Most artists promote their latest projects with TV performances, one-off gigs and special engagements. The best results often come from radio sessions, especially when more adventurous artists are paired with independent or under-the-radar radio programmers. Air, for example, have a number of outstanding radio sessions under their belt, including notable sets for the BBC and KCRW (check out the radically reworked "Sexy Boy" for proof). Goldfrapp and Róisín Murphy also have countless memorable radio performances behind them. I've included some notable downtempo takes here, including non-album Goldfrapp track "Sartorius" and excellent stripped-back acoustic versions of Róisín Murphy's two most recent singles. The Cardigans give similarly excellent laid-back reinterpretations on "Erase/Rewind" and a country-flavored cover of Black Sabbath's "Changes." Radiohead are well represented with Thom Yorke's solo performances of "The Clock" and "Videotape," and covered to amazing effect by The Flaming Lips ("Knives Out"). Last, but of course not least, Vampire Weekend give a nice straight-up live performance of album standout "Mansard Roof" on KEXP. Other than blogs, keep an eye out on radio station websites like KCRW, KEXP and the BBC for more great sessions (the podcasts on iTunes for these stations are also definitely essential).Air, "Sexy Boy" (Live BBC 1998) [YSI]
Goldfrapp, "Clowns" (Live on 4Music Special) [YSI]
Goldfrapp, "Sartorius" (Live on KCRW 2001) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "You Know Me Better" (Live on De Laatste Show) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "Let Me Know" (Live Acoustic on Music Control) [YSI]
The Cardigans, "Erase/Rewind" (Live on KCRW 2004) [YSI]
The Cardigans, "Changes" (BBC Radio 2 Session) [YSI]
Radiohead, "Videotape" (Thom Yorke live on From The Basement) [YSI]
Thom Yorke, "The Clock" (Live on KCRW) [YSI]
The Flaming Lips, "Knives Out" (Radiohead Cover) (Live on KCRW) [YSI]
Vampire Weekend, "Mansard Roof" (Live on KEXP) [YSI]
***Note: Links removed***
Save to del.icio.us!
Posts
4 comments:
Your love of Roisin makes me keep coming back to your blog. You really helped me rediscover Moloko in a fresh way. Keep up the amazing work—you are truly one of a kind.
Can I lend a critical ear to some of those tracks?
Firstly, that version of Sexy Boy was ok, but if they'd tried that when I saw them live (depriving the crowd of that bassline), they would probably have been booed off. They had enough of a job keeping the crowd from talking amongst themselves as it was.
Second, I may be the only person in the world that thinks Radiohead are incredibly boring, but for me the fact that not even the mighty Flaming Lips (who are massive Radiohead fans) can make it interesting is proof that I'm right.
Third, that Cardigans cover of Changes isn't bad. It certainly makes a mockery of the cover Ozzy himself did with his daughter.
Thanks for the selection, and sorry if I come across as mostly negative.
liked hearing stuff i hadnt before, you got anymore intersting Goldfrapp songs? suprised me to hear this one. oh and love the blog
You know Me Better is my most favourite track from Overpowered - and the bare bones acoustic version you have on here just goes to show that Roisin definitely has the WOW factor even without the blips and bleeps going on. There's a rather cool interview with Roisin at www.electroqueer.com, suggest you might find an interesting read too.
Post a Comment