The xx: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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  • čas přidán 10. 02. 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
  • Hudba

Komentáře • 715

  • @Space-Glitter
    @Space-Glitter Před 9 měsíci +48

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

  • @GoldEighteen
    @GoldEighteen Před 7 lety +271

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

  • @Onedirection119897
    @Onedirection119897 Před 9 lety +604

    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 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +1

      Absolutely agree!

  • @MrAtheismo
    @MrAtheismo Před 3 lety +41

    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.

  • @k-isfor-kristina
    @k-isfor-kristina Před 5 lety +201

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

    • @JustCrowe1
      @JustCrowe1 Před 3 lety +9

      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 Před 3 lety +3

      It did not sound like a tiny desk at first haha

  • @missmyoldhandle24
    @missmyoldhandle24 Před 11 lety +36

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

  • @zakonodavac
    @zakonodavac Před 9 lety +326

    They sound just like on track ...

    • @abdullabdulla4075
      @abdullabdulla4075 Před 5 lety

      zakonodavac ن😦😕😉😆😅😡😑😦🚱♈♌♈سسط

    • @abdullabdulla4075
      @abdullabdulla4075 Před 5 lety

      zakonodavac طقظجفطج😃😐

    • @alexesteves6013
      @alexesteves6013 Před 3 lety +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

  • @BonhamsBongo
    @BonhamsBongo Před 7 lety +294

    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.

  • @parshan08
    @parshan08 Před 9 lety +115

    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.

  • @MrJERRY551
    @MrJERRY551 Před 11 lety +250

    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 Před rokem +9

      The spaces between notes are masterful

    • @deanthornby2026
      @deanthornby2026 Před rokem +7

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

    • @deanthornby2026
      @deanthornby2026 Před rokem +1

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

    • @deanthornby2026
      @deanthornby2026 Před rokem +1

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

    • @KayGeee86
      @KayGeee86 Před rokem +1

      It's all about emotions

  • @fernfernisfernie
    @fernfernisfernie Před 9 lety +472

    Gosh her voice is just perfection

  • @BuzziMuzzi
    @BuzziMuzzi Před 9 lety +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.

  • @RBlur
    @RBlur Před 9 lety +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 Před 4 lety +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 Před 3 lety +2

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

  • @SilentC0sm0s
    @SilentC0sm0s Před 9 lety +97

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

    • @squallleonhart3061
      @squallleonhart3061 Před 9 lety

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

    • @SilentC0sm0s
      @SilentC0sm0s Před 9 lety

      Squall Leonhart especially Squall has alot of feelings :P

    • @xXBambiHuntXx
      @xXBambiHuntXx Před 9 lety

      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 Před 5 lety +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.

  • @mrss_foster
    @mrss_foster Před 8 lety +721

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

    • @danielasouza6535
      @danielasouza6535 Před 8 lety

      Ft

    • @mrss_foster
      @mrss_foster Před 8 lety

      daniela souza?

    • @joeyhorror4749
      @joeyhorror4749 Před 7 lety +4

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

    • @origamigek
      @origamigek Před 7 lety +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 Před 7 lety +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.

  • @blairstevenson6203
    @blairstevenson6203 Před rokem +7

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

  • @ikeownscharizards
    @ikeownscharizards Před 8 lety +74

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

  • @aliciamartinez3001
    @aliciamartinez3001 Před 2 lety +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 Před 11 lety +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...

  • @masonshappley122
    @masonshappley122 Před 7 lety +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

  • @acadiasummons5178
    @acadiasummons5178 Před 7 lety +62

    this makes me feel real

  • @indecisiveloser
    @indecisiveloser Před 9 lety +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.

  • @wisausnk
    @wisausnk Před 2 lety +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 💚

  • @107amanda1
    @107amanda1 Před 10 lety +12

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

  • @hespedro
    @hespedro Před 3 lety +1

    7 years later this still makes me cry ily xx

  • @DearReaderReadAloud
    @DearReaderReadAloud Před 7 lety +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.

  • @samanthagonzalez5475
    @samanthagonzalez5475 Před 6 lety +101

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

  • @vancedstone
    @vancedstone Před rokem +5

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

  • @beatsbykana
    @beatsbykana Před 4 lety +5

    his leaning the whole time is a mood

  • @KiichiIsanu
    @KiichiIsanu Před 9 lety +39

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

  • @serjoshua
    @serjoshua Před 2 lety +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

  • @xXBambiHuntXx
    @xXBambiHuntXx Před 9 lety +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.

  • @JustReadable
    @JustReadable Před 6 lety +2

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

  • @gordospeti
    @gordospeti Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @comreality
    @comreality Před 11 lety +8

    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!

  • @karaswanson3138
    @karaswanson3138 Před 8 měsíci +2

    still listening...

  • @Jsantii
    @Jsantii Před 10 lety +226

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

    • @samyavellani6111
      @samyavellani6111 Před 10 lety +4

      omg you are so right!

    • @13CL456
      @13CL456 Před 9 lety +22

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

    • @Jsantii
      @Jsantii Před 9 lety +65

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

    • @13CL456
      @13CL456 Před 9 lety +7

      spooky cupcakes Yeah, it was intense.

    • @puzz88
      @puzz88 Před 7 lety

      oh man didnt even realize that, so cute

  • @brdmusicofficial
    @brdmusicofficial Před 2 měsíci

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

  • @IngridTheViking
    @IngridTheViking Před 8 lety +29

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

  • @fridgemagnet
    @fridgemagnet Před 8 lety +134

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

  • @Kazikox
    @Kazikox Před 9 lety +11

    They really are amazing

  • @meyloose1013
    @meyloose1013 Před 4 lety +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.

  • @akarnjanakit3848
    @akarnjanakit3848 Před 8 lety +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!

  • @youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961
    @youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961 Před 10 lety +1

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

  • @remyparys9264
    @remyparys9264 Před 4 lety +3

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

  • @illicitrans
    @illicitrans Před 8 lety +445

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

    • @Mslaralinda
      @Mslaralinda Před 8 lety +12

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

    • @xCaLLMeGHeTTo
      @xCaLLMeGHeTTo Před 8 lety +6

      Not before I get my turn, Laura.

    • @Mslaralinda
      @Mslaralinda Před 8 lety

      +Dante, The Buffalo haha

    • @shalalahs
      @shalalahs Před 8 lety +121

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

    • @Mslaralinda
      @Mslaralinda Před 8 lety +18

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

  • @wendymorgan-priest7105
    @wendymorgan-priest7105 Před 10 lety +14

    This set just makes me like them even more

  • @victorcantoran9631
    @victorcantoran9631 Před 7 lety +1

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

  • @vicegirlsusa
    @vicegirlsusa Před 10 lety +1

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

  • @srduncanbyu
    @srduncanbyu Před 6 lety +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

  • @cupcaakes
    @cupcaakes Před 9 lety +8

    They literally sound like angels! Love that song btw

  • @deluds28
    @deluds28 Před 7 lety +1

    Amazing voice, so quiet and powerful

  • @bktrk3335
    @bktrk3335 Před rokem +1

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

  • @musiclife5158
    @musiclife5158 Před rokem +1

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

  • @dolcedolente
    @dolcedolente Před 11 lety +1

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

  • @todddavis240
    @todddavis240 Před 11 lety

    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

  • @gabrielmaroto18
    @gabrielmaroto18 Před 3 lety +4

    Being as in love with the xx as I am!

  • @izalman
    @izalman Před 2 lety

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

  • @martinhockings2326
    @martinhockings2326 Před 10 lety +3

    They make it look so easy, perfection...

  • @alexahallywell12
    @alexahallywell12 Před 11 lety

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

  • @pamplbaumann6259
    @pamplbaumann6259 Před 11 lety

    so beautiful voices and lyrics...

  • @022rty
    @022rty Před 2 lety

    Incredible duet these two

  • @elina5
    @elina5 Před 11 lety +1

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

  • @objectionableconform
    @objectionableconform Před 7 lety +9

    voice makes my heart explode

  • @londonsimoon
    @londonsimoon Před 8 lety +43

    Your minimalism makes me crazy

  • @Colin-kh6kp
    @Colin-kh6kp Před 9 lety +261

    need more BASSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

  • @ethanksiazek5548
    @ethanksiazek5548 Před 8 lety +1

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

  • @andreyderisio4390
    @andreyderisio4390 Před 8 lety +3

    Beautiful Voice!

  • @righthereandnow
    @righthereandnow Před 4 lety

    No words. Thank you, xx and NPR.

  • @JiMpAgE69
    @JiMpAgE69 Před 11 lety +1

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

  • @ashleym4149
    @ashleym4149 Před 10 lety +197

    Two songs? That's all we get?!?

  • @aliceflowers
    @aliceflowers Před 10 lety +24

    Her voice....

  • @EvanKnight1
    @EvanKnight1 Před 11 lety +3

    I just can't believe how good this sounds.

  • @Montano76
    @Montano76 Před 10 lety

    I like the sound of the guitars so mellow and relaxing

  • @serena6090
    @serena6090 Před 7 lety

    oh this is so unique and beautiful - i love accidentally discovering great artists on this channel

  • @brianjgilbert
    @brianjgilbert Před 11 lety +1

    Wow. amazing vocals and minimalist sounds. XX rocks!

  • @desiresur8
    @desiresur8 Před 11 lety

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

  • @wolfie498
    @wolfie498 Před 11 lety

    Just simply beautiful, i'll be back. Peace to everyone listening x

  • @scottshaw8864
    @scottshaw8864 Před 4 lety

    I've listened to this so many times.

  • @Raincloud2332
    @Raincloud2332 Před 11 lety +2

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

  • @jeremybuenaventura808
    @jeremybuenaventura808 Před 9 lety +2

    They're voices are so amazing :)

  • @fernandatralala
    @fernandatralala Před 11 lety

    They both have very unique voices. I loved it!

  • @dylanevans8829
    @dylanevans8829 Před 7 lety

    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.

  • @romy3449
    @romy3449 Před 3 lety

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

  • @romy3449
    @romy3449 Před 3 lety

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

  • @lardog112
    @lardog112 Před 10 lety +8

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

  • @ambivalent1
    @ambivalent1 Před 5 lety

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

  • @ClaudeFrank
    @ClaudeFrank Před 11 lety

    i'm so impressed with how good they sound from one mic that isn't even close to them. you guys have some good engineers!

  • @PabloZayas
    @PabloZayas Před 11 lety

    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.

  • @reallifelove
    @reallifelove Před 6 lety

    Wow, that sound! Perfection

  • @dekobian
    @dekobian Před 10 lety +2

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

  • @TheRealThrowed101
    @TheRealThrowed101 Před 11 lety

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

  • @dastafford
    @dastafford Před 10 lety +3

    I love her voice. Beautiful.

  • @stephlamet
    @stephlamet Před 11 lety

    Ugh omg they're both so perfect

  • @boonehouston
    @boonehouston Před 4 lety +2

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

  • @jenbo327
    @jenbo327 Před 11 měsíci +3

    Sigue siendo uno de mis tiny desk favoritos. ❤

  • @WhatsAnOxfordComma
    @WhatsAnOxfordComma Před 11 lety

    They are so lovely.

  • @nuriasanz60
    @nuriasanz60 Před 7 lety

    I like so much!!! From Spain, Congratulations!!!!!

  • @ChuckNorrisRulez333
    @ChuckNorrisRulez333 Před 10 lety +6

    I fucking love that guitar tone