Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Tiny Desk Concert

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Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Tiny Desk Concert

Рет қаралды 708,733

Жыл бұрын

Bobby Carter | June 2, 2023
Unknown Mortal Orchestra's Tiny Desk concert was more of a family affair than lead singer, Ruban Nielson, revealed during his band introductions. His father, jazz musician Chris Nielson, has been on tour with them to support the band's latest album, V. During the band's live show back in April at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., he casually drifted on stage, played the saxophone for a song or two, then drifted back off. Following that performance, Chris had travel plans that would've prevented him from making it to NPR. I begged them to reconsider the routing and they obliged. Chris, sax in tow, stayed put for the entire set along with Kody Nielson on drums rounding out the Nielson trio. Keyboard player Christian Li and longtime UMO member Jacob Portrait on bass make up the current roster.
The setlist leaned right into UMO's incalculability. The band decided to forgo material from V to play songs from the first couple of albums, a rare move at the Desk that speaks to the strength of UMO's catalog. The opening number, "From the Sun," lacked the density of the recorded version but punched way harder. Ruban and the gang then shifted into a clever medley of oldies from II, Multi-Love and their self-titled debut.
SET LIST
"From the Sun"
"Thought Ballune"
"Little Blu House"
"Necessary Evil"
"Monki"
MUSICIANS
Ruban Nielson: vocals, guitar
Christian Li: keys, vocals
Jacob Portrait: vocals, bass
Kody Nielson: vocals, drums
Chris Nielson: saxophone
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Sofia Seidel, Estefania Mitre
Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Kara Frame, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #unknownmortalorchestra

Пікірлер: 712

@nprmusic Жыл бұрын

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

@forawhileful Жыл бұрын

I love how his brother plays drums and his dad plays sax. It's a family band!

@Kosmo999 Жыл бұрын

Kody Neilson is an insane hero in his own right. Mint chicks will always be NZ best band. and Kody will always be the greatest front man in NZ music history.

@liberateyourslack Жыл бұрын

@@Kosmo999 I was at a Shihad concert at AUT, maybe a year or two after their Aotea Square triumph, and Mint Chicks absolutely wiped the floor with them as a support act. Kody was an absolute behemoth of a front man and Jon Toogood had nothing to answer with - it was a real pass of the baton moment. Such a shame that the Mint Chicks fire burned out so quickly but it's also heartening to see Kody on the stool here, things are obviously in a better place.

@carbss Жыл бұрын

@@Kosmo999 The Mint Chicks forever!!!!

@RushtyShpoon Жыл бұрын

Did not know that ! Unreal

@jonathanboswell2336 Жыл бұрын

Omg. I’m getting my Dad on sax yesterday.

@oscart3291 Жыл бұрын

Rubin Nielson may be the most underrated guitarist in rock today. Got such a unique style.

@stevecassidyguitar Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more. Seen them live in Glasgow last night. Ruban blew my mind - incredible player 😎👌

@booter5956 Жыл бұрын

Ruban*

@blazingday8596 Жыл бұрын

@@stevecassidyguitar mate.... agree...saw them in Bristol a few weeks ago.....life changing.........

@ryguy5555555555 9 ай бұрын

1000% the parts / style is crazy enough but tbh he might have the most impressive / unique / consistent tone I’ve ever heard live

@brintparks4895 8 ай бұрын

Mr. Song Writer !!! aye

@n3bul3x Жыл бұрын

This Tiny Desk took way too long to happen, but I am so thankful that it did.

@OnDaBeatBoy Жыл бұрын

^^^

@tnaus200 Жыл бұрын

For sure

@jackdonegan2563 Жыл бұрын

Right I seen that date was was like what 1 month ago!!!!

@pervertedalchemist9944 Жыл бұрын

This has been my favorite band within the last decade. I have yet to hear a bad album from Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

@jalocin Жыл бұрын

Word!

@Azucarr.Breeena-XoXo Жыл бұрын

Just discovered your music and I'm absolutely in love !!!!! This is really music, live band is EVERYYTHINGGG

@amorejetaime5924 Жыл бұрын

but i love you

@sexybrainpls Жыл бұрын

yesss same ive never been so excited to see a notification from youtube 😫

@twobirdsstonedatonce Жыл бұрын

I feel the same way as long as I pretend that Multi-Love doesn't exist lol

@kaineharington1382 Жыл бұрын

Incredible flex to make an appearance promoting the likely album of the year and not play any songs off it. Go off boys, love the deep cuts and medleys! just having fun with it

@Ethan54136 Жыл бұрын

For me, the new album from Half Moon Run has this beat but this album from UMO is fantastic and easily a top contender. I won't say anything too hard pressed yet though since time can sometimes change me perspective on an album and there's still plenty of months left in the year.

@stevenbard8026 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I wish all bands understood npr isn't about promoting new albums.

@ryanwaege7251 11 ай бұрын

Envy Ruban's confidence like hey guys just another gig we UMO *commence the jam*

@mattyzucks Жыл бұрын

KZfaq is great because you can be only a minute into a video like this and it will cut to an ad in the middle of a song. It's so cool, I love seeing songs interrupted by ads

@grizzyb4149 Жыл бұрын

Then pay for the service.

@jamiecaturani Жыл бұрын

Get premium?

@grizzyb4149 Жыл бұрын

Tiny Desk would not have the platform that they do if not for KZfaq. Marketers and Ad people would not have a route to spread lies if people stopped cheaping out and expecting free service. All of the algorithms are geared towards manipulation of the user. Stop allowing yourself to be manipulated. You have an option not to expose yourself to the ads so either take it or stop shaking your fist at a cloud.

@colesisler582 Жыл бұрын

We live in a capitalist society. If you just want things your way, then you should either 1. Deal with it or 2. Spend the minimal amount of money required to rectify that complaint.

@aldenchan8324 Жыл бұрын

adblock homie

@benjamink.5266 Жыл бұрын

The harmonies on Necessary Evil are something else. Such a wonderful piece of songwriting.

@StolenAlias Жыл бұрын

His dad on the sax (I think sax) is absolutely killing it. Brings something entirely new to the song. Love it.

@TheirIAre Жыл бұрын

It's soooo good

@Jacquelineannbowler Жыл бұрын

Agreed. I hear so much Stevie Wonder in it!

@michaelwilhelm7097 Жыл бұрын

My memory say it is inspiration from "Yes", bat it is so match better wiht sax...

@robtuwhare1632 6 ай бұрын

funky

@steven777YT Жыл бұрын

0:00 From The Sun 4:55 Thought Ballune 10:04 Necessary Evil 12:56 Monki

@clintjayphotography4734 Жыл бұрын

No songs from the new album V 😢

@apagano Жыл бұрын

From The Sun / Secret Xtians

@apagano Жыл бұрын

Thought Ballune / Little Blu House

@apagano Жыл бұрын

Tricking to list tracks I'm seeing now... as they weave in and out of songs.. like once Monki starts.. he goes BACK to Necessary Evil again for a revisit / guitar solo. Pretty impressive set.

@mikebeer29 Жыл бұрын

@@clintjayphotography4734 I like how they threw in the section from Secret Xtians in the middle of From the Sun

@henrym6411 Жыл бұрын

That seamless transition from Thought Ballune to Necessary Evil was sick!

@unctlk Жыл бұрын

Then monki back to necessary evil 🤌 chefs kiss

@db4035 Жыл бұрын

Went from Little Blu House to Necessary Evil.

@tnaus200 Жыл бұрын

This live version incredibly sounds better than their studio album version

@bsppirate Жыл бұрын

It's always amazing when a band puts their set together for what they're playing for. I just imagine all of them rehearsing and going "'okay, we need to nail these transitions for the tiny desk gig show''

@evanpb Жыл бұрын

@@db4035 technically went from thought ballune into little blu house, back into thought ballune then into necessary evil.

@jonathanneumann95 Жыл бұрын

This. This is truly a gift to any and every UMO fan that has been with them through the years. The older catalog pulls and transitions. The sheer fact that we get all three Nielson’s and Jake, Christian respectively. Thank you Tiny Desk ❤️‍🔥

@GOLFBALLUHU Жыл бұрын

I am 52 and heard almost everything since 1981..starting with the cure These days this band is to me the most inspiring one ....just love them

@mot00rzysta 7 ай бұрын

I thought quite the same in July last year when I discovered King Gizzard And The Wizard Lizard. A month later I travelled all the way from Amsterdam to Pukkelpop, Belgium to see them live. They touch so many rock styles and have so many albums released already that you surely could find something for yourself. Strongly recommending.

@maccagrabme 5 ай бұрын

What about the 70s?

@NoiseThatLaughs Жыл бұрын

I love hearing bands do their old music, but in the style and vibe of their new stuff.

@lunabear Жыл бұрын

What a perfect start to a Friday morning. Thank you NPR, thank you UMO.

@RiverDawson Жыл бұрын

Ruben is an amazing guitarist, loved seeing this tiny desk pop up in my feed.

@TwinSparx3005 Жыл бұрын

First time listening to them and geez what have I been missing! Thanks NPR for sharing them. I’ve got some listening to catch up on now!

@pillsywillsy717 Жыл бұрын

Listen to them on vinyl with headphones

@elijahmerrill9045 Жыл бұрын

My favs are Hunnybee and That Life.

@oliverram3243 Жыл бұрын

Love Ruben and UMO. Such talent. They were amazing live.

@ericfoster5267 Жыл бұрын

+1, amazing live show!

@Peacefrogg Жыл бұрын

I’ve been waiting for 10+ yrs to hear them live. If all goes well, this time next week, i will finally get my chance. Looking forward to bks festival!

@siggymaybe Жыл бұрын

got to see them live the other day and it was honestly the best gig ive been to in years

@user-gj1by4os1q 11 ай бұрын

I’m seeing them next weekend and I can’t wait!

@Swamp_Palace Жыл бұрын

So happy to see them on here. The genius of UMO is very underrated

@PoppaDocRocks Жыл бұрын

Comment number 3. The lounge stripped down feel of his original versions, with bursts of fuzz, and brass, the song interplay, the unexpected track list, the family, down to the dang all black with white instruments, this is so brilliant. I’ve watched this a dozen times already.

@8lak3_ Жыл бұрын

I swear this tiny desk concert was way too short, umo has remained my favorite band for the last decade and i loved every second of this

@PoppaDocRocks Жыл бұрын

Omg. What a performance. So in sync, weaving in and out of tracks. Wow! Just so in the groove, feeling it and it sounds amazing.

@Vanilla_Sun Жыл бұрын

AMAZING! Dad on sax really making those melody’s special ❤

@johnramiro9079 Жыл бұрын

Saw them at the crystal ballroom a few months ago, hands down one of the best shows I’ve been to in my whole life. If they come to your city don’t miss them!!!

@giuliafiaoni1562 Жыл бұрын

I was there too! It was life changing.

@greatmindsthinkalike1378 Жыл бұрын

Never heard of this group, love the guitar and the rhythm of the whole group.

@BassLineProductionsI Жыл бұрын

They're fantastic

@olbruhgamle9307 Жыл бұрын

Saw Kody and Ruban in Hamilton NZ when I was 19 back in 2008. One of the best gigs I remeber from my teenage years and I still have my ticket stub. The Mint Chick's, Opossom, Silicon, UMO. Everything they do is golden!

@quasiotter 10 ай бұрын

i'm extremely jealous you got to see opossom. electric hawaii is high in my list

@robertjr8474 Жыл бұрын

that compressor on Ruban's guitar is COMPRESSING

@Dimitar_Tsanev Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad this comment exists because I was thinking this during the whole set... Sounds cool tho...

@nicholasgennuso3454 Жыл бұрын

Soooooooo cool

@sugarrrr Жыл бұрын

So many songs from the self-titled album, thank you so much for it

@creatorofallthings2801 Жыл бұрын

My favourite band thank you for bringing them❤

@StolenAlias Жыл бұрын

They are amazing.

@jacobhancock4119 Жыл бұрын

It feels good when your favorite band does a Tiny Desk Concert. :)

@Circleofmany Жыл бұрын

Pulled this up, looked at this mans face and knew straight away that he was a Kiwi. I love New Zealand.

@drewlosthisaccount Жыл бұрын

another great artist and set joining the tiny desk zeitgeist, excellent mix as always 👍🏻

@authoroftheaccident Жыл бұрын

Amazing how Ruban is just casually chewing gum while singing and playing

@diogodores1423 Жыл бұрын

A lot of singers do that to keep their throat moist, it lowers the probability that your voice would fail mid performance. Dave Grohl also does it.

@authoroftheaccident Жыл бұрын

@@diogodores1423 Ah, I see. Didn't know that

@charlikoppinger Жыл бұрын

My favorite band in the world and I LOOOOOVE that they've been playing Little Blu House

@0903craig Жыл бұрын

This band live is the greatest I’ve ever seen before, so so good

@AndreaHernandez-mh9hq Жыл бұрын

Agree

@SoSillyWilly26 Жыл бұрын

Randomly found this group about two months ago, went through their whole catalogue and immediately fell in love! Hunnybee and Everybody Acts Crazy Nowadays are my top two atm.

@fernando.tomina Жыл бұрын

Watched them live in Brazil in 2016. Possibly the best concert I've ever been to.

@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN 8 ай бұрын

2015 for me, FYF Fest in Los Angeles. I agree

@mitya_music Жыл бұрын

wow what a beautiful UMO classics medley with all the family on board. can't wait to see them live in Paris in two weeks 🥶

@MathewTizard Жыл бұрын

UMO are the best!

@maianichole Жыл бұрын

Necessary evil was the cherry on top that I wasn’t expecting, I will now be listening on repeat until further notice 😭

@Flavita013 9 ай бұрын

Same my friend, same ❤

@blenjamin Жыл бұрын

Unexpected but brilliant!

@gabriellperry Жыл бұрын

What’s unexpected?

@meetrus Жыл бұрын

Finally my boy Ruben getting some respect! ❤

@eldritchfloatie7196 Жыл бұрын

Wow, I was listening to them in a hammock in the sun a few hours ago, I had just found out they had released a new album in 2023. Super talented and amazing, I love them!

@maryannappiagyei4277 Жыл бұрын

Thank you much npr tiny desk. Come on Unknown Mortal Orchestra on tiny desk. Best concert so far this year

@vampatron Жыл бұрын

Amazing! I’m so glad that I just discovered them. Every time one of their songs would play on my random discovery mix while I was cooking I had to stop and check to see whose song it was and I’m like, “well, I guess this is my new fav band now”

@mot00rzysta Жыл бұрын

Thought Ballune was one of the first songs that made me fall in love in UMO sound. I hope I get to hear this one live someday. Excellent choice of songs and segues here btw. Long live UMO !

@dissanti Жыл бұрын

Thanks NPR por this timeless masterpiece 🙏🏽

@Golp Жыл бұрын

Que barbaridad de banda! Qué ilusión poder escuchar un Tiny Desk Concert de UMO. Muchas gracias por vuestra música!

@golddragon51296 Жыл бұрын

One of my absolute faves. I highly HIGHLY recommend seeing them live. Their improv and fusing of tracks is insane live.

@ronkopald Жыл бұрын

One of the greatest rock bands right now. So unique and complex. Dude has such weird lines.

@lewt525 Жыл бұрын

Ah and now, thankfully and finally, we have npr tiny desk level production audio for umo live versions to soundtrack our lives to for the new years til their next tour date in our town. Thank you all so.!

@taylorsheeran44 Жыл бұрын

One of my all time fav bands. Every song is an earworm. ^_^

@zipho Жыл бұрын

i’m so glad they finally have a tiny desk

@billclemons5593 Жыл бұрын

Awesome! I wanted to hear my favorites! “FADED IN THE MORNING TIME” and “LAYLA”AWESOME TINY DESK NON THE LESS! GREAT BAND!!

@PaperClipFlip Жыл бұрын

Just saw these guys live in London a couple of days before! Just when I thought my week couldn't get any better...this pops up!! 😃

@elnidomusic Жыл бұрын

Awesome !! my new Tiny Desk favourite, thank you !!!

@maryannappiagyei4277 Жыл бұрын

Too me on my list.

@zion8236 Жыл бұрын

UMO!!! Yesssssssss, I love his voice, and the music is Awesome!! I saw them at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC years ago, and I bought their record. 🙌🏽💚🎉

@juliusd.2541 Жыл бұрын

These versions of their early work is really hitting me in the feels. I remember seeing them opening for Portugal. the Man yeeeaaars ago and was blown away. I recall thinking Ruben was shooting riff lasers for Ffunny Ffriends because he used to play w his guitar much higher on his chest. After the show, I had forgotten their name and scoured MYSPACE for them all night until I found them. Incredible to see how much amazing music they still make to this day.

@tetrahedronica Жыл бұрын

wow. was already a big fan of their studio work but had never heard them live and wasn't sure what to expect. absolute goosebumps.

@Eldelastrufas Жыл бұрын

One of the best, most musically complete band around

@jaywood5831 11 ай бұрын

Little blu house has always been one of my favorites so hearing it like this was such a treat. What a great performance overall

@db4035 Жыл бұрын

Beautifully arranged set. Not sure why they didn't include anything from the new album though. Would have liked to hear "The Garden" but still great that they did a Tiny Desk. First saw them in Dublin around 2013 i think it was. Love them!

@Daniel-RunToRoyal Жыл бұрын

These dudes are criminally underrated!! 🔥 🔥 🔥

@tomjuno Жыл бұрын

I’m not sure rock music in a confined space can be delivered any better than this. The mix is also special. What a great band, Ruben is pure talent.

@kensmechanicalaffair Жыл бұрын

These guys are familiar with finesse.

@courtney474 Жыл бұрын

I am fond of this band been humming along for days now and have had these guys stuck in my head ever since I first heard them

@liamjp99 Жыл бұрын

Saw them at Wayhome Festival in Ontario and they were easily one of the best performances that weekend, and I totally wasn’t expecting Ruben’s music to translate well to a live performance, but boy was I wrong, I like them even better live. And it was such a seamless set; so chill, jazzy, funky. They really played as one tight single unit, it was so together, I loved every minute of it. ❤️

@ByDrano Жыл бұрын

No way they played Monki, finally getting the love it deserves.

@andrewpantalones Жыл бұрын

Truly underrated.

@RTFosmark Жыл бұрын

I feel like both Monki and Hunnybee deserve way more recognition for the sheer grooves.

@dardarfisher Жыл бұрын

One of the best live shows I've ever seen. Don't miss em. They turned up and turned out this tiny desk.

@spicyboyzshow Жыл бұрын

Fire!!!! 💥 I saw them at Bonnaroo in 2019. Such a solid group

@daniguerrero.8 Жыл бұрын

los admiro tanto y me hacen sentir tantas cosas con sus canciones! que felicidad ver su tiny desk en este momento en mi vida. les amo y deseo verles algún día.

@adamsrober Жыл бұрын

I can't stop watching this... UMO killed it! This has renewed my faith in NPR Tiny Desk

@JustJayMusic08 Жыл бұрын

I love how the singing is secondary to the music.

@huntermanchuck6560 Жыл бұрын

See them live people, Ruban is an incredible musician

@mytoemytoe 11 ай бұрын

They just dropped 'Secret Xtians' into the jam portion of 'From the Sun' like it was nothing. One of the best bands in the world

@MintyFresh799 9 ай бұрын

Seems like most people didn't notice this at all. Great addition to From the Sun.

@saintc7790 Жыл бұрын

Okay!!! Man, I haven’t listened to these dudes since college. Good one!

@nevernothungover 24 күн бұрын

one of the best bands i’ve found this year! these guys are so cool

@GeoffTheWizard Жыл бұрын

Was hoping to see some new songs but I'm quite happy with the old school medleys❤

@Nuxunumo Жыл бұрын

I am vibing to this HARD. Happy Friday everyone you did great this week

@Corilla72 6 ай бұрын

I’m just now hearing the Beatles influence in a lot of Ruben’s approach to writing and melody. I couldn’t figure out what it was that drew me towards a lot of UMO music

@kijetesantakalu Жыл бұрын

I used to listen to them SO MUCH. Time flies.

@Chrit209 Жыл бұрын

Found this band a few years ago and it's been one of my favorite consistent gems ever since. No one I've put on has come back w complaints, so happy to see them here

@Five2nd Жыл бұрын

The first song was so good, I clapped when it was done. Alone. In my living room. I clapped.

@adrianschamberger6679 Жыл бұрын

Chris is the bomb. Digging the OG medleys!

@ultragukuss1325 Жыл бұрын

This music is just unique. When i first heard it i was so blown away and still am. To hear it played live and sounding that good means everything!

@TheDrewDella Жыл бұрын

They opened with the song that got me into them!!! Classic❤

@rupikakhere9040 Жыл бұрын

Makes it to the best ever NPR concerts - so brilliant!

@mattytullos8766 11 ай бұрын

From the sun reminds me of 60's stuff. Kinks, Small Faces etc! 👌

@JosBlomsma Жыл бұрын

It's nice how the songs hold up live as well. Very good!

@pushingdaisys7265 Жыл бұрын

Good times with umo ❤

@eliana1025 Жыл бұрын

I love them!! Grateful I was able to see them live in Washington DC years ago!!

@andstr4150 Жыл бұрын

saw them a few weeks ago in philly. Waited 10 years to finally see them and they killed. One of the best shows i've been to

@igortakesabride1139 Жыл бұрын

Could this be Generation X's Steely Dan? Holy moly they sound great, regardless of that poor comparison!

@theonlycaamz Жыл бұрын

wouldn't steely dan be generation x's steely Dan?

@beatlebum7057 Жыл бұрын

Naw, UMO is after Gen X.

@CubensisRecords Жыл бұрын

@@beatlebum7057 They aint millenials!

@beatlebum7057 Жыл бұрын

@@CubensisRecords as far as their age, yes they barely fit into the Gen X category, but their first album didn't come out until 2011, and well past the point that Gen X can claim as theirs.

@igortakesabride1139 Жыл бұрын

@@theonlycaamz no. They wouldnt. They are deeply in the boomer era.

@bluebicycleclub Жыл бұрын

Que feeling que tocaran canciones de sus anteriores discos, en verdad merecían tener su tiny desk no importa con años de retraso

@rdslsmusic Жыл бұрын

muy feeling, aunque realmente esperaba oír That life D:

@MattieCooper10000 5 ай бұрын

Pure Greatness! Rubin is an amazing singer, songwriter and guitarist!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

@nirvanaromero5086 8 ай бұрын

Los mire apenas en el corona capital, que hermosura. Ademas de todas las bandas que vi fue la unica que presentaron a sus integrantes ❤

@carlosramirodorado1188 8 ай бұрын

estuvo muy cabrón!

@javierlazo406 Жыл бұрын

Ruben's dad has a FRANK ZAPPA shirt 🤩!!!

@jaedi1396 Жыл бұрын

Omggg just watched Uncle Charlie and now one of my favourite ever bands, today is lit, thank you everybody ❤

@Gramercy_Stiffs Жыл бұрын

10/10 mix

@tnaus200 Жыл бұрын

Amazing vibes. What a beautiful voice Ruban has.

@jeffl4896 11 ай бұрын

Found UMO from the Free Nationals Tiny Desk when they mentioned them as a band they collaborated with…found “Hunnybee” first now I’m hooked! Great job UMO and Tiny Desk!