Amanda Palmer And The Grand Theft Orchestra: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

A primal, turbulent and artful slice of pop, the new Amanda Palmer record has won my heart. Theatre Is Evil's first song is a wall of well-defined noise that, I'll admit, had me throwing my fist in the air when no one else was around. It was the same feeling I had hearing David Bowie's "It's No Game" from Scary Monsters more than 30 years ago.
With the highest money-raising musical Kickstarter project ever, Palmer - and her fabulous new band, The Grand Theft Orchestra, with producer John Congleton - captured lightning in a bottle. The result will do more than just energize the almost 25,000 fans who helped make it possible. To be honest, I've admired Palmer but was never in the class of dedicated followers, until now: Theatre Is Evil is genius, savvy pop filled with smart storytelling that won't let go.
So how does this monster sound translate to the Tiny Desk - without the strings, the horns, the big drums and studio alchemy? The answer turned out to be simple: As all good songs do when stripped naked, they worked perfectly. Palmer pulls off just the right proportion of being in your face without being didactic. There isn't the sort of vagueness I hear in so much pop prose; these songs' fervor is the product of a singer armed with intensity and musicians who can match it.
Set List
"The Killing Type"
"Want It Back"
"Ukulele Anthem"
Credits
Producer and editor: Bob Boilen; Audio engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers; Christopher Parks and Mito Habe-Evans; photo by Kainaz Amaria/NPR

[@pomegranate1179]

There’s something so haunting about her singing “I’m not the killing type” while sharpening her knife , god I love her

[@DavidMacauley]

Whether you lover her sound or not, rarely do you see a group of performers go so all-in and show such joy at performing... Thanks NPR, and Thank you Amanda...

[@southrules]

David Macauley Except every band on Tiny Desk, but yeah this is great.

[@amazepaulz4614]

Yea. My views are clear

[@Nell-r0se]

So disappointed that people are so close-minded that they see art like this and abstract art as being pointless, simple, or ugly. This is my first time watching this performance but i always love seeing amanda palmer in her impromptu performances giving her all for small groups of people. Doesn't matter if she has the right instruments or not, doesn't matter if she messes up occasionally, she's so blatantly herself that nothing could stop her.

[@hoot2416]

So people who don't like something you think is great are close minded?

[@constancemiller3753]

Yes, she and her crew go commando.

[@nataliee5236]

She's an overhyped white woman chill

[@turdfacesaywhaaaa]

only AFP would use a steak knife as an instrument. thank god for this woman.

[@constancemiller3753]

It's like found objects art with musicians. 🕺💃

[@nimrodgrrrl]

Kat Bjelland also used one on her guitar! Punk rock forever! Love Amanda

[@strangerUVtheflowers]

that moment you melt because a singers voice sounds identical to listening to her voice through your headphones on itunes. it sounds. perfect

[@charlesthomas3629]

Ukulele Anthem changed how I see art, performance, and the world. Great set, and Tiny Desk continues to be constantly outstanding.

[@belligerently_bookish]

Well, It's 10:53PM Eastern Standard Time on the Twenty-first of February in Two-Thousand-and-Nineteen and while I may be seven years late to this party, I'm glad I've finally made it. Revolutionary honesty. Refreshing commitment. My world just got a bit bigger.

[@gummybrain]

I've seen Palmer live when she was with the Dresden Dolls. If you have the chance, GO to one of her shows. She's intense and amazing.

[@faejones1922]

defo she was amazing live in London on the tour around this time

[@megwatson5370]

June 1st and can't wait!!!

[@graffitiguru]

Can't believe I'm watching this alone and the rest of the world isn't here..

[@gynack]

++Johnny Knowall Some of them have already watched it and said, "Sod this crap. I'm off."

[@twebster179]

I'm here.

[@DrivenByHappy]

This is the best NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert performance that they've had on the show. I know Amanda and the musicians she works worth perform with every ounce of their soul for the smallest appreciation you can give them.

[@Blueeish98]

I just found out she has a Tiny Desk Concert, I love this! She's so talented. What a great performance!

[@extenebrislux]

I was jealous of Amanda for being with Neil. After seeing this I'm jealous of Neil!! She's awesome! Man, what a couple ;)

[@johnmckenna8965]

What an adorable combination of people in the audience.

[@catherinecornelius120]

This is amazing. I am a new Amanda fan and she is amazing me on too many fronts to articulate here. She is so - incredible. LOVE!

[@faejones1922]

see her live she's fucking amazing. I'd heard few songs and became instant Meagan. the song the truth is best tune ever

[@lehcar82]

This is the most entertained I've been watching music being made. Beautiful and inspiring!

[@abellingrath5662]

I think sometimes she's best with made up instruments and small groups of people. Makes the music that much visceral.

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

Yeh, she’s a person connector, it’s beautiful to watch, but for any performer it’s easier with a small room. Amanda seems to hug every member of her audience tap into their fears and make them feel accepted. I saw a 3 hour solo show of hers with a friend who’d never heard of her, and we both left feeling like we’d been through a therapy session as well as a concert :)

[@tomsmolen4490]

I love how Want It Back ended up with the singing in the round. It was just fun!

[@johnmaruskin1949]

I just found this. I love Amanda and seeing her singing "Ukelele" is like a life-affirming moment that should not be missed, which should create inspiration and desire to create art and music and show the world what can be done.

[@EddioPinaR]

Not only Neil´s heart but mine too. I felt in love with this singer... Such a great singer and music. I love it...

[@dancinmiriam8165]

Already loved Amanda on so many levels - but Ukelele? I am now an even bigger fan (and I'm an old geezer by comparison). Thank you Amanda!

[@briankiczula6756]

Mics were limited, this was a phenomenal performance.

[@ChrisR_68]

Wow this is amazing !! They love music, love them so into the music and really enjoying it. My son is a guitarist and every time people of said he is a natural because music is in his soul and always will be. He just loves performing on stage.

[@jocelynmace6612]

She always brings me to tears. Thanks, Amanda. You're wonderful.

[@Shinitkun]

6 years later .... I didn’t know she had a tiny desk. Love her .

[@214Castor_Troy]

I wish she could have performed the bed song. That is my favorite song by her. We are all trying to get back to exhibit A with the one we love. Just like in the music video.

[@swordandthefaith]

Pure joy with fists in the air

[@jackcampbell3133]

Yo go girl, just let the haters hate, their own hate will consume them, you just keep on rocking.

[@black1582]

Wow! She’s amazing live, I always wondered.

[@megwatson5370]

In the duo of Neil and Amanda, I assumed that HE was the major talent. hahahahaha I love love love her music.

[@evilscientistrecords]

Great performance! I actually prefer these weird acoustic versions to the full album production.

[@hmellas9948]

She's just so great.

[@Limowrreck]

How have I never seen this performance? Lol'd when the shoe came off

[@veerchasm1]

One of the best “Desk” performances I’ve ever seen/heard

[@lardog112]

Great performance.

[@OdaKa]

I miss these simple tiny desk times when ppl used desk items in their sets

[@faeskruff1772]

who DOESNT LIKE this its like life goals-be more like amanda plamer shes ace :oD

[@Ladk0001]

To all the critics, this woman won the heart of Neil Gaiman. Your argument is invalid.

[@loringdw]

Even now that she and NG are splitsville, all arguments against Amanda Palmer are invalid.

[@opwave79]

Hands down my favorite tiny desk concert.

[@Inch69]

Go Amanda....

[@tangysessions8643]

Got here after her ted talk. got my fix. India.

[@aceficticious6614]

Only discovering this now, phenomenal performance. I could get stabbed by the steak knife and still enjoy the show!

[@13DollarMic]

00:00 The Killing Type 05:37 Want It Back 10:49 Ukulele Anthem

[@Brynwyn123]

Prefer the Dolls simply because I prefer cabaret to straight alternative music. Still good, though. I love that woman.

[@skrimpsnskrawberries5384]

I could watch this shit all day.

[@owleyed]

My god woman you never cease to amaze me.

[@beny7160]

Amanda is such a force of nature.

[@crdnofficial4741]

Absolutely died when dude started slapping the bottom of his thighs for percussion

[@ShineOnBenevolentSun]

It was Amanda's shoe for me.

[@sanityisrelative]

At the love show for this album they got the whole audience in for that middle song. Not just the clapping, but everything he does with his hands the audience did as well. You got to really know the stranger standing next to you while you rubbed their head and tapped their arm/shoulder along with the song.

[@lightsatsparkwood21]

thank you so much. So awesome, wanna do this!!!! also, to see this. I wish I was there!!!

[@jaci27]

Great music, great lyrics, brilliant musicians and a fantastic energy!

[@214Castor_Troy]

I love you Amanda 😢❤

[@riesberg319]

10:48 for Ukulele Anthem....Wow, I love this song!

[@metal-beard]

Killer combo = Banjo and Pants.

[@teemad]

0:30

[@siobhanekeh783]

7 years later and still SOLID!

[@FuDDx]

How fun is this video!!! Only thing you are missing is a balloon guy doing balloons for everyone!!! If I am ever near you all I want to make you balloons

[@amazepaulz4614]

Yea.. see, i love amanda palmers music.. First introduced vua hottest 100 one year with dresdon dolls 'coin operated boy' I was ever in love with the style. Plays on my faves regularly, and personal to me is 'point of it all'. Poets are more valuable than 100 influence stars. Amanda Palmer's influence is with 100 pop stars

[@SweetGambit]

Pretty overdue for another session I think.

[@JeromeSCook]

Gotta Love Amanda Palmer!!! WHOOOO!!

[@saltdog1970]

I remember when I was 23!~

[@TheNutzopants]

Intense. Real. Necessary. FUn! GOOD!

[@disheartenme]

I love the "Ukele Anthem!!!" It's inspiring me to want to learn it :)

[@holgergnann3134]

Hammer Schnecke! Wirklich Hammer! Hugs to all.

[@richardjanics1863]

LOVE LOVE ! ! ! !

[@buikhanhlinh6976]

Please come back 🥺

[@MsPopeyeolive]

Yes! Awesome!

[@Kira-mj8ug]

Pants have never sounded so good

[@teaClocks]

I love Amanda. This is great

[@dagerman7032]

Ukelele may be evil, but is not spanish. It was born in Portugal. Otherwise, wonderful Amanda Palmer, such a gem.

[@ashleygray9736]

Great!!

[@dalaanibombina8822]

Amanda is freaking awesome. Thanks Apple Music

[@strangerUVtheflowers]

it sounds hipster because there using office supplies and random shit for instruments lol. and they do look a bit uncomfortable but thats because shes intense as fuck thats what makes her wonderful haha

[@gibbson68]

i thought so she has a very unique sound to her

[@JCRineer]

[@MajorKeisaito]

Awesome!!!!

[@DavidSSabb]

"Can I say fuck?" "You just did."

[@gibbson68]

isnt that the singer from dresdren dolls

[@Nelavier]

Isn’t that right. ;)

[@meginy]

immediately thought the same when I heard the voice (and style too)

[@georgefairweathermoonlight4]

fuck! awesome, 10 points for enthusiasm , man she can write/sing, for real

[@jacquelynzuniga6993]

Why does this not have more views????

[@annettecboehm]

A force of nature.

[@bernardomaciaslujan9594]

ES MARAVILLOSA!

[@Teona1212]

I love "Brechtian punk cabaret" ! Thanks.

[@lukastanner8317]

Awesome

[@Dravenhimself]

Yep. That she is

[@toteslemon]

playing those gold pants! Classic

[@keithbate9405]

I still like Amanda but preferred her with Brain as "the Dresden Dolls" they were superb live

[@doreenmundkowsky5455]

Keith Bate Yes, Brian is a brain ;)

[@keithbate9405]

Doreen Mundkowsky Very droll Doreen !

[@MrLudwig36]

Amanda Palmer is a living Goddess.

[@sspissu]

Yes. :-)

[@sosaman894]

i'm so agree wit that

[@vaiterius]

Pure art :)

[@mcglobulon]

Fuck yeah dude this is great, gonna get the record

[@sajfudelarue]

hahaha, such a nice video full of funny moments and kindness

[@mahavishnustravinskij]

#Dodie Clark #doddleoddle This ukulele song is wonderfully nice!

[@extenebrislux]

Also now I want to learn how to play ukulele.

[@user-xp8ex8dm2t]

미쳤네

[@marshallbrooksmusic]

Y'all should have the Last Bison on here.

[@djywrites]

xoxo

[@moofy7624]

AFP forever

[@doreenmundkowsky5455]

Nice! Sid Vicious didn't actually play the bass either.. no kidding. Sid was in the group because he was a friend of John Lydon(Johnny Rotten) :)

[@hartenskim]

it is eccentric for sure, but I really enjoyed it

[@sueator7724]

aMaZing...