Joanna Newsom - Soft as Chalk Live HD

[@JackTheFunk]

I will never, ever, ever ,ever tire of this performance.

[@melissag4869]

JackTheFunk “Title of your sex tape” Jake Peralta voice*

[@levwhitelaw5561]

@@melissag4869 i hope that when you made this joke you didn't know that andy samberg is married to Joanna, because if you didnt that is a hilarious coincidence.

[@rubberchicken5670]

Her facial expressions are part of her charm. She's adorable. I'm sure her music is not for everyone, but Newsom is probably the most unique artist to come along since Tom Waits.

[@timoconnor2866]

She may even have her own American Songbook one day - but we probably won't be around then. She is a refreshing original - but maybe there have been some others since TW. Her song "This side of Blue" strikes me as something which someone should have written years ago - so perfect it is. Like Waits' "Innocent When You Dream" or the Divine Comedy's "Songs of Love" or even "Belfast Central" by Juliet Turner. And if you like harp music then there is beautiful music from Mali - on their kora - a string instrument - best recent example may be "New Ancient Strings" from 2000 by Toumani Diabate. Recorded in a marble halls in the middle of nowhere. The acoustics - I dunno...they kind of sprinkle all over you - maybe like having a long awaited shower?

[@tylerrumbarger]

rubber chicken she kinda is a female tom isn't she? only less edgy

[@subsamadhi]

its bullshit. Its because young people are so used to having whores shoved down their gullets by pop music when they see what a real singer looks like it makes their heads explode.

[@gavinsorge6970]

i’m a simple man. i see eraserhead, i thumbs up.

[@JM-ij1om]

I was just watching some Kate Bush and had the urge to hear Joanna. I didn't realize she has such a similar sound

[@Hamishamishamishamish]

Her vocals on this performance are more perfect than perfect

[@viniciuscomacento]

People who try and don't get Joanna Newsom and keep whining about it everywhere: chill out, she has enough fans to keep her work going and she's not trying to prove anything to you.

[@Julia-oe9xl]

Yesss exactly :)

[@sonorae-t2z]

What's so appealing and refreshing about Joanna Newsom is her ability to experiment musically and be uninhibited by "normal" standards. Pretty sure she recognizes that her voice, among other things, is unconventional yet she makes music for no other reason than she enjoys doing so (Isn't that what it's all about? Isn't that what everyone wants? Musicianship for the sake of expression, not money?) Her musical artistry is truly unique... thus refreshing.

[@Julia-oe9xl]

Exactly. I dont understand why some people are so bitter that they need to call her out on her alleged lack of musical talent

[@shivamgiri4334]

@@Julia-oe9xl it isn’t lack, it’s just folk type of music. You don’t expect rap,pop, and rock to sound same. Of course she will sound different.

[@Julia-oe9xl]

@@shivamgiri4334 uhh yeah, thats my point lol

[@bazingacurta2567]

It's not just that. She's a genius, and people who can't see it are just dumb.

[@jacobotto8570]

i feel like if i ever had the opportunity to see her live i would literally cry my eyes out the entire time.

[@gemdedude]

+Jacob Otto I think so too. :D I hope I will have that opportunity some day... or night.

[@themange59]

I saw her live, in Portland like 5 years ago it was amazing

[@samcad-ho3ze]

Saw her in 2010 and did exactly that. Thought I wouldn't as I had listened to HOOM to death but still cried my eyes out.

[@NvisibleTreeMan]

That's exactly what happens. If you can see her live, do so

[@ec614]

I cried so much I was embarrassed but then I met someone in the restroom who cried as much as I did and we were like I KNOWWWWW!!!!!!!

[@acidfacejake3739]

Every once and a while an artist comes around that makes you rethink your whole creative process. I hear a track like this and it’s “back to the drawing board, boys.” But at the same time, it’s about a decades worth of inspiration. What a real treat.

[@Tate70444]

I love hearing her with a full band. The drums add such a depth to her songs that make me so happy.

[@MasDouc]

I love how the tempo is completely fluid.

[@DionIsaiah]

Sounds like a mixture of an classical art song and folk music. Brilliant!

[@sgtnull]

brilliant. free-form poetry set to music. just discovered her.

[@markrussell3809]

Very poetic, unique, of it's own essence. Humble, folksy, original, musically/lyrically intricate. Good shit.

[@mmazz414]

I've come back to this video every year for 10 years... Still hits me deep.

[@GraditudevsRevenge]

Joanna's completely unique. I heard several genre's of music wrapped into one five and a half minute piece. Unique vocals, unique arrangements, like, holy shit. How can a human being do this?

[@billkasi2680]

This song is like listening to a beautiful painting...!

[@charliervr]

I keep forgetting about Joanna because she's on the streaming platforms, but everytime I do remember, I listen to this song at least 5 times in a row. Easily one of my favorite songs ever. That shift from honey to lawlessness in the chorus (and the pronunciation on the word lawlessness) is so damn entrancing. The instruments come and go so smoothly, never taking the spotlight way from the lyrics but greatly amplifying everything. Lyrically it's like reading a lost fragment of the Canterbury Tales, so rich and full of imagery, incredibly helped by the progressive nature of the song. Oh and Joanna is absolutely adorable and wholesome.

[@Lilacleaf49065]

Imagine a world without artists like Joanna newsom! what a poor world that would be.

[@char5805]

I hate all the comments about Joanna's face... she has a beautiful voice and writes brilliant lyrics. Look past the mask you're judging her by. Her music is pure beauty.

[@samcad-ho3ze]

Don't worry about them Lola. Comments like those are just the last refuge of the total c***.

[@geykumeonfroyofficial2766]

+Lola H. I agree her songs are so beautiful there awesome

[@mattpimley5912]

+Lola H. I agree. Her face isn't even ugly?? I think she's very pretty actually.

[@fab.devon.comics]

+Matt Pimley agreed. I met her a couple months ago and she was stunning

[@timacree7177]

+Lola H. what's wrong with her face? If you saw her walking down the street you'd think "she's pretty"

[@sylviat1976]

A forever favorite. No one else has ever accomplished half of what Newsom does with tone and timbre!

[@Kershekm]

I agree. It is one of my favorite KZbin videos.

[@ridespirals]

the way you can see her counting time at 0:49 is my favorite part. i haven't watched this video in literally 10 years but i still remember that

[@JeffDeanTheDeanZone]

"You can give love a little shove and it becomes... terror.." Genius

[@davidgennaro5492]

She reminds my of an eccentric school teacher... Subbing for the music teacher who's out because he drank to much at his local bar gig. I like Newsome.

[@jamesminos7733]

Hard to stop listening. She is unique, extremely talented and I love the time changes. Makes me glad I am a drummer.

[@SarahBriannaa]

This is my favorite performance by Joanna Newsom! I love the red dress and her hair is so pretty. Unique and beautiful performance.

[@joaoaurelio1534]

That waist, that is a medieval kinda dress right? Lol, she's a true hipster

[@magggot88]

This is by far my favourite live performance by her. I didn't care much for this song at first on her CD, but watching it live I get a whole different vibe. I just love her face when she says "You give love a little shove and it becomes terror." I just saw and felt so much of her emotion and passion for those words. Simply amazing, I just love everything about her. Especially her expressions - just adds even more life into the music.

[@CurtHennigsGhost]

She could never release another CD and I think she'd still be my favorite musician indefinitely.

[@Jaegurmangensun]

I loved Milk Eyed Mender, I loved Ys, and I love this album. She's just, good god she's such a talented musician. To come back from something that almost took away her singing voice completely and put out something like this is just incredible. And the fact that she can progress into different sonic soundscapes while still retaining *her* signature sound. I could go on and on. I love you Joanna. Keep doing what you do, for all of us

[@waydegardner7373]

Fascinating. I hear a little Cyndi Lauper and the rhythm and change of tempo ballads from the 60s like Jethro Tull all wrapped into her own unique genre. Hauntingly beautiful.

[@lovely2273]

There is something so genuine, and innocent about her music. Just joy and talent. Amazing!

[@mikemedina7006]

i watch this once a day... sometimes i play along with my ukulele. love this!!

[@emilyantonson7058]

Seriously people?? Those "faces" she's making are completely necessary to hit the notes in the tone she wants. She's a genius

[@romantictragedies]

They're literally not.

[@synth3tic]

LOL. No, No they're not. They're affectations.

[@benjiwyatt8812]

If you try saying "who" in the same way she did at 3:55, there's a definite difference in sound when you sing it while making that face and when you're not.

[@sk8brder40]

Definitely not necessary, I had a vocal coach tell me that doing things like that are completely for stylistic purposes. Nothing wrong with it though

[@jennpaul74]

Who cares what faces she makes. She is amazing AF!! Period

[@gregdawe2786]

She's just so in touch with herself and reality, just lets it all flow through her veins.

[@holliestaniford8684]

Almost every single one of her songs make my eyes fill with tears, even the happy ones!! Beautiful music and lyrics

[@mollieswonderland]

i swear to god she pulls something out of me that i didn't know was there

[@autumn7809]

That's what great poets do

[@nathang4682]

"I glare and nod like the character God, bearing down upon the houses and lawns" That shit is too real for cable television

[@How_are_ya_now_]

Fallons intro should have been 'Our next guest is a truly outstanding singer songwriter and we should consider ourselves lucky to be able to witness what is about to come'.

[@Kershekm]

One of favorite performances. Timeless. She takes musical art to a new level.

[@jane1500]

There's surely nothing cuter than her face at the start where she is counting in after she says "pale as a pearl" ❤️❤️❤️ Woman's a genius.

[@colincarr2052]

The planet is a little more wonderful with Joanna in it. What a talent

[@superfluousness321]

Even just her words are some of the finest poetry, almost Nabokov-like, but with her musicianship she's spectacular.

[@oliviasgarden3325]

She is amazing! I find it hard to believe that someone couldn't like her but after reading some comments it seems that quite a few don't. but I love her! Her voice control is incredible and her lyrics are beautiful. But her voice is definitely the best. How can someone not like it! It's so unique and refreshing!

[@davidcharlton4721]

She’s the best songwriter of the generation

[@VirginiaFilipRMT]

What a unique performance. What I love about her is her unique way of singing & how her song takes me on an adventure. What incredible musician. This was extremely entertaining!

[@joel6483]

This is easily my favorite song/performance by her. I find the "faces" completely adorable, and it makes her, her.

[@dukegreened]

if it is not abundantly clear that this music is delivered through pure genius than i would have to say. . . have some more flouride.

[@wademackenzie8641]

Johanna, you are so beautiful, your voice haunts me, the cute way you scrunch your mouth to the side when you hit certain notes, the sparkles in your eyes captivates me and your musical talent is undeniable. What a queen... I wish I knew you, I wish I could have grown up with you experiencing all the fantastic narratives we live when discovering ourselves as young adults. And now that I am in my middle years I get the chance to meet so very few special people - but if one of them could be you I know my life would be complete. What an exceptional human being. I hope your career gives you everything you hope it will, and for all our sake never compromise, your gift is so special.

[@ericswenson9331]

The transitions! What a talent.

[@dare100em]

That's just perfection - nothing less. Amazing in every way and the creativity and talent concentrated in this single woman is just unbelievable for me. No wonder Andy took her with an instant.

[@jordanstefnik3960]

This particular performance is my favorite song of 2016. Amazing

[@jfbegley]

She is fantastic!! Unlike any any one I've ever see or heard before. I love her.

[@xonlyxjojox]

I love how she manipulates her voice... WOOOW

[@jordanstefnik2561]

Everything about this performance is perfect to me, I love it.

[@catherinegordon4060]

I cannot get over this song at the moment. Bloody brilliant!

[@prissilou]

I have seen this video before, she's a singular artist, and while unique, very entertaining. Let's not forget it takes a lot for the earth to turn.

[@bazingacurta2567]

As far as I'm aware, she is the greatest American songwriter of the 21st century so far.

[@joshb8976]

Lol. Nah.

[@bazingacurta2567]

@@joshb8976 Who is then? Taylor Swift?

[@joshb8976]

@@bazingacurta2567 idk but she hasn’t made an album since 2015.

[@bazingacurta2567]

@@joshb8976 She doesn't need to.

[@jongawel4589]

​@joshb8976 She has over a decade's worth of work to stand on.

[@doctormoore5937]

She's one of the most intoxicating artists to watch AND hear and has been for years.

[@th3_g0dz_of_Vict0ry]

@02:13 when the percussion guy comes in with the tambourine ... oh man ... such sonic love.

[@Kershekm]

The percussionist is top notch.

[@emmab670]

joanna newsom i love you

[@magggot88]

This is by far my favourite performance. I love this so much more than the album version! Her music is like no other.

[@gogogadgetspoon]

Frickin LOVE this! Such a tune, and this version is unreal. It used to be up but was taken down...

[@BansheeSings]

BRILLIANT and beautiful. THIS is alternative music. This. Beyond comparison. XOXO

[@bendcity09]

Good good she is adorable! Watch this at least once a day. So amazing.

[@hellokatelyn4542]

If I'm sad I always watch this live performance. She's one of the most talented female artists out there today.

[@Rutledge3]

That might be my favorite performance of any song ever. She’s really freaking good.

[@webstercat]

You get it or you don't. Simple as that.

[@Studentofgosset]

Kinda like herpes.... And you got it bad, baby.

[@nickpagano7134]

Studentofgosset Looks like I got the herps as well.

[@Studentofgosset]

Consult your doctor.

[@nickpagano7134]

Studentofgosset only the doctor of looove can cure this disease.

[@webstercat]

Getting it "to me" means enjoying it. I'm not pretentious or hip. I can promise you that.

[@arabylleabuel2223]

i was always curious when people say a song cleared their sinus but this song really did clear my sinus. hahahahah i felt it. it's soooo mesmerizing.

[@JulieFernz]

Joanna: "I'm not good at piano or any other instruments, only harp!" 3:27 Girl, you lying!

[@jordanstefnik2561]

This is an amazing live performance. One of my all time favorites.

[@ynkrock7]

She has the voice of a goddess. My oh my, what a musical talent!

[@eliseevensen1750]

What a beautiful gift to all of us listening. As many mentions, it's not for everyone, but I really wish it was. I truly believe everyone would do better with a piece of Joanna with them.

[@Dustorama]

She has such amazing vocal control, I love Joanna so much :-‘)

[@IDriveAnAudi]

Just a brilliant perfect performance. So excited to be seeing her next month!

[@anything4what]

I can't stop listening to this. Love it!

[@AudioSuede]

2:54 This transition is too wonderful for words

[@Strategiusz]

The album version has abuot 14 seconds of additional piano there.

[@pougaroux1709]

Literally every comment: I don’t know why everyone is hating on her face or music it’s awesome Literally no comments: actually hating on her face or music

[@wildwood639]

the music i've been waiting all my life for!lLOVE YOU JOANNA!!!!!!!!!!

[@maryallison9268]

LOVE this song!

[@jakepinkphloid]

Man the patterns of her songs astound and confound me!

[@JeffDeanTheDeanZone]

I LOVE her faces.... she's one of the most original and ingenious artists of our time!

[@Zorg2006]

This is just incredible. Absolutely incredible.

[@user-kh9ki3kq8m]

I hate people making comments about her facial expressions. You're here for music, not for a model.

[@alec1981uk]

Too good! Loads of wows!

[@eduardocastaneda6860]

What I like about her the most is , how she gets in her music and all the facial expressions , just being her self 100% natural and confident most of all.

[@brandonschneider3993]

13 years later and I still love this performance

[@crv36]

Unique and brilliant whether you like it or not. She's an eccentric genius.

[@DoctorMeatDic]

5 years later, still watching, still amazing!

[@groxle]

I'm gonna watch that again

[@Glossynews]

This is my single favorite artist. I've been watching Fallon for two weeks now because of this upload. He's a king-maker. Keep it up!

[@fforflower8636]

10 years on, still love her!

[@livelyarts49]

my favorite version and my first exposure, when it first aired/ wow!!

[@bsahota2021]

I love the way she sings lawlessness

[@kenholman1598]

Love this every time I watch it . That's feeling your music .

[@Jonny_Black]

This is my favorite recording of this song! ❤

[@johndunphy7771]

This may be the greatest musical performance that's ever taken place during a late night show taping.

[@nevegeorgette7110]

i know people complain about it but i think the faces she pulls when she sings adds to the effect of the music :)

[@Julzmaniac]

i always get goosebumps when i listen to this. this is so special.

[@HeraldBoon]

She's like an angelic version of Tom Waits, his antithesis. Where he is dark and seedy she is perky and light. Both command the musical language so well... my two favorites!

[@NvisibleTreeMan]

Saw her play this live tonight, she absolutely killed it.

[@antoinemorin1816]

At first it almost sound like it's a joke... but then you keep on listening and you realize: ''Hey, that woman has an enormous talent!''

[@banksmc311]

Have you ever heard her play harp? Wow!

[@erichhoffman9819]

Unbelievable talent extraordinaire. Love your style and approach with signing. Such passion!