Kurt Vile: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Feb. 6, 2019 | Bob Boilen -- Kurt Vile exudes a casualness at the Tiny Desk in his style and body language that is so unlike most anxious artists who come to play behind my desk. Sure, he's done this Tiny Desk thing before, with Courtney Barnett. But even then, I remember thinking that he's got something else on his mind - and it made me laugh this time around when Kurt played his opening tune, "Bassackwards," and sang these words: "I was on the beach but I was thinking about the bay / Got to the bay but by then I was far away."
That idea of being one place and thinking about another, for me, also connects to the way he plays guitar. He seems distracted, yet the complex guitar lines he so nonchalantly plays, along with his musical mate Rob Laakso, are effortlessly beautiful and lyrical.
After they played two new tunes from Kurt Vile's latest record, Bottle It In, Kurt goes solo on an older, self-described "juvenile" song from long ago, recently revived during his Courtney Barnett collaboration last year. "Peeping Tomboy" has its own schizophrenic issues as Kurt sings, "I don't wanna change but I don't wanna stay the same / I don't wanna go but I'm runnin' / I don't wanna work but I don't wanna sit around / All day frownin'."
On the surface, it all can seem just chill. But there's a lot of rumination in these songs - and even when he's gazing into the overhead office lights, I think he got his mind on the stars and the world at large.
Set List
"Bassackwards"
"Loading Zones"
"Peeping Tomboy"
Musicians
Kurt Vile - vocals, guitar
Rob Laakso - guitar
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kaylee Domzalski; Production Assistant: Brie Martin; Photo: Cameron Pollack/NPR

[@jixxxxer17]

It's comforting knowing that there are people like Kurt Vile still on this planet.

[@jixxxxer17]

@Name Face Excellent & good to know, Thanks !

[@MarekillaBee]

I've bought a ticket for his concert this July, and it's really one thing that im looking forward the most currently.

[@jixxxxer17]

@@MarekillaBee wow you are lucky, there is no shows in my area, you are going to a show in Europe , Italy ? Enjoy it will be great I bet, Peace !

[@MarekillaBee]

@@jixxxxer17 It's in Slovenia, which is right next to Italy. Thanks mate. Peace!

[@jixxxxer17]

@@MarekillaBee wow Nice, enjoy the show it's gonna be great I'm sure, Peace !

[@klaybrowning]

Rest In Peace Rob Laasko.. Thanks For All The Sounds You Gave Us

[@wolfheadedconjuror]

sad! RIP

[@MarvinMonroe]

Oh wow just looked it up. Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer). Very rare like 3 cases per every 100,000 people Same thing my dad died of on Halloween 2022. They found it only about a month before he died. That's the thing about it, most of the time there are zero symptoms until it's way far along. And it's up there with Pancreatic Cancer for basically always being a death sentence. But it was fast and he was never in any pain. If they woulda found it earlier he just woulda had surgeries and chemo and radiation and still would have died anyways

[@MotherSmuckers]

@marvin … oh my god, I lived through this 🥹 Thanks

[@ShannonMorin]

❤

[@johnnymancspice]

@@MarvinMonroedidn’t hear about Rob. Dayum 😔

[@tutoy9814]

I was watching an early documentary on Talking Heads and David Byrne said "Ive been listening to Kurt Vile" and i searched up and this was the first video/music i ever heard of Kurt. But noticed this Kurt was young and turns out David was talking about Kurt Weill the composer but am i glad i stumbled upon this mistaken name. great musician.

[@aceslizeski1882]

hahaha that's awesome

[@chrisgrey2417]

" " "

[@Bigsinglecoils]

That is classic!!

[@nothinmuch2125]

I did the exact same thing!

[@guysingleton9611]

Serendipity at it's best. David Byrne is my all time hero

[@jellycubes1856]

I love how Kurt Viles' influences vary from old classic country & folksy story telling, to 70s wheat field rock, 90s grunge, and to the psychedelic sitar. Listening to him is like looking through a stainglass kaleidoscope spy glass. 💮🏵🌸🌼 A tiny microscopic shift of the light and it's complete different mood and meaning. So simple yet so dense with craftsmanship😍

[@prettyhamburger6462]

That is such a cool comment:)) it's so nice sometimes when people really take the time to describe their inner feelings like that

[@macaroon147]

Yip, and I like your name.

[@macaroon147]

@@prettyhamburger6462 yours too.

[@SalmonFume]

I agree, and it is very comforting to listen to him exploring these sounds that, as you indicated, are clearly derived from various influences. He doesn't even sweat it! Just comes natural to him.

[@babettestreet316]

Well phrased 🤩

[@gregm5275]

“And I appreciate him, to the utmost degree.”

[@thethunder9991]

I love everything about this version of Bassackwards

[@violetclementine2295]

I just saw him live yesterday and he was wearing the exact same outfit.

[@zachlombardi3137]

Vic Tea unutt

[@claytonbrown7120]

He’s Superman

[@maxwellvansickle4683]

KZbin comment section Hall of Fame award if its not a thing MAKE IT ONE

[@wesleyalan9179]

Rock n roll!🤘😎🤘

[@squeakeththewheel]

Pendleton plaid?

[@badcrow01]

Kurt Vile is a national treasure.

[@raymondoakford8357]

He's just another ordinary everyday singer?????

[@mj8105]

So is Bob Boilen

[@jacksonvineyard1288]

well then im nicolas cage

[@raymondoakford8357]

Jackson Vineyard Hi Nick.

[@aldenharold2562]

lol just commented the same thing before I saw this. He is so captivating

[@justincaffrey7735]

Bassackwards is one of the greatest songs of all time, and this performance of it was bold, because KV knows this, and also knows that it would be hard to appreciate in the moment.

[@ZappayaZappayo]

That guitar tone is massaging my brain

[@JuanViladoms]

En que tono está?

[@alejandrocastilloalba475]

@@JuanViladoms se refiere al sonido del instrumento. No al tono de afinación del instrumento o la canción.

[@JuanViladoms]

@@alejandrocastilloalba475 si, me refería a si está en una afinación abierta o una afinación convencional EADGBE. No sé inglés disculpas

[@tylermcdonald1889]

It’s sooooo good

[@axelg5]

Check out some stuff by the tragically hip, I found the guitar tone in this to be really similar to a bunch of their songs

[@WelfareChrist]

I can't really put my finger on what is appealing about him and his music, but I feel pulled to it strongly.

[@MRCaptainAnarchy1]

WelfareChrist lsd and methamphetamine

[@elmobrother]

I thinks it’s the quality.

[@linusalbertoni7447]

@@elmobrother this is an Aspen tree. You can tell that by the way it is. Pretty neat

[@Ziontrainism]

@@elmobrother yep, no frills quality. Bob Dylanesque.

[@collerdgreens]

I appreciate him to the upmost agree

[@Ahzpayne]

“Great art is never perfect; perfect art is never great.” ― Edward Abbey

[@johnedward8352]

Fuckin great quote. Desert Solitude is imperfect art at it's greatest.

[@johnzackarias11]

What does that mean, though? There are plenty of songs that I find are simultaneously great and perfect.

[@mikew9543]

Great art is great, perfect art is perfect, other stuff is other stuff. -Personally, I think this performance by Vile is perfect and great.

[@coffee5736]

So true, the best art is raw and unrefined.

[@alpepone8918]

Chopin. Sorry

[@Rain_power]

I'm amazed at how he can play these guitar parts and deliver wordy vocals on top of them. Such a talented guy.

[@whirving]

Notice on the first song how he came in with the vocals on a an off beat, and while playing a difficult run on the guitar. He did it like it was nothing and it all came together seamlessly, that got my attention.

[@randyhospodar8864]

William Irving .. .... big tits get my attention

[@nickparsons337]

@@randyhospodar8864 Uh, whose attention do they fail to get?

[@g0dzilla_au]

@@randyhospodar8864 thanks for your irrelevant and somewhat cringey comment.

[@randyhospodar8864]

@@g0dzilla_au no problem, glad to help

[@danlippel]

RIP Rob Laakso. Great musician and great guy.

[@jevinday]

I have NEVER heard someone make a guitar tell a story like Kurt Vile does. He's a GENIUS!!!

[@nodice5300]

Kurt Vile's songs never get old. Not a single one. I can listen to a song, then another version of that same song right after.

[@emersonlangstaff1527]

Love Kurt. His guitar is so simple and melodic, and his creative phrasing, lyrical style with that Lou Reed-ish off kilter vocal... But most of all, that clean, inventive acoustic guitar work touches me and is perfect to my ears...

[@RudolfSchmidt]

It's simple to reproduce, but not simple to come up with. It's all about WHEN you choose to play what note.

[@Mauruud]

Still a bit lou reed vibe. On his new album, the song stuffed leopard sounds like lou reeds coney island baby...@@fancychannelname

[@ericwestsop]

He seems so aware of how the guitar fills a space with sound/music

[@Cavball9]

I want to eat food that tastes like his guitar sounds.

[@joemurray2523]

C S poké bowl with a side of cheese Doritos

[@maximemurphy7795]

@@joemurray2523 Damn yessss... just adds the crispy working class hero I needs in my mushy hipster food (just joking like your combo ;))

[@adrianmcdonald84]

Noodles! It sounds like noodles with a crunchy apple on the side. A green apple!

[@katze2235]

thx for laugh :D

[@masonhaxelTMV]

Adrian Mcdonald im glad to know there are other people in this world that hear guitar tones as food

[@TheRealSandorClegane]

damn this is my new favorite version of Bassackwards now I have to come here whenever I want to listen to it

[@parkermarlow7196]

this sounds like if the really chill guy who gets trashed and plays drunk but charming sets at your local open mic got really famous. i dig

[@nealjochmann9553]

very accurate description

[@brdstorey1928]

cause that's what it is... :)

[@garethroach9014]

I wish his hippy ass hat remains stuck in the next ass he meets

[@pw4331]

Dude is totally sober

[@andrewr3169]

It's way better than that, but i think i see what you're trying to say.

[@jessegrubbs507]

Saw him live almost 10 years ago now, glad to see he still never truly looks comfortable, like an open mic. It’s always given him a humble persona to me to see him appear always grateful to be playing for you

[@stephenjones6030]

Hey Fish, got any bait?!

[@robertzimmerman3388]

No arrogance. Heartfelt. Genuine. Original. Beautiful.

[@LilRedRasta]

PILE

[@gunandrun]

Lou Reed vocals, Bob Dylan lyrics, Neil Young guitar & harmonica, rolled into one.

[@MSimp2k6]

Along with only picking with a thumb & his index finger, ala John Prine. Amazing what you can get done with an index finger!

[@123rybres]

lyrics are pretty far from dylan, but I get what ya mean!

[@jamespriest9658]

@@MSimp2k6 Kurt gets a whole bunch done with his wacky style.. I always laugh at folks that think he's quirky or don't get it. These songs have a real good frame, top to bottom. Just saying Kurt's a real musician.. f u if u don't get it 🤣

[@jamespriest9658]

Frowning n and.. love u Kurt, John really dug u bro..he spent 45 minutes shoveling meatloaf (it was Tuesday) in his face, telling me u gotta ck this guy.. was real happy u played with him b4 he left. He was right, u got urself something going on.

[@sassythesasquatch8036]

He taught Neil young how to pick

[@kevinmichaelcallihansr5053]

I am a fan of Kurt Vile. When I met him, he was on the level. And when I left, it was known that he was on the square. His mastery of the guitar and the enjoyable lyrics combine to provide a wonderful experience in my mind. Thank you kindly, NPR and Mr. Vile.

[@WoodstreetStudio]

I love this but it's also hilarious. I'm like watching it critically but laughing really hard. Dude elicits multiple emotions, he's found another dimension.

[@ziptalia2456]

this guy knows how to make a guitar sound goooooooood.

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

NPR is really just the best music channel on youtube.

[@Warrogue1]

NPR is great, but KEXP is pretty awesome too.

[@tl996]

@@Warrogue1 Was going to say the exact same thing, Lol.

[@dynjarren7523]

She was a Tom Boy and I was a Peeping Tom! That is funny and brilliant at the same time! Who comes up lyrics like that? Nobody but Kurt Vile. Brilliant and he plays effortlessly and his guitar sounds so clean!

[@PackardGilson]

So glad Kurt is getting some recognition like Tiny Desk, he really is so talented in such a unique way

[@6Xyzzy]

I was wondering how I'd missed this one, until i saw that it was released just today. Kurt Vile's guitar playing is really fresh and melodious. Love it! Thanks for the upload.

[@NicoCrown]

"The psyche of my soul, my sooouul!" Best part.. Great song

[@justinjdickerson]

You sound amazing....RIP Rob

[@michaelmorgan8110]

Kurt Vile is one of the most talented artists and song writers of our time ❤️

[@user-ri5cx8lu2u]

Song writers? Stop it. Unreal guitarist tho

[@JS-th7ow]

i’ve lost count on how many times i’ve watch this

[@charlescoult]

I like how he looks out into the crowd like he's not sure if they like what he's doing

[@NONCHELANGE]

i rediscovered his last album last week and noticed every track on there is just perfect

[@MusicRevolution1992]

This is dope. Thank you NPR love discovering real raw talent on this channel.

[@MusicRevolution1992]

@Timothy Lee Keep up the good work. NPR. You guys made me the most happy when you let *Khruangbin* take everyone for a ride, now I need to see the Queen.... *Kali Uchis*

[@MrTurtleThief]

He just melts the stress away :)

[@thomasbuschaert2756]

After a hard day at work, I come home and put Kurt Vile on with a glase of wine...

[@nudebikergirl]

0:00 BassAackwards 6:49 Loading Zones 10:15 Peeping Tomboy

[@Faeriecoma]

Thank u

[@Fullbatteri]

Do I have heroes? Yes, and Kurt Vile is one of them.

[@soundsofsilenceandsleeping]

That first song really moved me, Bro. My faith is music a little restored.

[@hitpuppy04]

I was on the BEACH!!! Kurt you’re killin it. Your guitar tones are huge and thank god you have a soft spot for repetition so that we can hear 5 min + songs out of you like ones of the past. Much love and appreciation.. to the utmost degree.

[@mgmegt5920]

Saw him the other day in upstate New York for the first time. Perfect setting - mountains, stars and a big ol moon

[@CrazyCloudZen]

Good show?

[@mgmegt5920]

@@CrazyCloudZen amazing!!

[@daveshareitalways4536]

Thank you Kurt. It’s been great learning about who you are over the last few years. Met you as Kurt/Courtney and have followed you both together and as individuals since. You play the way an acoustic should sound, just as a piano can evoke emotions that can send shivers. Your words and voice are astounding together. Continue to be brother

[@jonathannelson2593]

Bob Boilen couldn't have said it any better. The musical half of Kurt Vile's songs has a relaxed casualness about it while the lyrical half, if you listen to them, get you thinking both introspectively and about a lot of things outside yourself. Great artist

[@tc8066]

In other words - it's a trip, man.

[@jhendricks02]

Rest in peace Rob. Total legend and super kind human. Love

[@andresjacome296]

"it's called Working Class Hero is something to be... but also Loading Zones"

[@hughfinzel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n37IqKeiotCJbMU

[@faststick2021]

He did this in detroit - "this is called everlong by the foo fighters...i mean pretty pimpin"

[@shadedandjaded7948]

I think he wants to be a roadie for John Lennon. "Working class hero" "loading zones." Wish it wasn't too late :(

[@garethroach9014]

All his covers are awful travesties

[@shadedandjaded7948]

@@garethroach9014 your handle is an awful tragedy.°•▪¤○●□♡□●○¤▪•°

[@bri3518]

Kurt Vile is one of my favorite artists of all time hands down.

[@driscollmichaelmd]

Not too many words to describe this beauty is there. It almost transcends. To try and find them is almost to be there which of course we are not. Although I gave it a few. As have we all. So nice one fellow fans.

[@nout1972]

I can totally understand why some or many people would hate this music, but I love it.

[@billbill5326]

I have been obsessively listening to this new Kurt Vile album. Absolutely love it!

[@PlanetRockJesus]

Just discovered Kurt a couple weeks ago, and I've been obsessed with a few songs of his, playing them a few times a day. If you think he's easy to reproduce (you musicians), try to cover any of his songs. This will make you see how what sounds simple is actually genius.

[@avi4767]

Rob on the bass VI was great. RIP

[@SabbyTheNerd]

hypnotic riffs and i really want to be a KV guitar solo in the next life

[@coturzio5248]

Favorite tiny desk concert

[@PunkSka420]

Philly's own!!! Yes we have some redeeming value here.

[@aikoyonamine]

I wish you would show more of him playing the guitar (like a wider shot). Kurt plays the guitar so beautifully.

[@romescana]

His music brings me so much joy. So personal.

[@grungewolf3622]

this man has a really pretty soul

[@mattyfox_]

Rest In Peace Rob ❤️ He lost his battle to the big c

[@TheCarlapf]

it sounds so good on rainy days

[@yakh8088]

And sunny days, pretty much any day

[@stevetrivago]

Love this dudes pickin and singing style

[@mikehomant7806]

Every time I find street parking, I now yell triumphantly, "I park for free!".

[@jeffreychase692]

Today’s Bob Dylan without question but still himself at the same time. Crazy

[@owen9157]

Want to pick up my guitar every time I listen to Mr Vile

[@psych_edelic]

and bend a blues riff that haaaangs

[@ICU2HI]

I keep coming back to this. Will definitely take this on my next road trip. Great driving music.

[@JuanViladoms]

My new favorite Tiny Desk session.

[@cfxfreight410]

Got to see Kurt just last night and we chatted about guitar tuning. Someone there brought up Rob Laakso, RIP brother gone too young.

[@rainman1476]

I'm just keep rewatching this again and again... Great talent

[@HoonAgain]

Guitar work is beautiful and so clean. Closed my eyes in the dark at beginning of second song and I gotta say the whole vibe and music level went way up holy shit. Kurt Vile I just discovered your music and NPR of course is to blame and I thank you.

[@inesnavyblue1290]

Yeeah! i think He know guitar as weell like old good friend :-))

[@susanjohann2940]

I saw him earlier this month in my town, and instantly became a rabid fan (though I had one previous album of his plus Lotta Sea Lice). I spent a fair part of the night looking down at the concrete and just filling up my ears with bliss.

[@tenstorysymphony2551]

I loved him in Airheads

[@PlanetRockJesus]

This version of Bassackwards is not only the best live version, but it's even better than the studio version, which is unusual! Crank it up!

[@johnsopapo3242]

Kurt Vile es genial, me gusta su música y su personalidad, se nota que es una persona sencilla.

[@goddesoflibraries]

I appreciate Kurt Vile to utmost degree

[@deanthornby2026]

Kurt ....your going all the way to the top no doubt ....loved it from start to end

[@VerenasJukebox]

"I think he got his mind on the stars and the world at large." Beautiful npr intro text.

[@jakewelch.design]

This makes me wanna go FISHING

[@shadedandjaded7948]

If I wanted to, I could go fishing In the sea or any pond Yeah I'd bait my hook with silicone And I'd stay until I landed a blonde Yeah I don't see her here But If I did it'd just be one more heartbreak hill come along Hoorah

[@yupthatsmyusername3596]

Yeeah that sounds so much like going fishing

[@shadedandjaded7948]

I reject all fishing unless it's done with artificial or otherwise non pain feeling bait. That rule is only overuled if you are fishing for ultimate survival and overuled if you are gonna die anyway, which is usually not possible to know. So I'm gonna go crazy if I think I'm going to die, and torture all the f---ing worms and bugs I want. ~fishing lessons from a madman

[@martycharron3415]

I love that all my favorite artists have an acoustic session here, thanks alot NRP

[@agalleyne]

This session reminds me of the golden age of MTV's UnPlugged series. Would love to see that format revived...

[@Spirited1]

First time I have heard (of) Kurt Vile. Nice listening experience. Sort of has the vibe of Iggy Pop, Lou Reed and David Byrne. My favorite part of Tiny Desk Concerts is the finding artists and their sounds that are new to me (weather I enjoy the music or not) in an intimate setting.

[@michaelstrauch8459]

Großartige Musik, was für ein Glück für mich

[@buddhastaxi666]

Mr Vile plays superbly. Beautifully. mr vile beatnik rambles stumbingly elucidated yet linquistically entertaining with a persistent bias relating to being in two places almost simoultaneously except for 5 seconds of deja vous which incongrously is his guide .

[@garygamble411]

I love Kurt Vile. Vocally (edit) + lyrically, he reminds me of a young Dylan or Young. Guitar-style reminds me of John Martyn's early stuff (1969 London Conversation).

[@jagarn137]

you need to get EELS to do one of these... that said, love kurt

[@mmayer1558]

Love how he sings "of my soul" twice and the way he phrases it the second time. Gold

[@earlyrisersteph]

Still can't figure out why nothing else works, but KZbin does. Thanks for this.

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️ thank you

[@jen-33]

So. Much. Talent!! I am so obsessed with Kurt Vile!!! 💜🎸🎶🎵

[@anguspalmer3568]

I'm happy to say that music isn't dead after all

[@chumkrimson8161]

people who don't know much about music always say things like this. you act like Kurt Vile is like alone in this or one of the few left or something.

[@dynjarren7523]

His guitar tone and playing is great! The new Dylan! Brilliant talent!

[@Ryder69girl]

I LOVE THIS GUY. THANKS & GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALWAYS HAVING AWESOME MUSIC WITH THE BEST SOUND. ALWAYS.

[@mariadiveris1979]

I love this song and his voice so much!!

[@dadbodfolkpunk9433]

I love the first song like 20 replays love

[@jeff7764]

I love this guy. 😍

[@thoughtsofmaryjane]

The instrumentation of the first track gives me a Meat Puppets vibe ... I’m diggin it

[@SalmonFume]

Yeah totally, good observation.

[@dreamqueen5]

Ditto

[@keith-leecastle6700]

I’ve been a fan since Halo and will never stop listening to this man.

[@aldenharold2562]

this man is a treasure

[@Colonelfenner]

Wow - If you like mr Vile solo - you should check out WAR ON DRUGS

[@leama4597]

some people are just magnificent.

[@davidpintado539]

discovered this guy just now, thanks npr!

[@jolley517]

Check out the tiny desk/album he did with Courtney Barnett. I like it a little bit more