Fontaines D.C.: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
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The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Ann Powers | May 17, 2022
Filmed in Chicago’s beautiful brick Irish American Heritage Center during a recent tour, this four-song set begins with Fontaines D.C. singer Grian Chatten in the stacks at the center’s library, playing a button accordion and singing the mordant ballad “The Couple Across the Way” as cellist Maureen Dunne and violist Isaac Henry accompany him. An emotional touchstone on the band’s latest album, "Skinty Fia," it’s a taste of an unfinished Fontaines project: the Irish group originally planned to release a double set with half traditionally-styled tunes and half the searing, atmospheric post-punk that makes this third LP the band’s best.
But we won’t stay here in the quiet, unsettled heart. Chatten ambles over to the library’s open area, where the band is set up alongside members of the Northwestern University Choir to perform “In ár gCroíthe go deo.” The eerie blend of the choir’s harmonies and the band’s droning, building rhythms moves this music from storytelling to poetry. The song is a keen: an Irish lament for a dead woman whose family wanted the song’s title phrase inscribed on her grave but were thwarted when officials in their English hometown demanded a translation. “Gone is the night, gone is the day,” Chatten sings through gritted teeth as the choir and his bandmates chant those lost Irish words. Another library corner offers a dynamic shift, as Carlos O’Connell leads the tender, drifting “Big Shot” with delicate keyboard. Then it’s back to the noise with “Nabokov” - the perfect tune for tearing up an archive - and a final surprise sends the set into happy chaos.
SET LIST
“The Couple Across The Way”
“In ár gCroíthe go deo”
“Big Shot”
“Nabokov”
MUSICIANS
Grian Chatten: vocals, accordion
Carlos O'Connell: guitar, keyboard
Conor Curley: guitar, backing vocals
Conor Deegan III: bass guitar, backing vocals
Tom Coll: drums
Maureen Dunne: cello
Isaac Henry: viola
Choir:
Tom Avery
Joe Blanchard
Emily Ann Brooks
Peter Carroll
Martina Cavard Blanco
Mariana Leone
Maddie Mazzella
Emily Somé
Jackson Owen
Olivia Whitmer
CREDITS
Produced and Directed by Jamie Fleischel and Josh Modell
Cameras by Corey Lillard, Matt Carroll, John Sedivy
Recorded by Chris Butterworth
Monitors by Mat Acreman
Audio mixed by Dan and Orla Carey
String arrangements by Violeta Vicci
Vocal Consultant: Melissa Foster
Thank you to the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Kara Frame
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bobby Carter, Joshua Bryant, Michael Zamora, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
VP, NPR Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#NPRMusic #TinyDesk #FontainesDC
Пікірлер: 527
I loved that they didnt choose the big big singles and decided to go with the deep cuts of Skinty Fia... Its truly beautiful...
@fede7289
2 жыл бұрын
Onestly these are my fav of a whole amazing album
@GibbyBoy2831
2 жыл бұрын
The singles haven’t propelled them to superstardom, it’s been the albums. And the thing with the albums are that you can’t simply listen to an individual song, they draw you into listen to the albums in their entirety.
@evakeith9698
2 жыл бұрын
@@GibbyBoy2831 absolutely, every time i want to listen to one song i somehow end up listening to the entire album, it’s insanity.
@nicklopez7141
2 жыл бұрын
I learned to appreciate that. was wanting to hear the singles but loved the deeper songs and creativeness
@moegerms
2 жыл бұрын
@@evakeith9698 - it's not insanity. It's good music.
I think Grian's going to become a truly iconic frontman.
@GibbyBoy2831
2 жыл бұрын
He already is.
@dairebeare7839
2 жыл бұрын
The depth and tone of his voice on The Couple Across The Way is so much improved from their early material. Not that he was bad then by any means, but he’s developed so much as a singer and writer.
@kanzeon7729
2 жыл бұрын
Agree. But the Band still remains is a perfect blend. Everyone's got their place and fills space in these very creative arrangements.
@evew5
Жыл бұрын
He's gonna be big, yeah he's gonna be big.
@camplethargic8
Жыл бұрын
*TRULY* iconic, or falsely so? If it's truly - what will he symbolize, emblematize, or represent? 😉
An iconic tiny desk. So dynamic in all ways. That version of Big Shot is unreal, the whole set just left me with shivers
@RobertSlover
2 жыл бұрын
shivers? get out more Caroline.....
@osei3598
2 жыл бұрын
I listen to r&b, jazz and rap mainly but have an open mind I’m going to work on understanding this sound comments like this that express excitement and interest makes me want to go through a curious deep dive into this band and sound as a whole what is the genre called?
@carolineb7070
2 жыл бұрын
@@osei3598 people put them under a “post punk” umbrella but that in itself covers a broad sound. Some tracks from their last album could also be classified as “shoegaze” (especially Nabokov). That’s what I see most people describe their genre as
@sangresolida
2 жыл бұрын
@@osei3598 It is called post-punk, but that's a very broad term. As someone commented above, their latest album has some shoegaze elements, but it also has a song that's mostly accordion. Ultimately, the genre doesn't really matter as long as you like the band, and there's a lot to be liked in Fontaines D.C.'s music.
@josenazarenocarral7516
2 жыл бұрын
@@RobertSlover 8
This version of Big Shot is sonic gold.
The power outage just shows how explosive Nabokov is!!! ❤️🔥💥 I was lucky to see Fontaines live in Brooklyn, and their performance was so powerful
Met Carlos two days ago, such a lovely lad, he was leaning back on my car and I put the window down and chatted for a while, then took a picture. I love this band.
This is the greatest music discovery I have had for the last 5-10 years. Post-punk so familiar, yet so ridiculously original. I love them
This has to be one of the best tiny desks to date!
@marinava6697
2 жыл бұрын
@@drubbin9967 let people enjoy things 🤠
@sagemushroom
2 жыл бұрын
@@drubbin9967I think this format is completely different to the traditional tiny desk, the location, the power outage, the different chapter/scene each song brings with it. All artists you mentioned all have phenomenal concerts. For me though it takes the cake and if you can't agree, let's agree its the best tiny desk (home) concert :)
@alfiewright1396
9 ай бұрын
Fairly large desk tho
Jesus, that first song. I can't help but cry, it's such a haunting melody and beautiful message. That last line "maybe they look through to us and hope that's them in time". How do I do anything besides lay here and listen to this on repeat.
And that power outage came perfectly in the rhythm of the song. Love how they react and how Carlos seems really disappointed. Shows how into the song he was.
Amazing growth for Grian's singing! My god this performance brought me to tears. So proud and so happy for this band's success! Truly well deserved! They are one of a kind and the most special band of the decade.
I almost cried listening to The couple across the way, didn't know Grian play the accordion on that tune
0:00 - *The Couple Across The Way* (3:40 / 4:02) 4:32 - *In ár gCroíthe go deo* (10:06) 10:28 - *Big Shot* (13:55) 14:12 - *Nabokov* (17:21) [17:45 - Tiny Desk team]
love the unexpected ending!!
@fontainesdcfangroup
2 жыл бұрын
hahaha, that was a great ending!
Couple across the way is easily one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and that was my opinion before watching this video... This version is perfect
Very positively surprised by Conor Deegan's vocals on Nabokov, sounds great and powerful!! Also very cool they kept in the edit the moment when the power goes off, adds to the whole thing's authenticity and spontaneousness 👌
@blirbis
2 жыл бұрын
Deego has a quite beautiful voice. Must run in the family as his sister in Pixie Rhythm Cut Orchestra is fantastic.
@marwaunordest
2 жыл бұрын
@@blirbis interesting to know, thanks mate!
@davehurst2774
5 ай бұрын
Truely adds something beautiful to the track
The few lines from The Couple Across The Way where Grian puts more emotion in. Mental how much that got to me
"Nabokov" is so much a powerful sound that it shut down the building. Nice to see these alternate versions of "The Couple Across the Road" and "Big Shot". And a shout out to the choir (would be veeeery nice if they had sang the sweet "Daze ya, Phase ya, Happy daAaAaAaAaAays ya" as well). Fontaines D.C is a huge band. Skinty Fia :D
That version of big shot is just unbelievable. Whole things class but wow
His singing has improved ten fold, beautiful
@Ol_Dirty_Buzzard
2 жыл бұрын
Archy ♥
Couple Across the way will always give me goosebumps. My favorite track off the album, so many slight imperfections made it such a beautiful composition
This is amazing from and outstanding band that makes me proud to be Irish, the best thing in music for a long long time, here to stay for a long, quality........
There are only few bands that really speak to the soul and these are one of them. Keep it coming lads, you truly are great
The amount of emotion in this performance has me completely enthralled, to say the least!!!!! Utter poetic and gripping. Got so much time for these boys 🤌
That Nabokov performance genuinely ascended me
the live choir, the acoustic version of big shot, couple across the way - the vocals ! and ending with nabokov - all hail to fontaines ! what an incredible set !
The sky is the limit with this band.
@gordongillespie6637
2 жыл бұрын
and the circuit breaker
The stark emotions always written on Grian’s face make him such a beautiful front man. Couple Across the Way is a heart-string tugger. ‘Deadly’
Holding the band in the heart of divine love and light. There is a beautiful message here. I love you DCF. I am with you. ❤❤ thanks to all of the musicians and beautiful people
watching this is like therapy
Goosebumps throughout this whole set, unreal ☘️
@getwetsoon
2 жыл бұрын
Word!!!
Fontaines are so dynamic when they play sets like this, they just move around. There’s another one where it just stars with Grian and he wanders up some stairs jumps on the stage does his stuff and walks off again. Belter of a band and belter of a set list made even better after they blew the lights out 😂 thank you Fontaines from your no.1 super fan!
In ár gCroíthe go deo: Incroyable performance... une de mes préférées de l'album.. tellement bien construite, chaque voix, chaque instrument à sa place, au meilleur niveau... Meilleur groupe de ce siècle! Je vibrais plus comme ça depuis les Smiths ou Joy division...
I'm sad I'll never get to hear this for the 1st time again.
I just discovered this, Fontaines DC fan, so proud how they started, every song gets better every time you hear it. Little intricacies, I'm from Dublin so that makes feel so proud. Tom the drummer came one of the few only Gaelige speaking areas in Ireland & I love how they incorporate our Irishness in the music. Mostly there just a deadly band as Grian's tattoo says 🇮🇪🧡🤍💚🇮🇪🎵
This version of Big Shot will always have a place in my heart
opening this set with the couple across the way is so bold. love it
Incredible!! Can feel the power and atmosphere of the quieter songs and Grian's vocals are beautiful! Nabokov is explosive, and id argue my fav song of the album..brill!
Wow this is music start to finish…tears in my eyes happiness in my heart ..thanks Fontaine’s
The intro of Nabokov is true doom metal with those guitar distortions. These guys are absolutely amazing!
@cochayuyo1084
6 ай бұрын
It's more shoegaze than metal
Just saw them live in Portland OR May 12th. Life changing experience as is this NPR set!! Can’t wait to see them live again!!
Saw them live two weekends ago in Chicago and it was fantastic, a few hours after they filmed this, I love this band with my whole being
Fantastic set, this made me appreciate the new record even more, I also love how they didn't play any of the singles (this version of Big Shot is absolutely beautiful)!
As a tiny desk' s huge fan, I feel that this is one of NPR's best.
Beautiful rendition of big shot. So raw!! Great live performance
This was fantastic. Great take on the "home" concert idea to use the space. I have the other two albums, and this one looks to be their best.
Everything about this performance is superb - even the very special outro! 🙂
I love this band so much! well done boys you rocked the lights out!
Man I am late to this party!! But I'm here now!!! Nabokov was my favorite.
@cobrahead1
3 күн бұрын
I’m right there with you, just discovered them a few days ago and can’t seem to get enough. Waiting for this new album bc so far the 2 singles are dynamite 🧨
Powerful performance, love Fontaines DC, Skinty Fia is brilliant album. Gas that the power went off in the end 😂. Greetings from Kerry, Ireland
@gracie99999
2 жыл бұрын
blame it on bill gates
Had to watch it twice to comprehend the beauty of the whole thing. What a band!!!
Well, that was COOOOL! Interesting presentation, grand performance!
I needed that… i just needed that. Thank you
Fontaines DC gets better with every new album. The Ireland/UK indie scene has had an amazing output in the last 4 years. BCNR, Black Midi, Squid, Fontaines DC, the list goes on and on
That was wonderful, time to check out their whole discography
In ár gCroíthe go deo is by far my favourite song from skinty fia, always gives me goosebumps! Can't wait to see these guys.
Truly blowing the lid off this one in every aspect!
Fantastic, rock needs some young bloods like these guys
I could cry that is how good they are. Incredible
The power outage couldn't have been more perfect.
@rdbstrd1216
Жыл бұрын
filmed in Ukraine
@JHated412
Жыл бұрын
Right?!? I need more though!
These guys are amazing !!! The ending is perfect haha.
Just speechless....❤️❤️❤️
This was absolutely a performance to remember. Perfect execution by everyone, especially all of the college kids. And after that amazing unbroken 18 minutes of perfection, the power goes out. It’s kismet.
It's nice to know that you're still caring well enough to raise your voice
Music range and talent of Fontaines DC is first class. I have been a fan since seeing them live in 2019 and now travel to see them in many cities. They are that good.
Long time waiting for this 🙌
Just absolutely love this version of big shot 😍❤️
i've watched this upwards of 5 times so good!!!
Such a great band. The energy is lyrics are wonderful.
tears in my eyes with this. i love this guys!
Can’t describe the beauty of this performance, 1000/10 🤌🏻
mate i was stoked to see these guys on tiny!!!
wow, wow, wow. That was just beautiful. Thank You
This is a very beautiful and wonderful tiny desk.
Spine tingling !!!
This was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Fontaines D.C. is one of my favorite rock bands in modern time.
Sooo good ✨ I'm happy to be contemporary to Fontaines D.C.
Wow, Just wow. So beautiful. Love from Argentina.
This tiny desk and the Turnstile one are the best ones I've seen!!! Happy I saw you lads in LA❤️
@RussisSkuxx
2 жыл бұрын
IDLES is up there too.
Honestly, the performance of The Couple Across the Way brings me to tears each time.
Love it! one of the most original bands I have heard in a while and the ending was pretty cool tbh 😂🎸
I love them! They are so talented and unique!
There are so many FDC live performances that should get a streaming/download release. This set for sure - and their cover of The Pogues' I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day springs to mind. Make it happen, lads!
@LunarSpellbook
2 жыл бұрын
I just heard that cover for the first time because of this comment, thank you very much!
@DubScrub
2 жыл бұрын
@@LunarSpellbook It’s great, isn’t it? And sounds like there’s a few decent vocalists in the band.
@LunarSpellbook
2 жыл бұрын
@@DubScrub makes me wonder if they stay away from songs like this, because they dont want to come off like they are unspired pouges clones... idk. Regardless, it was an amazing cover and id like to see mroe like it. They all sing the background vocals to the intro track on skinty fia, I didnt realize that until I saw them live.
Amazing band amazing show super final surprise
Saw them in Kansas City in 2019 open for Idles. Flew to Detroit in September of that year to see them again. I live in Las Vegas. They are that good.
Beyond amazing.
such cool harmonies!
Absolutely stunning, lads
Possibly the best npr tiny desk I’ve seen
Just brilliant!
Whoever put that green lamp on the keyboard is a genius.
@mysticedge4
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@DooDooDaddyTV
2 жыл бұрын
why
Was hoping for this to happen soon… then randomly watching Fontaines music vids and I see this!! Can’t wait for their concert tomorrow!!
Love them, so sad I couldn't make it to the Chicago show, they deserve all the praise!
I love everything about this video
This was class, what a great band
beautiful
“I’ve been leaving it all, I’ve been leaving it all, I’ve been leaving it all / Everybody gets a big shot baby, Everybody gets a big shot lately” This guy is a poet with an incredible sense of sound he wanted to match these lyrics up with and he couldn’t have picked a better band…
Pure gold!
Best thing to come from Dublin since Guinness...
Bloody great set