Introducing: ARMS

While digging around Daytrotter last year, I stumbled on to a band called ARMS. The side project of Todd Goldstein has since become his main focus following the breakup of his former band, Harlem Shakes. After hearing their new single, that doesn't seem to be a bad thing. Todd released 2009's Kids Aflame playing most of the instruments and keeping it a fairly solo project. 2010's ARMS EP was recorded with band members and the growth is evident. Heat & Hot Water is a great song built on a rumbling bass line and Todd's drawn out vocals.

My hope is that 2011 will be their breakout year, with a full album, Summer Skills due in November. The first single, Fleeced is a huge step forward with the addition of synthesizers and more energy. Fans of Local Natives or Ra Ra Riot should enjoy their ability to incorporate a lot of rhythm without losing the drive or focus of a true gem. Both the ARMS EP and Fleeced are available now for free on their Bandcamp page. With absolutely no hint of a label, these guys are doing it themselves and should be supported.

Mayer Hawthorne - The Walk

I had the pleasure of catching Chromeo last Friday at the House of Blues and the boys did not disappoint. However, it was the opening act that really impressed me. As someone who grew up on Motown and can appreciate the genius of Smokey Robinson, I am very skeptical when it comes to new R&B. Especially when it comes across as some sort "Retro/Neo-Soul" gimmick. Admittedly, when I initially heard Mayer Hawthorne and his first album, A Strange Arrangement, I dismissed it as such.

But, like so many of those hard-working Motown Revues in the 60's, Mayer Hawthorne & the County bring so much energy, it's hard not to leave a fan. His music immediately got the crowd moving and even had Jill Scott singing and dancing from the balcony. His second album, How Do You Do was released on Tuesday and his video for "The Walk" debuted a few days ago. The Night Falls Tour featuring Chromeo, Mayer Hawthorne & The County, and Sammy Bananas runs through November, so check them out.

Death Cab For Cutie - Stay Young, Go Dancing

Death Cab For Cutie released a video this week for their newest single, Stay Young, Go Dancing, my favorite song from this year's Codes & Keys. The video follows a man and woman through the years, starting as an aged couple and ending with them as children. It seems a bit too VH1 and will no doubt lead even more fans to complain about their path to "Dad Rock". But for every "New Year", they had a "I'll Follow You Into The Dark", so this really shouldn't be too much of a surprise. For some reason the line, "Lost in a maze, of a thousand rainy days" stuck with me and I'm just passing along a really good song. They are about to start a Fall tour with the closest show in Champaign, October 1st. The video was directed by Claire Carre.

Gigamesh - When You're Dancing (RAC Remix)

It took a while, but the remix of the year has arrived. Gigamesh is a Producer/DJ from Minneapolis who is set to release the Gigamesh EP in October. For those of you that get your tunes from Beatport, they have an exclusive release on the 4th, followed by a full release on the 18th. It's good to hear that Prince isn't the only funky thing coming out of Minnesota. His stuff is heavy on synth and I'm loving the horns. RAC in typical fashion brings a little bit of flavor and make a stellar track even better. Described as "Scifi Space Disco", this is absolutely killing it right now...

George Harrison - Living In The Material World

It seems as though the "quiet one" has a few things to say. A new documentary directed by Martin Scorsese about George Harrison will debut in two parts, October 5th and 6th, exclusively on HBO."George Harrison: Living In The Material World" packs new interviews, videos and performances into an epic 3 1/2 hour film. I've very interested to see the second half, as the first half ends with The Beatles breakup. Aside from releasing well received solo albums, he was a member of the Traveling Wilburys, produced a Monty Python film (I had no idea) and put together the unbelievable Concert for Bangladesh. For those of you without cable, the film will be released October 10th on DVD, Blu-Ray and a Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition that includes a cd and book. Is there a better song than "Here Comes The Sun"? Thanks, George.