The Decemberists: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@kaetce]

Npr it’s time to have these guys come back it’s been far too long

[@netforce0]

way too long now :(

[@brandonpoint]

We here in good old Germany are still waiting for you coming back.

[@bluupadoop]

For real though, ten years is way too long

[@juvingonsalves]

Iron and Wine too

[@electroid4]

They came back today :)

[@niallwhite1969]

We should all be so lucky to have Sara Watkins as a back-up singer and musician. What a treasure she is!

[@CuddlyPsycho1134]

He has such a beautiful voice!

[@pinot7914]

What a moment when my local record store handed me their first vinyl! Still remember...thanks

[@chibisven]

This is probably my favorite tiny desk concert. I've listened over and over. Each song just hits me in a special way.

[@arfurlife]

2 months ago I had never heard of the Decemberists. Then I had the good fortune to come across this wonderful performance. Now me and my good lady are fervent admirers and followers. We sing and play their songs constantly and cannot get enough of them. Not only is 'The King is dead' a superb classic album but all their stuff is proving to be brilliant. They are a blessing upon this world and I salute them for their outstanding contribution to the art of music. Totally inspiring !

[@davedarling6512]

their songs are incredible, they have embedded themselves in my very soul

[@mattsiegel9876]

The Hazards of Love!

[@timk6181]

Q​@@davedarling6512

[@lexoflex5451]

Still listening in 2024!!!

[@Carrion00]

Yep!

[@quickthom]

Same! ❤

[@Suggarsnapped]

Listening for the first time in 2024

[@CarlosSanchez-wy1rq]

Listening right now and always!

[@kevinbrett863]

No, ignoring this

[@garchbrown]

June Hymn, quite the song. This dude's vocabulary is beautiful.

[@bigred1222]

One of the things that stands out about him for sure and one of the reasons I love the Decemberists stuff. He uses words that you only usually find in novels and such.

[@Pablosammy1]

I learned what a 'panoply' was from this song!

[@davedarling6512]

@Eric Larry it means "a whole bunch of stuff"

[@marylou6550]

@@bigred1222 he actually went to school to be a writer/novelist, and then became a singer songwriter.

[@anyataylorjoy1023]

I got a high school reading level in 7th grade English because of Colin ✌️:)

[@welllazvdo2216]

I simply loved that long breath he gave when he sang "Will I bring myself to write" @ 11:30 - so beautiful all those notes in one single breath.

[@USandNL]

Can I just say that Tiny Desk is by far my favorite place to hear fantastic acoustic music!

[@dragonsouleater1119]

this hits me so hard, emotionally. weird seeing him nervous. such a legendary band. feel bad for people who haven't heard their huge discography.

[@USandNL]

I just discovered them. Better late than never!

[@ChrisSandstorm]

Some treasures we don't really have to share with the masses do we?

[@vizualizeit08]

They're so amazing love them❤

[@thaidye5676]

Glad I found this. My introduction to the Decemberists. Sarah compliments his voice so well. What I would pay to have seen this live. Talent is oozing from these 3. Thank you again NPR for giving us such perfection in recording. i need to look into how I could attend these performances. I would fly from Chicago in a heart beat for a day just to see these performances. They are priceless. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to who ever took the time to come up with this series.

[@davedarling6512]

They're coming to Chicago in May, I hope you are able to go

[@hellboy3756]

i grew up on the decemberists and I LOVE THEM WITH MY WHOLE HEART

[@battleborn8658]

I grew old with the decemberists and I love them just the same. Cheers.

[@mattheckler9841]

Yeah she toured for the entirety of The King is Dead tour with them, and is featured on their recent double live album. Hope she stays permanently, I think her voice perfectly compliments Colin's.

[@joelestes2257]

Wow, her harmony is pristine. Nice work.

[@medderscannon21]

originally she was a bluegrass singer with the band Nickel Creek. They have great harmony all around.

[@miekamariehodson1731]

​@@medderscannon21she still is

[@ibanez9175]

I saw them when they had just released The King Is Dead and Sara Watkins was touring with them. They were so amazing live, easily one of the best bands I've ever seen. After the show Sara came out and signed cd's and talked to people. She is such a wonderful, beautiful person. Best night of my life!

[@robertanderson5334]

I play Severed over and over. Never get tired of it even after years of listeniing.

[@mattheckler9841]

So the bridge of June Hymn gives me chills every single time.

[@summerinspringville-hill]

Matt Heckler Me too.

[@richard340]

The Decemberists

[@chrisgifford3888]

Just saw this fantastic group in London last night. They really loved up to my expectations. Just brilliant.

[@LoneGranger]

Just such a creative songwriting group. Thank you for posting this. Just beautiful.

[@Jay-gg6xg]

Authentic. Midwestern, folksy, hayseed trio. Loved it.

[@jeffreylower9469]

I absolutely LOVE that Sara Watkins performed with The Decemberists. I've loved her since Nickel Creek.

[@scottquick1802]

I love Sara and was lucky enough to see them on this tour. The Crane Wife was a great album, but the addition of Sara on The King is Dead made it my favorite of all their great albums.

[@Ag3ntW1nd3x]

I'd love to see these guys invited again!

[@timanthonymanuel]

Wait, is that Sara Watkins? Love NickelCreek and the Decemberists. But these 2 together? Amazing

[@shwatson11]

I'll be damned. I never had any idea the Sara Watkins from Nickel creek also played with the Decemberists. I learn something new every day.

[@waywardmind]

I don't think she regularly does. But what a helluva nice surprise!

[@MrGrimspike]

Just looked that up: How you can read on Wikipedia and on the news page of The Decemberists homepage for the 01.04.10 www.decemberists.com/news/the-decemberists-news-1-4-10/ Sara Watkins joined the band contributing fiddle, guitar, percussion, and vocals on the whole The Decemberists' 2011 tour.

[@carolhall5744]

I know!!! Me, too!

[@sethangel4334]

I'm pretty sure she was a part of their The King is Dead album and tour only. She wasn't on their most recent album. They purposely gave The King is Dead a more bluegrass-y folk feel and if you're Colin Meloy and you're going for soulfilled, violin/fiddle you might as well go get the best.

[@jeffjohnson8836]

I saw them in Teluride in 2011 (during the stint Sara was with them). They explained that Sara was filling in for Jenny Conlee while Jenny was out with health concerns (breast cancer if memory serves).

[@TokyoBlue587]

What a great voice! And they played 3 songs from my favorite album.

[@GeneralTahung]

Saw these guys live in 2012. I’ve seen a lot since and they still top the list. Would love to see em again!

[@AlisonWild]

I can never turn away from Colin Meloy and his excellent fellow artists, I'm addicted in a serious way.

[@Snacktime12345]

Ive listened to June hymn soo many times but this brought me to tears beautiful

[@CelticHD]

Fantastic, listened to this clip and had to buy the album. I'm looking forward to exploring more of NPR's tiny desk concerts.

[@DWHarper62]

Your favorite record, right?... that album is a classic already...

[@Mouldytone]

"The King Is Dead" album is sublime. Thanks for this fabulous mini desk concert. Tony

[@chrissmith256]

'training jasmine how to vine, up the arbor to your door, and more..'Colin is a true lyricist. Loved the recovery during June Hymn. Can they come back and do Rise to Me, please? How about a tiny version of Roll Jimmy? F yeah!

[@lisagurkin3455]

I love Rise to me too!!

[@snowstorm46807]

Second favorite song!

[@charlesbaran1106]

I was just introduced to The Decemberists, ten years too late! Oddly enough, it was at the local library, where a librarian told me about the music and Colin Meloy's books. I've been enjoying the CD The King is Dead and the live CD from that tour. Hope to hear more of their music and maybe see a show.

[@balance_one]

I LOVE that this is not edited. Decemberists + NPR TDC =

[@HeyZeus096]

I think this earned a spot among my favorite Tiny Desk shows. Passion Pit, Moon Hooch, Suzanne Vega, Tallest Man in the World, Civil Wars, and Alt-J are also all up high on the list.

[@alexmoliski1584]

The Jayhawks, Jose Gonzalez, and Sam Bean are definitely my favorite.

[@KyleHurd]

Alex Moliski anything with Chris Thile for me.

[@harryverbaas8761]

HeyZeus096 kexp

[@TheTennisguy88]

tallest man on earth? must not have liked it that much...

[@rafaelhannah4818]

The national is my fave

[@allissondiego1989]

I was introduced to decemberists in 2009. Been in love with them ever since.

[@WGBHMusic]

The Decemberists are fantastic. Another excellent Portland band. We recently filmed Typhoon live at Brighton Music Hall in Boston. Amazing show.

[@floydsmama]

Jenny Conlee was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in May 2011. I believe that's Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek. I wish there were more notes for this TDC.

[@Laststepp]

My favorite folk ensemble ever.

[@Exayevie]

I love the Decemberists, and though it be an unpopular opinion among others who love the Decemberists, this is my very favorite of their albums.

[@thawmas]

Exayevie as a decemberists fan, yeah, this is the best album

[@westonharby165]

The king is dead? 100% agree.

[@kaki4forks]

It doesn’t have my favorite songs but I do think it’s the best album

[@nikbicanski8995]

their best by a long shot i'd say!

[@emmlamourplays4326]

Tie between King and Picaresque for me

[@Mike_Boland]

June Hymn get me every time and brings such strong emotion. It is a perfect song and makes me long for summer. Great listen in these wintry months when hope springs eternal!

[@jasonedwarddoucette]

this is how this musics meant to be heard and played... so crisp so real

[@shrekisloveshrekislife666]

They have so much talent I'm iterally crying. Someday they will get the credit they deserve

[@sartainja]

Let us hope......

[@lucidinterval8012]

They did.

[@marcguerino5645]

Just discovered these guys now so I decided to look them up. Holy shit they have a lot of music

[@loreleipetry3821]

Her voice is so incredible, icing on the cake of already beautiful music!

[@mattheckler9841]

Sara Watkins from the band Nickel Creek. You can also hear her on the live Decemberists album "We All Raise Our Voices to the Air"

[@zepareace]

Also I'm with her, check them out! They also have an npr performance. Pure magic!

[@artangelic]

this is great! I can't believe they got so big. Go Chris!!

[@terminaljunkie7790]

Oh...how wonderful was that? Sublime, pure talent on display.

[@Falling2U1]

I can come back to this over and over and it always touches me.

[@andreasrys883]

Beautiful! How I love these melodies! Wunderbar!

[@88woodbikes]

Love it June Hymn is song craft par excellence. Thanks Colin

[@thaidye5676]

Agreed. It is perfection

[@graniericlass]

You guys. It's Collin Meloy and Sara Watkins. Come on. Come the hell on.

[@dribble8899]

Carl Granieri thanks for pointing that out. Wow! Did you hear NPR's Nickel Creek Tiny Desk Concert? She's an incredible talent

[@graniericlass]

Yes, I did! Yes, she is! (NPR Tiny Desk Concerts are one of the best things the internet has going, IMO.)

[@MrBbri415]

+Carl Granieri Ohhhhhhhh, so close. It's Colin with a single "L"...

[@mikebzambrano]

I like the Watkins Family Hour Tiny Desk too

[@theolschoolblues]

OMG the nickel Creek tiny desk concert was AMAZING! i watch it everyday before work and usually a few times after

[@MyDave3000]

This is total amazing and special Sara is awesome I can watch this footage over and over again

[@davidmcdonough7774]

Love the tunes! Had never heard about you guys before this. Glad you made it to the tiny desk!

[@davidroberts8731]

This is beautiful, very soothing, I keep coming back.

[@moudvon6852]

Amo a este artista!! Sus canciones, su forma de interpretarlas!! Todo muy bueno! Me gustaría verlo en vivo alguna vez

[@hawesg]

Loved that they did June Hymn.

[@circleof5555]

Definitely a top 10 combo for all time in the history of music. Sara!!! Yes!!! So talented! Wow! Love it!

[@ariakiss]

Would love to see this trio playing acoustic like this set. Wow! They should take it on the road. Sara adds so much to this band.

[@jordanferrazza8700]

The Decemberists is one of my favorite artists. Andrew Bird is currently my favorite artist.

[@herrmajj]

Some of the music we hear today we will listen to for a long time to come...

[@Mouldytone]

Hang on! That`s Sara Watkins on fiddle and backing vocals! I`m officially in Heaven on earth! What a great mini concert.

[@jondi11]

recently discovered this band, loving their stuff

[@jimmyharmony-eleven8455]

this man is a lyrical genius! soak it in, fortunate ones!

[@debrapoole7671]

NPR Music on KZbin & Facebook = Greatest music online!

[@MrDigre89]

Just now listening to these guys, they are amazing !

[@mindseyemelodies]

I am so in love with this band.

[@judeseamus]

As an aspiring musician, it's reassuring to know that even professionals make mistakes.

[@Droidzey]

If you check out Ben Folds' tiny desk he forgets a whole bars worth of lyrics during the first song, it's always nice to know that even the professionals and musical geniuses mess up

[@CAl3vara]

Another excellent concert from the Tiny Desk Concert series. These are the highlight of my day every time they show up. I usually spend my days working with my headphones on with these little concerts playing back in my ears. Nothing like feeling like the Avett Brothers are sitting behind you as you work :)

[@AdsoSebastio]

One of the best tiny desk sessions I've seen.

[@duffmanGbone]

Watch nickel creek

[@SsooFfetch]

Watching, liking, favoriting, sharing and watching this video a thousand and one times does not satisfy how much I love this!

[@Pablosammy1]

Can't stop watching this...

[@pbone1984]

Absolutely amazing video. I think June Hymn could be my favourite song of all time.

[@blacksunfish]

Utterly brilliant. Love the 'Raggle Taggle Gypsy' violin solo in 'RitB'.

[@liamboogar-azoulay3465]

You can hear the Neil Young inspiration in this new album... have enjoyed everything they've done. So happy to see them on the Tiny Desk!

[@geoffreywoodrum5261]

I'm glad I'm not alone here... I've always been reminded of Neil Young when he sings

[@Phroakieboi]

Colin meloy is an extraordinary human.

[@jasonlees3028]

June Hymn - just stunning

[@thenobleandmightybeaver4411]

Saw these guy live about 6 months ago, sooooooooo goooooood.

[@SmokingBokonon]

These songs fill me up like few others, the only word I can use to describe the feeling I'm left with is "sated". Like a cool drink on a hot, hot day..not much left to say.

[@horrido666]

This is the video that made these guys one of my favorite bands.

[@davidking3311]

Colin actually wearing a Visitors pass as he is performing

[@saraholivo2860]

Colin is the embodiment of all I ever want to be creatively

[@Dagrond]

Man, their voices really meld together.

[@dawnbusby5671]

I love the fact that he forgot the lyric right in the beginning of June Hymn. Then proceeded to played it from the top. I was going to keep this song on repeat anyways :-)

[@DavidJohnston_deadhat]

Summer is over and it's a bit muddy on Springville Hill right now. I recommend it if you're in the Portland area though.

[@summerinspringville-hill]

Springville Hill is a real place? Oh my gosh how amazing. I must go there sometime.

[@CaiolaMusic]

when you write such intricate lyrics it's so easy to fuck them up... what a performance.. great band

[@thorn99thorn]

I love this album

[@kobimcjones]

I love Chris Funk's intense facial expression literally the whole time until 2:49 This is the best thing I've ever seen in my life

[@amerryone]

Beautiful.... Uplifting in a sad way?! Cheers to the Decemberists!

[@JordanSorensen]

"Uplifting in a sad way" could be the official slogan of The Decemberists.

[@jimmyharmony-eleven8455]

Rox in the Box has such a Celtic / Renaissance magic to it.

[@Trencomtrink]

Jimmy Harmony-Eleven ....Raggle Taggle Gypsy......Planxty

[@nbisceglia1]

guitarist is thrilled to be there

[@marksaltveit]

Ooh! he smiled briefly at 7:35

[@1stGeorgiaGirl]

That's his happy look.

[@misterdaz1018]

They didn't even try to mike him up, Colin's heavy strumming is drowning out all his efforts.

[@angelicaluce3230]

I was in trouble - I was going down - and then I heard THE DECEMBERISTS and I was NO LONGER ALONE.

[@mimis5140]

Angelina Luce: our stories and love for this group are identical!! 💞

[@GeffenTzabanHydraPod]

Glad to announce I'm now emotionally attached to the stalks of wheat on colin's guitar

[@davidroberts8731]

yeah, I keep thinking harvest

[@rexfordrobinson5079]

Great stuff! Really liked the second tune.

[@debb8321]

God, I love these tiny test concerts... ! :)

[@chadbrochills]

My fiance turned me on to them and I have to say, I'm really digging a lot of their music.

[@boblapre4904]

these folks r the best...sara you too!

[@Nextlevel1100]

These guys are amazing, simply amazing.

[@ErinVarley]

Awesome. Love to see people who like to sing and play

[@MrDjdave1]

It happenes to the best love these folks.this is as real as it gets.

[@jedward5155]

Colin Meloy is a ridiculously talented dude.

[@jamenb7344]

great post . love sara and all her friends