Shakey Graves: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

December 15, 2015 by BOB BOILEN
When Alejandro Rose-Garcia, aka Shakey Graves, breaks out his guitar and suitcase kick drum/hi-hat, a palpable rush of swooning adrenaline hits the room. I felt that at the Americana Festival in Nashville, at the Newport Folk Festival and here at the Tiny Desk.
The Texas singer's charisma is matched by his warm, sometimes frenetic music - he attempted a stage dive at the Tiny Desk - which mixes country, blues and rock 'n' roll. If you don't know Shakey Graves' music, the best way to fall in love with him is in a live setting like this one.
And the War Came is available now.
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/and...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Set List
"To Cure What Ails"
"The Perfect Parts"
"Only Son"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Julia Reihs; Production Assistant: Kate Drozynski; Photo by Julia Reihs/NPR
For more Tiny Desk Concerts, subscribe to our podcast.
www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@SocietyKilledTheUnicorn]

8:15 when the drummer gets back to the new rhythm and the band turns and all smile at eachother. One of my many favourite moments of this.

[@thoraxe8889]

Don't get me wrong, it's great to see shakey playing with others, but holy shit, he's so intense alone. That audiotree performance.

[@MusicJay88]

This comment is what I was looking for!

[@susanharper2836]

Agreed, either way is fine though. Just a cool cat!

[@absoloodle37]

Link to the audiotree spot?

[@travelinpocket]

Agree with you 100%

[@alancollins8294]

@@absoloodle37 you'll find it on youtube real Quick

[@sbar091]

I love the way Shakey Graves can make the same song sound drastically different. Reminds me of old bands that would allow people to set up recording equipment at their shows to get copies of that "one awesome performance".

[@Mosey410]

Best version of Perfect Parts he ever recorded.

[@WilliamPacheco-dc4th]

100%

[@AshleySherrets]

I love the KEXP bowling alley version the best personally, but this is divine 🤩🤩🤩

[@blahblah9090]

Seen him in concert, he is the most genuine musician, humble and just lives on cloud 9 being able to make music for anybody willing to listen.

[@AdamVagabond]

I saw him live at this little dive bar when he first started and it blew my freaking mind! With the suitcase drum and tambourine.

[@geoffadkins7893]

Im so glad I stumbled upon this guy. Dont even have words to describe how amazing he is.

[@Saekes]

He's incredible live man. I try to catch a show whenever he's in town.

[@rosehannah4845]

I love him like Sierra Ferrell. Which is a lot.

[@brandonavila6187]

I feel like shakeys live performances will always be better than the studio ones

[@thelukabaruka]

Brandon Avila just wish he’d release a live album

[@mclainpoole3729]

thelukabaruka he has two of them, the live album we all deserve, and west of Calgary

[@oliversmyth-commodari4810]

Very true

[@ColemansU2B]

@John Smith right...

[@tystoll804]

John smith maybe he has a good voice and projects well

[@ambismagee3207]

His voice is unbelievable.

[@JaynusHerschel]

8:10 you can see how pleased Shakey is that his drummer (and band) was astute enough to remain on his wavelength.

[@cometome255]

This rendition of The Perfect Parts is absolutely amazing

[@WilliamPacheco-dc4th]

my favorite version

[@darrenburchfield7936]

This version is prob the best version , But u got to check out the one show he does at KEXP i think its in a bowling alley, It is absoulutley unreal look at it please and tell me if its just me or is on another level

[@WilliamPacheco-dc4th]

@@darrenburchfield7936 That version is incredible as well. such raw talent

[@doctorstrainlove6318]

He always looks like he's fresh off a bender when he performs.. so haunting in the best way possible.

[@tehpwnerer1000]

This is by far one of the best tiny desk concerts to date

[@toniacollinske2518]

Can't get enough of this guy! Music is in his soul. His lyrics are stunning. His timing is perfection. He has a good time with it. And so wise for such a young man. Oh, and kinda cute too. My my

[@illumiNaughty-hr5jv]

Kinda?? He is the personification of perfection 😍😍

[@ronindebeatrice]

He's smouldering. I'm funny though. I think a voice elevates a 6 to a 10 in a whiplash.

[@michellefan7983]

his facial expressions while playing make the whole experience 100x better-so much playfulness and humor and emotion and sexuality. every time he looks at the other musicians I melt a little bit..

[@motorcitymangababe]

Michelle Fan right? I always have to stop and watch shakey

[@charlieferrell8757]

Over shared a bit there Michelle Fan….

[@DIGITAL7Media]

1. The video quality is always amazing with these sessions 2. The microphones are just...unbelievable 3. I wish I could just listen to music all day.

[@corpsegrinder3369]

I strongly agree

[@Etakon.]

I just noticed they all have matching tattoos. Sweet!

[@bwalk_97]

The version of “The Perfect Parts” was absolutely amazing

[@burpitola]

this is what country music should be like. pure, geniune Americana, unfiltered and raw. Emotional and charming, and completely free of the "style-over-substance" that plagues modern country music. Thank you for making music that allows me to say "I like country" without any shame.

[@chrisoverman6933]

Brandon Szparagowski This doesn’t exactly fit the country music genre at all.

[@nullnixxie8233]

He warmed up for Thehead and the Heart last summer at Meadowbrook Mi. So glad we got there in time to see him! I had never heard of him but he blew us away! What a talent.

[@chriseast2494]

man, at 13:58 when they stop and shakey waves to his band, then stares into the camera with a smile before starting back up in full chorus gets me everytime.

[@edgarzamora3861]

His expression is like "wow, we sound amazing together"

[@Trollderpful]

0:00 "To Cure What Ails" 6:02 "The Perfect Parts" 12:27 "Only Son"

[@bikerchad16]

(one year later)...nice, thanks!

[@herospiritawmczbz6560]

I’ll maybe do Roll the Bones. For duck some girls. Thanks

[@JayMartMusic98]

Trollderpful thanks Lionel

[@Dudedisguisedasadude]

5 years later thankful for this 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@karlschwab8459]

Saw live tonight finally~✔️✔️✔️

[@jodylowe8476]

There is still great stuff like this out there to be discovered. You will never find it on the radio anymore tho. You have find it. Guys like this are too talented to be on the radio.

[@johntullar2873]

Ironic, since this is from National Public Radio.

[@maroonblood151]

Radio takes a different type of talent and usually it’s music that’s at the forefront of pop culture. It needs to be sexual, provocative, and modern. Stakey graves is a more traditional sound. Extremely talented but it’s a sound that’s been around for decades. They won’t be on Hot 100 radio stations but they can still get radio play on indie/blues/folk stations

[@codylotuscobb2548]

I LOVE THIS DUDE. Just having fun? well he's having fun, but theres also a deep place a reservoir of emotions and wisdom he pours out and into our lids, our ears and right into our spirit. woo! I feel alive listening to this!

[@42elliott]

5:58, best version of "The Perfect Parts" I've heard--so good!

[@Ryan-vn7de]

+42elliott It's crazy that they just changed it up on the spot

[@IanSlatas]

+42elliott That is one of my favorites of his and I agree! Killer arrangement!

[@darkbreeze9009]

I agree, I kept listening to it. So wonderful!

[@rerere175]

This is the best version out there!!! should be on album

[@akillersandwich8360]

I dunno...that bowling alley version is pretty insane

[@lilguava70]

I'm glad Shakey played these three songs. He's always talked about wanting to branch out and wanting to constantly change. I love his other songs which have already become popular, but there's something admirable about how he just constantly puts out new music rather than sticking to what has worked in the past.

[@JeremiahObediah]

That really young looking guitar player is just a fucking fantastic folk backup singer. Hot damn. I wanna sing with him.

[@stansmx]

I want to sing all over him too.

[@mel3004]

He's so adorable. I love that gravelly voice that pours like silk.

[@marioflores5176]

holy shit perfect parts. holy shit. one of those times that casual late youtubing turns into you going on a intense jog at 1 am because you fucked around and got inspiration shoved in your veins.

[@MarsLonsen]

dude, you have no idea how much i can relate XD

[@LifewiththeMostHigh]

And jogging is the result of inspiration? What a waste of inspiration. I reserve inspiration for things that will last beyond my ability to do things like jog.....but if that's all you can contribute with your inspiration....cool. We are not all artists, and at least it's healthy.

[@MarsLonsen]

well, a little inspiration before exercising can't go wrong. but the man does not claim that he only gets inspired at 1am, and with that inspiration he goes for a jog. that's a weird presumtion dudeXD

[@LifewiththeMostHigh]

Yea, looks like I was being a sarcastic jerk, apologies. I must have been in a foul, uninspired, mood. I do think that when one is inspired they should grab that moment and use it for all it's worth. Jogging is just basic exercise you can do any ole time...so use the inspiration productively, because inspiration doesn't happen on command.

[@MarsLonsen]

Hey no problem mate. but I get what you're saying. I'm a musician myself and can relate to not feeling inspired all the time. in my case tho, all I need is a cup of tea and a J man, then I'm good to go ;-)

[@nstewart1623]

Never been in love with a cowboy before today, but here we are.

[@kyleb5514]

Simply the best version of this...and a voice that says it all. . Respect . 🤙🤙.. love your stuff!!.. clever music and song writing 💪

[@fleuressence4712]

God I adore him so much it feels unreal seen him 3 times now and once upon a time, I was walking through a festival and I saw him walking toward me I just stopped in my tracks and looked at him He could immediately see how much I loved him, and without a word wrapped his arms around me 😂❣️ he’s the best

[@th25tina]

You lucky, lucky girl... I'm jealous. He is wonderful, isn't he!?

[@rscamp81]

Oh, Alejandro... LOVE LOVE LOVE!

[@leftylugnutz9117]

What a presence. This is one of those, change your life, now I have to go see this act live videos. So impressed by this performance, couldn't imagine being there in person.

[@johnyy1388]

this rendition of perfect parts was one of the coolest ive ever heard and ive seen him 3 times

[@colby791]

i never thought I could be more in love with this band. and here I am.

[@diary9204]

shakey isnt a band. shakey is shakey

[@palmagranite]

I love Shakey, and have seen him 4 times now. He is an amazing live artist and very personable with the crowd - very funny. His drummer is awesome too - I miss the days when it was just the 2 of them for a show now that he has a full band with him. He's still so amazing.

[@williamlindner4582]

Finally!!! Shakey on NPR My life makes sense again :)

[@thehairysun8897]

That first song is the best version of it.....that mandolin hits my soul hard...love you guys

[@SkenkBeg]

i have waited so long for this

[@combomlambam]

me toooo!

[@scarypoolparty]

+SkenkBeg sameeeeeeeee.Hes so freakin talented

[@gardenstateweather]

+SkenkBeg so loving this

[@wowitsjameslast]

You've waited so long for what now?!? ;)

[@georgeianta2088]

If NPR could split this into 3 songs and make a play-list than I could actually like it 3 times.

[@Pickledpepperpicka]

Just stunning music. The whole band. My favorite tIny desk concert and shakey graves and band are incredible.

[@matthewkuck2524]

We need so much more of this kind of music from them!

[@jeffwells3110]

This gets better every time I watch it!

[@jonathanbatzios6252]

0:00 To Cure What Ails 5:53 The Perfect Parts 12:25 Only Son

[@thenewtowncryer]

Dam that's a superb set. Only Son is off the wall. Wow! This is a world class three song set across genre's, and certainly as good an Americana set as any other- top notch and he's effortless and playful. I could go on and on... thank you for this content.

[@ari0803]

Oh...soooo great...I love the way how he express his feelings into his music. Nobody else couldn't do like he does.

[@amandadasilva4498]

OMG, not only are these songs beautiful,, & beautifully performed, but leads facial expressions are to die for. Thank you!

[@Jbalzer9]

This dudes talent is so unreal

[@thenewtowncryer]

this is an all time world class performance plus song writing- not to mention song choice props to NPR for capturing their sound so proper this is truly an all time performance captured thank you very much

[@patrickboylan4901]

This is one of the best Tiny Desk concert's I've seen

[@Hello_Gorgeous]

"I Was like rawr rawr raaw and people were like ok, cool." Best story ever lol

[@agatelicker1095]

The world needs a Shakey Graves and Gillian Welch collaboration right now.

[@droogo9070]

The first song is a sanctuary for my wondering soul... This is the first song that has made me feel that bliss. Blessings to Alejandro.

[@HaydenHancock0]

Are you kidding me right now? So. damn. good.

[@strongtalentedman]

Anythings a kick drum if you're brave enough

[@thepinkerton657]

I usually say that about a dildo

[@SocietyKilledTheUnicorn]

Me, not wanting to pay my child support has nothing to do with being brave. Now let's make some music!

[@tylercohen3730]

EVERYTHINGS A DRUM! EVERYTHINGS A DRUM!

[@LukeParodiMusic]

The Pinkerton wow wow wow wowwwwww

[@BrianLGoldman]

I've been waiting forever for this show!

[@Kia-vh7li]

Same!

[@steventhefunky]

sssaaammmee!! hahaha

[@tokiburoak7457]

+Brian Goldman His new audiotree performance should be out soon. I watched it live online a couple months ago and it was incredible.

[@PaulThomas-ex6ko]

Closing my eyes and imagining hearing it on the radio in an old chevy driving along route 66

[@sgim43]

this was a really killer performance, but what most don't know is whoever is doing the audio engineering and mastering on this is fricking killing it.... you don't have each instrument/voice that isolated and clear on a live performance without those guys fucking blowing it out of the water...

[@FunknMunky77]

Shakey is the F**king man. I absolutely love listening to his music and watching him play. His live performances always seem better than the studio version...all is good but live is always amazing to watch

[@TurkeyTurkey808]

I love how they all can't help but smile during The Perfect Parts, great tunes

[@magneato981]

Just discovering this band is the best thing to happen to me in 2020. Sounds kind of like Rod Stewart trying to channel Dave Matthews covering Johnny Cash

[@gregorybowe9383]

Yeah that rasp, depth, range, rawness. Perfect for conveying the beautiful pain of being alive.

[@derekmorse8171]

The more I listen to this set, the more I am entranced. Superb stuff, it should be compulsory listening for all music and peace lovers everywhere.

[@gregdawe2786]

I've been saying that i liked shakey as a one man band, but everytime so far i have seen him collaborate with other musicians, it is the most beautiful thing i have ever heard. Amazing.

[@kyleb5514]

Absolutely amazing and talented!!! Love your music writing style 👌.. love the name too.. Shakey. 🤙🤙

[@nicolass2281]

His bounce/head nod when performing reminds me a lot of young Paul McCartney’s body language when performing

[@susanharper2836]

I just can't stop listening to this, and beside the fact that I LOVE the songs and musicians, the sound is truly incredible!!! Like really outstanding in terms of each component being co-mingled into perfection to the ears. All of the tiny desk concerts are great, but this is one of my favorites 💕

[@googurll09]

The best part of this performance is how much fun he’s having!

[@itsmejerkface]

He can take a stroll in my skin.

[@vanessasaurin3335]

Such a great version of "the perfect parts".. Can't stop listening to it!

[@jonatanbarjau6190]

The chords for "To cure what ails" are Am, D, C, D7

[@mclainpoole3729]

Jonatan Barjau and g

[@combomlambam]

Being present and alive can be read all over on Alejandro's face..

[@graceadamarie]

So incredibly talented. Medicine for the soul.

[@annemneelon1387]

Agreed - I described him to others as "intoxicating ".

[@user-su2hy1ny1w]

I Love this! Loved Shakey Graves from the First time I saw His audiotree Performance and his "dearly departed" Performance with Esme. I Wish WE could see Corey Heuvel on tiny desk that would be 👌!

[@bert_gimspon]

Got that 1970s whiskey voice.

[@samg5980]

this version of the perfect parts is so insane

[@hirningt1010]

I love reading Americana novels of the early 20th century. And this set beautifully personalized that. Well done Shakey. Keep crushing it.

[@qudjy1]

New to Shakey Graves.. Great to see musicians having fun when performing! If this is one of his weaker performances, (as mentioned in some of the comments) they are pretty damn good! really enjoyed it..

[@carsonschwalbe6845]

By far the most underrated tiny desk out there

[@Remynator]

Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Matthew Good in one person ! He is his own thing, don't get me wrong. But the vibes are there, and they are Fantastic ! Keep'm commin !

[@ambertheprofessional]

He's such a beautiful man.

[@nickymccann9614]

Love how the whole band, including shakey adjust the beat of the music. Great musicians!

[@totalpokemon6912]

amazing. nice shovels and rope shirt too.

[@lauracassidy5044]

... oh you’re songwriting gives me goosebumps ... I love the tune in multiple odd meter❤️... fUkn gorgeous ... & beaUtiful musicianship as well! I just discovered you on Spotify & I’m a little obsessed🙃

[@ryantaylor5297]

I can’t get enough of these concerts. Brilliant audio engineering. Camera work is great too.

[@ericmercury3187]

What an odd looking assortment of players brought together here to make some very good music. NPR turns out the real music that more people should listen to. Authentic and fun.

[@calebbrown7973]

The Tiny Desk i've been waiting for... excellent, as always!!!

[@etrogge]

Love his voice! Thankful for musicians that get around!

[@milo8425]

Oh my god, Jerry Jeff Walker isn't retired after all! What a breath of Texas this is, amazing find.

[@vyasalwar2346]

I'm really surprised Shakey Graves hadn't gotten a Tiny Desk Concert before. Seems long overdue.

[@ikoikjji5548]

Ikr he's done the world cafe on npr before so....

[@roblong8717]

I'm waiting for Devil Makes Three. They would crush it. Perfect setting and atmosphere

[@abelramirez7320]

I generally thoroughly todays country music but the way Shakey Graves does it is pretty awesome. Makes me think of the Eagles or CCR.

[@sonounNello]

that's awesome. I've been looking this live at least 3 times a week since you uploaded it. great songwriter, great voice, great guitar player.

[@LouisXopoulos]

The love child of a Johnny Cash, Dave Matthews, & John Stamos 3-way. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you... Johnny Cashews!!! Joking aside, this is some off the chart talent.

[@TMQmusic]

I come back to this video a lot. It's marvellous

[@hugolopes7815]

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SHELTERS!

[@hthompsen]

So god damn beautiful. Gotta love the nod to Shovels & Rope.

[@auroraeddy1038]

why was such a big man standing with such a small instrument lol.... i love this band... i’ve seen them in concert thrice and they never cease to amaze... the energy is great, keep doing what you’re doing!!

[@kimhoitomt8527]

What a weird thing to say or concentrate on but honestly, I was thinking the same thing. 😂😂

[@Jamesftd]

Very surprised I haven't seen this yet, even more surprised than seeing Sandor Clegane's son playing mandolin for Shakey Graves.

[@mmmk1616]

I just love him! I have only seen him do solos, interesting to have others with him. I have been a fan for a few months now, he's fantastic!

[@roscopfi]

i really like this version of "The Perfect Parts". Sounds like Pinback.