The xx: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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  • Опубликовано: 10 фев 2013
  • It's easy to think of The xx as a fashionable band: Its members have a sleek all-in-black look, its typography and cover art is coolly and distinctively styled, and the group itself has been showered with validation, including Britain's 2010 Mercury Prize. But beneath all that tightly controlled image-making lays music that's raw and vulnerable; shy, worried tentativeness is wired into a sound that shimmers powerfully, but remains as fragile and delicate as a soap bubble.
    The xx's second album, Coexist, came out last fall, and it plays like a series of tensely lovely interludes, each building to a climax that never arrives. Plopped in front of Bob Boilen's desk and asked to play a few songs from the record, singer-guitarist Romy Madley Croft and singer-bassist Oliver Sim have reason to look slightly ill-at-ease: The setting and band configuration robs them of cover. No beats from member Jamie Smith, who opted to hang back at the hotel; no shroud of darkness or bright lights pointed outward to blunt the crowd's stares. Throughout their characteristically compact seven-minute performance, Croft and Sim avoid eye contact, as they visibly try to ignore the huge throng and cameras positioned maybe 10 feet away from them.
    What comes out of their performance is not just beauty, but humanity - the sense that, in all of The xx's songs, all the calm chilliness in the world can't quite contain an exposed heart.
    Set List
    • "Angels"
    • "Sunset"
    Credits
    Producer: Bob Boilen; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Becky Lettenberger, Claire O'Neill, Maggie Starbard
  • ВидеоклипыВидеоклипы

Комментарии • 715

  • @Space-Glitter
    @Space-Glitter 10 месяцев назад +59

    bring them back and have them do a longer tiny desk, please!!!! this is so beautiful.

  • @GoldEighteen
    @GoldEighteen 7 лет назад +284

    I'm convinced they don't even edit their studio recordings. Their live sound is unreal.

  • @MrAtheismo
    @MrAtheismo 3 года назад +47

    I'm always amazed by her voice that I forget that Oliver sings as well. And then when he does it's so surprising and so good.

  • @Onedirection119897
    @Onedirection119897 9 лет назад +612

    Probaly the most intense, and calmest band that i've heard. Their voices create such a unique sound. It all just molds together perfectly.

    • @LeeH688
      @LeeH688 4 года назад +13

      I love the reason that they sound like this is that in their earliest days as a band they practiced in a garage in a residential area so they had to keep the noise down.

    • @romy3449
      @romy3449 3 года назад +1

      Absolutely agree!

  • @missmyoldhandle24
    @missmyoldhandle24 11 лет назад +37

    it's so rare that musicians sounds as perfect live as they do recorded...
    This just made my day!!!

  • @k-isfor-kristina
    @k-isfor-kristina 5 лет назад +210

    Jesus Christ she sounds just like the recorded version. That's incredible.

    • @JustCrowe1
      @JustCrowe1 3 года назад +10

      One of the things they said in an anniversary interview was that when they wrote their first album, one of their biggest concerns was keeping the music simple enough that it did in fact sound the same live, they’d be happy to know you felt this way 😏

    • @ashleyholder4892
      @ashleyholder4892 3 года назад +3

      It did not sound like a tiny desk at first haha

  • @parshan08
    @parshan08 9 лет назад +117

    The XX - Coexist is the most incredible album I've heard in my life; and I've listened to a lot of music in every genre. Absolute masterpiece.

  • @BonhamsBongo
    @BonhamsBongo 7 лет назад +295

    These guys seem made to perform together - they compliment each other so perfectly well. I love the chilled moody sound of XX - in a musical world where its increasingly difficult to sound original and effortless, they manage.

  • @BuzziMuzzi
    @BuzziMuzzi 10 лет назад +38

    I just kind of noticed how important music is for me. This kind of music just makes me feel so alive. I love it.

  • @zakonodavac
    @zakonodavac 9 лет назад +330

    They sound just like on track ...

    • @abdullabdulla4075
      @abdullabdulla4075 6 лет назад

      zakonodavac ن😦😕😉😆😅😡😑😦🚱♈♌♈سسط

    • @abdullabdulla4075
      @abdullabdulla4075 6 лет назад

      zakonodavac طقظجفطج😃😐

    • @alexesteves6013
      @alexesteves6013 4 года назад +1

      That's what they say, you only can tell how great an artist is when they sound/perform the same vocal quality as live or as well on track

  • @RBlur
    @RBlur 9 лет назад +54

    "in all of The xx's songs, all the calm chilliness in the world can't quite contain an exposed heart." it's the perfect description.
    They penetrate my heart and my soul like nothing else!! Their voices and songs are so pure they make me want to cry whenever I listen to them

  • @pauldragos8550
    @pauldragos8550 4 года назад +16

    I finally find this after 7 years and it's only 6 minutes. My jaw actually dropped. Thank you The xx for always doing your thing.

    • @annaeeee7516
      @annaeeee7516 4 года назад +2

      I had never come across this video and it's just what I needed today 😊

  • @blairstevenson6203
    @blairstevenson6203 Год назад +8

    I would give anything to see these two perform together again. One last time

  • @MrJERRY551
    @MrJERRY551 11 лет назад +260

    I love how ridiculously simple the music is. It's insane how something so brilliant can come out of something so...basic.

    • @Daniel_Addy
      @Daniel_Addy Год назад +9

      The spaces between notes are masterful

    • @deanthornby2026
      @deanthornby2026 Год назад +10

      Nothing simple about making music like this ...
      To make the gap as important at the notes around it is perfection

    • @deanthornby2026
      @deanthornby2026 Год назад +1

      ​@@Daniel_Addy talking of timing ....how crazy is that ...we wrote pretty much the same thing at the same time ...

    • @deanthornby2026
      @deanthornby2026 Год назад +1

      ​@@Daniel_Addy ok we thought the same not wrote it ....but mad tho ...have a good day

    • @KayGeee86
      @KayGeee86 Год назад +1

      It's all about emotions

  • @fernfernisfernie
    @fernfernisfernie 9 лет назад +473

    Gosh her voice is just perfection

  • @wisausnk
    @wisausnk 2 года назад +11

    It’s unbelievable how good a performance can be if the chemistry between the singers is 💯 never have I feel that much honesty in Musik like between that two 💚

  • @SilentC0sm0s
    @SilentC0sm0s 9 лет назад +97

    Their music hits me hard... especially angels... i just want to cry

    • @squallleonhart3061
      @squallleonhart3061 9 лет назад

      SilentC0sm0s I like the music to but i don´t want to cry. But i am Squall Leonhart i have no feelings.

    • @SilentC0sm0s
      @SilentC0sm0s 9 лет назад

      Squall Leonhart especially Squall has alot of feelings :P

    • @xXBambiHuntXx
      @xXBambiHuntXx 9 лет назад

      SilentC0sm0s Angels reminds me of a dog I had who passed 2 years ago. Every time I listen to it I feel her around me.

    • @zimzimzalabim
      @zimzimzalabim 5 лет назад +1

      I know right? That song came out at the time I was actually falling for someone. And it takes me back to all those nights in a dark rooms, just talking and seeing myself fall in love. It didn't work out but I am glad I can relive that moment through this wonderful song.

  • @ikeownscharizards
    @ikeownscharizards 8 лет назад +74

    Ah I need them to drop the new album now, can't wait to hear their sound again.

  • @masonshappley122
    @masonshappley122 7 лет назад +49

    Oliver has one of the greatest natural voices I've ever heard. I love it so much. He's tied with sameer ghadia (I think that's how you spell it) as my favorite male voice

  • @mrss_foster
    @mrss_foster 9 лет назад +721

    I love how their voices are just so perfect they don't need auto-tune

    • @danielasouza6535
      @danielasouza6535 8 лет назад

      Ft

    • @mrss_foster
      @mrss_foster 8 лет назад

      daniela souza?

    • @joeyhorror4749
      @joeyhorror4749 7 лет назад +4

      ...As in most artist that are not in the popular category?

    • @origamigek
      @origamigek 7 лет назад +13

      Why am I kind of frustrated to hear this?
      Singers are supposed to sing without auto-tune.
      Why would anyone assume most songs have been tuned like that?
      It's like assuming all pictures of paintings have been shopped to make the painting look better.

    • @mrss_foster
      @mrss_foster 7 лет назад +1

      ᴠᴧᴨᴛᴧᴃᴌᴧcᴋ You have the rights to feel and say how you feel. I took a moment to appreciate their beautiful voices and I really didn't mean to say anything mean. I make my judgment based on what I've heard or seen. I see no difference in their performances and in most popular artist I do. And even if the voice isn't perfect or beautiful why tune it...Just being natural with imperfections is beauty.

  • @indecisiveloser
    @indecisiveloser 9 лет назад +34

    5:33 and onward, the way Oliver runs his hand through his hair. Man, I haven't crushed this hard in a long while.

  • @vancedstone
    @vancedstone 2 года назад +5

    Wow her voice is so beutiful. It doesn't look like she's even trying it just comes out like that. Simply amazing!

  • @DearReaderReadAloud
    @DearReaderReadAloud 7 лет назад +3

    Both of their voices are so. so. golden. I love watching them play. Her facial expressions are amazing to watch at some of the most emotional parts of the song.
    Also! If you listen to this song with earbuds, you can hear the music moving back and forth between your ears.

  • @107amanda1
    @107amanda1 10 лет назад +13

    the lyrics are just so raw for lack of better words really refreshing

  • @comreality
    @comreality 11 лет назад +9

    they've known each other since they were 3. And she was the first person he ever sang in front of.... and he was so shy, so they sang together. ^_^ they may not be together, but they are freaking adorable!

  • @aliciamartinez3001
    @aliciamartinez3001 2 года назад +4

    Seriously you guys are just so therapeutic for me.. Its more than just the beautiful melody of your music and vocals. Its the beautiful energy that transpires in that room so strong that it shows not only on camera but that beautiful energy is so strong that it moves with time and can be felt anywhere in the world.

  • @MrAlekoy
    @MrAlekoy 11 лет назад +7

    I had all NPR TD-concerts rolling in the background whilst trying to fix something, and suddenly this comes on, I had to put down my tools and just listen,it was THAT awesome, perfect live performance...

  • @serjoshua
    @serjoshua 3 года назад +11

    this badly needed an update with Jamie so that they could play more songs, like a 10-song set list at the least hehe

  • @hespedro
    @hespedro 4 года назад +1

    7 years later this still makes me cry ily xx

  • @JustReadable
    @JustReadable 6 лет назад +2

    Amazing, how many great bands I discovered via NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert. Thank you NPR Music. Thank you very much !

  • @meyloose1013
    @meyloose1013 4 года назад +3

    I started listening to the xx 10 years ago when I first heard islands and intro on Pandora and was instantly enamored and hooked. I got my friend into them and she and I went to see them in fall of 2010 in Philly, but they were also doing this after party type thing with the tour, so Jamie was dj’ing at this club - I had the fortune of meeting Romy and Oliver, and they were exactly like this in person. So amazing.

  • @acadiasummons5178
    @acadiasummons5178 8 лет назад +62

    this makes me feel real

  • @KiichiIsanu
    @KiichiIsanu 9 лет назад +39

    The close-ups on Oliver that show him generating vibrato (neck quivering) is really cool. Also reminds me faintly of a pelican.

  • @gordospeti
    @gordospeti 5 лет назад +1

    I keep coming back to hear this short performance again and again! Very nice music!

  • @brdmusicofficial
    @brdmusicofficial 4 месяца назад

    thier simplicity is so so so beautiful, we should have more of this kind of real, sensitive & minimalistic music today

  • @beatsbykana
    @beatsbykana 4 года назад +5

    his leaning the whole time is a mood

  • @victorcantoran9631
    @victorcantoran9631 7 лет назад +1

    Such a lovely tone of a voice that compliments such beautiful melodic sounds. This type of setting fits them perfectly

  • @remyparys9264
    @remyparys9264 5 лет назад +3

    Just amazing... just plain amazing. Love every note, every word... incredibly sensitive and intense music.

  • @xXBambiHuntXx
    @xXBambiHuntXx 9 лет назад +109

    I have been listening to The XX for over 5 years now, and they are one of the only bands that I can sing every word of every song in time with every chord. Guess they just speak to me.

    • @javierthompson1893
      @javierthompson1893 9 лет назад +38

      WDGAF

    • @aquadee91
      @aquadee91 8 лет назад

      Same 😊

    • @BrandyJButts
      @BrandyJButts 6 лет назад

      Same girl same

    • @ladypopularr
      @ladypopularr 6 лет назад

      SAME

    • @molkikun1
      @molkikun1 6 лет назад

      Same! It's the only band I've made the effort to buy their albums and can actually listen to them on a daily basis without getting tired.

  • @akarnjanakit3848
    @akarnjanakit3848 8 лет назад +5

    This evokes emotions of a wide range of beautiful bonds, emitting waves of luminous energies! The vibrations of sound and composition complete the essentials that brings balance to the whimsical spirit, gracefully dancing on the edge of acceptance and understanding. It reveals the delicate nature of human behaviors and emotions Thank you so much for this!

  • @wendymorgan-priest7105
    @wendymorgan-priest7105 10 лет назад +14

    This set just makes me like them even more

  • @srduncanbyu
    @srduncanbyu 6 лет назад +1

    their voices at other times have seemed to err on the flat side. but here they are immaculate. it's incredible. what a gem

  • @Kazikox
    @Kazikox 9 лет назад +11

    They really are amazing

  • @fridgemagnet
    @fridgemagnet 8 лет назад +134

    She has a nervousness and vulnerability that remind me of a young Robert Smith.

  • @karaswanson3138
    @karaswanson3138 10 месяцев назад +2

    still listening...

  • @IngridTheViking
    @IngridTheViking 8 лет назад +29

    This was so chill, I forgot I was listening to music.

  • @samanthagonzalez5475
    @samanthagonzalez5475 6 лет назад +101

    BRING THEM BACK!!! BUT ALSO WITH JAMIE XX!! AND ALSO HAVE THEM PLAY MORE THAN 2 SONGS!!

  • @youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961
    @youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961 10 лет назад +1

    Those two have the best connection onstage and together, really. Great musicians.

  • @vicegirlsusa
    @vicegirlsusa 11 лет назад +1

    Their music is absolutely perfect for a tiny desk concert. Love it!

  • @bktrk3335
    @bktrk3335 Год назад +1

    Wow. This has got to be one of the most genuinely moving live performances I've ever witnessed

  • @cupcaakes
    @cupcaakes 9 лет назад +8

    They literally sound like angels! Love that song btw

  • @izalman
    @izalman 2 года назад

    Absolutely superb.. how can such simple music sound so amazing..

  • @Jsantii
    @Jsantii 10 лет назад +226

    the way he looks at her on 2:40
    oh my god

    • @samyavellani6111
      @samyavellani6111 10 лет назад +4

      omg you are so right!

    • @13CL456
      @13CL456 9 лет назад +22

      If you're implying it's something sexual between them, sorry to burst that bubble; she's gay.

    • @Jsantii
      @Jsantii 9 лет назад +65

      ThatUncutRaw I know she is a lesbian lol. I'm just saying the way he looked at her was nice.

    • @13CL456
      @13CL456 9 лет назад +7

      spooky cupcakes Yeah, it was intense.

    • @puzz88
      @puzz88 7 лет назад

      oh man didnt even realize that, so cute

  • @deluds28
    @deluds28 7 лет назад +1

    Amazing voice, so quiet and powerful

  • @dolcedolente
    @dolcedolente 11 лет назад +1

    I love all the space . . . so much said in between what is said . . . just gorgeous. Melts me.

  • @musiclife5158
    @musiclife5158 2 года назад +1

    Love this song. I got it on repeat for the next 10 years.

  • @ambivalent1
    @ambivalent1 5 лет назад

    The top 3 voices I can say that I wish I had! 😍 So powerful, magical, soothing and hypnotic

  • @gabrielmaroto18
    @gabrielmaroto18 4 года назад +4

    Being as in love with the xx as I am!

  • @pamplbaumann6259
    @pamplbaumann6259 11 лет назад

    so beautiful voices and lyrics...

  • @boonehouston
    @boonehouston 5 лет назад +2

    I was amazed with her voice and still am, but when that man opened his mouth angels flew out.

  • @elina5
    @elina5 11 лет назад +1

    How can something so simple transmit so much? ...Ahh the beauty of The XX

  • @dylanevans8829
    @dylanevans8829 7 лет назад

    im happy to finally see this!! so amazing I'm loving this year's tiny desks c:
    seriously, about time tho considering "intro" is the most frequently used transition track on all things considered.

  • @martinhockings2326
    @martinhockings2326 10 лет назад +3

    They make it look so easy, perfection...

  • @TheRealThrowed101
    @TheRealThrowed101 11 лет назад

    I love the well written descriptions on the videos keep up the great work.

  • @righthereandnow
    @righthereandnow 4 года назад

    No words. Thank you, xx and NPR.

  • @ethanksiazek5548
    @ethanksiazek5548 8 лет назад +1

    Such a cool vibe. Makes me feel like kicking it with myself.

  • @todddavis240
    @todddavis240 11 лет назад

    Thank you NPR for turning me onto the xx! June 4th Uptown theater in Kansas City MO What an evening with the xx, uptown is about as intimate as it gets. Hope to see you there. Peace&Love

  • @Montano76
    @Montano76 10 лет назад

    I like the sound of the guitars so mellow and relaxing

  • @romy3449
    @romy3449 3 года назад

    It's amazing how amazing they are.. I'm such a huge fan.

  • @lardog112
    @lardog112 10 лет назад +8

    Guitar work reminds me of the Cure. Very nice smooth transitions. Like it a lot.

  • @aliceflowers
    @aliceflowers 10 лет назад +24

    Her voice....

  • @alexahallywell12
    @alexahallywell12 11 лет назад

    Their voices sound so surreal, I really really love them!

  • @objectionableconform
    @objectionableconform 7 лет назад +9

    voice makes my heart explode

  • @romy3449
    @romy3449 3 года назад

    I feel like crying or something when looking at this. It's so beautiful.

  • @cgomezny153
    @cgomezny153 7 месяцев назад

    Ahhh.... so many memories, so many emotional times I've had listening to the Xx. I hope she remembers when she listens to them too. ❤❤

  • @EvanKnight1
    @EvanKnight1 11 лет назад +3

    I just can't believe how good this sounds.

  • @022rty
    @022rty 2 года назад

    Incredible duet these two

  • @dastafford
    @dastafford 10 лет назад +3

    I love her voice. Beautiful.

  • @Casp0r
    @Casp0r 7 лет назад

    Such a peaceful and magic art they both do! Awesome gig
    2:55 "~Oh so sad! ;( have to wipe away that tear~"

  • @JiMpAgE69
    @JiMpAgE69 11 лет назад +1

    the description on this video is the best written description i've ever read
    also the xx are incredible, its almost haunting

  • @jeremybuenaventura808
    @jeremybuenaventura808 9 лет назад +2

    They're voices are so amazing :)

  • @Raincloud2332
    @Raincloud2332 11 лет назад +2

    Honestly my favorite band. They're so talented i wish they got the recognition they deserve.

  • @BarryZeUnicorn
    @BarryZeUnicorn 11 лет назад +1

    they are perfect
    just perfect

  • @PabloZayas
    @PabloZayas 11 лет назад

    Amazing performance. I was lucky to see them live at lollapalooza, and yea, they are quality off and on the studio. I love their music.

  • @jpvanstaden2595
    @jpvanstaden2595 5 лет назад

    Beautiful beautiful. My favourite band ever. Definitely in my top 5

  • @andreyderisio4390
    @andreyderisio4390 8 лет назад +3

    Beautiful Voice!

  • @stephlamet
    @stephlamet 11 лет назад

    Ugh omg they're both so perfect

  • @glasspretender
    @glasspretender 9 лет назад +24

    The bass was too low during the first song and both of them improvised around that fact. They are too cool😎

  • @fernandatralala
    @fernandatralala 11 лет назад

    They both have very unique voices. I loved it!

  • @brianjgilbert
    @brianjgilbert 11 лет назад +1

    Wow. amazing vocals and minimalist sounds. XX rocks!

  • @dekobian
    @dekobian 11 лет назад +2

    I don't always watch NPR Tiny Desk Concert videos, but when I do, I prefer xx.

  • @desiresur8
    @desiresur8 11 лет назад

    i would love to hear their music live. great music guys, thanks

  • @seleruial
    @seleruial 11 лет назад

    I can only hold my breath.
    Thank you, guys!

  • @sheilajune9677
    @sheilajune9677 6 месяцев назад +1

    A masterpiece 🎵🧡🎶 so soulful and ill never get tired of their music . This music touches me in a way I cannot explain. Takes me to another time and place💜 this gave me chills. These two songs Angels and Sunset are some of my favorites by xx 🎵🧡🫶 im so in love their music ❤ their voices are sooooo beautiful and ethereal . I 1st stumbled upon their music by accidentally hearing Angels in the car one day and ever since i always go back to their music 🎶 i was about 17 or 18 when i discovered their amazing music
    The song "Angels" 🧡🪽💕❤️‍🔥🫶🌹👏☺️☀️🎵 was the very 1st song i ever heard by them and fell in love with their music ever since.
    Sunset 🧡🫶 2:53 sunset is one of my top favorites its sooo good
    " i saw you again it felt like we had never met its like the sunset in your eyes..
    What have you done with the one I love?
    When i look into your eyes i see no surprise
    I always thought it was a shame that we had to play these games it felt like you really knew me now its like you see through me 🎶🌌💛💖
    When i see you again stay one step away..
    When i see you again and im greeted as a friend it is understood that we did all we could
    I always thought it was sad that we act like strangers
    After all that we had we act like we had never met" 😍 their music touches me in a way no other music ever has. Their music is so unique 🔥🥺 and I love that. I will never get tired of listening to their music. Their voices are out of this world - ethereal ✨️ and sooo lovely to listen to

  • @theozone9156
    @theozone9156 3 месяца назад

    Vulnerability is such a beautiful thing. Long live the xx ❤️❤️❤️

  • @stevecroc123noxbmx3
    @stevecroc123noxbmx3 5 лет назад

    No words to explain this feeling, just.......,
    Intensely hanging onto every breath, every word, every note

  • @todddavis240
    @todddavis240 11 лет назад

    Love love love The xx, Hauntingly beautiful sullen verb. Really Awesome xx. Peace

  • @scottshaw8864
    @scottshaw8864 4 года назад

    I've listened to this so many times.

  • @olivierl9429
    @olivierl9429 7 лет назад

    Truly beautiful - Thanks !

  • @illicitrans
    @illicitrans 8 лет назад +444

    that look oliver gives at 2:40 tho...

    • @Mslaralinda
      @Mslaralinda 8 лет назад +12

      Yeah these two fucked and I want in with Oliver not fair. Where is my play time.

    • @xCaLLMeGHeTTo
      @xCaLLMeGHeTTo 8 лет назад +6

      Not before I get my turn, Laura.

    • @Mslaralinda
      @Mslaralinda 8 лет назад

      +Dante, The Buffalo haha

    • @shalalahs
      @shalalahs 8 лет назад +121

      You do realize both Romy and Oliver are gay, right? xD

    • @Mslaralinda
      @Mslaralinda 8 лет назад +18

      +shalalahs so who says that having something in common ouldnt lead to anything.