Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

This guitarist puts his whole nervous system into it, I dig it

@mattb6721

6 жыл бұрын

Looks like musician's dystonia so you're not far off

@bobodeyuca

5 жыл бұрын

Buck Meek is a badass

@alonelycreature

5 жыл бұрын

Matt Breton what’s musician’s dystonia? I like it he’s just doing his thing and doesn’t care it makes me feel good.

@laurastaff1047

5 жыл бұрын

Crawls up in the soul

@gregorygrieves2494

5 жыл бұрын

I love it!

Glad the drummer could wrap up his fly fishing trip early to make the set.

I like that every one of them looks like they should be in a different band

@cactaceous

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that spazzy tourettes filled pink shirted guitarist is straight out of a Liberace covers band.

@elrabeechum5180

5 жыл бұрын

Love this. Drummer belongs in King Gizzard, the guitarist in Perfume Genius, the lead singer in First Aid Kit, the bassist in Parquet Courts.

@jonathanmolzan8374

5 жыл бұрын

This is such a great comment.

@andyedwards9011

5 жыл бұрын

And yet they all seem like total normies

@StephaneVorstellung

5 жыл бұрын

Drummer and bass player were contractors (HVAC and Network IT Administration, respectively) who just happened to be in the NPR offices: happy to sit in and pick up the slack.

The drummer looks like he's contemplating that one carp he let go by the backcountry river 7 years ago

@stickgore

5 жыл бұрын

the one that got away

@andreaneilcmc

5 жыл бұрын

James is a vegan - so even if he caught that poor carp, he would have kissed it on the mouth and released it back into the backcountry water, to produce and sustain the carp population.

@Legionere

5 жыл бұрын

Hahaha

@jeffdeidolori2666

4 жыл бұрын

The guitar player is that carp?

@deprofundis3293

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, sir, for making me actually laugh out loud for a moment! XD

everyones talking abt the groovy guitarist but no one mentions dad about to go fishing and guy whos not wearing shoes. i love this band

@jw-jy4vw

4 жыл бұрын

He would be not wearing shoes

@adsensedd

4 жыл бұрын

Stop it, I just finished laughing about the chicken god comment, now you've got me going again! Great band.

@helenyohannes8568

2 жыл бұрын

LOL 😆 once you see it...

@plwglbrth

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like fishing dude caught some bass.

@eyeojo

2 жыл бұрын

@@plwglbrth I see what you did there. And I like it.

Adrianne has the voice of a legend

@wonka4

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly !!

@nnylg

5 жыл бұрын

Like Blossom Dearie channeling Bjork; amazing voice.

@knsnsy

3 жыл бұрын

Adrienne IS a legend

@friendship6668

3 жыл бұрын

I was at a Pedro the Lion /Tomberlain show at a venue most bands dont go to few years ago and someone said how Adrianne Lenker is one of the best songwriters we have right now. About a year later I saw her play on that same stage. She is a legend.

@zombockerman

2 жыл бұрын

she sounds like a mouse

Definitely one of the greatest songwriters of this generation

@williamsova4663

Жыл бұрын

YASSSS!

@a-aron14

11 ай бұрын

for sure !

@kier1568

3 ай бұрын

Agreed. I honestly put her lyricism up there with Dylan, Cohen and Waits. Lenker's a real poet.

@kier1568

Ай бұрын

@@earforenglish5867 how much have you been listening to? Or are you using chart music as your barometer?

He’s not playing the guitar, the guitar is playing him

@BarronVonSchnoot

3 жыл бұрын

John Francis I wish the guitar would play him better.

@screwtapee

Жыл бұрын

They are playing together

@Ginzy

Жыл бұрын

yaaas😂

@paulroberts3639

8 ай бұрын

Nah, that shirt is playing them both…..

@Smeegle653

8 ай бұрын

Ik right? She looks at him like … take it away sam😂😂😂😂

I love that each band member looks like they are living in their own decade.

@therainman7777

2 жыл бұрын

Failed attempt at copying the top comment.. just stop.

literally all of them are *_feeling_* the music. you don't see that kind of passion too often holy shit

@MrMrsVegan

2 жыл бұрын

Or possession

@jpogigtxcr1778

2 жыл бұрын

Bassist doing classic bassist stance

@evomike5708

2 жыл бұрын

They're so good

@tyleriver8

7 ай бұрын

Looks like epilepsy

@felix56p

Ай бұрын

the synced bops at 2:18 is wonderful

Masterpiece is one of the greatest songs of all time

@PS2542

11 ай бұрын

Overstate without telling me beforehand you’re overstating.

@shayneashby2395

2 ай бұрын

Agree...it's soo good.

We need another Big Thief Tiny Desk. They’ve made so much amazing music since this was put out. Still so good after all this time❤️

@pantherpress1799

Жыл бұрын

One just came out today

Big thief, tiny desk.

@alonelycreature

5 жыл бұрын

Loresk Canada 👌🏻

@donnadizucchero

3 жыл бұрын

Big Thief HAS STOLEN the show!))))

@kamariweaver1536

3 жыл бұрын

This is Anderson peak’s quote

Wow somehow just now watching this… crazy how diff Adrianne looks now. Same crazy good vocals, but the shorn hair and bare face she rocks now really embody who she is imo 🖤

@heksail

2 ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing (1 year later), she has a lovely face and I’m happy she seems more confident in who she is nowadays (I could be wrong about that obviously but as you said it feels like her look embodies her more now). She’s a beautiful human either way

I mean. I can’t even. This is one of my touchstone places in KZread. I come here, they fill my cup with their tender power, and I am renewed.

Adrienne still moved to the music in her head after 'Paul' had ended, and only after the audience started clapping that she stopped. This is the reason that I love music. Music has wings, and every time you put in your headphones or put a needle to vinyl, you have a choice to fly and be immersed in the sky !

@mammontustado9680

3 жыл бұрын

"And I've been burning for you baby since the moment I left"

@heatherheathen9388

2 жыл бұрын

Music is magic...... And medicine 🖤

@nathanburley36

2 жыл бұрын

Yay metaphors 😃

@hillmadaris

2 жыл бұрын

@@heatherheathen9388 may I copy that phrase for my Facebook motto?

@heatherheathen9388

2 жыл бұрын

@@hillmadaris Of course!!!!

that masterpiece version really is a masterpiece

@luciano53688

5 жыл бұрын

Her voice is so sweet and so raw. So beautiful

@Melchior119

4 жыл бұрын

This live performance is magical indeed.

@yourtubesteak

4 жыл бұрын

Are you using the word "masterpiece" concerning this boring uncreative garbage? Doesn't take much to please some people.

@alexcook9408

4 жыл бұрын

yourtubesteak people have preferences. I think the lyrics are pretty touching. It’s alright if you don’t like it

@corbinrichards7206

4 жыл бұрын

yourtubesteak k

Paul is such an indie masterpiece.

Soooo underrated. I love how they don’t give a fck what faces they make or if they don’t open their eyes once, it’s all about the music. Happy to be alive at the same time as big thief!

Her smile is so beautiful.......Her smile is really precious...

This performance is fucking legendary. Adrianne's raspiness and vibrancy is, imo, lost in the overproduction of the album version itself. I hope to hear more!

@haziest4232

3 жыл бұрын

that's why I really prefer her solo stuff! her sounds is much more "raw" there

@Blindastronomer

3 жыл бұрын

@@haziest4232 I'm feeling the same way! 'songs' was also her best work by far.

@dabricio

Жыл бұрын

You must love their new record, then!

@dansalon3267

5 ай бұрын

Hey! Big thief released a remastered version of the album this week! You should check it out, it sounds amazing

@Blindastronomer

5 ай бұрын

thanks for the heads up dude@@dansalon3267

this band. no words... too many words... probably my favourite record of the year.

5:21 "As I realized there was no one who could kiss away my shit" always breaks my heart

@TravisGrant

5 жыл бұрын

Great line.

@Mrgrpgrp

5 жыл бұрын

this place smells like piss and beer

@yourtubesteak

4 жыл бұрын

Ya gee. Bob Dylan is probably intimidated by such genius lyrics.

@yoink1113

3 жыл бұрын

@@yourtubesteak unironically this. I think Lenker is a step just above Dylan, and I say that as a fan of both

@yourtubesteak

3 жыл бұрын

@@yoink1113 Above Bob Dylan???? Are you kidding? Dylan has been writing genius tunes for decades. This band can barely play and these "songs" are terrible. No memorable hooks or melodies and lyrically they are awful. In my opinion. No redeeming musical value at all.

Adrianne Lenker has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. I wish this session was longer. Love this band so much.

@sufjan1970

Ай бұрын

She is a masterpiece!!!!

😭 I am speechless. I feel so sad rn. Can't believe I discovered this music this late.

@TheCheikh97

3 жыл бұрын

Better late than never

@DrOz-007

3 жыл бұрын

I discovered JS Bach 300 years late. No worries, it still works.

@friendship6668

3 жыл бұрын

Check out Adrianne Lenker's solo stuff too 💕💕

@warrenponder5137

2 жыл бұрын

Heard their new song ‘Certainty’? So good!!!

@friendship6668

2 жыл бұрын

@@warrenponder5137 I saw them in August. It was one of the best shows I've been to. They p,ayed Sparrow 💕💕

Her voice is magic, makes me teary eyed and starry eyed. A true gift.

This is what happens when music is an extension of you and not the other way around. Neither is wrong, both are good. But this band is radiant.

@peaveystacks4649

3 жыл бұрын

well said

the way she gets into Paul is just beautiful.. this is my favorite version of it hands down.

It's too bad this session wasn't longer, I love these guys.

Great Americana vibe. I wouldn't have guessed they were from Brooklyn. I imagined a forgotten town in the midwest. This is the feeling I get from their music.

@kaileewalden3586

Жыл бұрын

Adrianne grew up mostly in Minnesota and Buck, the guitarist, grew up in Texas, so I think that gives some background to their sound.

DUDE THIS GUY IN THE GOLD JACKET RIPS IT UP LIKE NO OTHER. I HAVE BEEN SAVED

This version of masterpiece makes me weep like a baby. Starts when she says "you lay there on the hospital bed," every damn time.

@shayneashby2395

6 жыл бұрын

Exactly the same spot for me - what a performance - brilliant.

@jimsmint

5 жыл бұрын

agreed

@songofsovereignty6811

3 жыл бұрын

Same spot for me

@thegingerx

3 жыл бұрын

chills every time 😭

@shayneashby2395

2 ай бұрын

Yep...album version doesn't hit as hard as this.

when I first listened to this I thought the lead guitarist didn't really have that refined a technique, but I liked the way the dissonance of his playing worked with the rest of the music. coming back now I've come to realize that he knows exactly what he's doing- every "off" note is chosen deliberately.

@jordansaintemarie

4 жыл бұрын

He is genius level

@paulkubic786

4 жыл бұрын

Formal Training--music major!!

@dtstone88

2 жыл бұрын

Neil Young vibes. Messy, dissonant, beautiful!

@reddwing4368

2 жыл бұрын

He s the lead guitarist He s Bucky Buck Dedicated to chaos Unlike the rest of us He gets to live his life that way Safely anyways

@Anonymous-is2qb

Жыл бұрын

His playing has an amazing mystical and magical quality

The version of Masterpiece on this performance is SO much more giving to the heart of the song than the recording of it on their album. All three of these performances are amazing!

@teezytwochins4775

7 жыл бұрын

Matthew Saul that's exactly what I said ! I would love that whole album to be live !

@hurting3581

6 жыл бұрын

Agreed. The "heavy indie" sound/production on the record buries the song a little bit, here the real emotional center of it comes through and it's very moving.

@luciostheimer3850

4 жыл бұрын

This is way late but you should check out the solo version on their single Dandelion if you haven't!! It's far and away my fav version of Masterpiece, it's really beautiful

@joebob1994

4 жыл бұрын

I second this!! I love this version of masterpiece. I come back to it all the time

@joebob1994

4 жыл бұрын

Luci Ostheimer thanks for this!!!

I consider myself a metal head, if I have to fall into a category. But, more than anything, I appreciate good music. This first track was so good, I replayed it 4 times! These guys are so talented, her voice is beautiful and that dude plays the fucking shit out of that guitar. I really don't see how anyone could not like this. Masterpiece is a fitting song name. Just brilliant!

@stephenjones6030

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'm a Zep Head.....that first song was f-ing brilliance!! Haven't listened to the second one yet...

@jdwhodey

3 жыл бұрын

@OneSilentGiant already love that song! Been following these guys since I seen this video. Still love them!

@michelepacheco8849

9 ай бұрын

Lyle workman

@heksail

2 ай бұрын

seeing comments like this is beautiful, I’m so glad big thief appeals to people of all sorts of genre-fans (like me, I’m usually more of a post-punk/art rock/experimental/electronic guy but Big Thief is my favorite current working band/artist)

00:00 - "Masterpiece" 04:01 - "Paul" 07:09 - "Lorraine"

@AvgJane19

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@sebastianwright3533

3 жыл бұрын

Paul goed hard

they seem to really enjoy and feel what they're playing

The engineers at Npr are just absolutely incredible

I’m just infatuated with the emotional way the guitarist moves when he’s playing... He really gets it😳😘😂

i adore adrianne’s voice. it’s so lovely and exactly as it is on the records. i’m totally enamored with their music lately.

Intimate. Introspective. Emotive. Authentic. Truly amazing.

These guys have it. And I want more of it. Those vibes tho

@jacobcerchiori7525

6 жыл бұрын

timmy toms try listening after 3 of these coctails. 3 oz soda water (pref. Strawberry flavored), 1.5 oz beefeater gin, 1/2 oz lemon juice (pref. Fresh sqeazed, 1/2 oz red vermouth

@alonelycreature

5 жыл бұрын

timmy toms tell me about it brother

2 years later, still one of the best NPR Tiny Desk performances. Better than the album versions of all three songs.

One of the best things i've heard in years.

Total rollercoaster. When feeling emotional during the song, I see glimpses of the guitarist on the right and laugh at his goofiness. Fucking awesome.

@roykie007

3 жыл бұрын

Strange but cohesive

best version of Masterpiece.

Big Thief just played a free show at University of California Berkeley under the radar. I bow salute & love these folks, bought wearing the tshirt and still hearing the otherwordly voice of ALenker. Support them how you can...

I saw the masterpiece,it looked a lot like this

I love the guitarist in this - he feels how emotionally charged the songs are, and concentrates all that emotion into the really restrained, mournful guitar, and that restraint only adds to it

I love her voice, I love this sound. Reads like a poem and shattered glass. Soft and sharp. ASMR, love them love them.

this band excites me about as much as anyone these days. just cannot stop listening to them. it’s all there - genuine lyrics, great sound, and an unforgettable voice.

@LA-zn2ys

4 жыл бұрын

UFOF and Two Hands, two powerful albums everyone should hear. Bless

Got my first guitar, a baritone ukelele for Christmas, 1960. Been playing ever since. After watching this, turned off the laptop and strapped on the strat. Great band, excellent songs. Wave on.

I keeping finding myself enjoying tiny desk concert versions of songs more than what was originally intended to be heard by thier performers. There is something that comes through that seems and or is more significant when restrictions/limitations are put in place and the musicians are playing to thier fullest at a minimum. It is BeautiFuLL.

@Mrgrpgrp

5 жыл бұрын

Same, it's true - the ones that got it really shine through

@zandre007

5 жыл бұрын

That applies to selected bunch. This performance was stellar. On the other hand Toro was awful on Tiny desk.

@GreenNails23

3 жыл бұрын

This has happened to me several times! I wish they would come out with special edition albums..

@Anthony-uf3oz

2 жыл бұрын

*their performers

This has got to be one of the most heartfelt performances I have ever witnessed

Her guitar playing on Lorraine is so legit. Most leads only ever strum simple chords while singing. She is picking a pretty complicated melody while pouring her soul into the lyrics. Amazing

Lyrically I have so much respect for Paul as a song. The chorus is perfect and “you’d take me any way I came or went” is haunting to me in the best way

Seems like he's channelling some form of Chicken God. Incredible.

@christiangastelum7035

5 жыл бұрын

Ed Has anyone in this family ever even SEEN a chicken?

@joebob1994

5 жыл бұрын

MADE ME LOL

@anglemirajes6863

5 жыл бұрын

Ahahahahaha. Perfect.

@joebob1994

5 жыл бұрын

i keep coming back to this session, and then keep coming back to this comment, too funny :'D

@Gwen_Dolyn

5 жыл бұрын

hahahaha YES. OMG

I just discovered these guys and I'm angry about all the years I missed not knowing about them

@existentialgourd5677

2 ай бұрын

i feel the same, but I’m grateful we have this beautiful music now :)

@KilmoreMurphy

Ай бұрын

If you're angry it's because of something else.

Keep coming back to this version of Masterpiece. It’s amazing

I love the energy on that lead guitarist- he's feeling every note in his soul and I love it.

My daughter said she sounds like an angel I said that's because she is what a beautiful voice thank you tiny desk for giving little known artists the chance to shine

This was great. Guitar player is goofy and great

@ekarilil

7 жыл бұрын

I also thought he's too strange the first time i've watched this video, but im totally digging it now

@TheAngerPowered

7 жыл бұрын

His likeness to Will Arnett makes it even better. Fantastic band overall!

@BikesAndBatallas

7 жыл бұрын

More like Dian Bachar (actor whose friends with Trey and Matt and in Orgazmo, BASEketball, Cannibal, etc.): www.imdb.com/name/nm0045379/

@wonkylommiter6364

6 жыл бұрын

Totally love this band but jeez... the guitarist guy , He seriously needs to tone things down a bit FFS! he seems to be trying to out perform the lead singer, and just looks a dick in my opinion.

@TimPrendergast

6 жыл бұрын

Kinda reminds me of Ian Curtis from Joy Division but happier...

This is some of the best songwriting I've heard in a while. The delivery and emotion capped so nicely. What a voice! Chords put together so soulfully. Harmonies and awesome lyrics. Love it, such a treat!

I wish studio albums were as good as Tiny Desk Concerts.

they have a forever 21 girl, a fisherman, a disco guy and a pro bowler.

@plathtacular9251

7 жыл бұрын

I guess those are all better than being the dude who posts asshole comments. But what do I know - I was just listening to the song.

@iSouldier

7 жыл бұрын

The pro bowler guy is actually Christian Bale!

@bjismyfavorite

7 жыл бұрын

the christian bale on american psycho.

@grantandrews4826

7 жыл бұрын

More Josh Brolin from True Grit.

@SeanBailey1

7 жыл бұрын

Will Arnett, honestly

Saw them open for Frankie Cosmos last week. I didn't love them at the time, but I gave them another chance and now I'm totally obsessed with their record. Great stuff.

@friendship6668

6 жыл бұрын

Douglas Guttenberger Bug Thief & Frankie Cosmos? I woulda died. They just did a tour with Little Wings. So pissed I missed it

@alisonhenley353

5 жыл бұрын

SHIT that must have been a great show. I know what you mean about not getting into Big Thief right away though, took me a bit of time as well. But this performance is flawless!

I can't stop listening to this! Her voice is so beautiful, and their energy on stage is hypnotizing. The guitar player is so much fun!

Adrianne Lenker with long hair is such a different look. She doesn’t look the same at all! Wow

Very unique. Awsomeness comes in a lot of different flavors.

Been frothing on these guys so glad this came out

"old friends, old mothers, dogs, and brothers"....geez....perfection.

I have been a musician best part of 50 years - this is unique and extraordinary - keep it up!

Just discovered this band! Wow! These guys have got soul! Credit to Tiny Desk for capturing the sound. This version of Masterpiece kicks the shit out of the studio version!

love this band! i kinda wish they had just gone in and blew up the room with 'masterpiece" they really throttled it back

I hate and love how I have so much music in my life that I forget these guys for awhile and they always come up at the most nostalgic time. Makes me miss my past.

ive had this on repeat for 5 days straight.

Thank you NPR Music for once again introducing me to an awesome band!

I love watching Buck Meek groove while he performs.

This album has gotten me through some heavy times. I can’t describe how much I loved coming to watch this here today. Made me tears.

this and superorganism are my favourites of these tiny desk concerts and they just give off such different energy i love it

Freaking AWESOME!!! I've loved Adrianne for many years! I'm loving the sound of Big Thief. I'll be on the lookout for nearby shows!! 💕

I love the small songs packing a big message and delivered with understated passion. The two guitarists perfectly complement one another. A great outfit!

Masterpiece is one of those rare songs that I will never grow tired of. I LOVE it every time I hear it.

Can’t take my eyes off Buck, I love how he plays his Guitar. Great Band.

these people are good at doing songs. I'd definitely tape them if they came on the radio.

This is the best npr tiny desk session

this brought me to tears. pure soul. never heard this band before. A fan for life.

I can't stop listening to this band, I never heard of them before, I love when a new light shines on my spirit.

Wow, great discovery. I know I'll be listening to a lot more Big Thief from now on. Thanks Tiny Desk!

My daughter was born whilst this video played.

@Regimeshifts

4 жыл бұрын

also conceived to it?

@TheGetFreshFlow

3 жыл бұрын

Good Stuff. I hope mom and the young one are well.

@donnadizucchero

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers!!!!!

@abdurrazzaq2314

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheGetFreshFlow ♥️🌹

@aeson33

3 жыл бұрын

Get a guitar in her hands in 5 years.

Nearly 2 years on and I still can't stop listening to this.

This band is slowly changing my life. Simply amazing.

True passion, style, unique vibe, great words of heartfelt emotion, angst, and longing. Rare breeds come along once in a while and leave a lasting impression. So glad I found this group today, but any day to find them would give me the same knowing grin. Excellent.

Wonderfully written. Hauntingly beautiful. Intimate. I love the singing into a tin can kind of sound. Dust bowl imagery. Small dark venue. Impressive.

I have been listening to this a few times each day for the last 2 weeks. There unbelievable. My favourite new band. just when I thought music was dead, I still get surprised. Amazing!

Thank you guys for this amazing performance.

This is exactly why I Love Tiny Desk performances. Absolutely Incredible and totally by surprise, I had never listened to Big Thief, but Wow, searching for more after I post this.

They've been great performers since their inception and this video holds up great.

Amazing... love Adrianne's voice and lyrics. Slow yourself down, listen and enjoy.