Sleater-Kinney: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Jacob Ganz | July 1, 2021
You don't have to wait long for a signature Sleater-Kinney moment in the band's Tiny Desk (home) concert. Over the first half of the title track to Path of Wellness, Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein sing of human frailty and self-improvement, vibrating with low notes of disgust. Then Brownstein shoots Tucker a knowing smile as they sing, "You could never love me enough," and the pair, who have been making music together for nearly 30 years, start to unwind things: Brownstein hisses "I am on a path of wellness" through gritted teeth before ripping into a four-note riff that feels like it's pulling your guts out; Tucker sets her voice at maybe 75 percent howl capacity to sing "I feel like I'm unknown" and Brownstein still has to raise a hand to steady herself against the force. She can't stop grinning.
Tension is the heart of Sleater-Kinney's untouchable catalog, and Brownstein and Tucker know how to add layers to keep a song's meaning shifting. They recorded Path of Wellness at Halfling Studio in Portland in the midst of pandemic and protest, and returned to make this Tiny Desk. "High In The Grass" feels looser and hazier than on the album; "Worry With You" feels heavier. A treat for fans from the band's first decade: "One Beat" played with piano and bowed upright bass, making it that much easier to hear how, by the end, Tucker's pleas and Brownstein's yelp have been inextricably knitted together. Untangling things would be missing the point.
SET LIST
"Path of Wellness"
"High In The Grass"
"One Beat"
"Worry With You"
MUSICIANS
Carrie Brownstein: guitar, vocals
Corin Tucker: guitar, vocals
Fabi Reyna: guitar
Galen Clark: keyboards
Bill Athens: bass
Vince Lirocchi: drums
CREDITS
Video: Karen Murphy, Joe Meade
Audio: Cian Riordan
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Gabrielle Pierre
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #sleaterkinney

[@junkbondtrader_]

never thought i'd see sleater kinney performing with a bassist

[@Baribrotzer]

In Portland, Bill Athens is noted mostly as a jazzer and usually plays upright. I can only guess that S-K asked around for "a really good bass player", and somebody gave them his name.

[@KidNato]

I hope that one day the guitar world will recognize Carrie and Corin for the guitar heroes they truly are.

[@AC-dz9yq]

@@pashadyne not if you understand how to look at anything within its historical context, it’s not

[@theBadArts]

@@AC-dz9yq Word. Some people just have to make a comment.

[@josegonza1ez]

@@pashadyne shes also very good at singing playing and performing which most ppl aren’t most ppl call someone who can do that a hero so your comment is the one that is rlly condescending cuz your assuming we just see her as a woman who can play guitar which most of us probably see them as heros cuz we could never do that like they could.

[@robertcox7040]

Carrie's the guitar hero. Corin's the voice hero.

[@malcolmwinfield3506]

The riffs on Worry With You are epic.

[@anonymousforensic]

Drums are tight, guitar melodies are awesome, and the singing is so dynamic and interesting. Going to listen to the full album all day at work!

[@rijancaffe]

Youre right. I dont think there has ever been singing more dynamic. And interesting. I just love when singing is truly interesting.

[@mgmegt5920]

Path of wellness came out at the most perfect time in my life....

[@JimmyNier00]

Best Portlandia skit ever

[@CaptainJazz262]

Ok, so I’m not crazy

[@BosleyBeats]

Everytime on my way to Portland, I pass by Sleater-Kinney road and I smile. Can’t wait to see this concert!!! 🙋🏾‍♂️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@fustigate314159]

Driving 5 through Olympia?

[@BosleyBeats]

@@fustigate314159 you know it!

[@stevexu7692]

Oly!!!

[@baseboardmatt]

Yeah, no, that’s not in Portland tho

[@FlopsMcDoogle]

I also have passed the sign many times.

[@AC-dz9yq]

I cannot WAIT to see Carrie and St Vincent in The Nowhere Inn

[@batukepunkrock]

Hats off to this "One beat" version! I definitively want to see this live!

[@augustkuuskvere79]

When do we get a Fender Carrie Brownstien signature tele? Someone yell at Fender until they give it to us

[@anonymousforensic]

YES. Or, if Carrie is cool with references to her other work, a PRS so we don’t have to go the extra mile to put a bird on it.

[@rijancaffe]

If she can complete one guitar lesson, fender might consider it, but only because of equal opportunity ideals. Unfortunately, not many people look up to this chick as a "guitar hero". Therefore, a signature model would end up costing them money.

[@alexberry6745]

The majority of Carrie’s career has been with a Gibson SG & really hadn’t used Fender until this album.

[@jordandrinkwine74]

@@rijancaffe oh come on dude, let me guess- you also think St Vincent is a “ludicrously overrated” guitarist?

[@jordandrinkwine74]

That being said- imo her white Tele Deluxe from No Cities would be a MUCH more interesting signature model

[@basedmarlon]

This version of one beat is amazing

[@rijancaffe]

Amazing is right! Especially since we will be sexists if we dont say it's amazing.

[@jaquesdiniz7595]

imagine friends: after recording this version of one beat, the band decides to record some versions including some rare b-sides of vinyls, let's say it would be a bonus album, unlike other albums, this one I would pay smiling due to "rarity"

[@brendanbreslin5536]

@@rijancaffe imagine being this guy

[@basedmarlon]

@@rijancaffe i think you have some stuff to figure out bro

[@rijancaffe]

@@basedmarlon by figure out do you mean "go to a liberal arts school and never finish, and blame society about how i am unable to make a career out of knitting, storytelling, or jewelry making?"

[@sophiekrop750]

huge respect for picking one beat as the only track not off their new record, very interesting as the immediacy of the context of the Iraq war doesn't hang over the song the same way it did when that record was put out it resonates in new and just as interesting ways as relevant as ever but wow this whole tiny desk does not pack usual Sleater Kinney energy.

[@jaquesdiniz7595]

imagine friends: after recording this version of one beat, the band decides to record some versions including some rare b-sides of vinyls, let's say it would be a bonus album, unlike other albums, this one I would pay smiling due to "rarity"

[@zengalileo]

Yeah now we have quotes from Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton both praising Bush and Rumsfeld as honorable statesmen. We've made no progress.

[@SamoriAugusto]

It’s very staid. It’s like no one instrument is allowed to soar as it would have for the three-piece band. And that bass is disconcerting, I’m just not used to hearing it. Funnily, I found this because I listened to the entirety of Dig Me Out and I needed (NEEDED, I tell ya!) to see all those songs played live again. This Wellness thing…

[@mathildahummel8493]

Does anyone else want Carrie’s whole wardrobe?

[@orcaflotta7867]

Thx but no thx. Both their wardrobes were of choice quality terribleness. :o I don't even wanna hang dead across a fence with those clothes.

[@girlsneutral]

WHAT WHY my friend said she looks like a circus ring leader here and SHE DOES

[@yanzi8543]

@@orcaflotta7867 so much disrespect for what reason?

[@orcaflotta7867]

@@yanzi8543 Can't you read English good? Let me repeat and quote myself: "Both their wardrobes were of choice quality terribleness." Should be explainification enough for even the thickest of minds.

[@yanzi8543]

@@orcaflotta7867 ok nevermind. It's too early.

[@vinwulff]

YES MORE PUNK ROCK IN THE TINY DESK PLEASE

[@oisinholz]

Bill and Ted from an alternate universe! Truly excellent stuff!

[@charlesbutler3097]

What does that mean?

[@PentameronSV]

0:04 - *Path of Wellness* (3:04) 3:58 - *High in the Grass* 8:31 / 8:53 - *One Beat* (12:11) 12:46 - *Worry with You* (16:34) [16:39 - Tiny Desk team]

[@kellyjowoodside9470]

Thank you! :)

[@alexberry6745]

One Beat & High in the Grass are switched

[@ramz5000]

Wow, i love their sound, excellent performance, I'd like to see em live 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@beauwhite6362]

Just an incredible band. Love them so much✌️❤️✌️❤️

[@DrSkullhedface]

Punk rock/folk icons The One Beat duo was stellar.

[@gregw988]

Big boardroom table concert! Sounds fantastic. God I love this band.

[@rijancaffe]

I bet, like me, you absolutely love arugula too. Like, dont you just go crazy for bland, boring anything????

[@oniontears2089]

corin sounds soooo good, wow. loved the new take on one beat

[@theedorbs]

she really does.

[@OriginalGrasshopper]

So bizarre seeing men playing with Sleater-Kinney and S-K having a bassist. So glad I’m old enough to have seen them many times in concert in their late 90’s heyday.

[@theedorbs]

I saw them many times then and I'm actually very interested in seeing this band live.

[@georgeglen]

Loved this. One Beat is wonderful. Brilliant!

[@clivemortimore8203]

Wow what a lovely version of One Beat.

[@denomdemon]

I feel like I just went to the coolest boardroom meeting ever.

[@bchurc00]

Guitar at its finest 😎 … a new branch on the guitar tree canopy … LOVE you guys !!!

[@thelonghello]

One beat revisited, simply Wow!

[@o0mgn]

Just sad that I only found out about them a few Years ago, awesome band 🤩

[@rijancaffe]

A snowflake is sad??? How surprising.

[@krisjaynav]

the sound oddly reminds me of old dive bars, road trips, and ipods during the 2nd Bush Administration.

[@Krustenkaese92]

dude I can't wait for Carrie Brownstein to be an old rock grandma

[@rijancaffe]

Wait no longer. I mean, did you even watch the video?

[@Krustenkaese92]

@@rijancaffe I did, but you apparently didn't

[@numbchomskull]

Carrie is so old, she farts dust.

[@hotasurban]

@The Time is Now you blind?

[@hotasurban]

@@numbchomskull ah yes, she hasn't hit 50 yet but of course that's ancient. You must still be in diapers.

[@ranielyfire]

I can’t be the only one with a crush on Carrie haha

[@charlesbutler3097]

Nah bro. I just came across this band 20 minutes ago & I'm already crushin hard for Carrie

[@rigbypicnic4806]

The drums oh my god so tight

[@jamesmarie]

YES!

[@jenandjuice99]

It’s still not Janet Weiss and that’s what burns

[@MUSE1795]

@@jenandjuice99 yeah no one will ever be as good as Janet in this band. Idc what anyone says

[@rijancaffe]

Unlike other things on that stage.

[@lovevluv]

Vince Lirocchi! I'm diggin' it.

[@timbernard4193]

This live version of One Beat is giving me Kate Bush vibes with the interlacing vocals!

[@ahmetcangokceer]

SHE SHREDS!!

[@corey412]

Love it! Thank you!!!!

[@Xjasminaaaaa]

Oh my goodness I cannot believe this version of One Beat. So much beauty.

[@lydiaaa2415]

Yes! Cant wait!

[@josephaurelio8560]

Thank you. That was great!

[@greenjude]

Fabi Reyna - creator of She Shreds - on guitar!!!

[@kellyalexandrahoff]

I really like this performance.

[@katwashere194]

Yes!! This is awesome!

[@mikeholmes9244]

Fabulous!

[@marygoodman9530]

Awesome music, absolutely enjoyable 🎼🎼 Thank you very much

[@rijancaffe]

Way to throw around the word awesome. I swept my floor the other day. It too, was awesome.

[@jimpeter3453]

Wow, sounds great; looks great. See you on tour!

[@mikenoface]

I saw these ladies at Gilman st. in .. 95-96? It was definitely right before Dig Me Out. Loved them ever since.

[@ciaranosullivan9352]

May 1997 .I was there .

[@cpl1976NorthShore]

I love them

[@saviolopes8030]

Can't waiiiit!!!

[@treyscott5953]

My dreams have come true

[@fernandopiovesana]

One beat sounds spetacular.

[@boomerdell]

Fanastic! Soooooo good.

[@wyndgrove9452]

Awesome!

[@howtomeetwomen-]

Thank you

[@raindaresmusic]

one beat OMGGGGGGGGGG

[@smssllc]

The image quality on this video is really great.

[@franciscocardenas5758]

Awesome

[@gearheadstu]

The new material is really growing on me, and I loooooooove the re-interpretation of One Beat!

[@rijancaffe]

There's a lot of things growing on you. Take a shower.

[@jaquesdiniz7595]

imagine friends: after recording this version of one beat, the band decides to record some versions including some rare b-sides of vinyls, let's say it would be a bonus album, unlike other albums, this one I would pay smiling due to "rarity"

[@numbchomskull]

If you didn't like the first time, why bother to convince yourself otherwise?

[@TTownTim]

From a fellow greener....THX!!!...you rock!!!...i drive by Sleater-Kinney turnoff all the time...we're neighbors...=]

[@rijancaffe]

Poor soul. I hope one day you find real rock.

[@bandHARDOUT]

can’t wait to hear a live version of ‘shadow town’

[@keefykeef]

This is bangin

[@DanteOlivieri]

Finally more SK material. You girls are the coolest thing.

[@stephenkane2464]

SK is killing it in 2021

[@rijancaffe]

My guess is you got a TBI from when the short bus crashed.

[@stephenkane2464]

@@rijancaffe you mad bro? Lol 😆

[@rijancaffe]

you able to communicate in phrases that are NOT hack? The answer to both these questions is no.

[@stephenkane2464]

@@rijancaffe It seems like you're a little upset. Did I personally offend you?

[@rijancaffe]

Jesus, you people can't go 15 minutes without talking about being offended.

[@TheVwboyaf1]

Yup, I like this.

[@roses1419]

One beat is so good

[@apieceoftoast710]

Olympia represent!

[@footiepajamas101]

yessss yes yes yess!!

[@xaviertayo6208]

As a super fan I have some criticisms of Sleater-Kinney. But that version of One Beat was amazing. Seeing Carrie & Corin sans their guitars singing so emotionally reminds me why I so love Sleater-Kinney.

[@deathchips926]

curious to hear your criticisms

[@sistercarrie]

One Beat made me tear up.

[@ashbaroque]

omg, what a version of Onebeat! heaven x

[@brendacantoran5148]

We need a Little Mix Tiny Desk Concert!!! Imagine the vocals that would be served!!!!!!

[@IsaacRC]

Yes

[@jmanuo87]

Idk what’s going on, but the geriatric millennial in me needs more SK please. Tours. Merch. Janet Weiss *crosses fingers*

[@lisalizana212]

They sound fantastic! And reworking One Beat caught me by surprise, and I loved it!!

[@blacksheepfilmes3735]

one beat

[@velvetstarlings]

Dude I can’t wait to hear what The Fox, Steep Air, and all their crazy distorted songs sound like with a band who knows the intricacies of their tone. Like they could do prisstina now or stuff they’ve never attempted live

[@Reeenald]

Weird, I like it.

[@AGrrrlsTwoSoundCents]

The grrrls are locked and loaded let's go babyyyyyyy!!!!!!

[@rijancaffe]

Unfortunately with just toy guns tho

[@griftygrowshappy1706]

yay

[@annabagwell7965]

Imagine enjoying something!

[@ashleyj9934]

Recommended : I’m here to stay man ❤️🔥

[@margherito]

Corin's voice on One Beat, my eyes' burning jeez :|

[@aliamrt9534]

TOPPPPP❤️

[@landofgoshenstudios6402]

Some cool,chicks! Nice band.

[@charickter]

Used to be a lot better. Still ok, I guess.

[@stevendaniels4559]

I like it I like it I like it

[@JMAudioEditions]

why a mastering engineer earns his bank

[@leonpfields9100]

You can tell they love playing Path of Wellness, as soon as it gets to the chorus they’re grinning like Cheshire cats 🐈! Great stuff! 🌞🌞🌞

[@mlmn3080]

Still love them, but I will forever miss Janet.

[@dipster381]

Janet is the reason i got laid with a 10/10 hottie in AZ, lol

[@fdei]

eyyy shoutout fabi and reyna tropical!

[@gabbycustodia1706]

it's so weird to see them play with a bassist

[@xxcelr8rs]

Great smile. Think they would write a listenable song by now.

[@sbjorntore]

Cool

[@JenDoe1]

🙌🙌🙌

[@miguelmontoya1320]

Nothing better than an ad in the middle of a song.

[@orcaflotta7867]

What ad? You have ads on your internet? Never heard of uBlock Origin or what?

[@Jeremy-th5pt]

I'm on a path of wellness? Very rock n roll. 😨

[@rachelsantos3789]

Portlandia was amaze! Bring it back. Fred Armisen is a comedy genius.

[@SPCEMN3]

Serious Mom rock going on. Love it

[@paranormalinpdx]

One Beat still hits me, while I miss JW, Fabi Reyna on guitar is some good stuff

[@andycordy5190]

Such dynamism in their songs, built from simple, direct components, an inspiration to any songwriter. "Tons of grit and passion." If you were expecting spite, violence, exploitation, sorry.

[@whoroseb]

one beat one beat one beat one beat one beat

[@cindylu607]

9:00 I just want to comment so I can find this edition of One Beat whenever I want

[@CrashPreinsertion]

Definitely a departure where S-K is singing Dig Me Out.. for NPR. Lulz.

[@daydrmnation]

it’s not SK without Janet!

[@charickter]

How true. Makes me sad. She was the force behind this band.