Local Natives | "Airplanes" (Two Meter Sessions)
[via The Music Slut]

The Deli LA’s Artists of 2009 Local Natives are breaking huge, fast and now international: check out the video above of an unplugged rendition of "Airplanes," straight from their debut LP Gorilla Manor. Filmed for Amsterdam’s Two Meter Sessions, the group show that even a subdued version of themselves is worthy of recognition.

Singer/songwriter AM isn’t a stranger to having left his musical mark right under your nose; his last LP Troubled Times had every track licensed to all sorts of projects on television and film, an impressive feat not done since Moby’s mega-hit Play. With that kind of cred, AM has already proven a strong viability with most any audience, but without the necessary weight that comes in being a well-recognized mainstay. That’s about to change with his latest LP Future Sons & Daughters, a fully developed snapshot of AM in the context of, not just the single, but the lost art of the album.

Produced by Charles Newman (The Magnetic Fields), this lush and multi-faceted pop work is a testament to AM’s love of retro radio, analog warmth and laser-precise melodies. Nods range from ’60s Detroit to ’70s Philly, but intends to be current with a modern palette in production. Highlight track "Fortunate Family Tree" revives roots melody awash with steady organs, loose snares and hallucinatingly wavey lead guitar lines, all signs that this is a worthy trip to a past sound, sans the cringing generally associated in homage attempts. This is pop music for the refined ear, or, rather, the ear that remembers what pop music was really always supposed to be. -Hugo Gomez

Saint Motel’s 2nd Annual Valentine’s Zombie Prom
Sat., Feb. 13 | The Roxy | All Ages

Saint Motel have done well in their quest to kill the live show paper flier with viral video announcements, and they’re only getting better at it. Once you’ve checked out the video above of their barely Thriller-esque homage in promotion for their 2nd Annual Valentine’s Zombie Prom taking place this Saturday at The Roxy, save some cash by scoring advanced tickets.

And, of course, you could always check back on The Deli’s Twitter page if you think this is sufficient hinting for free tickets. We might post something there today.

It’s Valentine’s week. Because The Deli loves you all so much, we’re giving away a pair of tickets away to this Saturday’s fift annual Lucent L’amour Visionary Love Fest, presented by The Do Lab. Made up of contemporary art fixtures, DJ sets and live burlesque and vaudeville performances by Lucent Dossier, the event (some of which isn’t all that foreign to Coachella attendees) is expected to turn out thousands again, despite the storm and the relatively high price (at $65 a pop, you’d be a fool for not entering this contest).

If you’d like to go, drop a line to @TheDeliLA after you’ve followed us and tweet us your favorite (and ultimately all-too repeated on KOST) love song.  First person to tweet their tune of choice gets a pair to this Saturday’s festival.

Juliette Commagere | "The Nature of Things"
Dir. by Michael Graham

With talent like singer/songwriter Juliette Commagere and filmmaker Michael Graham, who needs a second take? This video, shot in one take with only one camera and–we’re not kidding–one candle for lighting simply puts the DIY-ness into an otherwise insanely expensive medium. Commagere gracefully brings down the house (and the ambience) March 5th at the El Rey, sharing the bill with Deli favorites The Bird and the Bee.

After the death of her father, filmmaker, Second City alumna and self-proclaimed "crazy person"  Samantha Hale filmed Map The Music, a road trip documentary explaining the power music has over people. Through interviews with legions of devoted live music fans and the artists who inspire them, she tries to uncover the mystery behind the music while struggling with her loss. Artists include Imogen Heap, Kate Havnevik, Zoe Keating, Rachael Yamagata, Cary Brothers, Charlotte Martin and Jim Bianco, featuring unreleased live performances and behind-the-scenes footage with some of the most unique musicians in independent music. Check back into the official site for release dates and local screenings.

Psychtrance electronic duo Infected Mushroom are playing a milestone set in Tel Aviv this Thursday. Special guest Matisyahu is scheduled to appear at the event, which will be webcast here at 2:30 Pacific time on Thursday, but if you can’t make it, then put yourself in the running for two free tickets to their Palladium set on February 20. Tweet us why you think the rain sucks and the tickets are yours.

Crash Kings | "Evolution of Guitar Rock"

Let’s put this lightly: Jet made a huge mistake. Clav-rock trio Crash Kings may lack the overall arena gusto and six-string mayhem associated with revival rock acts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t belong in the upper echelon of groups who can destroy a room. Their blues-fueled and power pop rock blew us away a few months ago, and if their tale has continued, Crash Kings have likely gotten louder, tighter and stronger. This will either make Jet make a run for their money or simply turn this tour into a competition in which group will leave the biggest and loudest impression. Our bet is on, well, …yeah. Click here for tour dates.

L.A. Record had such a great turnout for their holiday mixtape last December that they’re asking locals to submit an original song once more for their Valentine’s Mixtape. Whether it’s sweet, sad, depressing and/or in the styles of polka, hip-hop or nu-wave Hawaiian instrumental, L.A. Record wants to hear it and will keep all submissions into consideration for the running. The deadline is February 11 (that’s three days from now!) so e-mail fortherecord@larecord.com with your tune. Good luck!

Hollywood-via-Afghanistan-based psych artist Ariana Delawari just recently went under the guidance and helm of her biggest fan: director David Lynch. Connected by their mutual love of meditation and storytelling, Delawari had no reservations working on her LP Lion of Panjshir with the notorious filmmaker. Preview the album on video as Lynch guides you through the tracklisting in his signature crooked fashion. A coinciding interview with Delawari is a must-see for those wondering how this peculiar pairing came to be.

The folks at FMLY have insured that their biking/skating/boarding PBR-fueled rock show at Venice Skatepark will go on this Saturday, come rain or shine. Preview the bill on the links ahead: Funderstorm, Professor Calculus, Foot Village, Heroes + Heroines, Meho Plaza, White Fang and Rob Walmart. And, yes, there will be free beer. RSVP if you will at the FMLY Facebook page.

Mia Doi Todd | "Open Your Heart"
Dir. by Michel Gondry

Filmmaker Michel Gondry teamed up with LA songstress Mia Doi Todd and Riverside Community College’s marching band to create this surreal Technicolor dream in support of Todd’s latest single "Open Your Heart." According to EW.com, Gondry and Todd met at a party, and the chemistry was just right to bring his surreal vision to life. Tres Skittles-esque.

Mia Doi Todd plays the next two Tuesdays at Spaceland.