Angel Olsen: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@raymondferguson3781]

She reminds me of Roy Orbison in so many ways, but as though he were still alive making new material for me to cry my eyes out over. He was such a gift not just in his performance, but his writing.

[@drn13355]

ehhh. You think she Is like Roy Orbison?

[@caileealldredge5358]

That incredible wiggly sound she makes when she goes up in pitch though... seriously one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard though.

[@georgia.oatley]

:) that wiggle is called vibrato!

[@leonlawson2196]

Its sort of a yodel

[@jamiekincaid255]

She is the reincarnation of Patsy Cline

[@emmecee6273]

@@leonlawson2196 That is nothing close to a yodel, lol

[@skidroski228]

Yes, I happen to think that takes a large amount of talent to do and still have it sound good.

[@Puffpuffaye]

her voice. holy fucking shit

[@owenprice4072]

Can't do other things while listening to her. Captivating is an understatement.

[@mariarigol7849]

lilyfleur7 I was just thinking the same. What a voice!!!

[@MichaelBecerraFOREVER]

+lilyfleur7 her face. holy fucking shit

[@elgringomagico]

LOVE the first song. wow. She doesn't look bored....she looks like she's in a trance because her music is completely entrancing. I want her to sing me to sleep every night.

[@jeanwagner1977]

DONE

[@actionsub]

We of the St Louis area are proud of our homegirl!

[@nataliegerber6541]

god she always makes me cry :-( she's so young but her voice is a thousand years old

[@nataliegerber6541]

rather her voice seems to possess the wisdom and experience of someone who's lived a thousand years

[@maximpervushkin8115]

Natalie Gerber i guess it means a wisdom of humanity.

[@user-ck9lm6xi1o]

Natalie Gerber That's bloody beautiful.

[@WGBHMusic]

Love minimalist songs. Tiny Desk is so perfect for this stripped down approach.

[@kendesjarlais7577]

uninspiring, forgettable, boring, dull, meaningless,, without virtuosity, immemorable crap-- that will not stand the test of time like a song by james taylor , john denver, Neil young.

[@Needawholepailofwater]

@@kendesjarlais7577 ok boomer

[@purples2765]

@@kendesjarlais7577 ok boomer

[@jeanwagner1977]

Dark Eyes We'd

[@sophiebradshaw4157]

The phrase "for this to never be a tight and empty hand" never fails to make me weep

[@ambermaehayes]

I come back to this to remind myself of what’s good and pure in me

[@KNakanishi]

She has a very strong presence. I don't know what it is precisely, maybe it's a combination of everything, but her voice, her gaze, and the subject matter and composition of her music just immediately causes a hush. Like when someone says, "Shut up," followed immediately by something profound and impactful to say. She just calms rowdy people in a good way.

[@nermket4849]

I'm not getting that vibe at all lol

[@g1g2g3g4g5gt]

I find her PRESENCE similar to Kurt Cobain's presence. It has sense, since she was a fan of punk rock music.

[@mglenwright09]

I can feel the punk rock oozing out of her. Likening to her Kurt is acceptable, when most don't come close to deserving that comparison.

[@g1g2g3g4g5gt]

mglenwright09 Yes. She has a really punk, ironic and energetic attitude in the videoclip Shut Up and Kiss Me. It's like punk mixed with folk, I love this kind of artists, it was such a pleasure to discover her.

[@halfstep44]

I saw her live and its the only show ive been to where the crowd was completely silent. Yea theres just something about her where people just get quiet and listen. She definitely has a quiet presence.

[@LLindsey1427]

Her music is so incredibly, deeply affecting. Therapeutic and spiritual, makes me nostalgic and present at the same time.

[@siobhangalleguillos654]

you put into words exactly how i feel when i listen to her.

[@drugadvocacyresource-edu]

this!!

[@andrea0_o]

Perfect description!

[@mayamagination]

I love how she laughs so intensely at random points during her songs.

[@drugadvocacyresource-edu]

i love u notice this yes. timeless

[@mind-wont-ize9702]

does anyone else get scared to love an artist too much? It's unbearably strong with Angel Olsen.

[@KevinWieserMusic]

I love how she strums her guitar, using the thumb gives the guitar the right tone.

[@majortom8990]

Yeah, it's something people forget about, but mid tones make a lot of the sound they take for granted. It's a done right when you don't notice kind of thing. Rhythm guitar guys just live with it, I guess.

[@MarcTaylor3rdCoast]

I love how someone can play this and only hear two cords.... Its like standing in front of the Grand Canyon and commenting on the mundane sand underfoot.

[@RebeccAcoustic]

+1 for this. Refreshing to know that someone is truly listening. Her music carries wisdom well beyond her years.

[@justinstratton7969]

Three chords, but yeah, dude. She could move mountains.

[@tasty4644]

Do u write

[@angelitonieves5253]

I'm not sure what this means. But it sounds right.

[@xrik7865]

To be fair, there is beauty in the mundane as well

[@CassidyMcGuinn04]

You weren't kidding about the contrast between her eyes and her voice. Unsettlingly intense - and brilliant.

[@iiie7]

this is awesome. I wish unf---theworld was a 10 minute song.

[@MmmKayHuuNay]

She needs to come back for a second time it's been 6 years. She's progressed so much.

[@faithpettiti4613]

Her voice is like a cloud that slowly passes across the sky, you watch it and travel within a soft dream..

[@simone_asleep9953]

SETLIST 0:00 Unfucktheworld 2:42 lota 6:57 Enemy 14:11 White Fire

[@drewdee7420]

thank you

[@jeanwagner1977]

TYLER T

[@ISEEKSPACE]

She sings like she's in it, ya know? Like she's back "there" reliving it. Quite beautiful to see...

[@rebekahj9085]

This whole session makes me feel weary and emotional, but white fire especially makes me FEEL THINGS. I love Angel Olsen so much.

[@mollieswonderland]

I can't watch this video or listen to this album without tears spilling from my eyes. She's so beautiful and haunting and her voice seems to travel through my whole body, it's magical.

[@user-ck9lm6xi1o]

This video introduced me to Angel Olsen. And every time I return to it I'm amazed at how awesome this performance is. No wonder I fell in love.

[@efrencolomo8187]

Jesse James Atencio same!!!

[@peytonsnead3114]

Same.

[@actionsub]

I've only just discovered her music a couple of weeks ago on the radio. Her singing is beautiful, reminds me a bit sound-wise of Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star.

[@eleanor6690]

'Why am I not ashamed? While I am standing still, you want to move me like you did before, but I've had my fill.' Some of my favorite lyrics.

[@RetroDigiDub]

Angel by name, Angel by nature.

[@s-phere]

beautiful.

[@kittysprinklesthecat9754]

Agreed💜

[@BoozeBelly]

No Angels

[@acehasaface948]

the fact that this was 8 years ago scares me baddd

[@matteframe]

just wait until your favorites are 30 years old. Or 50. Then you can be really scared :)

[@BrotherSaturn]

There's a lot of argument on this video about dynamics, and the fact that her songs are simple. Take St. Vincent for example. St. Vincent's music has similar qualities, and she's one of the most incredible songwriters out there. What Angel has created, is something incredibly heart wrenching, and I love her story telling. It's nice to step back from all the hooplah of distortion and guitar pedals, and all that jazz. For me It's about the songwriting , music has to tell a story. Everything else is secondary. What Angel Olsen does, is unique, and her guitar work isn't like jack white or anything, but the fact that her music is raw , is why I like it. It's not over dressed to be something else. it's a take it or leave it sort of thing.

[@joseephiiinee]

music does not need to be technically perfect to be beautiful. music only needs to strike chords in people's hearts to be beautiful.

[@JoeyLake]

thank you for saying this! sometimes I beat myself up for not being "good enough" at writing music but this made me feel so much better

[@joseephiiinee]

+TheSludgeMan Agreed! I only meant to put the haters in their place, haha

[@menezes321321]

:

[@MikeLXXXVIII]

I agree. However my problem with attempting to write music is that I lack a damn voice. It be a dream come to true collaborate with someone with such a voice.

[@cass5866]

+MikeLXXXVIII I'm the exact opposite. Can't write anything to save my life, can't play anymore from wrist problems, but have a damn good voice

[@charlieraven6342]

her voice is good, it reminds me of singers from the 40s 50s

[@philroot84]

This breaks my heart and makes me feel alive at the same time

[@adrien6988]

God, she's an old soul, could be from the '50s or the '60s. I'm in love

[@musicandlove516]

my heart is pretty much melting

[@thatjellyproblem]

Keeping me company while I write my assignments at 2am. you're an angel, Angel

[@HerScienceFiction]

Ugh. I'm entranced! She's beautiful and her voice is angelic too! I would have loved to swoon over her music in that room with a looming storm.

[@knivesout91]

5 years later it's still perfect

[@Ownviainternet]

She's of a different breed of creativity--her voice is so calculated and she uses it to the greatest ability. Reminds me of Van Morrison in that regard.

[@classicmax3311]

Its almost like the first time you heard Leonard Cohen, his stories in song, and you can't wait for the next verse.

[@sebastienalbouy4471]

I will forever come back to this

[@MmmKayHuuNay]

I come back to this so much

[@diedricknickerbacher]

The way she says "do you want me to tell you?" at 6:37 just melts my heart

[@sofiaoffredi696]

Cuando un chico me estaba tatuando el brazo, puso este tiny desk y todo fue tan mágico. Ella hace eso, hacer que todo el ambiente se vuelva mágico, invisible y puro.

[@raia1921]

casate con el man

[@hmhermosa]

Wow I can just feel every emotion in her voice. Every small tremble moved my heart

[@MrBfg586]

Her eyes are beautiful. I love her shimmering vocals.

[@HaischkaEST]

This is incredible. I have such a hard time finding good music, and she gives me the chills constantly. I don't remember the last time I had chills to music. She makes me believe that we've forgotten what music is…. with all of this processed garbage out there. It seems to get worse all the time - pardon the pessimism, just what I notice. Music should be sincere, not processed and faked. This is sincere. Like it from the earth, her heart and soul rather than her experiences with an iPhone or computer.

[@Pomodoromarzano]

She is timeless. A truly unique artist, love her intensity and gaze. Beautiful voice. this never gets old!

[@datbumo]

My goodness... not only is her music fantastic, but she might be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.

[@marissaj553]

shes amazing. i have not been able to stop listening to her music for months, need to see her perform live.

[@f.ence.]

I just fell in love...with everything.

[@somebodysnobody2616]

Thank you so much for singing for me Simple,beautiful,perfect Just how I'm feeling today Like nothing can ever go wrong again One love BE THE LIGHT

[@pyperwyndavies6557]

she is beautiful. her voice to mesmerizing, and her lyrics are haunting and truthful. a real talent, and soulful woman.

[@billmassy]

didn't fully realize how incredible her lyrics were until I watched this. wow. that album title is fucking insane, love it! she's going to be around for a long while

[@breannakapatos4732]

One of the most underrated npr sets

[@Alexhimself]

two of my favorites in the world of music: a woman's voice, and some soft folky stuff

[@paulsandor3522]

The juxtaposition between her cool icy stare and knowing smile against the chills and everything else I'm feeling is almost to much to bear. Angel, indeed

[@russkendrickmartin7257]

Since when does “technically superior” translate to a better listening experience? I know plenty of guitarists who can fly across the fretboard-that doesn't mean I can listen to them run scales for more than a few minutes. Despite the simple arrangements, this young lady's performance is very well done. It's definitely a good listening experience.

[@kacytron]

Russ Kendrick Martin “technically superior” translates in bro to ‘internalized misogyny’

[@ramirofrancois2157]

You're right. Actually I think her technique is magnificent. Try to run an entire show with just a clean stratocaster, clean voice and a stoic face. See how do you fare.

[@somebodysnobody2616]

Consider the world unf***ed Bless you BE well ONE love BE THE LIGHT

[@But53x]

Am I the only one who laughed when she smiled at about 19:36 because she was about to say the name of her album

[@ajeje1996]

Good catch, made me chuckle too :)

[@Olivia4929]

She's mesmerising in every way

[@kerenilan6217]

her voice always sends me to warm places

[@jedionboard1233]

NPR does it again,,,, i may be a few yrs late,,, but,, by'eck ,,, Angel is heaven on earth.

[@julyann2010]

Forever in love with this Woman!

[@caseylockwood5512]

Amazing vibrato. Excellent feel.

[@zackarylowell]

brilliant. definitely feeling a Leonard Cohen vibe from her.

[@alvareo92]

zackarylowell White Fire is her most Leonard Cohen song by far

[@helenpearce4810]

woah thank u i thought it was just me that thought that

[@paperbackcafe]

She's great -- great phrasing -- her singing -- is great.

[@jameseastman1921]

I love her words.She is very pleasent to look at.

[@fladoodleflamy]

Omg I love her giggle before she says "burn your fire for no witness" the album title haha

[@yurifaria9083]

it's funny how I always find myself going back to see this video again throughout the years

[@etamommy]

I love that song Iota- it's soo great! Even the chord progression itself is beautiful but with that gorgeous voice and the wonderful lyrics. You just cannot beat it!

[@somebodysnobody2616]

Evrytime I turn on tiny desk I'm like New favorite New favorite New favorite You are all so absolutely amazing Can't even begin to express what this all means to me Now that I finally found the truth I'm sorry you had to feel all my confusion and pain It was hard getting back home to all of you I'm sorry for arriving a little late And not the greatest condition But I am And I am alive Bless you all be well

[@tricksebas]

i ended up here by accident, and it's the first time that i listen to her, sincerely i get enchanted by her music, but i get more enchanted by her beauty.

[@alliedarky]

That kind of blank and pained stare...I feel it in my heart

[@ajeje1996]

I love how transfixed she gets while playing - like she's miles and miles away.

[@kjuergens1985]

Saw her in concert 2 nights ago, based on this video. I was even more impressed in person.

[@kathypleasant1551]

I love the way she tells the truth about all the pain we all go through!

[@charlieneher694]

I think I had chills through the entire show.

[@anishinaabekwe]

So excited to see Angel, Sharon and Julien this year! 🥰

[@gbordenflanagan]

When her voice takes off in the first song.... chills

[@csext]

They are so beaytiful i'm mad!

[@artfact2]

Beatiful,what a voice.. Remanessant of '20's vocal style like Ruth Etting and the Ink spots. What dynamics. Lovely!

[@sullivan2339]

Love The Tiny Desk Concerts- what a gift! And this more proof for me that the most interesting challeging new music of the last three+ years has come from women.

[@KaryBloomify]

I caught my self not blinking for a while...

[@jimweiss]

Wow everything her face,voice,smile,laugh,guitar playing,lyrics is perfection a true angel from heaven

[@WillWright1]

In the zone. She has really tapped into something. And I love the tone of that guitar

[@tomroberts5805]

I think I can say, honestly now a good few years down the line. This video destroyed my life. This was the gateway into oblivion.

[@emojijoeg]

this got me pregnant

[@triplepeanut]

LMAO

[@benwoodard6851]

@@iAteUrToast nope. Got me pregnant too

[@emmecee6273]

It’s been 3 years, how's that pregnancy coming along

[@laladybluejeanbaby7193]

lol

[@Thesimonemachado]

😂

[@ScarpGodenot_BobBauer]

fierce and light and young, fierce and light and young, when you don't know that you're wrong, or just how wrong you are. That is just beautiful. She is mesmerizing.

[@LoganRaeM]

wowza. Amazing- both her voice and how some people don't like/get it.

[@mhbackman]

This is a mesmerising performance. I attempted listening to Olsen's recent album where these songs come from, but was slightly put off by the more aggressive sound to them. These songs truly come alive in this stripped back acoustic session.

[@marcusmartinez4662]

All praises Angel. Loved this and was reminded of the songs of Leonard Cohen from the late 60s and early 70s.

[@btrixlestrange]

she is too beautiful and talented for words, truly.

[@johnnyFishborn]

Don't need good guitar or chords, but good soul. And she has got it. JF

[@jakeh6806]

I can't believe I just stumbled across this. She has an amazing voice. Takes me way back, such a classic sound. Thank you NPR!!

[@prestanicole5520]

her voice is so different than anyone elses in our music scene rn

[@brulism]

our?

[@prestanicole5520]

this generations scene

[@cristinacastillo5568]

listen to Big Thief, same vibes

[@prestanicole5520]

aye thanks I always love some new music

[@zasddsaf]

honestly my favourite album of the year so far, so fucking good!

[@davidadams2706]

She's a true artist, I've listened to this song on repeat for a 2 days. And it's helped me. So for that, thank you much.

[@beefcaked]

all these years later i find it so funny how she giggles before she sings "burn your fire for no witness" and now im like haha album title

[@rg7122]

The sadness in her eyes is very tangible. Her vulnerability makes her truly great.

[@El-Gucher]

I could look at her all day

[@yin_electronique]

oh God, such a full of peace, pleasent and wonderful rush of sound coming out from her mouth. I got knock out at the time i saw her smiling.

[@definitiveenergy1]

Very good chord structures that create unusually melodic phrasings. I see an American treasure in her future.

[@IvanaaxD]

That description NPR, is beautiful. Thanks for everything.