James Blake - Retrograde (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents James Blake performing "Retrograde" live in the KEXP studio. Recorded April 23, 2013.
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckman, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Justin Wilmore
jamesblakemusic.com
kexp.org

[@dhenry2010]

He could make an entire song humming and it would be beautiful.

[@jijic1031]

I wish he would! Gawd!

[@josephbouchard1090]

dhenry2010 ik

[@lmt6187]

Him and Cudi

[@flixs2]

Lullaby for my insomniac

[@jessicaaguirre1229]

Most of the song IS humming.

[@melaniev8379]

White Shirt: "Ummmm, dude what is he doing? He's supposed to start the song." Black Shirt: "Happens all the time. Just give him a second."

[@karinamtz3164]

lol

[@christyjohnson1799]

+Melanie V As soon as I read that I scrolled up and they were doing that lol

[@lifeisagame543]

that's exactly what happened. lmao

[@marcusleatham4080]

+Melanie V Might have also been because the loop wasn't perfect, and you hear it skip for a second when it comes back around

[@JjBianca]

I love your comment. Perfect description :))

[@GiulianaMartins]

Possibly one of the best songs of all time...

[@nklin6]

this instantly madr my girlfriend a james blake fan

[@TheDemzar]

... so far :) Try this kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZy9ga2uYr2fepI

[@bernlin2000]

Always gives me chills. Always. Dark and powerful.

[@raulmccartney8795]

Juliana, por amor de deus, nao digas merdas dessas.

[@Saancho69]

Brilliant song blew me away the first time I ever heard it and I never tire of hearing it love he’s voice

[@najpresto3628]

his voice is sick..smooth.. coats you like warm milk. sexy. alien. minimalist yet layered…decadence. I love him. lol

[@florin604]

+Naj Presto i love your description. you have a beautiful mind.

[@najpresto3628]

thank you

[@ohkireJ]

Naj Presto jeez. . .

[@einarabelc5]

I dunno but I think you need to eat something.

[@lwendzib7297]

Naj Presto what a description

[@danielleclarke2804]

This song penetrates my entire body. I'v never had a reaction like this to music

[@NabeelZulkifli]

+mattison rath what they're completely diff

[@zzzl-ic6gk]

+Nabeel Zulkifli ahahahah tru

[@seddiqOutlaw4]

Lol XD

[@sinjinbeatbox]

+Danielle cee radiohead - kid a

[@StankleTooth]

Pyramid song. Radiohead

[@jakegevorgian]

James Blake has a such a beautiful voice. It sounds almost like a wind instrument.

[@techsupport87]

the voice is a wind instrument haha....your welcome :)

[@malaikamillions]

First time I heard his voice I was immediately reminded of the reed instrument called the Duduk. It is purportedly the instrument closest to the human voice. It's intimate verisimilitude has been attributed to Minor vocalisation simultaneously produced while resonating the reed. Either way, the formants of the Duduk are exceptionally unique in a paradoxical texture melange. Comprised of: 'neon level vibrancy' pure tones refracting radiant clear octave/fifth overtones, and abstracted by the equally defining traits of splintered formants akin to 'sand vibrating on metal sheets'. The 'lung crushing reed launched protuberance' floats tubular as a smooth velvet liquid, tho free of gravity's guide, it carves itself into abstractly razor sharp containment. I've shared this exact video with so many friends comparing it to my Favorite Duduk song: voices so deliciously similar: · Michael Brook & Djivan Gasparyan - Take My Heart - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIS9nKOtr9yEn6s

[@TitoSilversax]

Malaika Millions amazing .... I’m haunted by the sonority of the Armenian duduk. I tried evoking it through my soprano saxophone and, while still a work in progress. I’d appreciate your feedback if you’d like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4jZepmrr9yMp5I

[@jakegevorgian]

Malaika Millions that’s exactly how I felt too! Btw, I’ve seen Brooke and Gasparian live (last concert) at Royce Hall in Los Angeles. What a beautiful evening that was....

[@dhenry2010]

Did he really just create his own backing vocals....right there...live

[@EvaElyse]

Yup! I think he just did!

[@TheJosh1534]

That's just how awesome he is

[@SuperMiley1994]

Kimbra also do that on live :)

[@spinkicker27]

Tune-yards did that too. Her performance on KEXP was magical!

[@PJCochrane]

dhenry2010 Radiohead have been doing that for 17 years with Kid A.

[@dclive2000]

This song is straight fire. Whatever you're going thru, it gives you the strength to dig deep within yourself. IMO..!!

[@bridgetterodgers3153]

Exactly! It has become my song of inspiration!

[@ryanmcque7239]

Come back to it

[@Someone__Somewhere__]

💯

[@picklerick_91]

Thank you my dude I appreciate that

[@jmcmillon22]

Exactly I be like screaming/singing/crying “so show me why you’re strong” to myself

[@SirSm00th]

you can feel everything this dude sings....a rarity indeed

[@explicitlyme7497]

look up James Arthur

[@MCRadagast]

Don't ^^

[@bluepajamagamers5704]

Explicitly Me he’s trash

[@ChakibTsouli]

Always thought James was using autotune to tune his voice, especially in the beginning, and it was acceptable for me ... but here, he proved me wrong ! what a lad ! a hidden gem.

[@CalmAsHinduCow]

That look of pain which comes across their faces at 0:45 when they all realise the loop pedal wasn't pushed at the right moment.

[@hgo95]

Anyways it's better like this. More human :)

[@restacks8777]

1:09 He's not really gonna do this, is he? :D

[@ronylira8219]

James was improvising

[@ricardodelacrvz1400]

it added groove

[@isahjade1903]

The guy in white reaction is the best 😂 I laughed at this 😂😂

[@sipesihlenonxuba6187]

It’s 2022 and this song still gives me goosebumps 🥺

[@aksheeta0]

This sounds like the things you can't describe in words.

[@fusianducks]

It's so smooth but rocky at the same time. This is how I imagine a good scotch feels like

[@bongocatstudios7348]

fusianducks ...kid no...scotch is alcohol this is...brilliance

[@wes_m]

James Blake is a legit musical genius and I don't use that term lightly. The way he composes is incredible, especially using consonance and dissonance to help create tension and release in his songs. As a musician myself, whenever I listen to James I'm genuinely in awe of how intelligent, complex, and absolutely beautiful his music is.

[@kdmiranda]

That low note at 2:09 MYYY GOOOD!!!!

[@Demial_Sparda]

idk... but I always crying at "And yout friend are gone, and your friends wont come"...

[@bongocatstudios7348]

Александр Александров I cried at that part because of tales of the borderlands loader bot and I zombie Payton

[@vexmexican6406]

Bongocat Studios same

[@ZwienerZ]

This is seriously one my favorite songs EVER. I'm 29 years old now and have heard a lot of music, but this one hits me like a ton of bricks. It's so powerful.

[@EdiHooks0519]

If someone asked how many times I've listened to this song, I couldn't fathom a number.

[@howardcheryl]

I close my eyes, I hear something so very close to Nina Simone. Such music to my ears. Brilliance.

[@ohgoodgodno]

big time.

[@andreamarcial4413]

You're on your own In the world you've grown Few more years to go Don't let the hurdle fall So be the girl you loved Be the girl you loved I'll wait So show me while you're strong Ignore everybody else We're alone now I'll wait So show me while you're strong Ignore everybody else We're alone now Suddenly I'm hit Is this darkness or the dawn? And your friends are gone And your friends won't come So show me where you fit So show me where you fit I'll wait So show me while you're strong Ignore everybody else We're alone now I'll wait -We're alone now- I'll wait -We're alone now- Suddenly I'm hit Is this darkness or the dawn? And your friends are gone And your friends won't come So show me where you fit

[@pedrowazair6528]

starkness of the dawn * :)

[@candelafuertes731]

He'll wait for her.

[@Su_aSponte]

Darkness of the dawn * it’s an old turn of phrase.

[@jonathandow684]

The lyrics are intense as well as the tone 🎵

[@amandamc6569]

Impeccable

[@hurhansari]

Who hurt you James?

[@akeel9342]

lmfao

[@Su_aSponte]

YYYYEEEEEESSSSSS😆

[@kikoneway]

hurhan sari 😂😂

[@GiulianaMartins]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 💯

[@manunoyonify]

😂

[@goldenricochet1090]

Tales from the Borderlands Ep5 brought me here!! This game has introduced me to some amazing music...

[@RavenAstralis]

And James Blake is good but you have to get use to his music. (Wilhem Scream is a good beginning).

[@ClySaga]

+Jack Knife0194 that's the same with panic at the disco and sometimes the neighborhood and more. It's just when you're used to it it's amazing and you'll learn to appreciate music more😅😁😁🙊😍🙌🏼

[@ooff4393]

same

[@hamzasajjad7836]

GoldenRicochet same,Man

[@classychic5552]

I came here because of a Daft Punk interview .. They said that James Blake is the next big electronic artist. James Blake is amazing :)

[@fusianducks]

I need more music like this, something that hits me in the feels like this does

[@9UrNot]

fusianducks still good 🤘🏻

[@rogerlau424]

fusianducks check out Sohn. Fucking amazing! Listen to tempest.

[@NotTheComposer]

i heard a guy called douglas dare recently. he has sinilar vocal patterns, without just sounding like a poor imitation. check out Swim - Douglas Dare

[@NotTheComposer]

+Mello Mike interesting artist, but i cant seem to find that song anywhere

[@tajmabruno]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@hafeez99WWE]

Orgasmically beautiful

[@RyanHodge444]

That escalated quickly....

[@1964douglas1]

Snap

[@hafeez99WWE]

that ezio guy is my friend so yea.....that's why he said thay

[@hafazahhubuxii7481]

+Hafeezur Rahman i dont remember having any gay friends except for anik

[@nomnomnomskylar]

so fucking beautiful how do i exist in a world where /this/ exists

[@florin604]

Thinking that way makes you beautiful

[@ShinyBusterBaby]

James know he be getting it on this song!!! Just killing it!!! I love this child's voice!!! Whoo!!!

[@chaotix261]

In everyone of his live preformances of this song I've seen, he just looks like he's lost in the music, like a trance. Hell, you have to be lost in music to write a song like this. It's a God given gift and he's putting it to good use!!! Keep it up 🙌🙌🙌

[@cuttysark711]

I'm near tears every time I hear this song. It's just so _______!

[@Julietunbound]

Soul gods are smiling because another warrior opened his mouth and let music play

[@blue_sweater]

Its his best live performance and my fav song. I listened to it without a break around 12 or 13 hours. and still love it :)

[@BeeeepBoooop]

His voice is disgusting, I get chills! What kinda human has tone like this?!? HIS TONE!!! My gosh! He's so clean!

[@adriannatownsend3677]

Du bist alleine, in einer Welt, die du geworden bist Einige Jahre zu gehen, Lassen Sie sich nicht die Hürde fallen So ist das Mädchen, den, das du liebst, Das Mädchen sein, den, das du liebst Ich werde warten, also zeigen Sie mir, warum du so stark bist Ignorieren Sie alle anderen, Jetzt sind wir allein Ich werde warten, also zeigen Sie mir, warum du so stark bist Ignorieren Sie alle anderen, Jetzt sind wir allein Plötzlich bin ich hip Ist diese Dunkelheit des morgens Und deine Freunde sind weg Wenn Sie Freunde kommen, werden nicht Also zeig mir, wo Sie passen Also zeig mir, wo Sie passen Ich werde warten

[@adriannatownsend3677]

James is a person with a soul, unlike you, insulting his music, while you could be doing something else with your life.

[@BeeeepBoooop]

+Adrianna townsend Alright luv! Perhaps if you took a little time to ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND my comment, you'd CLEARLY FIND that my thoughts are meant to be positive, as in a get GOOD chills at how disgustingly clean his tone is... D'u get it now luv.... Eh?

[@neopandorex]

true baritone singing soulfully

[@choppingitupindakitchenunc6612]

Peter Collins. But James is a freaking beast as well!

[@LoveCorrie]

LOL....love how he drummer and the other dude are trippin' off of how long James Blake's humming intro is. As if they are saying, "dude, start the song already LOL". But James was recording his background vocals right then and there. I saw Mark deClive Lowe and his wife do that live once at a show and it was amazing!!! Modern technology is phenomenal and so is James Blake! :-)

[@hakon87]

lol they're laughing because james buggered up the loop. I love this song though, he has one of the most amazing voices I've heard and remains, in my opinion, one of the greatest musicians/producers around.

[@nooowaay]

I thought they were tripping cos it went outa time quite considerably

[@bulerias1281]

+Hakon Harstrup But they handled it like professionals.

[@fernandalopezs6201]

yea

[@AlphabetSpagetty]

His range is amazing

[@emjae24]

Brought here by hbo, Man! this song is amazing and sounds incredible. This guy is going to be an icon. I can tell he is very soulful by his performance on letterman. Can't wait to hear more

[@That5main7Tease]

Agreed!

[@luce9470]

"Your friends are gone, and they won't come" that line penetrates my body in such a way, it honestly gets to me... Ugh it's perfect

[@losbadgt]

We forget the best moments of a human being is just being happy and full of emotions while humming to there favorite tune. This just hits the soul. Just beautiful

[@CashThat4U]

I can't get this song out of my head! Now it's my 14 year olds favorite tune! I must've listened to it 20 times today!

[@HaileyBabi]

I never hearda this guy till now , Im only here cuz I saw a vid of Lorde singin this song & wanted to know who he was & ..This was Beautiful She did Not do it justice at all, there's so much emotion in his voice makes me cry

[@el_mal_de_ojo]

The misstimed loop pedal breaking up the rhythm of the song doesn't take anything away from this performance. A happy accident, it adds to it immensely.

[@valerian854]

The dude w/ the white shirt's face is priceless when James takes his time to start the song.. So cute 😂

[@brainlafotest]

damn his voice sounds so damn good on a live recording

[@nklin6]

its like an instrument

[@LondonMus]

The look he gives him at 1:10 for miss hitting the high hat!!..Brilliant :D

[@OMSHANTITEESbyKBDH]

This song inspires me to feel SO many things! I am blown away. The resonance is deep and my soul hears it. It's playing at the key of me. Peeling away layers and laying down tracks of genius, of fluidity, of mystery, of imagination, and dancing with vibratory freedom. When I first heard this song, I just KNEW it was an older black gentleman from the the Gospel tradition doing a little cross over thing. When I saw who he actually was, my jaw hit the floor. Sometimes, I just LOVE being wrong, and I LOVE being moved so deeply my music that emanates from the collective soul, because it is TRUTH and it is so right.

[@jacobr9741]

I’ve always loved this track, it’s one of those tracks where it slaps so hard live and it’s recorded version is not so heavy. Love tracks like these. Deeper than deep cuts, love b-sides even though it’s an a-side track.

[@zipporahrowlette7803]

"and your friends are gone, and your friends wont come"

[@FlamingArrow251]

Heard this song on the trailer, The Leftovers. The show looks absolutely amazing and the song did nothing but add to the stories premise. I thought I would only like the collab he did with Chance the Rapper, he proved me wrong. Pure talent right here.

[@breakwoodhopper6739]

Me to

[@edlinpaolone3616]

I've had to come back and re-listen to this after Lorde's cover. Feel better now.

[@Su_aSponte]

Oh fuck. That sounds like straight dookie

[@julesvan2174]

It is indeed "breathtakingly gorgeous" that's the best words to describe this music

[@almakvist3996]

His voice has to be one of the most beautiful and original voices on earth.

[@emmab8318]

This is such a beautiful song. Makes me feel like im drifting away in space, letting zero-gravity take it's coarse. Relaxing and looking at the stars like you can hold them in the palm of your hands :33

[@darktrain85]

i absolutely hate that this guy gets compared to Sam Smith. I can see the comparison in tone slightly but Sam Smiths Music is made for the absolute masses its contrived emotion and recycled emotions again and again. James Blake is a one off, the writing is inspiring and innovative.. its real.

[@nahme5405]

Word

[@Freewarrior2]

Both borrow an R&B sound. James Blake has a little more blend of electronic and Sam Smith does more "traditional" R&B. Although they sound alike they do have their differences. I like both of them though.

[@DEVAofficial]

never knew ppl compared them thats crazy, jbs on a whole nother level

[@sephoralove28]

well said my friend

[@joshuabromham4612]

Sam Smith is annoying as shit as well.

[@soyunparrrk]

How can be this beautiful. Watching thousand times now

[@amoszazoun8951]

What a "black", soulful voice. Majestic!

[@JasonTopo]

i want his voice, i want to be like him. i admire him so much :(

[@reallyrox]

That 3:16 mark where he changes the tone of his voice, and you get so emotional.

[@solongfairwellkim]

Favorite version ever

[@ebrar8800]

six years ago and that's still a masterpiece.

[@jaaaaasperrr]

his voice has a hozier mixed with sam smith vibe such good stuff man

[@lishawadhwa653]

I thought about that too .

[@luizaanyway9414]

YASSS GOD YAS

[@arigrande6546]

So True !! 😍💋

[@Glisean]

+Jasper Allen You mean they were inspired by him.

[@papi.__.v4093]

ik at first i thought it was sam smith

[@Eklipse758]

The way this song reaches into my core...it's indescribable. Never felt like that before from just hearing a song!

[@sashapentovmusic]

I saw James Blake last night in Iowa City, IA. Was the best night of my life!

[@TheSecretAddiction]

Ugh! I can't. I just can't with his voice.. It is just so crisp and beautiful..UGH!!

[@garyjamesstilwell9004]

And the award for best editing by a blind person goes to Justin Wilmore.

[@todaysXweather]

Going to see him live tonight I can't wait 😊

[@dragecc]

This is what f***ing perfection is made of.

[@Mistyblu4U]

I was watching Misty Copeland perform on The Arsenio Hall show to this beautiful song. It was so haunting and the performance by Misty Copeland was breathtaking. I had to find the song and this is it. Beautiful!!

[@sotiristheodoris1270]

1:08 he just made a mistake and the other dude almost murdered him with his look lmao !

[@inafalcaom]

He made the same mistake twice and messed up the whole rhythm, but still great.

[@theecarking]

Inaciane Monteiro The messed up thing about it was that it was on a loop so it was basically playing throughout the whole song. 😂😂 It was after every what, 4 bars? He messed up at very end of the loop when he was recording it. Lol.

[@MatthewJBD]

Sø Tose he was building the backing track.

[@hk7773]

I think because he loops the "hummmms" haha still good tho yes

[@virginiel5420]

Helena Koursou from 1.12 I love his musicians reactions

[@ricflair8867]

LOADERBOT NOOOOOOOOOO

[@dajoklbua483]

:'(

[@yungshinobi8162]

he's alive

[@ilbonvicin]

+Brandon Dickey nooooooooo??? -_-

[@ZenodudeMC]

I will name my first born... Loader bot. We'll probably not.

[@itsgabril]

i cried

[@theycallmeyaz]

James Blake is my LIFE BLOOD. I'm so sad that I couldn't make a single show of his tour. I'm probably going to single-handedly give this KEXP session about 10,000 views. Ha.

[@tobster05]

Just heard this song on HBO for the preview of it's new show. Man I had to quickly google the song. This is so beautiful!!!

[@hhaymon21]

OMGGGGG....DEFINITELY FEELIN THIS SONG!!

[@vcr4497]

Same here

[@casterfokyrell3702]

The Leftovers!!! So good. Sing is used in the premiere as well

[@ricocasazza]

The drummer job is the most difficult part.

[@TheCupcakeicecream]

Truly complex lol

[@archologyzero]

Playing a lot of notes in time is easier than playing one note perfectly in time every measure. You've gotta be deep in that groove

[@mirandabarrett8987]

@@archologyzero I'm a drummer this is legit. I'd rather three minutes of fills than three minutes of hitting a snare exactly in time

[@Bradrsnk6vca7nj]

lol it really is because james didn't clip the loop right

[@cloel2298]

@@Bradrsnk6vca7nj actually I think he wasn't happy with his first attempt. It was... A little sub par for his skill

[@picklerick_91]

There’s nothing… no feeling like it in the world where you feel your favorite song live… this one is mine… vibrant and full of life… Thanks James 💜

[@JVOXO7]

I Love It When Singers Sound Just As Good Or Better As The Studio Versions When They Sing Live. Sickening

[@asiatoler7972]

The Gabby Douglas Story brought me here

[@TheJosh1534]

Me four

[@erinmontyx3922]

Izombie bought me here x

[@chea13]

This is probably his best live performance of this track thus far.

[@llyricnelson3658]

I'm in tears his vocals just seep into me...the melody and feeling behind every strung word makes it your own magical trip... to a deeper wave of emotion

[@Jackieeatsanapple]

Listened to it probably 1000000 times now and i still can't handle 2:07 no limit to my love for this part

[@jimmyp410]

Anyone else brought here by the trailer for the new HBO series, The Leftovers? Great song and looks like it might b there next great show.

[@Jeaurod]

Same here.

[@jetsfan8710]

I can see the show being a hit if they do it sort of the way Game of Thrones is now... Paying homage to the book while doing their own thing as well.

[@Blakjohnn]

Man yo... This song is SICK! first time i heard it, it grabbed me. LOL. after that every time the trailer came on I was scrabbling for my phone to Shazam this joint.

[@JVOXO7]

Yes and now I am a fan of his music

[@ToussaintBatiste]

Here here bro bro ...but it was on a different show I heard befor the one on hbo

[@zarawatkins3473]

I have clearly found an new artist to be obsessed with. Thanks to HBO2 trailer for that show they got coming.

[@shanehagan]

i remember being blown away the first time i heard this song. on this performance, i’m so impressed by his artistry and sense of pacing with how he builds off of the loop.

[@tinarussell4107]

Amazing!!!! Writing and vocals are top notch!! Who cares from where they originate? They reside in beautiful music

[@Nutshell2K]

Wow, he's great live!

[@joaobernardoantunes7608]

Existem músicas e existem também obras primas! Que Qualidade Soberba! Obrigado James Blake

[@paulineleao2366]

concordo

[@sunnyleatham]

KEXP always does the best live music

[@kihunipunk]

Absolutely breathtaking. My God, what a voice! Look out, Mr. Blake, you've got yourself a new fan!😊👌🙌

[@Lincolnberries]

Having an internet connection brought me here.

[@TheValkyry]

Lincoln Jude im three years late but. This is the best "bla bla brought me here" answer ever.

[@Smoneyz1]

the leftovers got me here and i love it!

[@mattheitkamp9930]

Same

[@minglee75]

Ikno I was like this is deep

[@jojomaatstap7310]

what a beautiful voice I could listen to him all day long heard this song in the series of Rosewood love it

[@bernlin2000]

This level of genius doesn't come along very often. Wow!

[@shaunteejackson4231]

His voice is so silky smooth and it just drowns you in waves. I cannot describe to myriad of emotions I experience at the drop of his voice. He is what the music industry has been missing. Geez....

[@enzaowk]

"LOADER BOT NOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

[@tibbygaycat]

his noble sacrifice

[@zimv1234567890]

Erik Nielsen and noble disguise

[@clemcluetwdg4984]

Baratinha Show IM CRYING

[@detectivewowolf3019]

Baratinha Show Noooooooo

[@ethanduncan2145]

Baratinha Show ikr

[@adovila]

this is pure gold

[@aaronbriggs6821]

Love it when an artist has a DOPE live performance like this. AWESOME! This man is going to be a legend in due time.

[@Kirandera]

Be still, my beating heart.

[@heruthemaster]

this dude is a beast

[@jijic1031]

An Angelic fucking beast

[@boga4eva]

This is so heartbreaking to be listening to in 2024... ❤️‍🩹

[@IVISMiLESIVI]

I get chills everytime the synthesizers come in.

[@jimson9297]

There's nary a gal alive whom he couldn't "hmmngg hmmngg hmmngg" the pants off.

[@blvdjewel2549]

That is hilarious and clever :)

[@TheSAzelf]

Tales From The Borderlands sent me!