Mark Kozelek, leader of now defunct ’90s group Red House Painters and the sole member of Sun Kil Moon, has made a name for himself as an excellent cover artist. From his entire album of Modest Mouse covers (which many reviewers initially thought was new material) to his heartfelt album of AC/DC covers, his haunting voice immediately reveals the sadness behind any song. Mark’s own material is even more dense and has an instantly recognizable quality to it. Perhaps that’s why there are so few covers of his songs.
In the newest video to come from The Voice Project, ARMS tackled one of Sun Kil Moon’s prettiest tracks, “Carry Me Ohio.” ARMS, previously the side project of Harlem Shakes’ Todd Goldstein but now his full-time band, confess their admiration of Kozelek before playing, and it’s clear that they are trying to stick close to the original sound. The addition of some atmospheric keyboards is nice, but Goldstein’s attempt to sing like Kozelek can’t quite match the original. Around the five-minute mark the band cranks up the intensity and makes the song sound new, but it’s a shame they didn’t get there sooner. As it is, ARMS’ version sounds okay, but really just makes you long for the original. Check out the video below and see if you agree.
ARMS – Carry Me, Ohio (Sun Kil Moon cover)
Check out more ARMS on their website.
A competent cover of one of the loveliest songs of all time.