Pitstop: ARMS

Beginning originally as a solo project for Todd Goldenstein when not playing with his band (the now defunct Harlem Shakes), ARMS has since expanded into a quartet and much more than a bedroom side project. Releasing their first EP as a foursome early last year, the simply titled ARMS EP, the band has also been part of a month long residency at Pianos in NYC. That's pretty impressive for such a young band but when you listen to their music it's not hard to see why. EP's tracks are all dreamy, expansive, mysterious, and richly captivating. Their masterful use of space makes their songs infinitely more arresting than any sort of instrumental clamor. Goldstein weaves deeply engaging tales while the band potters around him helpfully. The band works well together and their individual talents helps to the make up an energized, enriching whole.

While the 5 track ARMS EP is the only representation of the band's sound, thankfully the band is working on an album tentatively titled Summer Skills for release later this year. There's also past ARMS releases featuring Todd Goldenstein's solo musical input. You can download the EP at ARMS' website here.

Get a tastes of ARMS with a live video for "Emily Sue Pt. 2":

Emily Sue Pt. 2 - ARMS (TWHP Live Session) from The Wild Honey Pie on Vimeo.

Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes (2011)

Lykke Li hinted at a darker, edgier sound with the initial release of "Get Some", and the rest of her sophomore album Wounded Rhymes does not disappoint. The new album isn't just packed with dance-y pop tracks but throws in the occasional ballad ("Love Out of Lust") and even 60s doo-wop inspiration ("Unrequited Love", "Sadness is a Blessing"). As you listen, one thing remains clear: Lykke Li's new album is an album where she remains fully in control. Her lovelorn claims aren't insincere, rather it becomes apparent that she will love on her terms or not at all.

With Wounded Rhymes, Lykke Li makes it abundantly clear she's no pushover and come a long way from the cutesy crooning of "Dance, Dance, Dance". She's no longer too shy to speak her feelings but has harnessed the power of both her voice and her sexuality. Though there are some similarities between her first and second album in terms of format. At no point does her album become stale, instead when you think you know what to expect: she changes it up in a way that's boldly different and doesn't sound like it belongs on another album.

You can currently listen to the new album stream in full on Soundcloud and pre-order the new album at her website here. Wounded Rhymes hits shelves March 1st on her own LL Recordings.

Now Streaming: Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

Almost a full week before its official release, Swedish siren Lykke Li is offering up her new album Wounded Rhymes for listening in full on Hype Machine and Soundcloud. What's most surprising about her decision to do so is that it happened at just about the same time she made her third track "Love Out of Lust" available for listening and download. Give Lykke Li's new album a listen:
Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes (Hype Machine Album Exclusive) by LykkeLi

Ivan & Alyosha - Fathers Be Kind EP (2011)

Almost four years into their career and Seattle based duo Ivan & Alyosha don't have an album to show for it just yet. But what they do have are two EPs and the latest one Fathers Be Kind, expands their catchy retro rock sensibilities to much more than that. Adding two new members to the group, the songs remain simple and yet noticeably more complex. With "Glorify", Ivan & Alyosha allude to the contrasts between their namesake with lyrics that are both faith-filed and faithless. The whole EP builds from sweet, jangly pop and catchy love songs to majestic grandeur with occasional glimpses of the growth in between. "Everything Is Burning" with its sweeping vocal lines and pervasive melancholy is the first hint that there's much more to the EP than fun, pop songs. When "Glorify" does start, with it's harmonica solo, soft strumming guitar and lead vocals that sprawl into multi-part harmony, it's clear there's something positively magical at work. Ivan & Alyosha effortless craft a gospel-esque masterpiece whose real power is its simplicity.

Listen to the 5 song Fathers Be Kind EP and if you like it, grab it.

Heart-Sick Groans release new video

Fresh off the release of their new EP, Swedish indie pop trio Heart-Sick Groans presents a brand new video for "Surfer Friend". The video was made by Mads Peter Brandstrup Jensen's class Drawing Academy in Viborg, Denmark. This is the second time that Heart-Sick Groans has collaborated with the class and the results are similarly spectacular. I'm not entirely sure what the plot is but the things the students do with construction paper and markers is out of this world. See the awesomeness for yourself with the video for "Surfer Friend":

Yeasayer release new video and free digital EP

Experimental Brooklyn based rock group Yeasayer is back, this time with new single "I Remember" off last year's Odd Blood and as a special treat they're also giving away a selection of remixes for free. It's not secret that Yeasayer puts out some of the trippest but most engaging music videos out there and their new video is no exception. Directed by friend Sophia Peer, the video follows a biker (whose ex-girlfriend looks strangely similar to Demi Moore) who travels around with bust of his own head made by his biker chick ex-girlfriend. The plot is simple and yet, in true Yeasayer style, is difficult to explain so enjoy the video for Yeasayer's "I Remember":

You can download the three song digital EP at Yeasayer's website here.

Random Musing: Weezer write State Farm jingle

There's an endless debate about art vs. commerce and usually anyone who fancies themselves a legitimate artist tries to at least shy away from purely commercial output. Any yet, here comes Weezer who have this strange knack for polarizing its fans (who either want the band to sound like they used to or go away OR are more than okay with anything Weezer puts out based on the band's established "street cred") releasing a jingle for State Farm. Before you get all indignant, give it a listen. It doesn't even sound like a jingle until you heard the trademark "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there". If more jingles sounded like this, I think less people would care about a band's desire to make money and just sit back and enjoy it. Give the jingle a listen and revel in the vintage Weezer sound of days long gone by. There's something to be said for Cuomo's ability to so easily tap into his younger self.



You win this one, Weezer.