Arm's Reach

I wanna give you Devotion

2007-10-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

The beautiful and criminally under appreciated (in the UK) Beach House have finally given details of their follow up to last years amazing self titled album. It's called Devotion and the tracklisting will be:

01 Wedding Bells
02 You Came To Me
03 Gila
04 Turtle Island
05 Holy Dances
06 All The Years
07 Heart Of Chamber
08 Some Things Last a Long Time (Daniel Johnston cover)
09 Astronaut
10 d.a.r.l.i.n.g.
11 Home Again

And what an album cover! (above) Alex and Victoria just don't disappoint. Excited? You should be because Devotion is super and when does anyone use that word to describe music. We should hopefully have a song or two from the album in the next couple of months so keep your eyes peeled. And if you can't wait til the 26th of February (when it comes out in the USA) then get down to one of their UK shows because they'll be playing a majority of the new album. Also look out for their rather handsome tour manager!

10-11 Cambridge, England - The Graduate
11-11 Leeds, England - Faversham
12-11 Manchester, England - Night and Day
13-11 Glasgow, Scotland - The Admiral
15-11 Birmingham, England - Glee Club
16-11 London, England - Water Rats

2007-09-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post of some songs we've been listening to here at Arm's Reach, stuff that makes us fuzzy at the moment.

Cass McCombs is set to release his fourth album, Dropping The Writ, this time with Domino Records, and "That's That" has been doing the rounds everywhere, and we just love it. So no originality here I'm afraid.

Next up is The Octopus Project and "I saw the bright shinies" which will be on their forthcoming album, Hello, Avalanche, out on the October 9th. This song is perfect to warm up to on the crisp mornings that have reared their ugly head recently.

And finally a song that has refused to leave my stereo for a good three months now, Department of Eagles'
"No one does it like you". This is just perfect and possibly my favourite song of the year. There is no sign of a follow up to Whitey On The Moon UK Lp but the website does hint at a second album in the offing and Ed from Grizzly Bear reckons he's heard it. So fingers crossed.

The Cave Singers

2007-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle's Cave Singers release their album today via Matador Records. So what you say? Well that's good news you grumpy poo. The Cave Singers have been a blog favourite since album track "Seeds Of Night" surfaced a couple of months ago and it's been on heavy rotation at Arm's Reach HQ. Have a listen to "Seeds of Night" below and if you dig go get a copy of Invitation Songs through the Matador shop here.

Monster Bastard Project

2007-09-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

So what's in a name? Very little if you're a member of Bath based Monster Bastard Project, who are clearly flying a massive V sign in the face of critics and press alike. Dave, Chris and Robin are three optimistic characters from the country intent on making music that would soundtrack a day out in an indestructible robot suit. The jolly three manage to set themselves apart from the post rock fraternity with their love of face melting metal and although a quiet/loud song structure is in place, each change up takes you somewhere you're not quite expecting, and it's somewhere I like going as I pound the pavement on my way home from work. We're hosting a track below so set aside a couple of minutes times 5 for your ears to be punched...

2007-09-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Eh, I think music just passed away. Probably too many steroids.....

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

2007-09-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

It must be tough to be just a regular kid in Brooklyn, what with all these blasted musicians and artists continually cropping up, they must feel like their lives are boring and pointless sometimes. Well I'm afraid it's time to feel insecure again kids, because Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is in town! This 23 year old has already recorded an album with both Chris's from Grizzly Bear and it features guest apperances from TVOTR's Kyp Malone and Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen. Not too shabby hey. Details of where to get this album aren't exactly forthcoming, so your guess is as good as mine, but I'm sure after an hour or so on google, something will come up. Anyway pop along to his Myspace here and see for yourself if this kid has moxy. Brooklyn baby.

Clear Tigers get the Catbird treatment

2007-09-18T11:58:00.001-07:00

You may remember Arm's Reach getting excited about Brooklyn outfit Clear Tigers in one of our very first posts. Since then we've been listening to the songs on their Myspace incessantly and now we can own these songs on a CD!! That's right, super "undiscovered musical gems" label Catbird Records, home to Tap Tap (in the US), Mathew Sawyer and The Ghosts, The Underpainting and, well everyone on the label is great, trust me, have just released a 4 song Clear Tigers EP, limited to 200 copies and at the super low price of $3!!! You'd be a fool not to jump on this immediately, here. Catbird have done it again and we here at Arm's Reach must raise our hands to you.

Dig a Pony? Dig St Vincent? Well dig this... (I know)

2007-09-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

So this post has made it on to many great sites like Pitchfork and GorillaVsBear, but here at Arm’s Reach our love for St Vincent knows no known indie etiquette, and so here’s the post again, but this time it means more, because I am her future husband. All that aside, Annie Clark does an incredible job of covering the Beatles’ “Dig A Pony” in the back of a black cab (for Hidden Fruits’ Black Cab Sessions) whilst travelling through the streets of London. Not much room in a cab you'd think for this sort of thing but you're wrong, dead wrong. Oh man, I love this girl so much!!! Take it away Annie…

(On another note, it's great to see Stephen is back on his feet and posting again. We nearly lost him last week to the cold hand of death, luckily they were only Tic Tac's hey Stevey boy. It's good to see your well again).

Music Mike

2007-09-13T04:30:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, if very lucky, some of us are touched by the hand of God. Whilst scouring the interweb for old blues related footage, my thoughts turned strangely towards the 60/70s country rock singer-songwriter and session musician Leon Russell. A man who achieved fame for his collaborations with Joe Cocker, and worked with Phil Spector, Jerry Lee Lewis and Glen Campbell. He also wrote the song "Superstar" which went on to become a major hit for The Carpenters. However, it turns out that Leon Russell was a mere warm up act to the main attraction... that attraction being Music Mike!

It was exactly 17 seconds before I realised that the above segment was not a joke, but instead presented in good faith with the most sincere intentions for both its audience and subject. Firstly, 'Music Mike's' appearance and delivery swiftly turned my bemusement to incessant giggling, as I had, no doubt about it, struck comedy gold. If the introduction wasn't enough, then stay tuned for Mike's presentation of Russell's somewhat dismal 80s rendition of Danny O'Keefe's "Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues" which Mike describes as "polished" and "really good". This is all delivered with the kind of swagger only Music Mike can pull off without breaking sweat.

Music Mike's wardrobe is renowned for elegance and style, and this is demonstrated wonderfully by a simple creamy white turtle neck and some classic dark denim boot cut jeans. His pose is also never in doubt. Music Mike is a seasoned professional at the wide stance, with one leg perched on a support, and a 45" sleeve resting on his lap... he just makes it look all too easy.

The record playing sequence, with it's sophisticated editing, is something which just has to be seen to be believed. The whole thing was obviously put together quickly whilst Music Mike's wife (Mrs Mike) was on the golf course. His parents also must have been some sort of prophets to name their son Music, considering it would later become his number one passion.

Battles - Tonto

2007-09-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

So Battles have come up trumps again on the video front with this new one for our favourite song off the album, Tonto. The video's got a similar feel to Atlas, with the band performing in an environment that reacts to and compliments their algebra rock (ha ha). Anyway have a watch and ofcourse get ready for 03:26, when the stomp really kicks in.

The Oldham Effect

2007-09-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

Baltimore really is becoming a bit of creative hub at the moment. With names like Animal Collective, Beach House, Cass McCombs, Dan Deacon etc the American city looks set to take over from Portland for this year's hot spot on the musical map. Among Wolves are the next band to catch my well proportioned ears, with their obvious love of Will Oldham and ability to combine Beach Boys' harmonies with country/indie rock, I'm well and truly sold. Go over to their Myspace here and have a listen, particular song of choice is "Baltimore". Tell me yours (Steve).

Grizzly Bear's Chris Moonlighting!

2007-09-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is not the first time one of the incredible Grizzly Bear has spent some time outside of the group to play in their own bands, Daniel has been playing in Arm's Reach favourites Department Of Eagles for some time now and it's looking like a new record is on it's way. This time though sees Chris (the busiest member of the band on stage) playing Bass in the Fast Fourier. Whereas Daniel's Dept Of Eagles shares some of the musicality of Grizzly Bear, Fast Fourier appear to tread a different path altogether, opting for a heavier sound draped in feedback. The harmonies are still there though, there's no escaping Grizzly Bear when it comes to those harmonies. Anyway have a listen here over the weekend Steve, it'll be good for that rash you've got.

Pete and The Pirates - Knots

2007-09-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here's the new video from Reading wonderkids Pete and The Pirates. Their second single "Knots" gets released via one of the UK's best labels Stolen Recordings on the 8th October on both 7" and Download (Ugh). It's still surprising how small this band are, considering their huge crossover potential. I mean come on, just listen to any of their songs and try and deny your feet from tapping. Go and check this band out, it's a must! Everett True agrees with us, so we must be right.

May I?

2007-09-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

Kevin Ayers releases his first material in 15 years with the album "Unfairground". It propels one of British Psychedelic’s true pioneers back into the limelight, after years of other contemporaries receiving all the plaudits. Ayers was one of the founding members of Soft Machine alongside Robert Wyatt, a group who spearheaded the movement in the 60s along with Pink Floyd. Ayers embarked on a successful solo career in 1969 with the release of "Joy of a Toy" and went on to record several more albums throughout the 70s on EMI's classic Harvest label. "Whatevershebringswesing" in 71 and "Bananamour" in 73 being the pick of these releases.

Fans of Nick Drake, Roy Harper and Syd Barrett will undoubtedly be wooed by Ayers' charm, and his emergence into the spotlight should have him mentioned in the same regard as those peers. Included is a rare Whistle Test performance from 1972 of Ayers doing a version of "May I?" from his second album "Shooting at the Moon". Listen out for the opening chords, which are uncannily reminiscent of Blondie's "Picture This" from 1978.

Bryn Lumsden

2007-09-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

They have an odd enough name (they did, see edit), sure, but they make a rather pleasant sound not too distant from say Palace Brothers, Damien Jurado (circa I Break Chairs) and Shearwater. Christ, I hate myself for saying things like that but rest assured I don't sleep easy! The Seattle band have a couple of downloads available via their Myspace here, and you can listen to Tuesday Night below. Keep it short.

EDIT: After returning to their myspace a couple of days later, I noticed that the band name had indeed changed from Byrun Lumsford and the Ghetto Boom to Bryn Lumsden and so I must add an edit here so that no one thinks I have lost my marbles!

Central and Remote.

2007-09-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled upon this new video for Grizzly Bear's "Central and Remote" (directed by Jesse Ewles) on my daily hunt and hadn't really seen it anywhere, so thought I'd stick it up. It's pretty crazy as usual, but amazing all the same. And if you're thirsty for more Grizzly Bear, even after last year's bestest album "Yellow House", then the juice will run on November 6th as Warp will release a new 10 track EP called "Friends". Excited? I thought so.

Deer Tick album due tomorrow

2007-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

The extremely talented Deer Tick, aka John McCauley, will release his long awaited debut album on Feow! Records tomorrow. The Providence based singer, songwriter's debut "War Elephant" will see the light of day acorss the pond tomorrow via Jana Hunter's Feow! records. That means import only for the moment for us, but with the exchange rate the way it is, that doesn't mean much for us Pound carriers. The album can be purchased (hopefully) via here on the 4/9. And here's a little video of Deer Tick playing "Art Isn't Real" in a bathroom in Baltimore while you wait for the post.

Me thinks this will be an album of the year!

Pure gold on the silver screen

2007-08-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of trailers for some movies we here at Arm's Reach are looking forward to catching in the next couple of months.

First off is Michel Gondry's "Be Kind, Rewind", the tale of two video clerks who lose their entire stock and begin re-making the films themselves. Oh Michel, how does your wondeful mind work. It stars the usually "crazy" Jack Black, but don't let that put you off.

Next up is Wes Anderson's "The Darjeeling Limited", a movie about three brother's trying to re-forge their family bond and stars Anderson's usually troupe of actors with the addition of Adrian Brody. This will be an Arm's Reach favourite guaranteed.

This time it's fellow Anderson cohort Noah Baumbach's "Margot At The Wedding". He's managed to rope in some pretty big names (Jack Black again!) like Nicole Kidman for this story about the relationship between siblings. The guy likes family conflict.

And finally Todd Rohal's "The Guatemalan Handshake" - "A mysterious power failure in a small mountain town coincides with the disappearance of one of its most eccentric young residents. Mystery piles upon mystery as his family and friends search for him, fail, and ultimately try to forget about him, an undertaking that results in many unexpected, and in some cases bizarre, effects on the town's already peculiar community". This film received it's first screenings in the summer of 2006 in the US and no release date has been set for the UK, so keep checking as this looks like a great flick. It also stars Arm's Reach living legend Will Oldham. Yikes!

Feist On Letterman

2007-08-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the lovely Leslie Feist performing "1 2 3 4" off her latest album 'The Reminder' on "The Late Show with David Letterman". The "acclaimed singer-songwriter" calls upon some very special friends as backing singers, with members from Broken Social Scene, New Pornographers, Grizzly Bear, The National and Mates Of State all pitching in to lend a hand. The result is quite spectacular, and David seems impressed too. Unfortunately, after lengthy discussions, Arm's Reach will not be posting Wyclef Jean's Late Show performance... this decision, I can tell you, was made with a heavy heart.

Ice Ice Baby

2007-08-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Depending on which side of the fence you stand, this is either as good or as bad as it gets. Yes, it's Rick Wakeman's legendary King Arthur performance from Wembley Arena in 1975. Why legendary I hear you cry? Well, it was on ice for goodness sake! If anything deserves legendary status, then staging an entire conceptual performance in the realms of an ice rink is as good a reason as any! As 'Guinevere' skates gracefully, yet aimlessly around the stage, she is backed by a slightly comatose looking Wakeman as he struggles with multiple keyboards. Look closely and you'll see the bassist sporting some sort of triple necked DIY job. Nobody since has had the brains to combine both Butlins holiday camp with live progressive rock. Health and Safety procedures mean we may never see the likes of this again. Shame. Anyway, The Ramones arrived a year later, and the rest as they say is history!

Fleet Foxes

2007-08-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome everyone to the wonderful world of Fleet Foxes. They're a five piece from Washington and oh my are they good. Imagine if Jim James was fronting the Great Lake Swimmers/Band of Horses and backed by a mountain choir. This may be way off but I'm very exciting about this band and cannot wait to hear a full length. Head over to their Myspace here now!(White Winter Hymnal is highly recommended).

The Grevious Angel Returns Once More

2007-08-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

There is a vault somewhere, I kind of 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' style treasure chest, buried deep beneath the earth, that gets opened ever so often to satisfy and titillate hardcore fans of artists either deceased or no longer making music. This week, news broke of Amoeba Records releasing alt-country legend and all round genius Gram Parsons' lost material from a series of opening sets The Flying Burrito Brothers did for The Grateful Dead back in 1969. The venue was the legendary Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco, and the album's title will be called 'Gram Parsons Archives Vol. 1: Flying Burrito Brothers "Live" At The Avalon, 1969'.

The title's wording suggests there's more to come from Mr Parsons, and yes, I'm focusing on the "archives" and "vol. 1" bits here. Further releases will always be warmly welcomed, but something which fans are in severe need of is more visual footage of the great man himself. Sadly, television eluded Gram during his heyday and we're left to rely on grainy, hotchpotch efforts such as the one posted above. Still, it captures a man in his prime, albeit with peacock suits, an appalling disregard for the art of miming and a rather elaborate choice of head wear from Sneaky Pete on pedal steel guitar.

I'm Waiting For My Band (Of Horses)

2007-08-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

We are fast approaching a time of year where some of us tend to suffer from slumps, lethargy or downright grumpiness. It's a newish phenomenon which I like to call the 'pre autumnal blues'. There are various remedies for such symptoms, but health is not my forte, so instead I can only proclaim that help is well on it's way! Oh yes, and it comes in the shape of Band Of Horses' new album 'Cease To Begin' (pictured) which is due out on Oct 9th.

If you, and I presume you do, own their stunning debut 'Everything All The Time' from last year, then you too will be licking your lips with frenzied excitement. As it was last year's eponymous album which demonstrated remarkable maturity and competence, making it one of the most accomplished debut albums in years. Our good friends at TheLineOfBestFit have posted a live version of the third track 'No One's Gonna Love You' as a teaser. I simply haven't been this excited since opening my 'Night Freight' Hornby Train Set during Christmas, circa 91.

Animal Collective sleep with eyes open.

2007-08-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if the above statement is true but I would hedge my bets that Animal Collective barely sleep. How else would you explain the never ending amount of new material they seem to be playing on their latest tour. This video (there are many others), taken from this year's Midi Festival on the French Riviera, shows the band playing yet another new song called "Walk Around", and it's an absolute golden egg. Hopefully this will see the light of day, release wise, on the follow up to one of this year's best album's so far, Strawberry Jam (I know it's a little early to be talking follow ups, but let a brother be excited).

On another note, completely Animal Collective related, Domino posted the video for their forthcoming single Peacebone yesterday and it's bananas, the monkey's bananas. See for yourself.....

Conan And The Mockasins

2007-08-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Although this year's Green Man festival suffered a spat of seriously crap weather, turning the usually beautiful landscape into a mud bath, it still managed to be incredibly enjoyable. And among the many great bands that played (there were many many), I found myself nodding considerably to the wonky bluesed out sounds of Conan and the Mockasins. Originally from New Zealand, the band now reside in London, obviously attracted by the weather, and they've just released a crunchy little 7" Sneaky Sneaky Dogfriend which can be purchased through their Myspace here. Think the Fiery Furnaces, Gallowsbird's Bark era but funnier.

Oh be who? They be Ohbijou.

2007-08-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Toronto based Ohbijou have recently been making my ears smile with their awesome debut Swift Feet For Troubling Times. They tread a similar path to that of fellow countrymen Arcade Fire but with their boy/girl sweet harmonies there is enough to stop you from pronouncing to the skies "Not another bloody Arcade Fire band". It's a solid album throughout, full of uplifting and joyous orchestral pop songs and can be purchased via the band's Myspace here. They're unsigned as of yet but I'd imagine in the next couple of months things will be very bella for the band.

Go Margo Go Go Go...

2007-08-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you're enchanted by lost singer/songwriters that time once forgot, then fear not, as Arm's Reach is here to draw your attention to such folk of that variety. A recent jazz/folk revival has seen a host of female artists such as Vashti Bunyan, Anne Briggs and Judee Sill being given the reissue treatment, and in turn, a new set of keys to the pantheon of popular music. These artists all share strangely fascinating stories, which halted their careers during their very peek.

One artist who rarely gets mentioned is Margo Guryan, a songstress from New York who made the seminal 'Take A Picture' album in 1968, and then quit shortly after to focus on a career in teaching. Guryan, unlike her peers, was more Astrud Gilberto than Joni Mitchell. She specialised in light, jazz-tinged melodies that produced the kind of breezy pop we would associate with The Lovin Spoonful or The Fifth Dimension.

'Take A Picture', now considered a classic, sold disappointingly and thus failed to turn Guryan's talents from songwriter to performer. However, a whole host of stars, including Glen Campbell, Julie London and Mama Cass would later take her songs to the wider audience they deserved. Guryan's eponymous and only album 'Take A Picture' can be bought for $12 (six quid) by clicking here. Go on, add some music to your day!

Gone, But Not Forgotten

2007-08-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Further on from our recent Tony Wilson obituary, we feel it's important to pay our respects to three more highly important figures of film and music who have sadly passed away within the past fortnight. Firstly there was the great Ingmar Bergman who passed away on July 30th.

Bergman was one of the true auteur's of European Cinema and helped influence many generations of filmmakers including Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch and Woody Allen. He had a distinctive style, and a tendency to focus on more sombre themes. However, his work always had heart and his subjects proved to be thought provoking and engaging. Bergman was fascinated by the human condition, and this was reflected by his intimate style of film making. He left a body of work that is second to none in a career spanning over fifty years.

On the same day, Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni, also died. Antonioni was most famous for his English language films such as Blow Up and the counter culture film Zabriskie Point. He would later go on to collect a Lifetime Achievement Academy Award in 1996.

Lastly, but by no means least, Lee Hazlewood sadly lost his fight with renal cancer on August the 4th. Hazlewood achieved a renaissance in recent years largely due to his work with Nancy Sinatra is the late 60s. He wrote her biggest hit 'These Boots Are Made For Walking' in 1966, but it's for their collaborations that he will be most fondly remembered. The 1968 album 'Nancy & Lee' (pictured) is considered a classic and contains the haunting duet 'Some Velvet Morning' which was recently covered by Primal Scream. Hazlewood was also a fine producer, and made a series of records with guitar legend Duane Eddy.

Arm's Reach would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of these extraordinary people who touched our lives with their films and music.

Ye Olde Elfin Saddle

2007-08-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Elfin Saddle are named after a wild mushroom. Which may therefore give you an insight into how they might sound… traditional, earthy, who have an old, almost minstrel type quality to them. It has that sort of pastoral charm, which we would associate with the likes of A Hawk And A Hacksaw, Akron/Family and Horse Feathers. If Elfin Saddle were a pint of milk, you would have to buy it from a specialist organic food store. Are they worth the hassle? Click here and see for yourself.

Tony Wilson R.I.P

2007-08-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Factory Record's founder Tony Wilson, today lost his battle with cancer, aged 57. Originally a television broadcaster in the 1970's, presenting So It Goes and Granada Reports, Tony went on to found Factory Records, home to Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays. Tony was also responsible for the Hacienda Nightclub, regarded as one of the most famous clubs in the late 80's. Considered by many as a pioneer and one of life's genuine music enthusiasts, Tony will be remembered for the impact he made on the music world. We here at Arm's Reach would like to extend our deepest sympathy's to Tony's family and friends. He will be missed.

No Room At The Mohawk Lodge

2007-08-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here’s the bad news... The Mohawk Lodge is all booked up this evening. They simply don’t any more rooms to allocate. However, there is hope as The Mohawk Lodge, the band, have just released their second album Wildfires in the US, and as a result are receiving a whole lotta buzz Stateside. This fine Canadian four-piece, combine soul, folk and indie rock to make some pretty incredible records . It’s a sound seeped in blue colllar traditions, and the production demonstates this magnificently. Feel free to hear for yourself by clicking on this link.

Arm's Rant #1: V Fest

2007-08-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, lets face it; we are currently in the midst of what can be described as a festival boom culture. There's simply never been as many. Every year another one is hatched, in some place you’ve never heard of, with a title using a word that you may not have thought existed. So all in all this is good news, right? Well, yes and no… without the interest there’d never be so many festivals around, so with more people interested in seeing live music, this can only be a good thing, surely? The trouble is that the live music itself has become a sort of secondary consideration. The bigger festivals such as Glastonbury, Isle of Wight and the Carling Weekend sell out within minutes of tickets going on sale. This is even without punters giving a moment’s thought to who’ll actually be playing.

This leads me on to the latest upcoming major festival, V Festival, which starts this Saturday. Virgin Festival recently launched in America (see here), and by all accounts was received with warmth across the pond. So why was this? Well, to my shock and amazement the line-up was actually quite good. Surprising for a festival who’s brand is synonymous with MOR and Dad Rock. The likes of TV On The Radio (pictured), LCD Soundsystem, Booka Shade, Peter, Bjorn and John, Modest Mouse and The Beastie Boys all played on the Saturday, which was headlined by newly reformed The Police.

The Sunday featured Dan Deacon in the Dance Tent, Interpol, MIA, Spoon, Explosions In The Sky, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Smashing Pumpkins and the Wu-Tang Clan. So I’m left scratching my head thinking ‘this is not the V Fest that I’ve become accustomed to… where’s the safe, bland indie rock… in fact, where’s Snow Patrol?’ A quick glance at this weekend’s V Fest answers these questions, and rest assured, normal service has been resumed. The British V Fest and its American counterpart may share the same name, but they are poles apart in their respective line-ups.

Paulo Nutini, The Fray, KT Tunstall, Kasabian, Mika, Jet, Pink and resident house band Snow Patrol are all featured this weekend. Other lowlights include Damien Rice piping Iggy and the Stooges to headline the JJB/Puma Arena and Bright Eyes headlining the ‘Virgin Mobile Union’ stage. An act, which sees the once, loved Conor Oberst, laying down his Jedi light sabre and officially turning to the dark side. It all makes for depressing reading for music lovers, as this could be, for a festival that considers itself a fairly credible live event, the worst line up for a big name festival in living memory. The website invites you to view the ‘line-up at a glance’… “glance” being the operative word before you start to realise “hang on, am I being short changed?”

Even Amy Winehouse, British music’s current 'jewel in the crown', played the Baltimore V as we get palmed off with the likes of The Goo Goo Dolls?! Only added to the bill for that Iris song which will be belted out by hundreds of drunken, balding men, possibly in jester hats, at this weekend’s event. A free ticket, to witness this, or the option of receiving unnecessary root canal dental work, would be a choice literally too close to call.

So why is the line-up so rubbish then? Well, it’s not up to me to answer that. The bigwigs at Virgin are the ones accountable, as it is they who have the insight into how it all works. For they know, as well as I, that the whole thing is highly lucrative. The demand is huge, so whoever plays sadly becomes irrelevant. The majority of these types of festivalgoers are there for the event and not the music. They go to tell their friends, to post pictures on their myspace and to get blind drunk on overpriced alcohol. No doubt, once it’s all over, they will reapply for next year’s experience when headliners include Color Me Badd, The Krankies and The Real Milli Vanilli.

Sea Wolf

2007-08-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

I know you're thinking "Not another wolf band, what's the point anymore", you need to just relax, you're completely over reacting. Los Angeles based Sea Wolf are a welcomed addition to the gang with their delightfully breezy take on things. The two songs currently up on their Myspace (taken from their forthcoming debut "Leaves In The River") career gently but with purpose and feel instantly familiar. Go and see for yourselves here and be sure to get their debut album (out on Dangerbird Records) when it comes out on September 25th. Love animals? We still do.

Underneath The Floorbirds

2007-08-07T08:17:00.001-07:00

The Floorbirds are a boy/girl duo that is clearly living in a completely different era to the rest of us... 1930s America to be precise. They make music that belongs from the dustbowl era, though this is neither novelty nor parody. Members Daniel and Alyssa combine their deep love for blues, roots and folk to make gentle, beautifully crafted interpretations of old time standards and new material. Hailing from Minneapolis, the duo gives the sense of being true scholars in their field. It is groups like these that help keep the candle burning for American folk music, and for this, Arm's Reach simply tip our hats.

Deacon set to Spaz Out in Europe

2007-08-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Baltimore based keyboard spaz Dan Deacon is out on tour in Europe, as we speak. There are a number of dates starting tonight in London and you'd be a darn fool to miss out. The live show is said to be a wild occasion and spazzing out is compulsory. We'll see you there...

August 6th - London, UK @ The End
August 7th - Brighton, UK @ Greenhouse Effect
August 8th - London, UK @ Cargo
August 9th - Liverpool, UK TBC
August 10th - Manchester, UK @ Barge party
August 11th - Bristol, UK @ Thekla
August 13th - Norwich, UK @ Norwich Arts Centre
August 14th - Paris, FR @ Fleche D'or
August 16th - London, UK @ Barden's Boudoir
August 17th - Dublin, IE @ Crawdaddy
August 18th - Cork, IE @ Liquid Lounge
August 19th - Galway, IE @ Roisin Dubh
August 22nd - Tampere, FI @ Klubi
August 23rd - Helsinki, FI @ Redrum
August 24th - London, UK @ MacBeth
August 25th - Nottingham, UK @ Stealth
August 27th - Edinburgh, UK @ T on the Fringe
August 28th - Glasgow, UK TBC

And if you haven't had a chance to hear Dan's excellent new album Spiderman Of The Rings gather your metal circles together and get a copy. Wham City baby!

Arm's Reach Brings Us Closer Together

2007-08-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

There are many strains, stresses and distractions in life that can prevent one from finding solace in important times. Arm's Reach is built on solid principles, and is here to facilitate all ages in every walk of life. We firmly believe that simply logging on to Arm's Reach each day, can reinvigorate one's life so much that you'll literally be bouncing out of bed each morning. Of course, no scientific research has been compiled to back this up, but we consider this a minor detail. So c'mon net heads... let's get blogging!

Merseybeat's Buried Treasure

2007-08-03T03:20:00.000-07:00

All too often in music it takes a great artist to pass away in order for them to receive their due. This is most certainly the case with Jimmy Campbell who started off with Merseybeat combo The Kirkby's and went on to front the 23 Turn Off and the more progressive sounding Rockin' Horse. Though it is Jimmy Campbell's solo work that is now starting to generate the kind of excitement only reserved for those true greats that had once been long forgotten... Skip Spence, Bill Fay and the recent Karen Dalton re-releases are examples of this.

Campbell's body of solo work, until now, has been only available to obsessive record collectors with very deep pockets. His 1970 release 'Half Baked' on Vertigo which featured the incredible 'In My Room' as covered by Billy Fury, has all the hallmarks of a masterpiece. His other two significant releases are 'Son Of Anastasia' (Fontana) and 'Jimmy Campbell's Album' (Phillips) all of which are crying out for a CD re-release.

A retrospective becomes ever more likely when a new generation discovers an important artist once overlooked or forgotten. Jimmy Campbell's songs are now being heralded by the likes of Pete Wylie, Edgar Jones and Peter Van Poehl. We at Arm's Reach simply urge you to succumb to the genius that is Jimmy Campbell and his irresistible charms.

You Old Believers

2007-08-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

Portland, Oregon may just be another "place in the USA" to us UK folks, but to some it's been a rather neat little goldmine for great music. Old Believers, Nelson Kempf and Keeley Boyle will hopefully join the ranks of Portland's finest if their current EP is anything to go by. The duo craft sweet folky tales and know how to hold a note. They currently have three songs to download on their Mespace page (free) here and a mini album available through Fine Romantic Recordings (also on Myspace). Believe us.

Montreal Alert! Magic Weapon! WTF!

2007-08-01T14:32:00.001-07:00

You heard it folks Montreal alert! Magic Weapon are what happens when a tonne of bands from the area get together and all their musical ooze forms a new Mutant Ninja Turtle that totally knows Kung Fu off by heart. GorillaVsBear had the hot scoop on this lot and a second mention (or 90th, whatever the case may be) feels like a must for me. The band is made up of members of Miracle Fortress, Think About Life, Sunset Rubdown and Shapes and Sizes. Pretty impressive stuff, if I should say so myself. You'd be a fool not to check out their Myspace here.

The Tallest Man On Earth

2007-08-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Although for the longest time it seems Scandanavia has been churning out some of the best music in the past five years, it's hard to believe that the cogs still appear to be greased and the machine is still running. Every other day I stumble upon yet another great band/act like Sweden's The Tallest Man On Earth. An obvious lover of all things blues and folk The Tallest Man On Earth plays a nifty six string and manages to keep things interesting without being to nostalgic. There seems to be very little information about The Tallest Man On Earth but we do know he's signed to Gravitation in Sweden and his self titled ep can be purchased here. Sound good.

The Sea & Cake Make Some Illinoise!

2007-08-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

This is small segment of The Sea & Cake's blinding set at this year's Pitchfork Festival in Chicago, Illinois. This is the band on top form after recently returning from a three year hiatus to release their latest LP 'Everybody' to considerable critical acclaim.

Here at Arm's Reach we like to spoil our readers and that is why we're posting a whole FIFTY SIX (yes, you heard right) seconds of the performance. So, yes, Christmas has officially come early. We also presume our audience has under a minute to spare in order to immerse themselves in a taster of a band once again reaching their zenith. Please click on the link below to view.

Click Here: The Sea and Cake Live at Pitchfork Fest

Clear Tigers

2007-07-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

Anyone who loves the spooky offbeat pop of such great bands as Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Menomena et al, would be wise to check out Brooklyn five piece Clear Tiger. Although their debut album is not scheduled til the Fall, the band currently have two tracks taken from the recordings posted on their myspace page here and they're both gems. The band are unsigned as of yet but from the strength of these two songs I'd bet me bottom dollar that things will no doubt change very soon. Bring on the Fall....

New Tap Tap song.

2007-07-31T10:45:00.001-07:00

Tap Tap's Thomas Sanders has been busy as of late with his other band Pete and The Pirates, as they make a stop at nearly every festival this summer, winning over fans along the way. This worried me slightly as I feared Tap Tap would get left behind as Pete and The Pirates head North for superstardom. But alas, after a root around his Myspace this afternoon a new song entitled "In Times Of War" has appeared and it seems as though young Thomas is a man well able to do two things at once. It's a fantastic track and well worth a visit to his page and if further evidence is needed that Thomas and Co could possibly be making some of the best music in the UK at the moment, go out and buy Lanzafame or any Pete and The Pirates EPs from Stolen Recordings. All of them are great and worth the money......