gracing the cover of NME, Peace will be heading Stateside for their first US tour, and Los Angelenos will have the opportunity to see them take over the Echo on May 31st. I’ll most certainly be there, earnestly waiting for them to play “Wraith.”

Tickets to their upcoming LA show are still available.

For more info:

Peace’s official Facebook page
Peace’s official website

Well, by jove they went and did it. Even a cursory glance at this year’s lineup announcement will reveal, right there in great big letters, the words MY BLOODY VALENTINE. In the year of the release of the follow-up to Loveless, which took a mere 22 years, they are back in LA to headline the festival, sharing the honor with Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The rest of that lineup kind of speaks for itself (TVOTR, Deerhunter, MGMT, Beach House… DEATH GRIPS!!!), and there will also be the wonderful sight of Baroness returning to the stage a year after a horrendous bus crash almost ended in tragedy and saw them scratched from last year’s lineup. It’ll be a real pleasure to see them back.

Tickets for the event at the LA State Historic Park go on sale tomorrow, May 16th, at noon Pacific. That’s tomorrow. So if you’re reading this, and it’s late Thursday morning, then you really need to be there and not here.

For more info:

FYF Fest

Dungeonesse – Dungeonesse
Collaboration between writer/producer Jon Ehrens (White Life, Art Department) and singer Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak, Flock of Dimes) releases their debut album via Secretly Canadian.

Mindless Self Indulgence – How I Learned Not To Give a Sh*t And Love Mindless Self Indulgence
The Jimmy Urine-fronted act blending punk rock, alternative rock, electronica, hip-hop, and industrial releases their fifth full-length today.

MS MR – Secondhand Rapture
New York-based art rock duo comprised of Max Hershenow and Lizzy Plapinger, co-founder of Neon Gold Records, releases their debut album today.

Pharmakon – Abandon
Five years after beginning to create power electronics/death industrial music under the name Pharmakon, Margaret Chardiet releases her first proper studio album.

Small Black – Limits Of Desire
Brooklyn-based four piece Small Black shares their second LP, evolving their sound to include live drums, electric guitar, and trumpet.

The Boxer Rebellion – Promises
International indie band comprised of members from the UK, Australia, and the US releases its fourth full-length album.

The Dillinger Escape Plan – One Of Us Is The Killer
American mathcore band releases their fifth studio album and second under their own Party Smasher, Inc. imprint.

The Wonder Years – The Greatest Generation
Hopeless Records pop punk band shares their fourth studio effort with the world, with frontman Dan “Soupy” Campbell calling it the “third piece in a trilogy about growing up.”

Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires Of The City
LAmb’s David Fisch shared his thoughts on the third release from the NYC-based indie rockers, and if you only listen to one new album today, I suggest this be it.

Wampire – Curiosity
Portland-based synth-pop duo releases their debut via Polyvinyl Records.

DeLonge posted a photo of his office back in February with the caption, “My studio, my office…..my home away from home #JupiterSound, #WorkingOnUFOFilm,” and this weekend he posted the following cryptic photo with the comments, “Been hiding a bit. Just finished my 160 page screenplay about (guess) and I am also 40 pages deep on Script #2 about (guess) I will have three movies written by summer – Carpe Diem!”

An equally blurred out snapshot followed, with the short comment, “Finished and sent to the film studios- #Strange, #Ghosts, #Times, #UFO’s”

This isn’t DeLonge’s first foray into films. He produced and scored the 2011 art-house film “LOVE,” which was about a man lost in space as the world ended. While DeLonge is keeping a lid on things,  fans know he is an avid fan of UFOs and conspiracy theories, which is particularly displayed in the song “Aliens Exist” featured on Enema Of The State and the several Angels & Airwaves songs that focus on outer space. In 2011, DeLonge helped launch the website Strange Times, which highlighted reports of UFO activity and the latest news in theories (although currently it displays a splash page), so suffice to say he has a lot of material to pull from for his movie.

Now that DeLonge has finished and sent off his first science fiction screenplay to film studios, fans will have to wait to see if Jupiter Sound it [Editor Note: Thanks to commenter Stephen for letting us know Jupiter Sound is the name of the studio and not the screenplay title!] gets picked up and made. Who knows, we might be looking at the next Star Trek!

Watch this video on YouTube.

For more info:

Tom DeLonge

I don’t own an iPad, so I can’t offer any direct comparisons between the two devices, but I’m not entirely sure a comparison would even be fair. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ costs $269 on Amazon while the iPad 2 retails for $399, so while they are both tablets, saying one is better or worse than the other feels like comparing a Honda to a Mercedes. Both will get you to work safely and comfortably, so your choice in vehicle depends on how much you’re looking to spend and how important various extra features are to you. Such is the case with the Kindle and the iPad.

The X-Ray for TV/movies feature in action

All Mac vs. PC concerns aside, once I took a moment to acclimate myself to the software, I was able to navigate the Kindle easily, and soon after powering it up, I was surfing the internet, downloading apps, and watching videos. After spending some time with the Kindle Fire HD, however, I still can’t say whether or not I would buy one, but again, I never felt compelled to buy an iPad either. When I’m out and about, my iPhone suits my technology needs just fine, and I practically live on my Macbook at home, so there aren’t too many situations where I could see the need for another device.

The Dolby Audio dual stereo speakers proved to be much more clear and powerful than the speakers on my iPhone 4, though, so if I were looking to livestream a concert while chilling by the pool, the Kindle would be my method of choice. No straining to hear or see anything on my iPhone and no concerns about being out $1,000+ when I inevitably splash water on my Macbook.

The Kindle would also be the ideal solution if I were a parent looking for something to keep the kids happy (and quiet) during car rides (a task made easier by the Kindle Free Time free parental control setting that allows parents to customize content and set time limits for their kids). Again, high enough quality to be worthwhile, but not so expensive that it would throw the monthly budget out of whack if a juice box got spilled on it.

All this to say that I would recommend the Kindle Fire HD to anyone who is looking to buy a reliable tablet, but isn’t committed to the Mac brand or the pricetag that comes along with it. Dollar for dollar, the Kindle Fire HD is a worthwhile purchase, and hey, with a Kindle, I could save quite a bit on those overdue library book fees.

For more info:

Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ on Amazon