Damien Jurado: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Jurado has spent the last decade churning out albums of raw, time-worn, authentically graceful music, and he's always possessed a seemingly innate gift for capturing the intricacies of human behavior. Watch him perform his songs in the NPR Music office.
Set List:
"Cloudy Shoes"
"Newspaper Gown"
"Arkansas"
"Beacon Hill"
For more, visit npr.org/tinydeskconcerts

[@kinatom1]

I saw damien at the casbah in san diego. I was the only one there. There were some drunk marines at the bar making noise and one of them got sick at the bar so out they went. I sat in the middle of the floor and he asked me what I wanted to hear and I told him just play circus. strange it was a sunday night. that will never happen again

[@ciara9414]

pete nichols seeing this right now makes me so jealous!!! that sounds incredible!! wish he would come back to San Diego :(

[@PeterEnis]

goosebumps

[@ast1476]

*Great* ~ Your own..

[@SuperPinklady08]

You LUCKY PErson

[@ryanblauer547]

I’ve seen him four or five times now. Every show has been one of the best I’ve seen. Rocky votolato joining him on stage playing harmonica on Ohio or him talking to my at the time three year old about what he was going to be for Halloween. I love Damien, what a wonderful human.

[@mattmcbrayer2687]

I am firmly convinced that Damien Jurado is a top-five lyricist is our time. His lyrics are extremely poignant. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe them.

[@patricklove3337]

Is John Darnielle also in your top 5?

[@mattmcbrayer2687]

@@patricklove3337 haven’t listen to him. Will remedy that soon.

[@SaZooCaballero]

When I'm low,.. and I'm low a lot. Damien your music stop me from hitting the bottom. Thx you. This gave me peace today.

[@SuperPinklady08]

Talk to me Ss🙏🏼Zoo

[@sirbanjorochambeaux]

His voice had me from the start. Never heard of him but he's got a new fan in 2020.

[@loucat2779]

One of Sharon Van Etten"s band mates suggested him on "what's in my bag" from the record store. Never heard of him either. Kinda reminds me of a young John Prine lil bit. Wonderful.

[@anthonylalonde6987]

A true Seattle gem

[@geniemedford9200]

Same here!

[@JK-ot9os]

This rendition of Beacon Hill is like a punch to the gut. Beautiful and haunting. There's no doubt in my mind that Damien Jurado is one of the most gifted songwriters of his generation.

[@72damien]

Damien Jurado is one of the true songwriters: the real deal. Thank you Damien for your beautiful music, lyrics and singing.

[@simone_asleep9953]

SETLIST 0:08 "Cloudy Shoes" 3:40 "Newspaper Gown" 7:11 "Arkansas" 10:28 "Beacon Hill"

[@KingPhoey]

This version of Cloudy Shoes is phenomenal. One of my songwriting heroes right here. Amazing.

[@evangelionl0vr857]

Yeah it's absolutely beautiful.

[@CAl3vara]

Acoustic guitar always reminds me of my dad sitting outside my room and playing guitar as I went to sleep. Thanks for the nostalgia Jurado

[@paulapuche7]

I had the incredible chance to see you in La Mar de Músicas in Cartagena, Spain, and I wouldn't be able to describe how you made me feel with your music. And so you do now, I can find peace just listening to your music, thank you so much Damien.

[@justindtackett]

I saw Damien Jurado with Mewithoutyou about 5 years ago at the Musica in akron. It was my first time even hearing of him. After his performance, i went right over to his merch table and bought two of his cd's. His songs make me feel more at home with my self, and i gain more perspective on our world and humans.

[@marktully367]

i love mewithoutyou

[@colterlewis3623]

this is a great comment

[@rudimentaal]

Same here

[@Thenumber12pwns]

I feel like mewithoutyou is always touring with such great artists of many different genres of music

[@crescentfreshbret]

Adam s Yeah, I have them to thank for introducing me to the great bands Buried Beds and Murder By Death. Now THAT was a great show!

[@tucodusty]

i've been listening to damien jurado since high school. it blows my mind how consistently he can release incredible music. i still remember how i break chairs moved me all those years ago. if you haven't seen him live, DO IT! it's so worth it.

[@crescentfreshbret]

Table Top Joe I saw him on that album’s tour. Unwed Sailor and Pedro the Lion opened for him, and all three bands had the same members (apart from Damien, who only performed during his own set). It was an amazing show, and it was very cool getting to see David Bazan reunite with his former bandmates, Jonathon Ford and Damien Jurado.

[@MA1JLSMITH]

Dude is the best songwriter you have never heard of. He is amazing live...

[@evangelionl0vr857]

Damien Jurado and Gregory Alan Isakov are the Bob Dylans of our generation.

[@brucewee8802]

This man is talent.. Much Love from Ireland Damien 💚

[@willblake72]

I come back to this anytime I need to be grounded. It's like a reset button. God bless Damien Jurado.

[@thetsar7384]

I've loved his music for many years. It has helped me through tough times.

[@herinethoroughly1287]

I fell in love with someone a year ago and he finally told me he loved me back. We've been listening to this video in bed.

[@lukeangelo1120]

Protect this man at all costs

[@oceansinheaven]

Magic will do what magic does, living in your eyes.

[@Built-By-Sage]

Been Following Damien since 96……he pierces straight to the Heart…..you are blessed to understand his music…..thank you Damien……I saw you play in Sequim Wa in 96…..I appreciate you so much

[@jane5049]

Woohoo! I’m an 80s baby from Kitsap County, just recently was in Sequim.

[@jw6948]

I used to love this guy back in the day but had forgotten about him. I was listening to something on Spotify and he was a suggestion of other artists I may like. Talking about taking me back in time! Man, his music is just heartbreaking, definitely contributes to a young man's melancholy lol!

[@joelpound5010]

So beautiful the love he had for Richard Swift. They were both two musicians signed to the same label, and Damien wanted to make sure the world knew how important Richard was as a musician and friend

[@pimvanlotringen4344]

It's astounding to realize so much later than this recording of tiny desk that Damien was close friends to Richard Swift, the same Richard Swift Nathaniel Rateliff wrote "And it's still alright" for when he passed. It never dawned on me that Richard influenced two of my favourite artists who could very well not even know of eachothers existence...

[@fetidcreeper]

335k views? Damn I've watched this alot.

[@scruffystrat]

Damien IS the Townes Van Zandt of this generation! Beautiful human being........

[@MathewGrigsby]

Damien Jurado is amazing! I'm hopelessly addicted to these performances. I hope I get my own Tiny Desk Concert someday!

[@territribe2204]

He has become my favourite. So making. True artist. Keep doing what you do.

[@JeremyHurtt]

I've been a huge fan of Shawn James' cover of 'Arkansas' for some time, and decided to look up the original...I was so impressed with that, I had to look for more Damien Jurado. I'm seriously glad I did. Fantastic songwriting, and execution.

[@logisthenewlinear]

I'm sort of amazed how few people have heard of him....glad to see lots of people finding new stuff they like, but Damien Jurado has been around a long time!

[@graf0king]

I don't know how many times I've watched this video. It's so relaxing and perfect

[@lillyandruben]

I have really got into listening to him now, been watching some of his concerts in Europe in particular and he does have a good following

[@frothywalrus]

Damien Jurado is just so lovely

[@JonathanDiggsDuke]

I don't understand why comments comparing this man to famous actors are the top comments. This is the first time I've heard his stuff and that wasn't the first thing I thought. Anyway, he writes nice songs and I would definitely play this while hanging out with friends or something.

[@jokelly2502]

Love this guys voice so pure . . . Thank you so much

[@JulianBollerhoff]

Wow! I m amazed. So much feeling. You can see it. Everywhere. Thank you

[@wordgifts]

Here from Wild Wild Country doc. Great voice and writing.

[@jonathanconklinminneapolis4063]

Simple chords, simple songs = beautiful music. Thank you!

[@jasonsweat956]

Intense, emotional, and raw and its all over his face. I dig his style, reminds me of Buckley but a little rougher around the edges.

[@kenyattehay8502]

Raw and you feel every note, every reflection.

[@davidsiuraneta]

Thanks, dear Damien, to share your music with us.

[@fallofegg]

I’ll be seeing him for the first time this year. The venue he is playing is very small and in a even smaller town. I grew up going to punk shows there and down the line my wife and I held our reception at this spot. I love when music and love comes full circle.

[@davidbendover8036]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait to see him in my town this June

[@MrNiidraatz]

I seriously think his lyrics are absolutely wonderful! A beautiful language full with well chosen and meaningful words. awesomeness!

[@carlosdiaz2731]

Thank you, words could never express what your music and singing carries.

[@PoetClbrown]

Sometimes we over decorate our houses trying to make a home, but love always prefer the simpler ways. I don't know how long I'd been listening to Damien before I was conscious of him. I cycle through so much music, especial when I'm writing or wanting to write. That's how he came into my path. I became conscious of just in the last few days watching the Last of Us and losing myself into the soundtrack. He is so good.

[@jddasher]

Love that he plays an Alvarez. Bought one ten years ago and still love it.

[@bonhomie_g]

i have not seen this man live yet but I hope to one day. Damien, i love you. your music kills me.

[@Bobakradbin]

This is the tenth time I've hit reply. His voice hits the heart. Can't wait to hear more songs...

[@sergios.2276]

That richard swift pic is haunting man

[@rubercoober]

Seriously. Rest in Peace.

[@nkflynn882]

came to this comment section to say the same thing. breaks my heart.

[@SPLENDIDZEN]

(English) I remember when he was acting in Málaga..., he began to mourn... I had separated from my girlfriend... everything was magically sad... this was at the Teatro Cánovas in 2009, and still retains that "magic" that thrills... / (Spanish) Recuerdo cuando estuvo actuando en Málaga..., él se puso a llorar..., yo me había separado de mi novia..., todo fué mágicamente triste..., esto fué en el Teatro Cánovas en el año 2009, y todavía conserva esa "mágia" que nos emociona...

[@ericpaulband]

Saw Damien with Chris Pureka here a week and a half ago here in Cleveland . Amazing!!!

[@108870sro]

Just discovered Damien Jurado on Pandora, love his stuff! Very heartfelt and real.

[@stephentymruk8206]

I only chanced upon DJ in 2016 when I heard QACHINA on Radio 6 in the UK. I'd been listening to the soundtrack 'Searching for Sugar Man' by Sixto Rodriguez in my car a lot, and when I first heard QACHINA i was bowled over. as it seemed to come from the same bubble if you like. So now I'm catching up on more of DJ's back catalogue, and this stay at home recording is just ace amigos...

[@miguelmunro]

this is beautiful. He looks like a chill soul.

[@msbeadingchef]

NPR music tiny desk concerts are so wonderful! I keep getting turned on to great music. May you keep your funding for programs like this, I would be so sad if you were not here.

[@treyhudson7976]

They’re still here. Hope you’re still finding new great music

[@gkelly185]

Dude's coming to San Francisco next month. Can't wait to see him live. I recommend "Sheets" and "Denton, Tx." if you want to hear a few other songs.

[@asburytheo]

From the moment his voice starts...chills. Beautiful.

[@filmstarist]

The Great Natural Musician. Simplicity and The Melody :)

[@ElieAzar]

beautiful music. thank you Damien

[@SteffieEhm]

This version of Cloudy Shoes is so darned pretty

[@ashissaha6135]

Love you ! You are God of melody, you are an extremely powerful writer , love your work,💥

[@thehidropony]

wow i have just find you man... I think i'm gonna love all your music!!

[@samuelssonjohannes]

His and Rosie Thomas concert in Umeå, north of Sweden, 2003 or 2004 is still my best concert.

[@dpludd]

You gave a beautiful set in Brighton Music Hall. Very gracious with your listeners afterward also. Thanks for the experience.

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

dpludd mid forties I think.

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

I just bought tickets to see him. I'm one to only listen to a song's melody rather than listen to the lyrics. After reading all the comments I'll be sure to LISTEN to his lyrics at the concert.

[@Crishyish]

man this guy is elite, just like the length of the video. ;)

[@thepixalking6589]

Wild Wild Country will bring this guy a new audience... like me. Good stuff man! Damn, this song is amazing!

[@roffus420]

Bravo My Friend, Amazing Performance !!

[@TheSceneSister]

Sweetest shout-out I have ever heard at 6:30--to Richard Swift.

[@emcb1230]

always funny to hear a grown man use the term "best friend." NOT criticizing him just amusing. I think he's awesome and incredibly talented.

[@jeremiahoakes1896]

0:04 Cloudy Shoes 3:38 Newspaper gown 7:09 Arkansas 10:18 Beacon Hill

[@mrtabitha31]

This man, and Mark Kozelek- my favorite American songwriters of this generation. Thats all I have to say about that.

[@aintcreative]

jeeze, this guy is amazing. NPR is doing good things!

[@yamanylon]

Wow :) Another great artist from TDC Thank you!

[@phlips01]

yes, thanks you little desk! He is wonderful.

[@cartmonium]

Wow I'm sitting here completely mesmerized!

[@meeshlaii]

Heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@10djpro]

Beautiful music, lovely chords

[@BEWARE365]

Good music . . So relaxing yet deep

[@Oakheart]

Very nice heartfelt and such great talent.

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Totally amazing talent!

[@DaDavid15]

RIP Richard swift

[@kieranpatrick1182]

Genius at play........Damien "I've been here before voice" Jurado.....:)

[@kjirstenstickney9324]

I'm watching him at a bar in little under a week. So excited! Hopefully I can meet him. :)

[@SirTide9300]

I can listen to him for a whole day

[@mrkylegregory]

can't wait to see him on Friday!

[@Thepoetrycookervideo]

I just want to hold him God, like every word is so raw.

[@arfurlife]

A very musicasl and talented guy. Well done damien.

[@krisgeisendorff9074]

so beautiful

[@scottay69]

never even heard of this guy before i saw him open up for The Tallest Man on Earth at the Royal Albert Hall last month. Hit me like a hammer. So good.

[@S4MST3R2001]

I will remember this concert for a very long time!!! The way he stood up on the chair after his set, you could tell he was so hyped to be there. I can totally empathise with your reaction, his music just pierced me.

[@Drabee]

fuck that sounds like an amazing gig!! just got tickets for the show in london in november, cant wait!

[@itakeatest]

simply perfect

[@nunumontes5109]

R.I.P. Richard Swift

[@chrisb11062]

So glad music like this exists :)

[@lamoraverde]

love his voice

[@tess_johnston]

its crazy how I only just found out about this legend. I have never heard somthing so amazing.

[@blackarm3265]

Your voice is unique extremely soothing

[@bigjagjim]

Beautiful

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

I thank Shameless for bringing me to this artist. What a treasure /|\

[@nancybabbage1169]

i cant even believe how good that last song is.

[@herwerth]

Stop watering down my beer with my own tears.. well done!

[@bammer150]

How you doin? 11 years later!