The War on Drugs - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents The War on Drugs performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded March 28, 2014.
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineers: Chris Koltay & Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Luke Knecht
Editor: Jim Beckmann
Songs:
An Ocean In Between The Waves
Eyes to the Wind
Red Eyes
Suffering
kexp.org
www.thewarondrugs.net

[@Briano76]

Checking this out again in 2024 and gets better every time. It’s the best version of Eyes To The Wind on KZbin. Others are far too fast. This is perfect 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@Maclaren415]

It's now Feb. 2020 and this is still my favorite band....I am 67 yrs. old and haven't heard anything this good in years and years....

[@jghotier167]

You are Aces

[@daniellefenda1841]

youve lived throught led zeps tho

[@lonestrke5577]

I totally agree. I'm 62 and this is the best ever :)

[@MrAxtradamus]

,,, m, 🥴ku www.facebook.com ei

[@g3n3sos36]

Nice band

[@goopah]

Whoever the sound engineer is here should be commended. The audio is just phenomenal!

[@Yerfdog1]

I fucking love Cheryl's energy! :)

[@eternalechoes6107]

their vibes are like childhood memories

[@strictlynorton]

Eddie S yeah Cheryl defines music lover. She knows her sh*t for sure. No surprise she digs the TWOD...

[@crumbs182]

She is such a treasure.

[@keisi1574]

I'm unsubscribing. When you feel like it...I bet you will admit that you're not proud of posting that comment. Post that when you're in the mood. I and several other folks will give you credit for doing it. Guarantee ya. Peace

[@a-aron14]

Rusty...what?

[@gusoneill6412]

the performance of Ocean in between the Waves should be in the Live Music hall of fame. Cheryl kept it way more together than I ever could.

[@RangersFan94]

Because 3 years and apparently no one has does this yet that I can see: Tracklist: An Ocean In Between The Waves - 0:33 Eyes to the Wind - 8:27 Red Eyes - 22:17 Suffering - 28:31

[@Aosta]

yeah they did ;)

[@Pthunderful]

Eyes to the wind so natural after ocean in between waves feel like it’s a true turning point in this album and love the way the tracks r laid out

[@DocSandwiches]

KEXP is like the Old Grey Whistle Test of our generation. Sucha plethora of talent to be heard.

[@333Ulysses]

The pacing is what makes this music special. The way it manages to patiently wait, and build, and then hit in ways that are both unexpected and just right.

[@stephaneprouvost9070]

You're so right ! It's a band who knows how to build songs.

[@stevex8409]

That's exactly it. Ive been trying to find the words to explain it but you've done it perfectly.

[@lindabianco1259]

I definitely agree I am 61 young yrs old. They are amazing. I watch video of them every day. They are comiñg to Philly and I'm getting tickets to see them. Love 😘 War on Drugs

[@ShadoHHR]

great discription

[@medismatic6745]

6 years late to this reply, but you are so spot on. Insanely perfectly timed buildup to this song. This band is exceptional

[@RandomIsMeHanah]

Cheryl's such a fangirl for this interview, I can't stop giggling at how star struck she is.

[@douglastollemache6855]

Thank you Cheryl! THANK YOU CHERYL!

[@osidiusemphatic3505]

I love how Adam matches Cheryl's enthusiasm every time he thanks her. He's genuinely happy for the recognition, and clearly doesn't expect how big they would soon become. And that comment about the employees having kids and Adam wearing the same clothes he was in five years earlier hits hard, haha. I think a lot of artists, and adults in general, can appreciate the sentiment behind it.

[@shoagaze]

an ocean in between the waves is amazing song

[@ChristinaBatte]

lol nice profile pic love mac

[@Hallh2008]

...y por cada una nueva ola un nuevo sentimiento. - Nemo

[@NoortjevandenDungen]

The bowery

[@jeffwilliams2175]

December, 2023. Just seeing this video for the first time. Love the War on Drugs. Only discovered them the last couple years. And just now discovered KEXP. On a roll. Right on.

[@amy.marie.]

bless her sheryl says "im overwelmed" she is right it is such beautiful sound they have love this band

[@Vassaga]

Just a bunch of dudes giving there all and producing the goods for one amazing album, this is a blistering live version, fuck the comparisons, this is here, this now, this is " The War On Drugs!

[@rbibbe34]

It's pretty damn impressive to be compared to Bruce Springsteen.

[@cristhianserna]

Thank you Cheryl!

[@burtflaxton]

+cristhian serna With his best Gilbert Grape smirk.

[@beatnikdaddio]

6 years later and l’d stil feel as baffled as cheryl having this masterpiece performed in front of me. 🤘

[@JasonInBuffalo]

It’s 7 years ago and I’ve read just about every comment over the countless times I’ve watched this video. I can’t believe how I haven’t seen a comment regarding Adam’s ability to answer questions coherently and thoughtfully while still constantly tuning his guitar. This guy is and always has been a musical bad ass as well as genius.

[@TheDoosh79]

Drummer is solid, which is key given their sound is so rhythm driven. Awesome.

[@verve92]

+Matt Jarrett True. Every band has a signature groove.

[@alanpugh1415]

I love the drummer on this video. He is 100% in the moment

[@buzztrucker]

Spot on. This drummer is pro.

[@steightofthehart7899]

not sure about his wardrobe manager though

[@Drufflebocken]

I'm sure, and it looks great. Rocks it like the champ he is

[@muellerpaint]

I'm 60 years old, been a passionate music lover since 12. Would listen to Yes and Queen and blue oyster cult and Alice cooper and black sabbath... Always looking for meaning. This puts me in that mind frame. Love it. Gonna put my headphones on and get stoned

[@lindalovesmusic9091]

Ha, me too

[@ValleyOfTheShadow]

Had an apartment facing Stubbs in ATX and got to watch their shows for free from my balcony for years. This was a standout performance for us. My wife (then, fiancé) and I just kept the door open and laid on the couch while the music filled our living room. Learned a lot about the bands that are good live and the bands that require heavy production to be good. These folks rocked.

[@jaredsteele8506]

That's awesome, Stubbs is such a cool venue I saw many shows at. Cheers from a former Austinite!

[@alvarockerdz]

This video is a happy place for me, I don´t know hoy many times I´ve watched it.

[@Pretcilinder]

It is december 2020 and I’m still here for the first 2 tracks. Such quality! Greetings from The Netherlands.

[@ressuli78]

This must be one of the best performances in radio ever.

[@system2213]

how they're able to perform live to this standard I will never understand. They are singlehandedly keeping music alive. Ok maybe not singlehandedly but they are contributing in a big way.

[@amulyamoktanam]

dire straits...Bob Dylan. ..The Band...man this is one killer band that is a mirror reflecting legends...awesome

[@PacificTrash]

God damn it, this is the best album I'll hear in my entire life.

[@cristianozurinidino97]

I wouldn't exist anymore without this perfomance. Since 2014, they helped to find myself.

[@andreyvostokov1556]

I wonder how can someone not like this.

[@ASMRhead]

+Andrey Vostokov Defective hearing is the only reason I can think of

[@michaeltom637]

+Andrey Vostokov I mean, it's not exactly a new sound, so maybe that would turn off someone wanting something different.

[@michaeltom637]

***** It's so close to being good, but it's just not there for me. It's too formulaic and familiar. It's the same way I feel with Beach House.

[@ASMRhead]

+Michael Tom No band can appeal to everyone. I like stuff that's unique, but I also like that good ol' familiar sound, and I have not heard a band as of late to capture the essence of that with such perfection like The War on Drugs has with their newest album. I've shown this album to my friends, my dad, and a few people that are well older than me, and they all love it.

[@mcrestwood7378]

+Andrey Vostokov ,,with stuff like this it`s just how it strikes me in the moment,,,,go figure

[@pigammon7843]

He seems like such a lovely guy. Seriously.

[@reza686]

Wow just discovered this band. Going to play this for my girl tonight. Much love from Bangladesh.

[@coleyounger4665]

Cheryl is a true delight.

[@julianfisher3775]

Please. PLEASE. Release this shit as an album. All of WOD's performances at KEXP. The band need to release them as a blu ray or something. Playing them on KZbin through a phone etc doesn't unlock how magical these performances truly are. Some very talented people recorded and mixed this.

[@isabellanerman7607]

Has this happened yet? I keep listening to this at KZbin, but it's a shame...

[@stu-ui3rf]

I am from Manchester U.K, love this station and everything they do, case in point, what a great portal for fantastic proper music!

[@raross2]

Hail to the drummer for keeping that stuff going 7+ minutes!!!

[@nickfromCO]

met the frontman, adam, before their show in Denver at The Bluebird last week. even took a picture with him. super cool dude, incredible album, and an amazing show.

[@soonersrule07]

that show was so great!

[@PacificTrash]

I just ran into him and the band last week here at Trading Musician in Seattle and got a picture with him, I agree, super nice guy. And their show I saw a couple months ago was amazing. I almost drove down to Portland the next day to see them again.

[@assinina]

best KEXP performance ever

[@marshallbrooksmusic]

Never listened to them before. Dig the spacey pads 'n' such. Feels like standing in a field with the wind blowing by. Neato.

[@Tigrebleau1]

+Marshall Jewell Music to drive into the sun with the top down by.

[@adamsensenig5750]

I first heard this record when I was depressed and going through my divorce. I connected with it instantly and its really hard for me to not name it my favorite record of all time. So while I could never pick a truly favorite single record, I can't pick one that I like more than lost in the dream either. This is a record that changed me and got me through the worst of times. Thank you Adam and the war on drugs. I'll always love this band.

[@sharkmonsters1297]

That we are able to watch such wonderfully captured performances of artists in HD for free in 2019 is more amazing that we typically take the time to recognize. The audio and video quality on this is stunning, and it's such an amazing capture of an amazing performance. No, I'm not high on ecstasy. I just really like this. ha.

[@Skier641]

I friend put me on to this band yesterday and I played most of their albums last night via Spotify, then bought them all, uploaded them to iPod, iPhone, iPad and to my car this morning and have not stopped listening. Simply outstanding. The first track on this video: 'An Ocean Between the Waves,' is a favourite along with Under The Pressure. Good luck to the band.

[@oscarmuli7176]

I discovered the band on the 11 - 6 - 2023. Lord they are amazing.

[@LukesDad]

They look like a bunch of dads who were nerds in high school came together to make a band and they weren't very good. Then at like a reunion the stoner dude who used to bully them reconciles with them and they get him to join the band, they turn awesome, start writing amazing music together, and the rest is history.

[@rachelnbrien]

Hahaha

[@chemdah]

Funny, but they formed in 2005 when they were in their mid 20s. Sometimes it takes a long time for the cream to rise to the top.

[@Fridasofie]

Most accurate description I have ever heard.

[@johancarloolsson]

This movie needs to be made!

[@GabrielKerr]

Robert Nooney the cream has risen

[@sharkmonsters1297]

Cheryl is such a wonderful person. Her enthusiasm for music is inspiring.

[@dustinsaidtoney2547]

Cheryl is so sweet here. I love her.... And the music is dope. 👍

[@NB2194]

Everyone always talks about the amazing audio, but the film is great as well. Seeing how each musician performs and reacts to one another, with perfect timing, angles, focus, lighting. Just pure production perfection on KEXP bravo

[@BarnyWaterg8]

their newest album is an album that is so underrated. it will take years until it is truly appreciated. love these guys. amazing sound.

[@srilankanflyer92]

+BarnyWaterg8 Luckily, it has received a lot of good ratings on many sites, and it has been critically acclaimed.

[@fridayjuly24smmv17]

You are exactly right. Time will prove them brilliant.

[@nickvanderhout]

This is one of those bands that comes around once in a few years and you just can't get enough of it!

[@joaneskins6510]

This boys and girls is real music.

[@qwer8907]

sounds a bit middle of the road

[@pepsitate8019]

It's cool to see some good old classic Dylan esque soft rock.

[@liamgabrielullrich5742]

"Thank you Cheryl!"

[@WendyMisener]

I just love the emphasis on simple instrumentation to carry the sound. Keyboards: wow.. brings me back to the 70's with dudes like Tony Banks from Genesis. I'm not comparing the two but enjoying how integral each instrument becomes to TWOD's sound.

[@edcool77]

yes! beautiful sound

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

definitely!!

[@lsmlsm2115]

I cried listening to An Ocean In Between the Waves while driving the other night. No idea why but it just caught me.

[@locknkopp]

This live version of "An Ocean In Between The Waves" is still the best, again and again

[@mcor1]

What is it that happens around 9:05 that gives me the chills every single time? The way the band just sort of steps down is just so damn satisfyingly perfect.

[@hajeem1948]

well Line, i'm 66 and this all sounds real new to me...and yes i hear dylan and i hear neil young.. talent and skills never cheat - - - a fantastic album

[@a1d795]

The snare sound is what keeps the 70s vibe. Brilliant drummer!

[@wpa81]

0:31 An Ocean In Between The Waves 8:27 Eyes To The Wind 22:12 Red Eyes 28:32 Suffering

[@StopTheWarOnDrugs]

This time my username seems inappropriate, lol.

[@lewis56405]

father many a year listening to metal i have just turned to this kind of music and i love the depth, the almost majesty of the music and the warmth and humble nature of the people who play it.

[@ricci777]

Best album by anyone this year so far. Infinitely listenable and never gets old. Stunning work.

[@TimmyStaunton]

This music is so beautiful, in particular Eyes to the Wind took me to another world. I love it so much.

[@gonzalocerron5690]

She's a fan.

[@joaquinbustamante1483]

She's pure love.

[@AntZombie121]

best band around right now. If lost in the dream came out 30 years ago it would be an held as a classic and would sit in many top 100 album of all time lists, unfortunately this type of music doesn't quite reach the masses as it once did though

[@user-oy1hw2rf3x]

I'm not surprised if this album IS a classic album in 30 years, maybe 20. :)

[@AntZombie121]

also it probably would of sold millions

[@user-ib5rd4fm5k]

Mattias F

[@user-ib5rd4fm5k]

Mattias F

[@user-oy1hw2rf3x]

هي خاربه Why did you ping me?

[@geoffbreen2386]

Thanks Cheryl, Thanks War. Thanks KEXP. we are lucky to have the stars line up so often when KEXP studio is available. The sound is perfect. Never heard much War stuff before but am now a fan.

[@jaimemendez6698]

Can´t stop listening to these guys!

[@assinina]

this is the most i have listened to an album since in rainbows

[@mhbackman]

Still watching - and loving- this set a year and a half later. What a performance, what a record! Cheryl loves this!

[@jon.yama-otoko]

Best rock album of 2014 for sure.

[@laurenstoneham]

Wow... Just stumbled across this and am absolutely in love with the sound of this band. Leave it to KEXP for the best live recordings.

[@adamdyas]

Andy 'Nard-Dog' Bernard killing it on the drums

[@stonecole4703]

Ah no it's Drew now.

[@graffitiguru]

Whoever does their sound should be congratulated.

[@bartmason9916]

God damn, i love Cheryl Waters' enthusiasm!

[@AndreRMeyer]

Cheryl Waters, pure love

[@Pancho308]

I share Cheryl's excitement about this band. I picked up their current CD a couple of weeks ago and have been listening non-stop. I even bought four more for gifts. Best "new" band I've heard in a very long time. I'm pushing 70 and went to Woodstock in '69, so I've literally covered a lot of music territory. There is just something very special about these guys.

[@ruicostamestre]

Thank you Daniela Maia for sharing (The war on Drugs), you made my life richer.....

[@LiberTBo]

War On Drugs is playing in Amsterdam in concert on November 2, 2017 live...such an incredible concert with many of these songs like An Ocean In Between The Waves and Eyes To The Wind in their set...Keep on living free Adam...

[@rodge1888]

Imagine coming onto a radio show and casually opening your set with that rendition of ocean in between the waves. No words for how good it is.

[@ahmednurkhaire3810]

The jury's work is clear and it was very easy. The meeting took a fluffy nanosecond. Album of the year is "Lost In The Dream 'with The War On Drugs and justification reads:" An album that sounds Petty, Dylan, Springsteen and Mike Scott float on a bed of seamless ambient, Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized and yet all the time signals in 2014 can not be other than the year of issue. We the jury cheer for proof that the classic rock album alive and flourishing. Fun "

[@davidbassplanc]

Found these guys on a Grateful Dead tribute album. Checked out their albums and fell in love.

[@mattyoung1105]

me too. this is some good music.

[@hendrix2478]

Thank you, Portsmouth England.

[@apollyon5629]

i love listening to these guys stoned whilst cleaning my place.. cool band

[@kraenk12]

this sounds so much better than the record. I hate today's productions which often take the soul out of the music...not even talking abt mp3

[@ervinschafer4393]

Everything sounds excellent at KEXP. 👌⏯

[@baras.4560]

This version of Eyes to the wind is for me the best, I dissolve in bliss, thank you.

[@julianmirano5001]

One of the best live performances I have ever seen. The introductions to each song, the little guitar flutters, absolute magic.

[@derrickschultz6871]

I can't stop watching this.. Best KZbin video ever. in my book. I continue to watch this from start to finish enjoying it every time.

[@petersweetland1570]

same

[@aidann172]

Ahhh that non reverse firebird is beautiful!

[@lccrvt]

damn, yes! A 60s original one from what i see! I'd do terrible things for that guitars hahahah

[@majortom8990]

Thank you KEXP. War on Drugs has become one of my favorite bands thanks to you.

[@alexi.de.charle]

I love love their dreamy cool resonating vibes, such a trip every listen, whether hitting the gym, running the trails, driving the roads, or simply lounging the couch like right now 😌💭☀️

[@MrWin40e]

cannot believe that I have just discovered this band.

[@larrylechner9301]

'Just happy to be out of the van...' Love it.

[@pedropine]

love how human and fun Cheryl can be! haha Cheryl we love youuuuuuuuu!

[@pjotroost2484]

I had a dream last night. I stranded on a deserted island. I had this dream a lot the past years. This music suits my time on the island very well.

[@edseda6608]

blown away...the perfect mix of Petty, Dire Straights, and Dylan for me...these guys have to come east coast for a show...would be there in a heartbeat!!!

[@nicholastompkins4414]

Not been as blown away by an album since OK Computer. Love this band.

[@remirussin7240]

i would die for cheryl waters

[@Orieus]

its nice to know, good ole rock n roll still lives somewhere, cuz it aint on the radio !

[@albertonazario4958]

I love this session. he looks like the bad guy of the breakfast club

[@FabianSalomonsson]

Man I want a firebird now hehe, absolut fantastic guitarplaying and music

[@aidandelorenzo7775]

Thank you Cheryl

[@jamesspencer1098]

I listen to nothing else and have not done since August. From Britain with love. Deep, deep glorious love. The best album since OK Computer. Perhaps since ever.