Sleater Kinney Full Concert | NPR MUSIC FRONT ROW

February 23, 2015 - The last time Sleater-Kinney played the 9:30 Club, a transformer threatened to blow in the midst of a summer heat wave. Or maybe the Washington, D.C., club just couldn't handle Corin Tucker's pipes. That was nine years ago, on a goodbye-for-now tour that caught the trio at the top of its game. The show was rescheduled and taped for NPR Music, and we had our closure, crossing fingers that it wouldn't be the last we'd hear from Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss.
In the intervening years, all three put their energies into other projects, musical and not, sometimes even with each other. But Sleater-Kinney has an electric chemistry of its own. As Brownstein says, "I really think Sleater-Kinney is a singular band with no clear predecessor or successor, so I don't think we started out creating music that you could see the palette of colors that we were using, and maybe draw a lineage."
On the first night of a two-night gig at the 9:30 Club, Sleater-Kinney went all-in with its set list. Tracks from the band's monster of a new album, No Cities To Love, felt natural alongside songs like "Oh!" and "Words And Guitar," obliterating the band's timeline by demonstrating a catalog that's always present, always on fire. -- LARS GOTRICH
SET LIST
Price Tag - 0:40
Start Together - 4:36
Fangless - 7:11
Oh! - 10:59
Surface Envy - 14:54
Get Up - 18:02
Ironclad - 21:45
No Anthems - 24:23
Youth Decay - 28:13
What's Mine Is Yours - 30:57
A New Wave - 36:03
No Cities To Love - 39:48
One Beat - 42:46
Words And Guitar - 45:54
Bury Our Friends - 48:34
Sympathy - 52:20
Entertain - 56:21
Jumpers - 1:01:46
ENCORE
Gimme Love - 1:07:24
Little Babies - 1:10:04
Turn It On - 1:12:20
Modern Girl - 1:15:02
Dig Me Out - 1:17:50
FEATURING
Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein, Janet Weiss, Katie Harkin
CREDITS
Producers: Mito Habe-Evans, Robin Hilton; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Morgan McCloy, Claire O'Neill, Maggie Starbard, Carlos Waters; Host: Bob Boilen; Director: Mito Habe-Evans; Assistant Editor: Carlos Waters; Special Thanks: 930 Club; Executive Producer: Anya Grundmann
www.npr.org/eve...

[@fightingfoos]

I'm the girl in the Pearl Jam shirt in this video. I saw them tonight in San Diego, the first show of many for me on this tour. I feel the same way about their music now. Seeing them live makes me happy, thrills me and rattles me. All live music is life-affirming, but especially theirs. It is fair to lament Janet no longer being in the band, but it is more worth it than ever than see them live now, this year, right now.

[@nateanderson1084]

Your energy in Get Up makes me so happy. Saw them tonight for the first time in Denver and they just destroyed. Viva Sleater Kinney!!!!

[@brucenator]

20:38 during Get Up. That's legendary.

[@lennybaby213]

fucking Janet Weiss on those drums is so sick

[@miked4309]

+Rae Ankeney there is a video on youtube just showing janet drumming during a live SK song...she is a beast. there is also a drum battle with the drummer from corin's band.

[@nichelleuhura6040]

this concert cleared up my skin, rejuvenated my life, gave me peace.

[@sunshaped]

this is precisely why I need to see them again.

[@movimentodoscacos]

better than sex lmao

[@starkops]

Haha, niceee

[@EricPudalov]

This should be a new zit cream commercial - clear your skin with Sleater-Kinney!

[@annabagwell7965]

Absolutely right!

[@katefitzgeraldyoutub]

JANET WEISS is my damn hero. Such a great band. So glad they're back!!!!

[@fineanwilliams3731]

Janet Weiss is the shit, Quasi and The Jicks are amazing too

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

Damnit! Janet!

[@RushTrader]

Yeah, such a shame she's couldn't weather this new phase of the band.

[@Mautar55]

oh no!

[@michaelbrickley2443]

@@RushTrader, they told her she was no longer a partner. Corin and Carrie are the twins. Like Keef and Mick. They complete each ofher

[@christinebitchs]

its amazing how, after 10 years, their recent album just fits amazingly with their older stuff

[@jeremyschep3589]

Corin's voice is just too awesome

[@DavidLynch1]

So heartbroken that we'll never get another show like this. Carrie and Corin need to do whatever it takes to bring Janet back into the fold. There simply is no S-K without her.

[@mysteryaction6927]

Changing genres as they mature

[@christiangisborne9011]

David Lynch well said! Amen!!

[@kabpoetry]

For a band that never conformed to norms, the new sound is very...confusing, to say the least. No Janet, no S-K. I am interested in the new Quasi songs.

[@Irys1997]

I can't believe the breakup was already 3 years ago. What an unnecessary self-inflicted wound that was. This was always my favorite band of my lifetime, and I have worked over time to come to grips that it is just gone, like Poly Styrene gone.

[@annabagwell7965]

Like Kim leaving the Pixies.

[@Ambient.Immersion]

Their music takes care of you the way music should. Instead of forcing emotion, it releases and transmutes the negative into freedom.

[@denverpotts3928]

ok

[@annabagwell7965]

Absolutely.

[@Harkinless]

SETLIST, people: Price Tag: 0:40 Start Together: 4:36 Fangless: 7:11 Oh!: 10:59 Surface Envy: 14:54 Get Up: 18:02 Ironclad: 21:45 No Anthems: 24:23 Youth Decay: 28:13 What’s Mine Is Yours: 30:57 A New Wave: 36:03 No Cities To Love: 39:48 One Beat: 42:46 Words And Guitar: 45:54 Bury Our Friends: 48:34 Sympathy: 52:20 Entertain: 56:21 Jumpers: 1:01:46 Encore: Gimme Love: 1:07:24 Little Babies: 1:10:04 Turn It On: 1:12:20 Modern Girl: 1:15:02 Dig Me Out: 1:17:50

[@tyler_da_wiz]

Hhh

[@qtrfoil]

Thanks SO much for this!

[@Irys1997]

Snail Mail fans, you might be interested to know she’s all over this video, as a hyper-enthusiastic fan in the front row. She was only 15 and it was before the band started. A good example is at 46:49.

[@producer73]

Very neat to know. I came across Snail Mail little over a year ago.

[@apullcan]

omg the look on her face at that timestamp is so precious. she's clearly a HUGE fan.

[@calypsoschild]

BAHAHA Lindsay is the cutest

[@mattomoros]

I recently discovered S-K and damn, I don't know how I lived this far without knowing them, it was a revelation for me (I guess I have to thank Portlandia for that). Seeing all of their work I can certainly say that they are better than ever. Thanks for the awesome music!

[@euanbaker130]

***** Same. I didn't discover them until the hype for this new album came out and I thought I should check it out. SO GLAD I did.

[@hairdresser1300]

I just found them by listening to Carrie Brownsteins audiobook I had checked out from the library. A recommended reading/listening

[@Mautar55]

I discovered them with bob's burguers. The music vid was on a compillation of 100 animated music vids of a maexican youtuber. (Grande Chucho Calderón!!!)

[@Bluebluepool]

Never too late!

[@mattomoros]

@@Mautar55 Jajaja, sí lo ví, está chido el video

[@biancamarvel9473]

I'm listening to this years later. At 4:04 when Carrie and Corin sing together and Janet's drums just ugh. It's fucking perfection.

[@KatieWentKaboom]

I love Carrie so much. Her kicks and and dips and jumps and everything. In LOVE, y'all. I love all of Sleater Kinney, but I can't keep my eyes off Carrie.

[@Beeskiii]

+Katie Sardo ugh I KNOW. She's talented, funny, and extremely cute. Can't EVEN.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

What is so cool is how she is unconsciously channeling her inner Rock Goddess. Much as Keith Richards didn’t think about what he was doing, he just did it.

[@Bluebluepool]

And her looks in the concert made me think of Angus Young. She is so cool.

[@thebrutalpostman]

I'm definitely a recent convert of SK. I love Wild Flag, which I knew was and offshoot of this somewhat. But thanks to KZbin, I caught up on their videos, which made me a huge fan! Then I find this!!!! THANK YOU NPR!!!! As a fellow musician, I totally dig and respect these ladies. Carrie's rock swagger, Corin's unique (phenomenal) voice, and Janet's sheer conviction on that drum kit. Seriousily, how did I go this long not knowing them?!

[@larsmehlhop-lange8884]

I hear you, man!

[@spacedoginnebraska]

Mike Scrivens I hear ya. I had heard of them through a couple of their songs, but never really dug into them until recently. Never too late to discover new music!!

[@LeftoverPat]

Sammmeeee!!!

[@patrickmulchrone9037]

NPR music should be give free reign to tape every concert in the USA

[@Martaine70]

Carrie is on fire, what an amazing guitarist and showwoman. Great to see these sonic women back!

[@TheGirldriver]

janet is the most amazing drummer, so classy and beautiful! XX

[@garyanderson2131]

Seriously, I have been following alternative bands all my life, I am 52 now and this without doubt up there with the best live gigs ever. It is simply perfection, music wise and vocals. Love it. PS I have a serious crush on Corin. Please come back to Melbourne Australia.

[@Bluebluepool]

I wish i could see them... 😖they never came ro Brazil.

[@pamgwen97]

transport me to a world where all the beauty i see is this concert over and over and over again

[@elizabethholt4856]

That girl in the Pearl Jam shirt jumping up and down made my heart happy lol

[@CipherSerpico]

Elizabeth Holt Every time I saw her I started smiling.

[@osito060308]

First off all THIS band has one of the best discographies of the last 20 years easily they are fucking a beast LIVE making most young bands look like a folk band and last sorry but Carrie is a ROCK GODESS have a huge crush on her jajajaja but anyways LONG LIVE SLEATER for ever !!!!! much love to everyone from mexico

[@WGBHMusic]

Awesomeness. Love this band. Beautifully shot. Great sound & editing. LOVE the slo-mo blowing backdrop shots in the beginning.

[@The3kidsnme]

I keep coming back to this show, which is just about as perfect as a S-K show could be. First tour in 10 years, last tour with Janet, energy off the charts. Props to NPR for capturing this so well and making it available. I saw the next show on this tour in Philly. I remember when I heard this DC show later that same week thinking that Philly was much better. But now I think: "how could anything be better than this?"

[@tacomadc]

I'm enjoying this a lot. Not many bands with two singers that good, and they play very well.

[@deronlackey2083]

First, this concert might be one of the most well recorded anything I've ever heard....ever And they sound frickin amazing Woulda liked more from the hot rock, but ok....fabulous musicians, just an amazing show, have loved them for a long time!

[@Lostcause1974]

I, like many, dance when Sleater Kinney is played. (I, like many, try to dance like Carrie Brownstein (She is so smooth!) (I, like many, try to sing so passionate and beautiful like Corin) (I, like many, tap my foot and play air drums to Janet's beat) Love You S-K!

[@krisdevalle]

I love this band so much, all of them, but honestly I could watch an hour and a half of just Janet drumming. She is a goddamn machine. 1:17:20 why is there no cut to her drumming and on harmonica???

[@elinisvind6450]

This is Magic. No other words to describe it.

[@WillaGem]

I really wish I had this on CD. I like Live in Paris, but this is something else.

[@domme4490]

watching this for the 4th time today, what a great performance

[@slipperybird]

This is the best. I love that this concert was documented, only wish there were more high quality recordings of them live. They are so awesome. So deep, frenetic, intense, wild, beautiful..

[@joygatewood8028]

My faves: 1:01:35 Jumpers . 1:07:38 Get Up . 1:10:10 Little Babies . 1:12:25 Turn It On . 1:15:10 Modern Girl . 1:18:00 Dig me Out Great show NPR and Sleater Kinney. Sweet how Carrie leans her head against Corin at 1:19:45

[@eldridgedeets]

I lost count on how many times ive seen this... im glad i got to see them live with janet ❤S-K

[@omararturoramirez5262]

That girl in the audience jumping of joy is priceless!❤️

[@nicolasjoel7993]

Fantastic show, one of the best performances i´ve seen of them around the web.

[@kohls16]

Straight up rock and roll at its best. Awesome show.

[@ericafors6039]

Thanks NPR for the fabulous sound quality and camera! S-K is awesome and Janet is on fire 🔥!

[@BountyHunterBootcamp]

Janet is an amazing drummer!!!

[@kerimosier7941]

Saw SK in Phoenix on Wednesday and I'm still feeling the rock buzz! Thank you for an awesome memorable show!😍

[@morganrieder6281]

There's never been any band quite like Sleator Kinney. They are sui generis; I simply love them.

[@weeaboostarshine435]

This band is so inspiring. One of my favorites, I love them.

[@maggieklaus8752]

Saw them last Friday in LA. They rocked my face off! Seriously, dancing the entire time. These ladies are AMAZING live!

[@POPNDOUGH]

Amazing Show! I'm so glad I got to see them again in Boston. They are rock stars, and amazing human beings. Also, nice "Go Sailor" T in the audience at the beginning of Dig Me Out. Now I'm wishing Tiger Trap would have a reunion.

[@ariyetti]

god the looks carrie and corin give each other *swoon*

[@HerrSpuzzmacher]

Woah! Halfway through the second song, and the interplay of the suspenseful sprawling guitars & menacing vocal is melting my brain. Pretty sure I love this... yes... yes... there it is... I love it!

[@DonutUnderpants]

Man you guys know how to record a concert!

[@MultiverseAndy]

Its important when its radio

[@hibberd47]

We saw these guys in Manchester in March. Give that I saw the Beatles in Walthamstow in 1962 iI feel that I have now seen the new future of RnR. Ho Ho. Go Grrls!

[@jean-luc.muller]

Hands down the best recorded live performance of SK... Image and sound are really great. Well done, DC ! An electrifying performance by the band, and - sadly - Corin's little speech before "Gimme love" is still so relevant 9 years later...

[@obertop74]

Silly me I only 'discovered' Sleater-Kinney AFTER they quit and never got to see them live :-((( , but they were my no. 1 for a long time after that. I am soooo happy they're back together and to have seen their fantastic performance in Amsterdam last month! Goosebumps! And I love reliving it through this great footage. One of very few bands that sound even better live. And somehow their music doesn't sound dated at all. I love the new tracks too, I'm glad they don't try to make a completely new sound like so many bands do.

[@stevenscott9835]

Spoke too soon.

[@JPPW1982]

Corin Tucker is easily one of my favorite people in the entire fucking music industry.

[@hotasurban]

Same, big time. But honestly I'd say all 3 members of SK are in my top 10 easily. It's so funny, ime, how there seems to be 2 groups of people. People who have no clue about SK, and people who know they're brilliant beasts.

[@robertcox7040]

I wish I could sing like her

[@GOM420]

Nine-Thirty Club Shout out to Thievery Corporation... THIS was superb. Much love and respect from South Gate, California.: 🤘😆🤘

[@delwhin]

One of the most important all girl bands. From the day the came out they were fierce and super talented!

[@michaelcunningham103]

Thank you so much. To really 'get' S-K, one has to see them live. I first saw them in '97 second billed to Sonic Youth, who were taking them on tour to promote them much as they had with Nirvana. Young, raw, and awesome. I thought, Who is this band? They're just infectious. A few years later at the Showbox in Seattle, it was a pressure cooker! Delirious and delicious. The band is a bit more polished and Carrie is not quite so animated as in the early days, but the music is terrific. I thought they were slowing down just before the hiatus that started in 2006, but they are now back with a vengence. Excellent production value here and the next best thing to being at a live show, which is even better. Best girl band ever IMO. For those who don't 'get' it, you have my sympathy - maybe you need to attend a show. If you don't get it then, maybe 'Call The Doctor.'

[@gbambagirl]

just discovered about them. I´m in love with this sound :)

[@mikarosen3535]

I love these amazing people; danced the night away in the Masonic last night! Thank you for a mind blowing evening.

[@blue2134]

I've loved this band since 2001, I am soo happy I got to see them a bunch of times before they became bigger oh the memories :)

[@michaelbrickley2443]

Star Waves, saw them in Central Park Summerstage 1997. 105°, amazing

[@bizwapshiznitstain]

I was at both the blown-set and the next day. Was the best concert of my life.

[@riomezeyanderson1036]

LOVE LOVE LOVE. thanks to everyone who made this recording available!

[@mrovantes]

Holy shht, I literally teared up when they went into “Start together.” Love SK

[@annabagwell7965]

This wasn't a concert, it was an onslaught of amazing chemistry.

[@claysnyder7300]

I would call it Wizardry

[@archer1949]

I feel honored to have been able to see SK live three times.

[@ApparentlyNott]

i love them so much it literally hurts my heart.

[@Metrosexualmod27]

SK has been my favorite band since I was in high school...still so damn amazing!

[@chriscole6545]

Thanks so much for posting this. Saw them in Denver earlier this month. Still haven't forgotten it. They are not to be missed. Sheer kinetic energy.

[@bassoskat]

SK a.k.a Greatest Band Of All Time. Saw them in Melbourne Australia last night was incredible!!!

[@sarastrawmyre4724]

When the break down in 'What's Yours is Mine' kicks in and those teal lights hit the band that is a beautiful sight for sore eyes in today's music industry. Still as captivating as they were when they came on the scene.

[@damianpenston6588]

Love that band so much! The songs carry you to feelings that weren't there before.

[@erinrasmussen9799]

One of the best bands of our time. I will forever love you, Sleater-Kinney. You are our voice.

[@sarahmitchell-h5m]

i love that janet is there, it brings this like - warm hug factor.

[@cftvdata]

They're still very, very good, but man, does Janet's absence ever leave a gaping hole in the band's sound. Her impact on S-K went well beyond her fierce style of drumming, her vocal harmonies, her aesthetic, etc. - they never **truly** hit their stride until Janet joined, and I fear they'll never be the same without her presence. Thankfully, we still have the recordings... but I still hope they'll put their differences aside and reunite eventually.

[@Uphadis]

They sound just as good live as they ever did....

[@ivanmay7890]

Sleater Kinney are one of those bands that our generation listens to. And it probably means that our generation has good taste in music.

[@tuirnb]

This is a fantastic recording. I got to see them about a month ago at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR. It was packed to the rafters and the crowd was really into it. They put on one of the best performances I've seen.

[@tuirnb]

+Ronald Willey I was there too. Fantastic performance.

[@jacksonpage1580]

Glad to know both of your personalities love Sleater-Kinney.

[@jamesbrundage7002]

Needed this after the month we've had. Can't wait for the show in SF on NYE... SK 4EVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dtsecofr21]

Fangless, Bury our Friends, & Corin's range on Sympathy is awesome.......... Entertain is always nice........ wish Joey Ramone was included here..... totally awesome show..... appropriate at any time from background music while working or jamming at volume 11. Good stuff from one of the best 3 piece bands of all time.

[@downhillphilm.6682]

such a beautiful group of ladies....and beautiful music.

[@pearljamonline_it]

Killer show. We love S-K.

[@sloanhadley]

the performance of gimme love was AMAZING

[@TM-fx2iq]

Saw them in Tempe about a month ago, by far the best show I've ever been to. Their energy, pure emotion and extensive catalogue of fucking bad ass tunes can't be matched

[@jonthebru]

I missed these Ladies the first time around. I am enjoying them now. This was a well produced show. My style of NPR!

[@SJ-hy8jn]

And then there’s this.....and I’ve loved for nearly twenty years......hope you enjoy.... :)

[@internetomatic]

they are so badass. sleater kinney rocks so hard. i wish i could see them in concert.

[@shith00k]

That's a drummer!

[@Chunchmeow]

I'm kicking myself that I missed their show near me. I adore them!

[@norinickrrostron9001]

Still sounding and looking great...

[@veronicaproctor184]

my favourite band of all time.

[@sophiekrop750]

Brownstein with that Gibson sg gives off some serious Angus Young vibes

[@korbendallas5318]

Thank you for not making a cut every 0.2 seconds.

[@MultiBob1946]

Excellent, every teenage girl should watch this and start a band

[@sadcore327]

Sadly they are all instead starting their own "ChokeMeDaddy" youtube channel. Gotta love Third Wave SlutWalkinism!

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

sadcore shut the fuck up

[@chrissi07ify]

i remember seeing them live in frankfurt/germany, in feb 2020, shortly before the pandemic hit. told us to be nice to our friends. such great memories.

[@leoqu1nn]

my heart

[@jrpipik]

Corin, when you say "don't worry, you got it" I almost believe I do.

[@TubobRainbowUnicorn]

the first time I saw them was at the Gorge in Wa state in 06 I think. Saw them again when they opened their comeback in my hometown of Spokane. they are simply too good for most of this world.

[@steveott4055]

THIS CONCERT MAKES ME SMILE VERY VERY MUCH!!! IT ALSO BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES SOMETIMES!!! SK IS THE VERY BEST BAND ON THE PLANET!!!!!!

[@Paull2]

I'm going to see them in Seattle. Thought I'd missed out on my chance to see them live forever. I can't wait.

[@Paull2]

I don't think I've ever seen a population with such a large percentage of people wearing glasses.

[@Irys1997]

Paull2 Yep, that's me as one of the folks bopping along in the front row with glasses. You have to be a major nerd to stand out in the cold as long as required for front row at a show like that.

[@FingerBreakerWu]

Pass by Sleater-Kinney all the time on I-5 North to Seattle.

[@allensalyer7012]

The best Sleater-Kinney performance. The song "Sympathy" floored me. I've always loved Corin Tucker's angst-ridden vocals ever since Heavens to Betsy, but I had no idea she could sing THEBLUES! "Dig Me Out" is a great way to end the show. It's freaky the way the wall behind them moves like its alive. You know, if you click on the 9:30 Club it takes you to the middle of "Fangless".

[@friendlyletters]

corin has a beautiful voice

[@thedavidjscott_]

I'll be honest, I don't have a ton of female artists in my collection of music. Not saying I don't have any at all, I just don't have a ton. I'd add every album of theirs right now if I had the chance. This band KILLS it.

[@hongotedesco8931]

Carrie's got that Patti Smith thing going on..