Frank Turner: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Frank Turner writes folk songs that harness the fury of punk and the majesty of Springsteenian rock 'n' roll. But more than anything else, his music is playful: There's conversational wit and bite to Turner's music, even as he's bellowing to the back rows. His songs lose little when you strip away electric instruments and leave the entertainment value to a single skinny, tattooed guy with an acoustic guitar.
For his Tiny Desk close-up, the U.K. singer-songwriter isn't actually alone - he brings along the pianist in his band The Sleeping Souls, Matt Nasir, who joins in on mandolin - but Turner still does plenty to convey the bawdy rowdiness of a full band on his own. Opening with the terrifically anthemic, rehab-themed first single from his new album Tape Deck Heart (sample line: "On the first night we met, you said, 'Well, darling, let's make a deal/If anybody ever asks us, let's just tell them that we met in jail'"), Turner shines in what may well be the most brightly lit performance space he's ever graced. --STEPHEN THOMPSON
Set List
"Recovery"
"The Way I Tend To Be"
"Photosynthesis"
Credits
Producer: Stephen Thompson
Editor: Denise DeBelius
Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait
Videographers: Parker Miles Blohm, Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo

[@ethandraught6435]

To me, Frank is my generation's Bob Dylan. I can't help but listen, re-listen, and then reflect. His lyrics resonate and he has a natural knack for melody. "But you stood apart in my callous heart and here's what I learned: Love is about the changes you make and not just three small words." Good lord.

[@user-vn8jd8yb4o]

He's nowhere near Bob Dylan. Let's be serious.

[@ethandraught6435]

@@user-vn8jd8yb4o I did not say he was Bob Dylan, I said he was my generations version of a sea change in lyrics and melody. He might be one of the hardest working musicians currently doing it. The man does 50 state tours in 50 days. No, he is not as acclaimed as Dylan, that wasn't the point.

[@jewdayradio]

@@user-vn8jd8yb4o he's better than Bob Dylan

[@deathwish6778]

He’s bob dylan on steroids x’s 10

[@deathwish6778]

@@user-vn8jd8yb4o seriously. He is

[@micahldixon]

Good god. How have I not heard of Frank Turner before?...I am obsessed.

[@barbaraautrey7363]

Micah you need to see him live! He is incredible!!

[@Zthreve]

My feeling exactly.

[@boweewowee]

Best Live show I have ever seen....and I have seen a lot of them.

[@soulieonashoestring9578]

He's always been amazing, from his days as frontman of Million Dead to now! I saw him on his first UK solo tour, upstairs in a pub in Cambridge, there were about 10 people there!

[@Darragh1]

Haha... because you sit and listen to Daily Mix 2 on Spotify all day haha. Discovered him when preparing to do to Download in 2011. He is sick. Really good feeling music. A slight genius too ha.

[@8-bitcentral31]

Watching this after hearing that Frank just got his first no1 album in 2022 with his 9th album. About bloody time. Pure genius.

[@MrJal67]

Photosynthesis is the greatest song EVER live...in show he loses his mind, as does the crowd. So much fun to see and dance to!

[@symbols_69]

we need a 2021 concert from frank. with all his new albums it’ll be amazing

[@dizzytheoogle1665]

Preaching to the choir bruv Frank please make America great again

[@martymankin]

Caught him with the counting crows in DC fantastic simply fantastic

[@symbols_69]

@@martymankin duuuuude i was at the charlotte show. having it just him and matt was really cool. full acoustic set

[@virtualk28]

I've been following Frank for over 10 years and have NEVER seen a live show. I finally told my wife that we're flying to Dublin to see my first show - I didn't want to wait for a US tour, and I don't want to keel-over and die without seeing this genius in person.

[@ianepps5327]

I've seen Frank twice in America and both times it was transcendent. Dude definitely knows how to work a crowd.

[@inFamousBeatbasher]

The presence these two have in a room full of people that all seem tired or just shy and confused is so overwhelming. Pure energy.

[@oisinotoole9073]

ANTI V15T my god I expected a massive crowd too

[@roblinton1261]

Hard to imagine putting so much energy into a black-hole-of-enthusiasm crowd like this! Today's version would be everyone looking down at their phones while Frank' belting out "and I won't sit down, shut up or most of all grow up!". Like water dripping on collective stones but I bet everyone of those wallflowers will remember the day Frankie stopped by NPR and made them shout out (a little!)

[@wigster25]

I've seen Frank about 7 times and have said this before..."I will always go back and see Frank Turner" he is that good live! Probably some of the best gigs and nights out I've had!

[@juliahenry5547]

We’ve seen him 4 times and they are hands down my favorite shows! Can’t wait to see him again!

[@Dakkadez]

I'm growing to rely on Tiny Desk to reveal music to me that hits home, and makes me want to pick up that old guitar I laid down to start my family. Brilliant stuff.

[@benschebella673]

did you pick it up?

[@justinx590]

I'd love to hear you play (:

[@jeremyapplegate4868]

I came here for Frank Turner. I stayed for the mandolin solo.

[@ThePrincepiggy]

I just keep rewatching this several times a week

[@e1gengrau___]

Same, currently listening on lunchbreak at work

[@arondllr2]

That crowd is rowdy. They need to contain themselves.

[@kmacdizzle]

show number 1500 was in front of maybe 100 people at a coffee shop in midtown Detroit and it was a fucking amazing little acoustic set

[@scottgipson6437]

Love these NPR Tiny Desk Concerts. I highly recommend Frank Turner's TAPE DECK HEART album.

[@jmpayette85]

Still his best in my humble opinion.

[@Lyuze]

@@jmpayette85 agreed

[@max_mittler]

I saw Frank at SXSW in austin and felt so bad because the crowd wasn't super respectful but it was honestly one of the best shows at the whole festival. What an amazing songwriter and powerful performer

[@andrewrutledgemusic9540]

I now officially LOVE Frank Turner. Amazing set, personality, and energy.

[@1981AdamGs]

I can't believe this was 8 years ago. This is hands the best Tiny Desk Concert.

[@CammojoDragon97]

The Way I Tend To Be really REALLY shines in this performance, I don't know what it is, maybe the more intimate setting just pushes it that little further, but it really resonated with me in a way it hadn't before

[@Kadin_Bergen]

I had the biggest, dorkiest smile on my face during this entire video. I'm gonna have to check out this guys music, because this was awesome.

[@gracehenry3393]

This was the first tiny desk concert I ever watched- convinced to give it a watch by my dad. 10 years later it still brings a huge smile to my face and photosynthesis and recovery are still on my most played playlist!

[@TheNightwatchman]

Frank is the best. I've seen him live three times now, and he always puts on a great show.

[@xkbix]

This crowd is painful to watch yet Frank manages to shout himself hoarse at the end. Some spirit!

[@RevanTheSavage]

J.W. he has always stated whether he plays for one person or an arena full of people he always gives his all

[@mattputnam5652]

Meh - they're in their workplace in the middle of the day. I thought they were enjoying themselves.

[@velezpedro]

HOLY COW. That's an amazing mandolin solo right there. Specially for someone who plays only for 6 months O__O

[@ArnaudFTW]

That is not a man who's been playing stringed instruments for 6 months though ahah, I bet he knows his way around the guitar. Still very impressive nonetheless.

[@velezpedro]

Yeah, he's a very accomplished guitar player, but its still impressive to see someone play a new instrument that well in such a small amount of time :D

[@soggymobflip]

Pedro Velez yeah, he picked it up for Frank for this album.

[@philaeew4866]

Yeah, although Matt's the piano player in the Sleeping Souls, the guitar is actually his main (first?) instrument. However, the mandolin isn't tuned like a guitar at all, so yes, it is indeed impressive!

[@Goof4]

A mandolin is tuned gdae whereas a guitar is EADGbe. It is just the top four reversed

[@thevolkskrant]

A flowering of the vocal genius he showed back when he was in Million Dead.

[@switchingtime]

I haven't had that much fun just watching somebody in a long damn time. Frank Turner, you are always on-point.

[@SmittenKitten.]

So I've been listening to this guy for a long while now, purposefully not looking up what he looks like (not sure why) and I finally broke down and have come here. He looks much different than I'd imagined all this time... In the best ways...

[@visualkidd]

Man, those high notes hit every time, this is just the best! So much skill and talent from these two, that mandolin rips, love this!

[@tranquilized13]

I just don't even know how you can't have fun watching Frank Turner play, best live show I've ever seen.

[@coldknee]

Awesome Job to Frank Turner to be able to play to that crowd with such Energy. Very Cool.

[@johammond2516]

He has been my constant companion on my current road trip. He keeps me going and i love sining along to all his songs

[@TimInNashville]

Frank is the man. Finally get to see him live in a few days. Cannot wait.

[@partycountry743]

Love the guitar/mandolin combo!!

[@edens6thday]

I sang along!! Frank Turner and Matt Nasir -- awesome and pure performance. Thank you NPR for bringing these guys in. LOVE love love!

[@DanMcShea]

I listen to so much talk radio lately that music has been lacking in my life. Putting on Frank Turner for the first time since I saw him a year ago in Boston literally made me tear up. This guy puts everything into his music. Love it!

[@braunihawk]

Exactly all my three favourite songs, that i´m learning at the moment, cause they fit soooo much in my situation of life. if im gonna listen to this, i feel really understood by frank turne whats drives me.

[@MAPresentsOfficial]

Another awesome performance by Frank Turner, gotta love Frankie T!

[@maureenchevalier3751]

My heart is so happy listening to this ❤ merci frank & Matt 😁

[@Donkeykong7771]

The energy is just incredible, he looks like he's having so much damn fun up there

[@bassxscott]

I played a mandolin for like 8 months and was no where near this awesome, i Love this guy and his band!

[@boweewowee]

Thank you Mathew and Frank for making music that matters, I won't sit down...I won't shut up.

[@JedMcConkey]

Fella's! You are Great!! Infectious beautiful friendly welcoming vibe! Great tunes and I really enjoyed my time here. Peace, light and Much Love to you both.

[@kurtduvel4345]

Never thought much of the mandolin, but it sounds stunning on 'The Way I Tend To Be'. It has this resonance that almost sounds like it's plugged in.

[@PurpleCanuck]

+Kurt Duvel Mandolin is fantastic in the right places! It can just be a bit overpowering sometimes, I'd say they nailed it in this performance though

[@justanotherhopeless]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHfclKSkhNWcnLM have fun :) I've probably watched this one 100 times

[@sajidezaz1]

In love with their songs...simply brilliant. awesome guitar and mandolin with awesome tune !!

[@mtnbkr2011]

Been a fan of Frank Turner for a while! Thanks NPR for this fantastic session!

[@avalonperez3806]

FRANK TURNER saved me from weeping into my notebook of depressing contemporary poetry once more. Thanks, Frank.

[@danielrushton]

What an amazing profile performance! I love it :)

[@juliusgrisette]

Wow, this guy is great! Love the breedlove mandolin too.

[@ericd6760]

Saw this dude live and he was absolutely amazing!!!

[@lardog112]

This is a classic time. Thank you Frank!

[@pkcowzah3369]

So so enjoyable..and so worth singing along that verse!

[@mw7857]

Thank you for existing 😊❣️

[@Laura_Bass_]

i love this songs! thanks Frank Turner!

[@SeaMudSpider]

I love this band!!! Thank you again, NPR!

[@djroeable11]

Fantastic ... Great combo... Great Music/Songs/Sounds... Thanks.... Recovery Rocks !

[@WGBHMusic]

Incredible audio recording. Love the acoustic guitar + mandolin combo. Suits FT really well.

[@lukeclark7907]

Best tiny desk ever!

[@MyAFDA]

Terrific!!! I love the energy of the instruments and the singing. Keep it up NPR!

[@renekitty2]

Do you know how blessed we are to have this NPR with Matt on the mandolin?? DO you know how good this is with the mandolin??? It's incredible, if you didn't know. We are very very blessed.

[@jakemurdock5376]

I've got to say that this just might be my favorite Tiny Desk Concert!

[@dustycurrie7008]

The man is pure genius!

[@1ofmanylaurens]

I've been waiting for this one! Thank you for bringing Frank in!

[@masterallcock]

THAT MANDOLIN SOLO WAS INCREDIBLE!

[@Jnash85]

Saw Frank open for Jason Isbell last year. I had never heard of him prior to that. I was completely won over after his set.

[@AndyOverby]

Amazing performance! Had me singing along too!

[@spaghettiyeti6408]

The strange thing is that my old science teacher used to open the lessons with 'Sit down and shut up', so Photosynthesis is quite an accurate song for me (and also brilliant) :)

[@rxxdoc]

OMG music is back.

[@samgorrie]

Sorry that wasn't supposed to be a comment, I thought it was the search bar. Haha. I just bought a mandolin, thanks to Matt, Franks mandolinist there. Met him at a radio concert thing in vegas, he recommended a specific one for beginners, the Gretcsh New Yorker. I got it and now I want to learn how to play this song!

[@bigtardoin4007]

I'm a new fan of Frank Turner. I just watched them on Guitar Center Sessions and I immediately have all of his songs locked in my head. He's a very talented songwriter/performer.

[@jameshickey100]

Frank turner live in my hometown

[@PhI11Ip24o7]

Seriously this is the best tiny desk concert of all times

[@PatFreakinRickTV]

These guys are like legit entertainers. I enjoyed this.

[@shannonnoar3390]

You two are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheVyvyan70]

Freakin' love Frank! Saw him in Birmingham last October and he is great by himself. Can't wait to see him in ATL this fall with the band!

[@walkingwhiletalking]

i really enjoyed that! thank you for uploading

[@Visible.Friend]

Frank has something special...new fan here!

[@paulski6]

Thanks for this, Stephan Thompson.

[@metronome23]

I love Frank Turner and this was such an entertaining mini-set :D

[@jordanweimer788]

Frank Turner: I won't sit down. I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up. Cut to: Audience of NPR employees and assorted Librarian types quietly singing; the only reason they aren't mouthing the words is that they're too polite to defy a direct order to really sing the finale. After the concert work resumes as normal, and a man holds in a fart for several hours.

[@albertmctorre4789]

I feel sorry for the sequestrated fart :-(

[@gerardocamilo4037]

I know. It seems they all took a shot of laxative before the show.

[@lilredccc]

Hey, I'm a librarian and I live for being in the pit at Frank Turner gigs. \m/ (Altho this audience IS especially hilarious.)

[@jordanweimer788]

That's how punks become adults. They become librarians. \m/

[@lilredccc]

Jordan Weimer I did it in reverse then - I didn't find punk until after I'd been a librarian. Does that mean I'm aging backwards? :-)

[@easy420]

This video just awesome

[@janiceschreffler1481]

It's bin 6yrs. & I'm still climbing latter to get out of the pit I dug 30yrs. ago!

[@tykrise]

Absolutely golden

[@DeepRed29]

An excellent performance!!

[@user-jp5px9gh9m]

Look how empty his arms are of tattoos. I love Frank - sooo much.

[@IViewMusic]

9:07 That's how I felt at that point and would have loved backing this sort of punk folk with that unhinged joy on mandolin.

[@IViewMusic]

And he's good!

[@AprilSampsonNS]

Wish we had that kind of lunch time entertainment in my workplace.

[@Darragh1]

That was unbelievable hahaha. Fairplay to FT for trying him damndest! :)

[@wesley4524]

This was great!

[@lookattheclouds]

s/o to the one girl thats super happy to sing with them

[@randalljanet]

so great! New artist added to the playlist :)

[@bquest12]

this is awesome!

[@TojoFreestyles]

had such a shite day at work... first thing I did after I got home was crack a cold one and watch this

[@LIamaLlama554]

TojoFreestyles well played

[@thestaceyrella]

AMAZING!

[@guitarist710]

awesome. breath of fresh air from all this depressing music.

[@Sensates85]

loved it!

[@SamuelJS4]

They rocked it as usual

[@JasonWaltonGoPanthers]

Oh my god, that was FUCKING awesome!

[@RachUnite]

Frank Turner is fucking brilliant. So excited he got to do a tiny desk show!!

[@violetcloud6517]

LOVE THIS

[@Rustsamurai1]

A great performance.