Dave Rawlings & Gillian Welch - Method Acting + Cortez The Killer

from NPR Tiny Desk

[@painswickpetuli7056]

In the film 'Walk the Line' Johny Cash is advised to only record a song as if it were his last testimony. This is what I feel when I listen ti Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings; that they are always singing their hearts out, as if for the last time. ` I love their work.

[@karencanan2701]

Agreed

[@jamespittard6797]

After my dad died, the first time I cried was when I saw this video. He was a musician.

[@gravlaxbob355]

I have never seen a couple so together singing and playing. Brings me to tears. Bless them.

[@Suspend02]

Gillian and Dave are a good example of how much better we are when we are together. 💚✌️

[@lj7169]

I honestly think these two are one of the best duo's of the last century

[@beshmohandes9083]

Two beautiful guitars meander around each other like wild flowers.

[@mikeoli]

Whenever people say that there is" no good music around these days" I just point them to these two and some others . Talent is around, you just have to look or be lucky enough to stumble across it, When you do , for me, it makes my day and is a place to retreat into in an angry world

[@stoonly]

Well said my distant friend!

[@jonathanlee8930]

It has been my experience that the vast majority of people that say and believe that actually have no interest in finding or discovering new music. They prefer to be miserable.

[@VioletGiraffe]

Every time I hear them singing I'm amazed how perfectly they sound together. Dave's guitar playing style is also one of a kind.

[@brandonemerson88]

this is one of my all time favorite songs and performances. Gillian and David are absolutely amazing musicians and incredibly inspiring. I watch this video on a regular basis and I wish there was more music like this in the world.

[@artmike525]

You can't put much more of yourself into something, the guy playing the guitar is giving you his soul...

[@standinginthewind7]

I love this song so much. It can make me weep and make peace with humanity. Please don't ever stop playing music, Gillian and Dave.

[@donbond8727]

I've loved them forever.

[@Sheriff_Ochs]

So cool when artists are mutual fans of each other, I initially got exposed to Welch and Rawlings through a vid of Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes) singing Welch's "Everything is Free Now." Now, here I am watching Welch and Rawlings cover Bright Eyes' "Method Acting." Such an absolute treat, starting to really love this duo. So thanks Conor and thanks Welch and Rawlings, much love.

[@nan1539]

It was seeing Gillian Welch singing backup vocals on Conan O’Brien’s show that led me to a deep love for the Decemberists and Colin Meloy. Gillian Welch is the best gateway to other stellar musicians out there.

[@nan1539]

It was the first time I’d heard them and still love “Down by the Water.”

[@AtlantaAmsterdam]

A commenter wrote years ago about David Rawlings, "He's earned his right to wear a cowboy hat."

[@williamelam5186]

AtlantaAmsterdam not a cowboy hat...straw hat worn by many southerners , rich and poor alike.

[@acousticsong-guitarco964]

Love his melodic solo lines, and the sound of his guitar is so special. Great duo

[@danmccaffrey8322]

The finest guitar player I've heard for many a year. I cannot understand why he isn't more regarded. Gillian is also amazing, but I feel like that doesn't need saying.

[@Oneofthechose]

Dan McCaffrey he doesn’t care he’s happy? And I disagree headlined Hardly Strictly BG several years.. but only has 3 albums, 1 brand new.

[@Kukelo]

Cortez the killer....wow!!best version i've heard ever! These voices are incredible!!!

[@alexgould1700]

That is such an incredible transition between songs. There is no doubt in my mind that Dave Rawlings is one of (if not THE) greatest musicians of the past 50 years.

[@daionmugennz]

true true

[@finskbroed]

He's good. No doubt. Are you familiar with another great american music tradition called jazz? David Rawlings does face some serious contenders for the title in names such as Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, John Coltrane, Chet Baker, Brad Mehldau, Sonny Rollins, Bill Frisell, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. The Beatles did play pretty good as well.

[@daionmugennz]

Sure no question, Dave is good, amazing indeed, but no-one comes close to Jarrett, absolutely no-one.

[@terrylambert8957]

beats the hell out of alison and plant no disrespect

[@garyevans3051]

You know this song was written by Bright Eyes but this version is so much different

[@paulthibault2408]

As someone who often come across artists like Nick Drake and Elliott Smith too late... I'm ecstatic that these two are still making beautiful music to this day. Thank you for this seamless rendition of two great songs. PS, Dave, you shred.

[@pauljohnston8551]

every record they make is essential

[@rebeccawhite5128]

It's not depressing, it's about connection! And then Cortez the Killer, well that's just perfect

[@smwrbd]

Agreed. Goosebumps.

[@battlereadyarmor]

I'm glad to be alive right now so that I can witness this. Absolutely incredible.

[@mjudec]

This pair are just the absolute dog's bollocks. They're every bit as good as this live. Give me shivers.

[@timdegg8344]

Beautiful vocal harmonies and amazing guitar picking. Gives me goosebumps every time I listen.

[@bananaslug61]

simply amazing - what a guitar Player DR is... so soulful... beyond words!

[@ras0906]

Unreal... Still transfixed since I started watching this compilation of Gillian and David. Cortez the Killer is one of my favorite Neil Young songs and I love all Neil Young songs. David and Gillian do it great justice. Can't help but think that Neil would love it too.

[@christopherbonds9553]

Their “depressing” songs always manage to make me feel BETTER!

[@tyduluthmusic5637]

Holy shit! I do believe the combination of their voices and his mesmerizing guitar work, that I could very easily be hypnotized. Absolutely wonderful!

[@wh0racle81]

Two amazing musicians, such great music when they collaborate!

[@richardprice8081]

This song moves me so much. To rework bright eyes' brilliant lyrics in this way is a measure of their genius. It feels like a hymn to psychoanalysis to me. Thanks so much Dave and Gillian.

[@JivinJane]

+Richard Price , Who is bright eyes?

[@richardprice8081]

+JivinJane bright Eyes are Conor Oborst's indie / folk band before he went under his own name. Method Acting is the second track on 2002's "Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground" . A brilliant song in itself but Dave takes it from a desperate place to one of gentle beauty.

[@benderisgreat5313]

Literally probably the greatest band of our generation. Lorde, Mac Miller, the killers, Jason mraz plus many other artist remake his stuff because it's so amazing, but no one knows who Conor Oberst is :/ Check him out. See who your favorite artist's favorite artist is.

[@fransvenrooy4760]

We haven't archieved full cloudcover yet ,but : these words keep whirling in my head, Gillian and Dave are musical intwined and it's so beautifull ,amazing !!

[@foreverendeavor7383]

Great cover of bright eyes, I love their takes on their covers. Beautiful

[@dobella]

From the UK can i say - THIS IS BEAUTIFUL music from 2 excellent musicians.

[@lindseytanner7465]

Flat-out perfection. Mesmerizing, soul-soothing. Sublime.

[@andrewkling9530]

From Wikipedia: David Rawlings achieves his signature guitar sound flatpicking a small archtop guitar. The 1935 Epiphone Olympic that has been his primary instrument was a mid-priced guitar for its time, with a carved arched solid sprucewood top, carved arched solid mahogany back and mahogany sides. So basically something off the shelf in 1935, wow.

[@colourlessbluethings]

I think it's just him that makes it sound it so good. It just suits his style perfectly. Gillian's guitar really is beautiful. It's so deep and full, it sounds almost like a piano.

[@jonplauche5020]

his style is very similar to the lead guitarist of Milk Carton Kids.

[@ronwood1411]

David told me the Epi is quirky and has damn little bass so Gillian'd Gibson has to do the depth. He did find a 1936 mad by the same guy.. so.. has a backup. He'd found another '35 Epiphone but it was not the same maker. NOT a match. I tol him he wrestled the Epi to make it sat things guitars try to keep secret. He liked that idea... its what he does.'

[@tsuzikew]

The lead guitarist of MCK has completely copied David Rawlings' style. FTFY

[@fransvenrooy4760]

aha, a 35 Epiphone Olympic, he playes it to the bone.He told in a interview that his style is a bit out of tune, and very few people heard it . i love it ! it's a bit like Neil young 's style but different outcome.indeed very special .

[@virginiefaure3932]

From France… juste dire votre morceau, ensemble je l’écouterai jusqu’à ma propre fin. Merci de l’avoir jouer ensemble, vous deux, c’est très beau de vous voir et de vous entendre et de vous voir. Très belle vidéo dont je ne me lasserai jamais. Merci pour ce merveilleux instant de musique. V.

[@yardkat]

How many times can I thumbs up this video? I love this so much.

[@terratrodder]

Amazing, I could listen to these two all day.

[@fabiobarbati6029]

Dave's licks are unique and so full of true poetry.

[@justinbutler2609]

He is a remarkable, mesmerizing guitar player!🤠

[@sandudodon9784]

Thank you Sylvie Simmons for introducing me these artists.They are so beautiful.

[@ronwood1411]

Gilly + Dave are SO in synch...so skilled and creative, not many compare.

[@somhairleyahoo5644]

One of the greatest songs ever written, and they know it, done it proud 👍

[@LeahRayMendez]

These two are so authentic and inspiring. Simple and sweet.

[@mikealexander2005]

Just stumbled across this. Had no idea I'd be spending my night in tears. An absolutely heart felt and lovely cover of two amazing songs by amazing people. Thank you.

[@mitchnewcomer4160]

Love their soul penetrating mix of simple melody dressimg thoughtful folk tales told in beautiful sonic and vocal harmony. Mitch

[@rutlandwalker3795]

There is no better time spent than listening to these two

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

It's so much more than a blending of fine voice and fine playing. It is a blending of Heart and Spirit! Universal Truth! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@chimpansi2]

I love this intimate thing npr is doing, its like having them in your own livingroom..👍

[@michaelhermiston]

a beautiful story ..sung with such tender hearts and commitment to the song... gorgeousness!!!

[@daionmugennz]

I keep coming back to see this to make sure its as good as I thought. It always is, often better. outstanding people.

[@rockers2rockers616]

That was a genuine showstopper, perfection.

[@dreamwell2020]

I was thrilled with this song choice for the Tiny Desk outing - perhaps the finest moment on the recordings with Dave's name out front. We get to hear that same voice they make together, but constructed backwards.

[@paramo.alejandra]

Method Acting: There's no beginning to the story A bookshelf sinks into the sand A language learned and forgot in turn Is studied once again It's a shocking bit of footage Viewed on a shitty TV screen You can squint at it through snowy static To make out what it means And keep stretching that antenna Hoping that it will come clear I need some reception, a higher message Please tell me what to feel 'Cause I don't know what tomorrow brings It's alive with such possibility But I know that I feel better when I sing Burdens are lifted from me That's my voice rising So T-Bone, please keep the tape rolling Gil, keep strumming that guitar We need a record of our failures We must document our loves I sat too long in my silence Grown too old in my pain To shed this skin, be born again It starts with an ending And I don't know what tomorrow brings It's full of such possibility But I know that I feel better when I sing Burdens are lifted from me That's my voice rising It's not a movie, no private screening This method acting, I call it living It's like a fountain, the door is open We have a problem with no solution But to love and to be loved So thank you, friends, for the time we've shared Your love stays with me like sunlight and air And though I truly wish I could keep hanging around here My joy is covering me, soon I will disappear *** Cortez The Killer: He came dancing across the water with his galleons and guns Looking for the new world in the palace in the sun On the shore lay Montezuma with his coca leaves and pearls In his halls, he often wondered the secrets of the world His subjects gathered round him like the leaves around a tree In their clothes of many colors for the angry gods to see And the women all looked beautiful and the men stood straight and strong They offered life in sacrifice so that others could go on Hate was just a legend, war was never known People worked together and they lifted many stones Then they carried them to the flatlands, but they died along the way And they built up with their bare hands what we still can't do today And I know she's living there and she loves me to this day I just can't remember when or how I lost my way

[@billfroug]

Amazing performance. Also I love these crowded shelves in the background. That's what a home looks like.

[@KendallSwan]

It doesn't get any better than Dave Rawlings making his guitar sing

[@Fio1210]

insanely beautiful and moving

[@jmichaelshort4160]

So good! And that seamless segway into Cortez the Killer!!! Love it!

[@LWILLIAMS76]

J Michael Short I was just about to say who else could combine these two songs as if they belonged together all along?

[@acmrussell]

my fantasy backing band has Dave Rawlings and Richard Thompson on guitar..

[@Oneofthechose]

Mark Russell Willie Watson has worked out fantastically

[@TheAtticradio]

Wow love that concept !!!

[@soenshenk7961]

What a great idea!

[@JohnnyB66er]

Im sorry but this comment is fucking hilarious, Rawlings a back up? Guitar much?

[@pm4215]

Jesus Christ almighty. This is the "one" that tops it all. That transition was...nothing short of epic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@rockers2rockers616]

Wonderful. That was a showstopper performance and such a great sound

[@willkearney5129]

Sen these guys a few times now. Amazing. It's Like them playing in your kitchen. Love it. Mr Young is a big fan as well.

[@timothytolar3239]

We got to hear their performance of this last night on "Live From Here with Chris Thile" in Nashville. They stole the show.

[@daHiapo]

Stumbled upon this video three years ago--had no idea who these people were. Now I can't get enough of 'em! Made an 800 mile trip/vacation to Chicago to see them in August, where they played this (and Queen Jane Approximately) for the encore. The Best!

[@sheslop888]

The guitar playing is amazing.

[@justdiemodell]

Just unbelievable. Great video and sound quality, thanks so much for uploading.

[@SheikOfShake]

Gillian is like a fallen angel with a guitar. You can’t not love her, and if you don’t love her, check your head.

[@zippoboyshaneshank8954]

This is so different from the Bright Eyes original. Conor's version has a lot more frustration and anger behind it. This version is so mellow... It's really great though!

[@garyevans3051]

Such a beautiful song

[@chrismoose64]

These two are beyond incomparable. Wow.

[@josephgallawos]

the best singer songwriters of this century.....

[@TROUBADUO]

Someone teach this man how to play a guitar...ha. Seriously, he has become one of the greatest pickers ever. Amazing work!

[@colinflynn9777]

Blinding. Just incredible.

[@JackOrion0670]

A thing of beauty

[@Biverix]

Dave Rawlings just made LOVE to that guitar.

[@trojanostar]

3:54 blows my mind everytime, great technique , so clean

[@scottyoung4583]

"my joy is covered in me, soon I will disappear." god damn

[@bringupthesun8986]

just so beautiful, cortez the killer is such a moving song. god that was a spiritual 10 minutes. gonna buy this album straight away.

[@hamburgerdan101]

Such soulful playing nothing crazy just the right notes

[@antonelcolts]

Right in the feels, man!

[@yossarianhunter]

Dave Rawlings Machine "A Friend of a Friend" excellent album...

[@js72634]

Method Acting - it's a Bright Eyes song! Thought you all should know...conor oberst is amazing too

[@robertwheeler9767]

This performance blows me away!

[@stevehutchinson2336]

all this through one mike!...

[@jude999]

Like Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys

[@willypotts100]

just love the sincerity of these two♫

[@andyfern6671]

Damn, they're ridiculously good!

[@smallhomeideas]

These are genuine musicians and genuine people.

[@ronwood1411]

I got to talk a bit with David and Gillian after a show......They REALLY are nice folks and.....the show was EPIC..... first public performance of a lot of Soul Journey songs. It was in Santa Cruz and Wrecking Ball was about when Gilly lived in Santa Cruz. The audience......was SO into it that the Audience recording sounds like a soundboard. NOBODY chattered during songs. That's pretty special.

[@Snacktime12345]

I love Bright Eyes ♥️

[@kerrymarie8434]

Wow. This is simply spectacular.

[@frozemoments9835]

Who are the dead souls That disliked this amazing performance...🤷🏼‍♂️🤦‍♂️. I could hear this from a mile away...and it would stop me in my tracks.🤯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@kirkpatticalma7911]

Nothin' like Dave's lead guitar and the two singing their incomparable harmonies.

[@michaelkoller633]

I dont wanna see more in this world. Im ready to listen to it in heaven

[@virginiefaure3932]

Gillian et Dave… enregistrez ce moment si joli, si beau…

[@pattomuso]

Beautiful

[@thomashermann2785]

This method acting~I call living. I love that line

[@markndogs]

Sublime. Hypnotic.

[@Deathwing2]

amazing voices and some of the saddest (in a good way) guitar playing I've heard

[@dari2110]

This song touch heart and soul. :)

[@peteguard3571]

The Los Angeles raised adopted daughter of television writers grows up to be the most authentic Americana musician.

[@daveswita5483]

So Nice Groovy Baby 10-4 Pray For Peace

[@antonmartin9098]

This style is truly american, is awesome!!!

[@kylesedgwick2746]

how in the hell did i not know this existed!?! love it.

[@MsFlame2000]

Love this ,love David .......Awesome musician !