Big Thief: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

August 29, 2016 by BOB BOILEN • The power of Big Thief lies in the stunning voice of Adrianne Lenker - as well as the band's intense rhythms, the guitar playing of Buck Meek and, right, the lyrics. Come to think of it, everything this band does serves the muscular warmth of these brilliant songs, which are not only memorable, but meaningful.
"Masterpiece" is the first song in this Tiny Desk Concert, as well as Big Thief's best-known tune. It's a song of mortality and walking through life with your friends by your side. In fact, all three of these songs, all from the group's 2016 debut, are about passion, friendship, reflection, life and loved ones - it's music profound and beautiful enough to even work well in a brightly lit office in the middle of the day.
Masterpiece is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/mas...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Masterpiece-Bi...
Set List:
"Masterpiece"
"Paul"
"Lorraine"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Claire Hannah Collins; Production Assistant: Sophie Kemp; Photo: Ruby Wallau/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@nprmusic]

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

[@tylerclay5420]

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

[@cactaceous]

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

[@elrabeechum5180]

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]

This is such a great comment.

[@andyedwards9011]

And yet they all seem like total normies

[@StephaneVorstellung]

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.

[@cl8822]

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

[@mattb6721]

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

[@bobodeyuca]

Buck Meek is a badass

[@alonelycreature]

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]

Crawls up in the soul

[@gregorygrieves2494]

I love it!

[@doctintifax]

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

[@stickgore]

the one that got away

[@andreaneilcmc]

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]

Hahaha

[@jeffdeidolori2666]

The guitar player is that carp?

[@deprofundis3293]

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

[@kamronhenderson9846]

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]

He would be not wearing shoes

[@adsensedd]

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

[@helenyohannes8568]

LOL 😆 once you see it...

[@plwglbrth]

Sounds like fishing dude caught some bass.

[@eyeojo]

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

[@wh023]

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

[@johnfrancis1894]

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

[@BarronVonSchnoot]

John Francis I wish the guitar would play him better.

[@screwtapee]

They are playing together

[@Ginzy]

yaaas😂

[@paulroberts3639]

Nah, that shirt is playing them both…..

[@Amore825]

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

[@rebekahengle1607]

Adrianne has the voice of a legend

[@wonka4]

Exactly !!

[@nnylg]

Like Blossom Dearie channeling Bjork; amazing voice.

[@knsnsy]

Adrienne IS a legend

[@friendship6668]

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]

she sounds like a mouse

[@katdino8935]

Definitely one of the greatest songwriters of this generation

[@williamsova4663]

YASSSS!

[@a-aron14]

for sure !

[@kier1568]

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

[@kier1568]

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

[@NatashaBarhedianoche]

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

[@therainman7777]

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

[@markieboy4377]

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

[@MrMrsVegan]

Or possession

[@jpogigtxcr1778]

Bassist doing classic bassist stance

[@evomike5708]

They're so good

[@tyleriver8]

Looks like epilepsy

[@felix56p]

the synced bops at 2:18 is wonderful

[@internetsummoner]

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]

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

[@heatherheathen9388]

Music is magic...... And medicine 🖤

[@nathanburley36]

Yay metaphors 😃

[@hillmadaris]

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

[@heatherheathen9388]

@@hillmadaris Of course!!!!

[@penny4thoughts]

Masterpiece is one of the greatest songs of all time

[@PS2542]

Overstate without telling me beforehand you’re overstating.

[@shayneashby2395]

Agree...it's soo good.

[@loreskcanada8402]

Big thief, tiny desk.

[@alonelycreature]

Loresk Canada 👌🏻

[@donnadizucchero]

Big Thief HAS STOLEN the show!))))

[@kamariweaver1536]

This is Anderson peak’s quote

[@aarongomez4305]

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]

One just came out today

[@connorblake7487]

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

[@TravisGrant]

Great line.

[@Mrgrpgrp]

this place smells like piss and beer

[@yourtubesteak]

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

[@yoink1113]

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

[@yourtubesteak]

@@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.

[@ashleyamor3968]

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]

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

[@Blindastronomer]

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]

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

[@Blindastronomer]

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

[@dabricio]

You must love their new record, then!

[@dansalon3267]

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

[@Blindastronomer]

thanks for the heads up dude@@dansalon3267

[@redhajuanda1874]

that masterpiece version really is a masterpiece

[@luciano53688]

Her voice is so sweet and so raw. So beautiful

[@Melchior119]

This live performance is magical indeed.

[@yourtubesteak]

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

[@alexcook9408]

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

[@corbinrichards7206]

yourtubesteak k

[@cassidicci4]

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

[@rohankamath794]

Paul is such an indie masterpiece.

[@bjismyfavorite]

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

[@plathtacular9251]

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]

The pro bowler guy is actually Christian Bale!

[@bjismyfavorite]

the christian bale on american psycho.

[@grantandrews4826]

More Josh Brolin from True Grit.

[@SeanBailey1]

Will Arnett, honestly

[@crumbdouglas]

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

[@christiangastelum7035]

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

[@joebob1994]

MADE ME LOL

[@anglemirajes6863]

Ahahahahaha. Perfect.

[@joebob1994]

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

[@Gwen_Dolyn]

hahahaha YES. OMG

[@amazingvideoman2]

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!

[@absurd3694]

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

[@zasddsaf]

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

[@SonsAndDaughtersOfVenus]

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

[@TheCheikh97]

Better late than never

[@DrOz-007]

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

[@friendship6668]

Check out Adrianne Lenker's solo stuff too 💕💕

[@warrenponder5137]

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

[@friendship6668]

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

[@Missjunebugfreak]

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]

She is a masterpiece!!!!

[@Jicama626]

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]

well said

[@jcolby298]

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]

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

[@hurting3581]

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]

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

[@jimsmint]

agreed

[@songofsovereignty6811]

Same spot for me

[@thegingerx]

chills every time 😭

[@shayneashby2395]

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

[@apollotreatingyou]

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

[@jdwhodey]

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]

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

[@jdwhodey]

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

[@michelepacheco8849]

Lyle workman

[@heksail]

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)

[@matthewsaul3533]

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]

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

[@hurting3581]

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]

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]

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

[@joebob1994]

Luci Ostheimer thanks for this!!!

[@BigZ7337]

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

[@amayacomic]

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

[@AvgJane19]

Thank you!!

[@sebastianwright3533]

Paul goed hard

[@samcrocker399]

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]

He is genius level

[@paulkubic786]

Formal Training--music major!!

[@dtstone88]

Neil Young vibes. Messy, dissonant, beautiful!

[@reddwing4368]

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]

His playing has an amazing mystical and magical quality

[@Ceviche710]

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

[@salmanezeroual3870]

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

[@theonygard5694]

The engineers at Npr are just absolutely incredible

[@mayhembunz8888]

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

[@butterbelly3367]

best version of Masterpiece.

[@Amore825]

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

[@svguitarr2731]

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

[@alfredovalencia3231]

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]

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

[@zandre007]

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

[@GreenNails23]

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

[@Anthony-uf3oz]

*their performers

[@chaseadams347]

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]

Strange but cohesive

[@MrListentothebass]

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

[@p.s.5634]

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.

[@ShawWow]

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

[@polpotsdog]

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

[@jacobcerchiori7525]

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]

timmy toms tell me about it brother

[@daveecclesphotos]

I saw the masterpiece,it looked a lot like this

[@LiviotheDoubleFang]

My daughter was born whilst this video played.

[@Regimeshifts]

also conceived to it?

[@TheGetFreshFlow]

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

[@donnadizucchero]

Cheers!!!!!

[@abdurrazzaq2314]

@@TheGetFreshFlow ♥️🌹

[@aeson33]

Get a guitar in her hands in 5 years.

[@ralflangenheim8684]

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...

[@foreleftyall]

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]

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

[@thegoodlookers3590]

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

[@expoundamus]

Intimate. Introspective. Emotive. Authentic. Truly amazing.

[@andreaw.9328]

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

[@122Music1]

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

[@carlweimer1191]

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.

[@sommerjohnson9129]

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

[@Jpwillia1]

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

[@mattpenman6590]

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

[@joebob1994]

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

[@jeffcampbell4602]

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

[@existentialgourd5677]

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

[@KilmoreMurphy]

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

[@stevenkemp3946]

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

[@JonnyBriers]

This was great. Guitar player is goofy and great

[@ekarilil]

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

[@TheAngerPowered]

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

[@BikesAndBatallas]

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

[@wonkylommiter6364]

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]

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

[@mollytaylor1539]

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

[@victorias8865]

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

[@tyemcivor1194]

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

[@katbyte6lo]

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!

[@maryoboyle7917]

I love watching Buck Meek groove while he performs.

[@meihelaniitaaehau1539]

the way her voice breaks makes my heart dissipate in a bubbly mess

[@williamsova4663]

ive had this on repeat for 5 days straight.

[@mellow.dramatic4876]

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.

[@booboo4963]

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]

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

[@alisonhenley353]

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!

[@christopherpurcell8131]

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

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

last time I immediately loved a band so much was back in the 1990's Fionna Apple and Blind melon and Bjork all got me in the same kinda way .

[@mutteringband]

This is the best npr tiny desk session

[@williampetit3234]

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

[@giocastful]

mesmerising, I just witnessed something really special.

[@AsyaKerz]

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!

[@richardfinlayson4579]

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

[@kayakhacks]

I love how the camera man is on her then they are like - hold up - (pan right to the guitarist) there is your show. That guy is feeling it!

[@richardlowe8062]

The guitar solo in Paul is perfect for the song.

[@rodhughes2402]

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!

[@ohdang3822]

I love her smile after they finish Paul

[@webseiter]

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

[@MrPuffinburger]

Reminds me of Lucinda Williams. Does an old man’s heart good. 🥰

[@thebeareducationaltheatreo6709]

They do look like a weird matchup, but in reality not many bands are more tuned in than this one.

[@GoomusicLtd]

5:52 's guitar solo....best moment of the set

[@johnlanou]

genius. half the notes were implied.

[@andycookmusic7275]

To be fair, the whole performance is pretty incredible. But yeah.... the solo is sublime

[@johnlanou]

@@andycookmusic7275 Any thoughts on their latest singles Little Things and Sparrow? I'm pretty underwhelmed.

[@andycookmusic7275]

Hey John, I like the new single and b side, very evocative of Kate Bush for me. Perhaps my judgment is skewed by the notion that I believe Adrianne Lenker to be the second coming. Cheers for now

[@johnlanou]

@@andycookmusic7275 I too think she's the second coming so hopefully I'll keep the faith.

[@chefdeputas]

Been frothing on these guys so glad this came out

[@chrispatrick1824]

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.

[@WilliamWilliamsMBA]

All four of them pass all the vibe tests.

[@almpertz]

They got that Natural Born Killers vibe goin' on

[@Bellaxo11]

COVID19 Anthem. This song has got me in my feelings. Not gonna lie. “You’re laying there on the hospital bed... Eyes are narrow, blue and red. You take a draw of breath and say to me... you saw the masterpiece, she looks a lot like me...” 🥺 -fellow American RN

[@LordConstrobuz]

how many tiktoks have you made?

[@billybeans2253]

@@LordConstrobuz hahahahahahhaha

[@billybeans2253]

shut up

[@andreas3304]

And I've heard many complaints that there is not good music anymore.....please! This is a gem

[@RetroGameStream]

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

[@PaintedSinatraBlue]

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

[@davidpammer2272]

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

[@deannachavanne4755]

Her vocal performance of "Paul" is lovely!