It's the venue you've never heard of, but all of your favorite artists have performed at: NPR's Tiny Desk Concert. Part of NPR's All Songs Considered, solo singers and big bands alike crowd around the desk of Bob Boilen, the host and creator of the series. With almost 10 years' worth of shows to choose from, check out some of our top picks below.
T–Pain
"This is weird as hell for me," T–Pain admits as he introduces his set. We're used to hearing his chart–dominating voice altered by auto–tune, so yeah, it's a little weird for us too. The raw, sultry vocals of an acoustic version of "Buy U A Drank" will have you totally convinced of T–Pain's true talent.
Listen to this when: You want to relive the glory of the Obama White House.
John Legend
Chrissy Teigen's husband, Grammy– and Oscar–winning singer, and, oh yeah, Penn alum John Legend kills it with his virtuosic piano performance and luxurious, sweet caramel vocals.
Listen to this when: You want to reminisce about D.R.A.M's fall concert at Penn; you need a pick me up in the form up a crooning serenade.
The xx
Your fave indie duo elevates the atmosphere of the NPR office into the other worldly realm that they seem to eternally occupy. While other artists deliver a pared–down take on their hits, The xx's live ethereal sound is nearly identical to the studio recording, a phenomenon in and of itself.
Listen to this when: You want to be transported up and away from your daily, earthly troubles.
Adele
We're used to seeing Adele grace the grandest stages, including most recently at the Grammy's. She's just as at home in a smaller setting, however, as she is in front of large crowds. Is this how she sounds in the shower?
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