The xx: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

It's easy to think of The xx as a fashionable band: Its members have a sleek all-in-black look, its typography and cover art is coolly and distinctively styled, and the group itself has been showered with validation, including Britain's 2010 Mercury Prize. But beneath all that tightly controlled image-making lays music that's raw and vulnerable; shy, worried tentativeness is wired into a sound that shimmers powerfully, but remains as fragile and delicate as a soap bubble.
The xx's second album, Coexist, came out last fall, and it plays like a series of tensely lovely interludes, each building to a climax that never arrives. Plopped in front of Bob Boilen's desk and asked to play a few songs from the record, singer-guitarist Romy Madley Croft and singer-bassist Oliver Sim have reason to look slightly ill-at-ease: The setting and band configuration robs them of cover. No beats from member Jamie Smith, who opted to hang back at the hotel; no shroud of darkness or bright lights pointed outward to blunt the crowd's stares. Throughout their characteristically compact seven-minute performance, Croft and Sim avoid eye contact, as they visibly try to ignore the huge throng and cameras positioned maybe 10 feet away from them.
What comes out of their performance is not just beauty, but humanity - the sense that, in all of The xx's songs, all the calm chilliness in the world can't quite contain an exposed heart.
Set List
• "Angels"
• "Sunset"
Credits
Producer: Bob Boilen; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Becky Lettenberger, Claire O'Neill, Maggie Starbard

[@Space-Glitter]

bring them back and have them do a longer tiny desk, please!!!! this is so beautiful.

[@GoldEighteen]

I'm convinced they don't even edit their studio recordings. Their live sound is unreal.

[@Onedirection119897]

Probaly the most intense, and calmest band that i've heard. Their voices create such a unique sound. It all just molds together perfectly.

[@LeeH688]

I love the reason that they sound like this is that in their earliest days as a band they practiced in a garage in a residential area so they had to keep the noise down.

[@romy3449]

Absolutely agree!

[@BonhamsBongo]

These guys seem made to perform together - they compliment each other so perfectly well. I love the chilled moody sound of XX - in a musical world where its increasingly difficult to sound original and effortless, they manage.

[@MrAtheismo]

I'm always amazed by her voice that I forget that Oliver sings as well. And then when he does it's so surprising and so good.

[@zakonodavac]

They sound just like on track ...

[@abdullabdulla4075]

zakonodavac ن😦😕😉😆😅😡😑😦🚱♈♌♈سسط

[@abdullabdulla4075]

zakonodavac طقظجفطج😃😐

[@alexesteves6013]

That's what they say, you only can tell how great an artist is when they sound/perform the same vocal quality as live or as well on track

[@parshan08]

The XX - Coexist is the most incredible album I've heard in my life; and I've listened to a lot of music in every genre. Absolute masterpiece.

[@Project4four]

Agreed

[@cyntheticlove]

Yes.

[@capmendonca]

Sigur rós albums are also unreal. 👌

[@KayGeee86]

And that makes you an expert or what? 😅

[@missmyoldhandle24]

it's so rare that musicians sounds as perfect live as they do recorded... This just made my day!!!

[@RBlur]

"in all of The xx's songs, all the calm chilliness in the world can't quite contain an exposed heart." it's the perfect description. They penetrate my heart and my soul like nothing else!! Their voices and songs are so pure they make me want to cry whenever I listen to them

[@k-isfor-kristina]

Jesus Christ she sounds just like the recorded version. That's incredible.

[@JustCrowe1]

One of the things they said in an anniversary interview was that when they wrote their first album, one of their biggest concerns was keeping the music simple enough that it did in fact sound the same live, they’d be happy to know you felt this way 😏

[@ashleyholder4892]

It did not sound like a tiny desk at first haha

[@BuzziMuzzi]

I just kind of noticed how important music is for me. This kind of music just makes me feel so alive. I love it.

[@fernfernisfernie]

Gosh her voice is just perfection

[@aTTGallardo]

Gosh, his is, as well..

[@paulduffy4585]

Isn't it.

[@orquito7710]

Nechtan Mac Collbran it is

[@wisausnk]

💯

[@MrJERRY551]

I love how ridiculously simple the music is. It's insane how something so brilliant can come out of something so...basic.

[@Daniel_Addy]

The spaces between notes are masterful

[@deanthornby2026]

Nothing simple about making music like this ... To make the gap as important at the notes around it is perfection

[@deanthornby2026]

​@@Daniel_Addy talking of timing ....how crazy is that ...we wrote pretty much the same thing at the same time ...

[@deanthornby2026]

​@@Daniel_Addy ok we thought the same not wrote it ....but mad tho ...have a good day

[@KayGeee86]

It's all about emotions

[@pauldragos8550]

I finally find this after 7 years and it's only 6 minutes. My jaw actually dropped. Thank you The xx for always doing your thing.

[@annaeeee7516]

I had never come across this video and it's just what I needed today 😊

[@SilentC0sm0s]

Their music hits me hard... especially angels... i just want to cry

[@squallleonhart3061]

SilentC0sm0s I like the music to but i don´t want to cry. But i am Squall Leonhart i have no feelings.

[@SilentC0sm0s]

Squall Leonhart especially Squall has alot of feelings :P

[@xXBambiHuntXx]

SilentC0sm0s Angels reminds me of a dog I had who passed 2 years ago. Every time I listen to it I feel her around me.

[@zimzimzalabim]

I know right? That song came out at the time I was actually falling for someone. And it takes me back to all those nights in a dark rooms, just talking and seeing myself fall in love. It didn't work out but I am glad I can relive that moment through this wonderful song.

[@ikeownscharizards]

Ah I need them to drop the new album now, can't wait to hear their sound again.

[@masonshappley122]

Oliver has one of the greatest natural voices I've ever heard. I love it so much. He's tied with sameer ghadia (I think that's how you spell it) as my favorite male voice

[@blairstevenson6203]

I would give anything to see these two perform together again. One last time

[@JustReadable]

Amazing, how many great bands I discovered via NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert. Thank you NPR Music. Thank you very much !

[@DearReaderReadAloud]

Both of their voices are so. so. golden. I love watching them play. Her facial expressions are amazing to watch at some of the most emotional parts of the song. Also! If you listen to this song with earbuds, you can hear the music moving back and forth between your ears.

[@aliciamartinez3001]

Seriously you guys are just so therapeutic for me.. Its more than just the beautiful melody of your music and vocals. Its the beautiful energy that transpires in that room so strong that it shows not only on camera but that beautiful energy is so strong that it moves with time and can be felt anywhere in the world.

[@wisausnk]

It’s unbelievable how good a performance can be if the chemistry between the singers is 💯 never have I feel that much honesty in Musik like between that two 💚

[@gordospeti]

I keep coming back to hear this short performance again and again! Very nice music!

[@remyparys9264]

Just amazing... just plain amazing. Love every note, every word... incredibly sensitive and intense music.

[@comreality]

they've known each other since they were 3. And she was the first person he ever sang in front of.... and he was so shy, so they sang together. ^_^ they may not be together, but they are freaking adorable!

[@indecisiveloser]

5:33 and onward, the way Oliver runs his hand through his hair. Man, I haven't crushed this hard in a long while.

[@mrss_foster]

I love how their voices are just so perfect they don't need auto-tune

[@danielasouza6535]

Ft

[@mrss_foster]

daniela souza?

[@joeyhorror4749]

...As in most artist that are not in the popular category?

[@origamigek]

Why am I kind of frustrated to hear this? Singers are supposed to sing without auto-tune. Why would anyone assume most songs have been tuned like that? It's like assuming all pictures of paintings have been shopped to make the painting look better.

[@mrss_foster]

ᴠᴧᴨᴛᴧᴃᴌᴧcᴋ You have the rights to feel and say how you feel. I took a moment to appreciate their beautiful voices and I really didn't mean to say anything mean. I make my judgment based on what I've heard or seen. I see no difference in their performances and in most popular artist I do. And even if the voice isn't perfect or beautiful why tune it...Just being natural with imperfections is beauty.

[@victorcantoran9631]

Such a lovely tone of a voice that compliments such beautiful melodic sounds. This type of setting fits them perfectly

[@vancedstone]

Wow her voice is so beutiful. It doesn't look like she's even trying it just comes out like that. Simply amazing!

[@107amanda1]

the lyrics are just so raw for lack of better words really refreshing

[@meyloose1013]

I started listening to the xx 10 years ago when I first heard islands and intro on Pandora and was instantly enamored and hooked. I got my friend into them and she and I went to see them in fall of 2010 in Philly, but they were also doing this after party type thing with the tour, so Jamie was dj’ing at this club - I had the fortune of meeting Romy and Oliver, and they were exactly like this in person. So amazing.

[@akarnjanakit3848]

This evokes emotions of a wide range of beautiful bonds, emitting waves of luminous energies! The vibrations of sound and composition complete the essentials that brings balance to the whimsical spirit, gracefully dancing on the edge of acceptance and understanding. It reveals the delicate nature of human behaviors and emotions Thank you so much for this!

[@srduncanbyu]

their voices at other times have seemed to err on the flat side. but here they are immaculate. it's incredible. what a gem

[@MrAlekoy]

I had all NPR TD-concerts rolling in the background whilst trying to fix something, and suddenly this comes on, I had to put down my tools and just listen,it was THAT awesome, perfect live performance...

[@KiichiIsanu]

The close-ups on Oliver that show him generating vibrato (neck quivering) is really cool. Also reminds me faintly of a pelican.

[@hespedro]

7 years later this still makes me cry ily xx

[@deluds28]

Amazing voice, so quiet and powerful

[@samanthagonzalez5475]

BRING THEM BACK!!! BUT ALSO WITH JAMIE XX!! AND ALSO HAVE THEM PLAY MORE THAN 2 SONGS!!

[@izalman]

Absolutely superb.. how can such simple music sound so amazing..

[@acadiasummons5178]

this makes me feel real

[@youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961]

Those two have the best connection onstage and together, really. Great musicians.

[@cupcaakes]

They literally sound like angels! Love that song btw

[@xXBambiHuntXx]

I have been listening to The XX for over 5 years now, and they are one of the only bands that I can sing every word of every song in time with every chord. Guess they just speak to me.

[@javierthompson1893]

WDGAF

[@aquadee91]

Same 😊

[@BrandyJButts]

Same girl same

[@ladypopularr]

SAME

[@molkikun1]

Same! It's the only band I've made the effort to buy their albums and can actually listen to them on a daily basis without getting tired.

[@Kazikox]

They really are amazing

[@vicegirlsusa]

Their music is absolutely perfect for a tiny desk concert. Love it!

[@dolcedolente]

I love all the space . . . so much said in between what is said . . . just gorgeous. Melts me.

[@dylanevans8829]

im happy to finally see this!! so amazing I'm loving this year's tiny desks c: seriously, about time tho considering "intro" is the most frequently used transition track on all things considered.

[@todddavis240]

Thank you NPR for turning me onto the xx! June 4th Uptown theater in Kansas City MO What an evening with the xx, uptown is about as intimate as it gets. Hope to see you there. Peace&Love

[@pamplbaumann6259]

so beautiful voices and lyrics...

[@TheRealThrowed101]

I love the well written descriptions on the videos keep up the great work.

[@serjoshua]

this badly needed an update with Jamie so that they could play more songs, like a 10-song set list at the least hehe

[@righthereandnow]

No words. Thank you, xx and NPR.

[@JiMpAgE69]

the description on this video is the best written description i've ever read also the xx are incredible, its almost haunting

[@ethanksiazek5548]

Such a cool vibe. Makes me feel like kicking it with myself.

[@musiclife5158]

Love this song. I got it on repeat for the next 10 years.

[@wendymorgan-priest7105]

This set just makes me like them even more

[@andreyderisio4390]

Beautiful Voice!

[@martinhockings2326]

They make it look so easy, perfection...

[@022rty]

Incredible duet these two

[@bktrk3335]

Wow. This has got to be one of the most genuinely moving live performances I've ever witnessed

[@serena6090]

oh this is so unique and beautiful - i love accidentally discovering great artists on this channel

[@Montano76]

I like the sound of the guitars so mellow and relaxing

[@ambivalent1]

The top 3 voices I can say that I wish I had! 😍 So powerful, magical, soothing and hypnotic

[@romy3449]

It's amazing how amazing they are.. I'm such a huge fan.

[@Casp0r]

Such a peaceful and magic art they both do! Awesome gig 2:55 "~Oh so sad! ;( have to wipe away that tear~"

[@jenbo327]

Sigue siendo uno de mis tiny desk favoritos. ❤

[@Jsantii]

the way he looks at her on 2:40 oh my god

[@samyavellani6111]

omg you are so right!

[@13CL456]

If you're implying it's something sexual between them, sorry to burst that bubble; she's gay.

[@Jsantii]

ThatUncutRaw I know she is a lesbian lol. I'm just saying the way he looked at her was nice.

[@13CL456]

spooky cupcakes Yeah, it was intense.

[@puzz88]

oh man didnt even realize that, so cute

[@brianjgilbert]

Wow. amazing vocals and minimalist sounds. XX rocks!

[@stephlamet]

Ugh omg they're both so perfect

[@reallifelove]

Wow, that sound! Perfection

[@alexahallywell12]

Their voices sound so surreal, I really really love them!

[@romy3449]

I feel like crying or something when looking at this. It's so beautiful.

[@nuriasanz60]

I like so much!!! From Spain, Congratulations!!!!!

[@olivierl9429]

Truly beautiful - Thanks !

[@desiresur8]

i would love to hear their music live. great music guys, thanks

[@brdmusicofficial]

thier simplicity is so so so beautiful, we should have more of this kind of real, sensitive & minimalistic music today

[@Raincloud2332]

Honestly my favorite band. They're so talented i wish they got the recognition they deserve.

[@yuca707]

Your voices are like angels with damage! Love it !

[@dastafford]

I love her voice. Beautiful.

[@seleruial]

I can only hold my breath. Thank you, guys!

[@beatsbykana]

his leaning the whole time is a mood

[@jeremybuenaventura808]

They're voices are so amazing :)

[@todddavis240]

Love love love The xx, Hauntingly beautiful sullen verb. Really Awesome xx. Peace

[@IngridTheViking]

This was so chill, I forgot I was listening to music.

[@EvanKnight1]

I just can't believe how good this sounds.

[@ClaudeFrank]

i'm so impressed with how good they sound from one mic that isn't even close to them. you guys have some good engineers!

[@lardog112]

Guitar work reminds me of the Cure. Very nice smooth transitions. Like it a lot.

[@jpvanstaden2595]

Beautiful beautiful. My favourite band ever. Definitely in my top 5

[@fridgemagnet]

She has a nervousness and vulnerability that remind me of a young Robert Smith.

[@Mslaralinda]

That's funny

[@aliceflowers]

Her voice....

[@elina5]

How can something so simple transmit so much? ...Ahh the beauty of The XX

[@WhatsAnOxfordComma]

They are so lovely.

[@omselection438]

So beautiful.

[@karaswanson3138]

still listening...

[@gabrielmaroto18]

Being as in love with the xx as I am!

[@scottshaw8864]

I've listened to this so many times.

[@boonehouston]

I was amazed with her voice and still am, but when that man opened his mouth angels flew out.

[@fernandatralala]

They both have very unique voices. I loved it!

[@objectionableconform]

voice makes my heart explode

[@bryankelly3300]

Okay this is my introduction to the xx I always watch live performances when judging a band cause its more raw, and her voice sounds like it would sound so good with higher notes LIKE WOAH