The Milk Carton Kids: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@enzogarcia1028]

Michigan is probably one of the most beautiful songs ive ever heard

[@Loedelio]

absolute facts

[@ossiehalvorson7702]

First time I heard it I instantly picked up my guitar and started figuring it out lol. One of my favorite songs to sing

[@eb1634]

@@ossiehalvorson7702 I don't know you, but reading your comment made me think about sitting down and listening to you play!

[@Questthecat]

@@eb1634 same!

[@andyp1419]

Obsessed

[@KeelyBurnMusic]

I know very few artists ever come back for a second Tiny Desk Concert, but I would LOVE to see The Milk Carton Kids come back, since it’s been 10 years and they’ve made so much more music since then (all of it great).

[@auburnboi09]

They're so in tune with each other it sounds like 3 people playing and 3 people singing. Such presence

[@brandonm6751]

it's amazing. That's one of the more impressive aspects of their performance. the minute details are purposeful and curated nearly to perfection

[@12groovy]

so much work goes into effortlessness

[@JaleelJohanson62]

holmes holmiere You're not kidding!

[@dannythewordmaster]

That is a profound truth!

[@CRGuitarist]

Michigan has to be the most soulful guitar playing I've ever heard.

[@kateconnellcpdt-ka692]

I'm obsessed with that song! It gets stuck in my head for days at a time.

[@jimmy66448]

Kate Connell, CPDT-KA same here!

[@gonzo8145]

This live recording of it is sublime too; all of the subtlety is captured. Dynamics are not often payed attention to in most pop music, however, these gentlemen utilize contrasting volume to extreme benefit.

[@slimsoundz6663]

check out my arrangement man kzbin.info/www/bejne/foCXfp16qtCtmNk

[@giovanna722]

​@@gonzo8145 Yes, a low key approach with lots of dynamics. Kenneth's guitar swells almost as if it were a cello or viola. Intimate, like chamber music.

[@codymills8410]

Capo 4, rag 3. Got it.

[@johningram2153]

He found that muting after the capo with a handkerchief made his Martin O-15 sound just right, so he kept it. The flashy look is a bonus :)

[@NHindividualist]

Close your eyes and just listen. Don't let the visuals stop your enjoyment of the music.

[@dorothywagner967]

Haha

[@jacksonrogers6652]

@@johningram2153 You have no idea how much that explanation comforted me, thank you

[@DanaSeverson]

Bwhahaha

[@Stillblissstudios]

I'm glad youtube allows us folks in Japan to view these great sessions.

[@Bohemiancreative]

Our son falls asleep EVERY NIGHT for the last year to this set!! Thank you for sharing such beautiful music!!

[@warrennewman9861]

This live performance of Michigan is one of the best live performances I've ever heard. Totally raw, yet totally perfect.

[@peterluttmer9332]

Kenneths guitar playing just blows me away! Looks more natural than a person breathing.

[@aevea]

As of today, I have watched 116 of the Tiny Desk Concerts. This is my absolute favourite so far. Great voices, great lyrics and absolutely stunning guitar playing. Love these concerts! Keep up the great work, NPR!

[@promoted738]

I'm always intrigued at the way chemistry finds itself through people. I wonder how these two found each other - I think it's bigger than all of us and I'm happy and appreciative when I see it working the way it does here. I especially love it when it happens to me!

[@jimbowen8973]

If you listen to their solo stuff - before they joined forces - it is very good....but nothing like what they have done together. The harmonies of their voices and the guitars is amazing.

[@milesmccroskey4182]

Thats some pretty awesome insight. Lol hadnt even thought of that but now I wanna know

[@marcelopmachado]

I do the same

[@SUZANNESHEAMusicComedy]

These guys are so talented. And Ed what you said is SO SO true! These kinds of "energies" find each other like magnets. The "universe" brought my son Mike together with two musical brothers in 2005 or so when they were around 18 yrs old. ..It was an IMMEDIATE incredible match up! Mike was at a girlfriends house in this small mountain town rural part of San Diego and these two guys who were living there at that time knew his girlfriend so they showed up to the jam. They both, like my son, were self taught multi -instrumentalists, singers songwriters who also loved recording engineering and filmmmaking. They sat around jamming and my son later told me it was INSTANTANEOUS .. they were meant to meet and meant to play music together! The two brothers had a duo called THE SMART BROS.. they dressed in "Old Timey" style ( for me that was first time i'd seen young music makers doing that) writing songs with folk country pop influences (called "Americana' so i found out) They did mainly all original songs. Then brought Mike on board and it was a acoustic power TRIO right out of the gate. The Smart Bros Trio had a great fan base in San Diego and in Pensacola Fla as well (where the brothers were from) They were just gathering speed and interest from the music world.. but... it was not meant to to be! 4 yrs into it all it came to a close. one of the brothers ran off to marry his love and start having kids. SO as fast as they came together and clicked, it all ended just as fast. But that's the universe! . it was only meant to be for short chapter. All three of them definitely stayed in music though... they are walking music vessels! Put here on earth to do that. SO interesting how these chapters in life happen and are "meant to be" .. ( My son is " Michael Philip Reed" , the other two are " Jesse Daniel Edwards" and "Luke Edwards" . Jesse and Luke and their younger brother Harrison, are part of Luke's band "L.A Edwards" . Here and there the brothers have done projects with my son Mike as well ... . so the paths continue to intertwine now and then when fate deems it so! Life is good! Tell me YOUR story!

[@jeffreykeithlockridge6248]

This observance is spot on. They are simply amazing and I can't possibly hear enough of their music played together, the lyrics & harmonies mend so well. Kenneth's guitar skills are entertaining as are Joey's flat-lined humor.

[@ellirowe579]

guitar player plays like he’s a painter. such beautiful and unique note choices. you can see that in the songwriting too. goes to show that no matter how fast or impressive you play, it’s always the players who play with feeling that are the real greats

[@PeteTilburyFowler]

Whether or not you like the style, I defy anyone to show me more accomplished musicianship than is captured in this jaw-dropping live performance. The Milk Carton Kids blow me away every time I watch them.

[@SKYGUY1]

HEAR! HEAR!

[@giovanna722]

This song especially is gorgeous.

[@anthonysullivan3238]

11 years wow. I'm getting old

[@sscolta]

Soulful players,exquisite melodies,perfect harmonies ,humble personalities. Thank you Milk Carton Kids.

[@RaleighKane]

Best performers to ever do a tiny desk concert

[@the_walkin_dude]

I think Andrew Bird's performance was awesome. Of course, Andrew Bird has a bigger band but they both still are awesome in totally different ways.

[@nicholasboyd4146]

never seen yo yo ma? the goat rodeo sessions? absolutely brilliant

[@jimbowen8973]

That is saying a LOT - there have been some amazing performances behind that desk. That being said, I completely agree.

[@kingmoney209]

Tyler the creator, Meg Myers , Chris Stapleton...

[@gefnuppland4810]

great duo. that guy is one hell of a guitarist

[@FirstPersonNewf]

The quality of this recording is outstanding. Truly great performers.

[@rmnprmnp]

Every time I see and hear Ken Pattengale's guitar playing (especially on "I Still Want A Little More") I am in awe.

[@Coffee-Comrade]

No kidding, every single time I hear that track it blows me away. Such incredible musicianship.

[@giovanna722]

Michigan is where his melodic artistry shines for me. He makes the guitar sing like a cello.

[@rvasquez9160]

Kenneth looks like he's balancing on a basketball.

[@ppeteete]

CAN'T. UNSEE. BASKETBALL. BALANCING. ACT.

[@AbidKhan-iu3vz]

Rafa Vasquez BEST ONE SO FARR!

[@kateconnellcpdt-ka692]

Oh my gosh! I've watched this video SOOOO many times and never saw that! Can't unsee. Now I'm just sitting here giggling to myself!

[@DavidPeterson726]

he's balancing on that rhythm

[@loupeter5456]

R Vasquez j

[@saratheruthless]

I love this performance. It's rare that music can make me feel something anymore. TMCK are great musicians and singers. Michigan is so beautiful it brings me to tears.

[@metalsamurai03]

+secretsocietyart1978 Agreed. Michigan pierces deep. Heard it first on Longmire.

[@sjladuke75]

Heard this talented duo before but this performance is sweet and magical! Their vocals, acoustics and harmonious mix is absolutely perfect....almost a rarity these days. Bliss!

[@kyledmellander]

They sound like a more technical Simon and Garfunkel to me... Also they both seem hilarious... I'd wish that they were my friends. Brilliant stuff.

[@BryanBowser]

Aside from the serious talent going on, it's unusual to hear someone play lead through the vocals and have it work.

[@markbendickson]

It's been a long hard road to figure out what kind of music I "Like". When I close my eyes...and find in my minds eye...a campfire........unplugged. Finding a new piece of my soul. Beautiful.

[@barrycooper8640]

Music lives again! These guys are fantastic.

[@ronsando2205]

these guys are the real deal..america needs more people who realize working at your craft makes you an artist...not money or even fame!

[@dedriccarroll2]

This is so effing good! How am I just not discovering them?!

[@tford1215]

I found this gem a couple of days ago. I cant stop comming back to watch it. These guys put on a very appealing show

[@bradfordsoland]

The Milk Carton Kids are the best thing to come along in a long time. Unbelievable musical sensitivity to each other - mesmerizing. Harmonies are reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel. So glad they ran into each other and became a "duo". Songs are lovely.

[@mshizzleness]

it's amazing to see artists get completely lost in their own music

[@giovanna722]

Yet remain in control.

[@redshaftedflicker]

Cleans my soul to hear these phenomenal kids. I'm floored.

[@scruffystrat]

They remind me of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings! just lovely music!

[@CathyKeating]

Yup! Me too.

[@frankie_CALB]

We need to keep songwriting like this alive and support such artists. From the first moment I heard of these guys (about 10yrs ago) I knew they were something special.

[@varun009]

Joey is fucking hilarious with his deadpan, matter-of-fact delivery.

[@ciaranbrady4696]

Dude, have you seen his termonological and etymological history of the ampersand (&) in their Lincoln Theatre show? It's gold.

[@varun009]

Ciaran Brady I'm going to watch that immediately!

[@Mecherle]

That Lincoln Theatre show was my introduction to these guys - phenomenal. And, yes, that etymology lesson (and Kenneth's responses) were pure gold!

[@varun009]

Mecherle People accuse me of being a hipster for liking obscure bands as though their obscurity is my reason for liking them. Poor taste kills good music.

[@AlejandraStamato]

Lol joey is a national treasure❤

[@charlescrepps5978]

Theres a very airy lonely sound to this americana sounding guitar mixed with minor chords it's quite extraordinary

[@ebennett7]

Just like David Rawlings

[@giovanna722]

Yes, and Kenneth wrings all the pathos from every note without ever going overboard. I read that he was a cello player, and it makes perfect sense. Soul and feel.

[@adsensedd]

Beautiful tunes and great playing from the Milk Carton Kids.

[@LucDiGiuseppe]

Saw them live at The Basement East in Nashville last night after waiting for nearly 7 years.... it was an incredible performance combined with breathtaking silence and side-splitting humor in a sold-out crowd. Coming back to this video was just what I needed to complete the experience, would have never known about Joey and Kenneth otherwise!! Bravo to the Tiny Desk crew for this timeless video. :)

[@vhbss]

I always come back here...!

[@davidlovesgolf]

Crazy good. Guitar work on the 3rd and final piece is amazing and worth a listen.

[@barbaramerchant6973]

wish I were younger. These guys bring back what I used to be.

[@gayleseveanbaldock5272]

These guys ARE amazing!! Like a Neil Young that can actually sing!!

[@everettehix]

Great sound, it's like seeing and hearing David Rawlings little brothers!

[@cedricpeabody265]

Each to their own I suppose, but I can't believe some of the negative comments. Some are pretty stupid too.. These guys are spirit lifting and I don't care if they sound like anyone else. They bring more than enough of their own to the table.

[@berniebasset9465]

Pretty difficult to not sound like someone else when we have access to thousands of recorded artists this year alone... Only so many different ways of playing a guitar and singing that doesn't sound horrendous.

[@spoonbender123]

We just saw the Milk Carton Kids at the Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC. on 4/19/2014. These guys make amazing music and harmony and they also made us laugh through the entire show. Love the tiny desk concerts NPR. Thank you!

[@missyhills433]

Joey and Kenneth are nice guys and they are amazing. My daughter and I have seen them about 8 times and will continue to see them when they visit Michigan! Don't let their nerdy/hipster look fool you, they are great.

[@cambriaryan8607]

joey is my cousin believe it or not if you meet him ask him about me

[@Anglerte]

Cambria Ryan That would be just a bit creepy.

[@raincruz5489]

I love this performance so much. Painfully heartfelt, sincere, and flawless. ❤

[@scaredypicker]

I became a big fan of this band today. Every video I've seen of them has been absolutely top drawer

[@ccrider8277]

Right next to the expired condoms

[@seanmatthewking]

CCRider STAY OUT OF MY ROOOOM!!!

[@LovevonMelenEkman]

You might thinks he's showy, but he's got real good feeling. Don't think he's chanelling someone else, I would recognize his playing from a mile away.

[@lastnote]

He's absolutely channeling David Rawlings. However I think he has come into his own distinct sound since this performance.

[@giovanna722]

​@@lastnoteThis performance is wonderful. Make a grown man cry.

[@1969bartje]

hilarious between songs, magical while playing, what an amazing discovery

[@fernandatralala]

I could listen to them all day long.... so beautiful......

[@AdamPaulJonesCairns2]

I absolutely love this. Fantastic flat-picking by the lead guitarist! Sounds similar in style to David Rawlings. My new favourite duo!

[@RickKing1989]

Amazing vocal work! I love the tone of the Martin.

[@CBHPwns]

i love how much pattengale feels the music he is playing

[@giovanna722]

His playing is so rich and full of emotion.

[@toniaugusta]

Wasn't sure what to think with the white bandana around the neck of the guitar, but when they started to sing, blew me away. Love this sound. Love it.

[@HaystacksSumo]

I love this band so much, and through watching many videos of them, I have noticed that it looks like an acoustic duo between Jonathon Ross and Eed Byrne.

[@RHCP1031]

Wow... I can never unsee it now XD

[@owenprice4072]

+1 can never be unseen

[@ligialewis2182]

I happened upon these guys by mere chance . . . and what a pleasant surprise ! They have great talent , with beautiful harmonies , nice humor and fine musicianship . That little , squirming guy is an amazing guitarist . I'd love to see and hear more of them. GL, Sr

[@beckycava]

Hey! Kenneth can move all he wants to. I love to watch it! Sometimes he makes these wild faces and I love that, too. If you give a real listen to their body of work pretty soon they won't remind you of anyone except them. They speak to the present in a completely unique way.

[@ratroddiesels1981]

theres so much new music from so many talented musicians that its good to be around.

[@m5496]

This sounds like a studio version OMG they're so perfect

[@PatrickSterenchuk]

An artist can see another artist, fully invested in the moment, in his performance. I already love their music. Seeing this little concert, and his rhythmic moving, with the music, only makes me appreciate it the more. What a tremendous talent, and what a gift, in sharing that tremendous talent. They are incredible, and I am excited that their music is reaching more people.

[@pentacleofvenus]

Girl I had a crush on in hong kong really liked them...didn't really check them out until recently. Wow, blown away.

[@stephenbusch8518]

I read the interview in Acoustic Guitar magazine and had to check these guys out and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent songwriting, harmonies and Kenneth's guitar picking. I need a rainy day so I can listen to all the NPR Tiny Desk Concerts.

[@cynthiahamil9801]

Wow! I'm loving this sound! So expressive - I like the flowing tempo - played expressively without merely following the metronome. Outstanding! Love THIS!

[@victorlarsenmusic]

People disrespecting these guys with ignorant comments are just unbelievable. This is such competent, thoughtful, haunting and plain beautiful music. The fact that they're my age (I'd like to think I'm still young, 22) just makes it even more awesome. Apriciate it. Victor Sweden

[@deniscassiere]

love this guys because it sounds honest

[@laurenajful]

SOLID guitar. Soulful melodies. Serious musicianship.

[@DirtyBoySingToGod]

The man is playing a COMPLETELY different melody line, whilst he sings at the same time (o_0) ok, today i give up guitar forever. How does one get THAT good ? Some people really are gifted. I love the whole set. Wonderful band/duo :)

[@giovanna722]

Probably plays a lot. Every day. No substitute for practice.

[@baby_bourgeois]

Okay now I just finished the video and I'm completely blown away. Great guitar player. He most definitely knows what he's doing. Such brilliant solos

[@jodycarrithers6160]

They ARE awesome and they ARE wildly talented... And even a bit funny..."I don't what demure means...." Too funny...

[@TheTalinus]

+Jody Carrithers "hence our palpable, sort of, excitement"

[@jodycarrithers6160]

+TheTalinus ;)

[@jodycarrithers6160]

varun009​ you're clearly a PRIME example of what is wrong in this world...being a certifiable nut case notwithstanding

[@TheTalinus]

varun009 The singer or me?

[@jodycarrithers6160]

TheTalinus yes. EXACTLY!

[@blakeb4583]

beautiful both vocally and instrumentally

[@GloomytoGreen]

Thank you Paper Towns for bringing me here.

[@benslater9323]

How did Paper Towns bring you here?

[@BRODIN1337]

Ben Slater Problably by the Paper Roads

[@grantburgh1]

Having just read paper towns can someone explain the connection please

[@jesseboy2191]

The synchrocity they share is incredibly admirable. You can almost literally feel it.

[@BardofCornwall]

My eyes got a little misty on that first number. Saw these guys on the Inside Llewyn Davis concert--impressive stuff.

[@Elrond54]

Jesse! What's up? It's Button! Haha!

[@robcochrane1678]

god damn that boy makes Jo Cocker look statuesque but his playing makes mine look statuesque too..he can pick.. boy can he pick

[@robcochrane1678]

boy plays that guitar like a mandolin and if thats a cruddy guitar then I'm Abe Lincoln

[@honeyandthebee3697]

It's a vintage Martin, but it has some miles on the clock, and I guess he either can't afford to have it worked on, or more likely, he's afraid he'll scare the magic out of it.

[@raybankes7668]

heard him in an interview. he loves the "soul" of that guitar, and he likes it that way. the handkerchief is to stop the strings from buzzing when he has the capo up high like it is...

[@tabza3000]

They must have played a lot together. What a sound they create!! So effortless and so beautiful music. These guys are phenomenal. 10 out of 10 points.

[@pooterjones3113]

Pattengale's style is that of a lady trying to hold on to her squirming kid in church.

[@drslothlehoff806]

excellent observation

[@janbjacek2002]

Pooter Jones ziih

[@naztubez]

If I could play guitar like that I'd be happy to look like I was holding a squirming kid in church

[@TheDellaniOakes]

It takes a lot of skill to hold a squirming kid in church - having done so on more than one occasion, I know. I'm pretty sure it didn't sound as good as his guitar playing though.

[@marta_na_moto]

I can't unsee it now dude...

[@johnellison1955]

Heard these guys for the first time today (4-13-13) on public radio in WV, doing a interview. I am blown away. They are old souls, ahead of their time. When you can feel the harmonies, that is where the magic is at. I am now a fan. Thanks for doing what you do....

[@briangorman9713]

good god that guy can cook on lead. very difficult to do that cleanly on acoustic.

[@sullivan2339]

+Brian Gorman What does that mean? just wondering?

[@briangorman9713]

+sullivan2339 it means he plays lead guitar well.

[@drandtus]

+Brian Gorman for sure! really nice moves, always melodic and not showy

[@briangorman9713]

+drandtus and he works in chromatic stuff very nicely. just love this!

[@joshandjuliesdaddy]

+Brian Gorman Not only does he cook on lead, but he does it while singing beautifully. Singing and strumming is easy, but singing and playing leads is fucking talented! I play lead guitar, I sing, I sing well over chords, but can't sing and solo. This guy has rare talent.

[@Melody1234567890]

These guys are SO good! I love their vibe.

[@letzyislas9974]

The clouds move over Pontiac skies Their silent thunder matches mine I know this feeling from long ago I wondered was it's gone? now I know So when she calls don't send her my way When it hurts you'll know it's the right thing Michigan's in the rearview now Keep your hands where I can see them You took the words right out of my mouth When you knew that I would need them What am I supposed to do now Without you Without you It's unannounced like you'd expected Among broke down break lines and Motown records And all that's left is a blind reflection But you know what's coming and you regret it So when she calls don't send her my way When it hurts most it's the right thing Michigan's in the rearview now Keep your hands where I can see them You took the words right out of my mouth When you knew that I would need them What am I supposed to do now Without you Without you Michigan's in the rearview now Keep your hands where I can see them You took the words right out of my mouth When you knew that I would need them What am I supposed to do now Without you Without you

[@thesophiejayne]

Saw these guys in Manchester last night, they sounded just like they do in their albums and all these videos. A very talented pair (also quite funny too!).

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

As incredible as David Rawlings is I've never heard anyone come so close to his style and tone even! Good players, good songs too.

[@2323gypsy]

He even moves like Dave! My god it is like watching Dave Rawlings only it isn't Dave Rawlings!! :)

[@victormashatt2521]

Simon and Garfunkel. So happy to see these things reemerging . So thankful the younger generation has an appreciation for good music.

[@midtownspecial87]

These guys have not only restored my faith in the future of music, but also my generation. Good to know good, creative minds are still being produced by this world.

[@danrobinson3183]

Incredible musicianship. It's almost as if they combine the beauty of a Simon and Garfunkel harmony, with the guitar of The Grateful Dead. Really glad i stumbled upon these guys. Thanks for sharing

[@TheMgJM]

I really like these guys. I've never hear them before. The lead guitar player reminds me a lot of Dave Rawlings and the vocal harmonies of Turin Brakes. Good stuff!

[@jipes]

I love the sense of humor of that great singer ! What a beautiful duo, great music and wonderful harmonies !

[@MemoriesRR]

Outstanding young men.

[@paulrichardson2273]

Simon & Garfunkel, with more depth, reflection...and humor. I love these angels. Thank you...once again...NPR LOV YOU!!! YOU FILL MY LONELY DAYS :)

[@2323gypsy]

There is no doubt they've been influenced by Dave Rawlings, which tells me they have good ears, good hearts and very good taste! Dig these guys!

[@m.riverscomegys8100]

These guys are flipping brilliant.

[@jome8939]

That guitar work man... insane

[@ll22488]

I totally agree! I turn 22 next month and I can't believe that they are so naturally and simply wonderful! What talent! Gorgeous.

[@seejasongee]

Why is it that every new band gets all the comments comparing them to something else and not original? Every musician is influenced by everything they have seen in the past just as a painter or sculptor is influenced by things he or she has seen. These guys write and play their own instruments are amazing musicians and have incredible harmonies, not to mention they are hilarious on stage, so accept them for what they are and enjoy it instead of trying to fit them into your little box of understanding. Watch for them on Austin City Limits soon, I went to the taping recently and they stole the show.

[@dculp9284]

Because people like to congratulate themselves for knowing of other musicians that have a similar approach and this makes them feel superior to others who may not be as familiar with those artists. It's a very lazy mode of criticism - useless and says more about the critic than whatever they are talking about. Anyhow, you can see from the Showtime concert film "Another Day/Another Time" that there are some rather prominent musicians and artists who were pretty blown away by these guys.

[@mcmike100]

They remind me of Coltrane, except for the lack of a saxophone.

[@suehamlin51]

Thank you! I always think the same thing

[@johnmacpherson9791]

'standing on the shoulders' of giants'

[@joshh1598]

It's not an insult to make comparisons to other musicians. It's natural to think of other artists while listening to any kind of music. It doesn't mean it's not original, it just means their style gives off a similar vibe to other musicians. It's complimentary, not detracting.

[@kimesing3397]

Wonderful, just wonderful!!!!!!!!

[@ckallaher]

Well, that's the best acoustic playing I've seen in awhile. And Joel is genuinely funny. I can't believe how much great music there is out there in Tiny Desk Land.

[@benrogers9693]

These guys are truly two of the most gifted musicians I think I've ever heard

[@Longsleeeves]

I'm so glad I clicked on that thumbnail, holy shit!

[@leafrelief1]

A dear friend of mine suggested TMCK since he knows how much I have enjoyed Simon & Garfunkel over the last half century. This is in a word... OUTSTANDING!

[@powherpuffable]

LOL These two are very very nice talented artists :) They also seem sooo kind and I love their humor!!!