NPR Tiny Desk Concerts

Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 18 October 2011

What a good thing these are, and the latest Wilco one is a real treat. Well it is for me as a bit of a Wilco fan.

 

For those unfamiliar, check out NPR All Songs Considered Tiny Desk Concerts on the NPR website or via the podcast videos. Bands are invited into the NPR office to play in the rather restricted and cluttered environs of the presenters desk. Many are with solo or duo singer songwriters but sometimes whole bands arrive with copious kit etc. They generally play 3-4 tracks and the mood is pretty informal.

 

These 15-20 min slots include some real gems, (and some artists also look horribly exposed too IMHO). The new Wilco post is a beauty; good musicians, confident and relaxed, enjoying the music and the whole low-key idea. A cracker, and the whole archive is well worth exploring; I bet most people will find someone that interests them.

 

Bruce

Posted on: 19 October 2011 by The Hawk

Thanks Bruce! Had no idea this existed. Really enjoyed the Wilco concert. I learn something new everyday! By the way, I live in North York too, but this one is in Canada!

 

Dave

Posted on: 19 October 2011 by Bruce Woodhouse

Phew, somebody is still alive in the Music Room.

 

Maybe I should have titled the thread 'New Pink Floyd Release'....

Posted on: 20 October 2011 by Sloop John B

new pink floyd release, tell me more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SJB

Posted on: 20 October 2011 by BigH47

I've enjoyed all of the Tiny Desk Concerts, that I have looked at, useful site NPR.

 

Other things in a similar vein, Black sessions and Balcony sessions, not sure if they are the actual titles but Google should find them.

Posted on: 20 October 2011 by Hook

Hi Bruce -

 

Thanks for the NPR tip, and +1 on Wilco.  Was very late the party, and only started listening to Wilco a couple of years ago.  Now have bought everything they've released.  Favorite album is "Kicking Television", their live concert from Chicago.  Am also enjoying their new release a lot, and wishing I had bought it in vinyl instead of cd...

 

Just saw they are going to be playing the Riviera theater in Chicago's north side on 12/13...a great old venue...I think I feel a road trip coming on! 

 

Hook

Posted on: 20 October 2011 by BigH47

Should read Black Cab sessions.

Posted on: 20 October 2011 by The Hawk

Glen, I'm toying with the idea of obtaining the HDTracks version.

 

Dave

Posted on: 20 October 2011 by Hook
Originally Posted by The Hawk:

       

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Glen, I'm toying with the idea of obtaining the HDTracks version.

 

Dave




It is also available as a vinyl box set...  ;-)
Posted on: 21 October 2011 by Jono 13

Try and find the Tom Tom Club, its great.

 

Jono

Posted on: 21 October 2011 by backfromoz

I have been an enthusiastic watcher of NPR.org tiny desk concerts for quite a while now. maybe even 3 years. 

 

Some absolutely fantastic performances.

 

Favoutes are Pokie La Farge, Debbie Gibson i think, The English Classical violinist and the Guy who played the 300 hundered year old cello. Bill Callaghan, Adelle, so very many Low Anthem.

 

I believe i posted on here about the site a while back.

 

Many are artists i would not normally come across. A very broad range of musical styles.

 

And what i love most is the artists ability to walk in with the bare minimum of gear and play a devastating performance without any tantrums. True musicianship.

 

I just wish Adele's album sounded as good as the performance on TDC.

 

The power of the internet for one Aussie artist Hayley Legg. her whole career has been in her bedroom recording covers and her own songs simply and very well. She has now become semi pro and has released her own albums all from a bedroom mini studio.

 

So yes a wonderful site.

 

David

Posted on: 21 October 2011 by Bruce Woodhouse

David

 

I recall hearing Tom Jones do a TDC some years ago. Not an artist I've usually any interest in but his performance was genuinely spine tingling. I guess true class shows. Ballake Sissoko is another good one.

 

I must give the Bill Callahan a go too.

 

Bruce

Posted on: 21 October 2011 by backfromoz

Bruce

 

enjoy the drummer and his drum kit.

 

David

Posted on: 21 October 2011 by Bruce Woodhouse

..and the paper-clip shaker too.