And I don't mean the cheap, live-and-acoustic performances usually put on by people who can't a) sing/play properly and b) write their own songs. I mean performances where the stripped-down nature of the set allows you to better hear the song and appreciate the skills of the artist(s). I think it takes a rare type of artist to pull off this type thing--I also think this is why MTV Unplugged was such a hit in the 90s. There's something extremely alluring about seeing flawless talent laid bare. It's beautiful.
I've been listening to these things all afternoon; they go great with the weather and the lethargy that just seems to go with Sundays (and afternoons, come to think of it). Anyway, here are a couple of my favorite acoustic performances by some distinctly not-acoustic performers.
I've been listening to these things all afternoon; they go great with the weather and the lethargy that just seems to go with Sundays (and afternoons, come to think of it). Anyway, here are a couple of my favorite acoustic performances by some distinctly not-acoustic performers.
Jason Mraz is known for full-blown sets with piano, trumpets, electric guitar, percussion and backing vocals (whether done by his wingman Toca Rivera or an orchestra) but when the man decides to strip down, well wow: it makes it difficult for me to decide which I like better. Mraz has the voice of an angel--he's able to write songs that are simple and catchy but he can also go all-out melancholic and go crazy with the range when he wants to. I think this is my favorite Mraz song--also one of the saddest, if you ask me. I'm a sucker for things that explore morbid possibility.
Brian Fallon has been called the "Bruce Springsteen of our time" and The Gaslight Anthem is known for their sparkly guitar and blues-y bass riffs but man, that guy can sing. In many ways his voice is quite the opposite of Mraz--raspy and barritone where Mraz's is seamless and smooth--but they're both amazing live. Brian's voice always seems to be dripping with grief and whenever he performs live, he just brings a whole new attitude to the song that the (already spectacular) recorded version seemed to be hiding up its sleeve. Le sighhh.
This was one of the best online DVD purchases of my life--and I have downloaded/purchased a lot of DVDs. Tegan and Sara are amazing--they have the hookiest guitars, keyboards, melodies and the most amazing drumbeats but they alsopack a mean intimate performance. This performance of their song Nightwatch is my favorite, definitely. :)
What've you guys been listening to lately?
