*at least one of the best things that shows the most potential. Wait, what is? This dude: Arms. If you think Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Tapes 'n Tapes is some hardcore DIY shit, take a look at Todd Goldstein, the man behind the music (he's also in a super cool band called The Harlem Shakes...sixeyes and STG like them). He plays nearly all the instruments (guitar, vox, bass, keyboard) and writes all the songs himself, not to mention doing all the recording, mixing, producing, and whatnot a la Devin Davis.
After my little rant the other day about how too many blogs are posting too much music, most of which is sub-spectacular (we've even posted on some crap before, in our early days), I'm really trying to weed out what I listen to and post. No more posting the one good song on an album of hit or [mostly] miss tracks, no more plugging bands that are just "ok" (obviously depends on taste)... Music blogs aren't about hit counting and "getting there first," they're about recommending truly great bands/musicians that deserve more exposure. Of everything that I've posted on in the last month or so, nothing stands out IMHO as much as Arms (save CWK and a few others), so I'm glad that he can serve as "the one that got [me] out."
My friend's been bitching me out for not posting on this soon enough (I've known about Arms since April)...so Will, this one's for you. Honestly, I can't recommend Arms enough... he's got that great DIY sound, and he's got SO much freaking potential...definitely buzz-worthy, not to mention obsession-worthy. Don't believe me? Listen for youself:
[MP3] Arms - Tiger Tamers (highest recommendation)
Listening to this song reminds me of the first time I heard CYHSY and Wolf Parade... At first, you're like "alright, alright, sounds good..." but then it just builds up, hits that 45 second mark, the guitar and drums come in, and you're like "holy FUCK, this is good." You start loving the lyrics, the breaks, the riffs, everything. Then you feel the need to hear it on repeat... before you know it, you can't get it out of your head! You're overwhelmed at how great it is, and insanely excited because you've found something new. You're buzzing because you know this is from a freaking DIY, self-released EP... so you know there's so much more to come. That's the itch, my friends, that little tickle telling you you've got something good here...before you know it you're salivating over each song, tearing apart every MP3 aggregator you can think of looking for more, and emailing Todd, first asking when the album will be out, then yelling at him to get off his ass and release the damn thing. Intense, eh?
Bonus MP3s (both wickedly recommended, duh):
[MP3] Arms - Whirring
[MP3] Arms - Jon The Escalator
If that isn't cool enough, if you want the CD, all you have to do is email Todd and ask for it! He'll send you a special package that just might contain this freakingly amazing EP and a nice love letter. How spectacular is that? Show me some love in the comments, you know you want to...
18 comments:
Connor is my hero. Enough said. Definitely check out www.harlemshakes.com as well. They kick ass! Also, Todd is in www.theseaandthegulls.com , which is more folky and charming.
You are pretty much hilarious. I love this blog not only because of the music that you've introducted, some of which was completely stopping (Cold War Kids, Tapes 'N Tapes, Beirut, etc. etc.)but also because of the creative written comments. Granted, some of them are a little on the crazy side, but always well put. And now I've got to thank you for Arms as well!
ps I'm going to see Cold War Kids, Tapes 'N Tapes and the Figurines on the 26th so I thought your review of their concert was great. And I'll second the hero comment :)
"holy FUCK, this is good." yep pretty much sums up my thoughts.
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great blog. great music. keep up the great work.
this new ideaology has to have a name. but what??
a blog's vendetta??
maybe...*_*
wow great find.
connor, this is why i read blogs - in the hopes of unearthing something like this i wouldn't have found otherwise.
amazing. "we're thinking with our brains but we're living in our veins". that soary stringy bit that kicks in around 1:53..... it just got me. this is the second bit of music in as many weeks that's got me excited this way - the other is Nathan Asher. i want you all to go find a copy of "turn up the faders" right now. i think say anything syndrome might have it somewhere. i DL a lot of blog tunes, and the music i downloaded along with these two songs aren't going to get much attention for a while.
Wow, this band is great. Like anna says above, you really put out the best music on your blog, not just the ones that are popular on the ol' hype machine.
This cuts through it all. Great find, and I hope to see more of ARMS in the future.
these "arms" are pretty strong. thanks for pointing your readers to bands that are consistently putting out great music.
Connerrrrrrrr. If my ears could talk, they would say "Thank You"! (or maybe "use softer q-tips")
But anyway, much love for you and all your hard work. I totally have a crush on your blog.
Connor, why do you rock so hard? It just scares the rest of us! Yet another great find! Thanks a ton!
definitely check out the sea and the gulls, as will pointed out, and if you live in NYC, get to an ARMS show - both solo and with accompaniment it's, in my opinion, 500% better than the recorded stuff.
hmmm...i don't get it
You are fantastic. Seriously, why do you (and Nathaniel) radiate coolness? Many of my favurite artists have been recommended by you and your fantastic taste!
I check your site daily for new updates because you know what? You are just one of the most endearingly charming music bloggers around. You have this really reflective sort of humour that makes me heart you.
To be completely cheesy! I have to agree with the name, I guess I AM floating whenever I read this blog hohoho! (wow, shoot me now)
ps- arms is lovely.
love letters! amazing.
For once I was not disappointed by a music blog! Arms is one of the most amazing things I've snatched off a blog in a long time...for now on I will come back to this blog to see whats up in the music world. <3
they sound great
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