LAist Essential Listening

You asked for it, we listened. Our "essentials" list has a decidedly local flavor now. All bands are either LA-based, LA-natives or playing gigs in the Southland. Some bands are so new that they don't have an EP, MP3 or CD yet. To remedy that, we've linked to their myspace streams and included upcoming tour info so you can catch them locally.

	Army Navy | Local Rock Silvery Sleds [stream] Although their latest EP is currently out of print, you can hear free streams of Army Navy's music on myspace and their website. Better yet, see them at the Silverlake Lounge on November 7.
	Sons and Daughters | Alternative Dance Me In [download] Though not LA natives, the band is no stranger to the LA music scene, having just played at Spaceland and the Henry Fonda Theatre. If you missed their live gig, check out this single. It's aggro, addicting and combines rock and electronic sensibilities.
	Birdmonster | Local Rock All The Holes In The Wall [download] Birdmonster pride themselves on pushing the envelope. This track is a perfect case in point. It's part country, part rock, but decidedly original. Catch Birdmonster for free on October 23 at Spaceland.
	Timonium | Local Rock/Psychedelic Filamented [free download | stream] This airy track ranges from etherial to murky. The lyrics are often obscured in the musical landscape, but it's ultimately a worthwhile trip. Hear Timonium live on October 25 at Spaceland.
	The New Fidelity | Local Powerpop/Alternative Miss You Like You're Dead [free download | stream] Catchy guitar rifts are juxtaposed with offbeat lyrics and vocals that are just edgy enough to give the song some punch. This track won't change the world, but it will make you smile and tap your foot. See the band October 25 at the echo.

What's in your iPod playlist this week?