Belle and Sebastian: Tiny Desk Concert

Bob Boilen | July 8, 2022
Now that we're back filming Tiny Desk concerts behind my desk at NPR, I get to witness that nervous energy surrounding most artists who are about to perform in an office, in daylight, with fans just a few feet away. This was surely true of the eight members of Belle and Sebastian when they kicked off their warmup with "Unnecessary Drama." That's the title of a track from the band's fabulous new album A Bit of Previous and not my description of what was about to unfold. Though I can't deny the tension.

You see, we don't amplify the singer's voice in the room, and we don't use monitor speakers. It all adds to the intimacy of the performance, but it also made it hard for Stuart Murdoch to hear himself sing. In fact, he began to question whether having an ensemble of drums, keyboards, guitars, bass, etc. was right for the Tiny Desk and considered scrapping it all in favor of him and a guitar and maybe another player. But with a little work on the overall volume of the band, some run-throughs and the creature comfort of a handheld microphone, the band from Glasgow was charming and magnificent.

Belle and Sebastian performed three songs from A Bit of Previous, its ninth album excluding two soundtracks. The band ended its delightful set with its classic tune "Judy and the Dream of Horses" from If You're Feeling Sinister, an album that's just celebrated its 25th anniversary. With questioning lyrics and youthful imagery, a guest trumpeter and a gallop in the rhythm, Belle and Sebastian gloriously made its dramatic mark at the Tiny Desk.

SET LIST
"Unnecessary Drama"
"Working Boy in New York City"
"Reclaim the Night"
"Judy and the Dream of Horses"

MUSICIANS
Stuart Murdoch: vocals, guitar
Stevie Jackson: guitar, harmonica, vocals
Bob Kildea: guitar, vocals
Richard Colburn: drums
Sarah Martin: keys, flute, recorder
Chris Geddes: keys
Dave McGowan: bass, vocals
Sarah Wilson: keys, vocals
Jason Covey: trumpet

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Director: Michael Zamora
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Editor: Michael Zamora
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Michael Zamora, Pierre Kattar, Alanté Serene
Production Assistants: Jill Britton, Joby Tanseco
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Maia Stern
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #TinyDesk #BelleAndSebastian

[reyregidormd]

When I was younger, I had a habit of buying random albums from the record store without knowing anything about the artist. B&S are not really well known in my country, so I just I picked "Fold Your Hands, Child..." because of the album cover and the name of the band, and I have never regretted it. I've since hunted other record stores (and now, online stores) of their other recordings. B&S ranks among my favorite bands of all time. Listening to this NPR mini concert brings so much joy to me.

[jeffvanderwerf]

"If You're Feeling Sinister" will forever be on my top 10 favorite albums list.

[cometome]

Harmonica man harmonica-ing so hard.

Love Belle and Sebastian, what a treat.

[MrAndywear]

I dated a girl called Judy and I'd always play Judy and the dream of horses for her.
We don't talk any more, but she crosses my mind whenever I hear the song.

[rewindbekind]

Man I forgot how much I love belle and sebastian

[topiesponja]

Listening to Belle & Sebastian reminds me of a very different myself from 15 years ago.
It’s very odd and feels very distant, but I’m glad that I still can enjoy their music in my current life version.

[stastastastastasta]

They've aged so well, they're all beautiful <3

[Padfoot]

Saw them live 4 times total, always a blast.

Listening to them is like getting a hug in music form

[chokysenge]

One of the best live performances I’ve witnessed was the day we had the worst terrorist attack here in Madrid. Belle and Sebastian was playing that evening and they did such a great job to uplift our otherwise terrible mood… we ended up dancing and having a great time. I think they felt the energy and did their best and I will always remember it.

[PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Unnecessary Drama* (2:38 / 2:49)
3:45 - *Working Boy in New York City* (7:49)
8:11 - *Reclaim the Night* (11:13 / 11:23)
13:27 - *Judy and the Dream of Horses* (16:56)
[17:10 - Tiny Desk team]

[gwidjipleisto]

Well, we're all at our 50's now..
30 years with your folks !!!
It's been great.

[SiretEster]

I was obssesed with them in the late 90's, I would listen to If you are feeling Sinester in constant replay. I was depressed and lonely but B&S brought lot of joy. Didnt listen in years until i saw them at KEXP recently. Made me listen the album again, didnt forget a single lyric or melody! So many memories💕

[malvoduma]

Arrived in this country as a 14 year old lad from Zimbabwe(new culture). Did work experience in year 11 and my mentor would have this band on repeat (Boy with the Arab strap album)👏🏾. I’m now 32 jelled in the British 🇬🇧 culture and grateful 🥹. Pure nostalgia ❤

[realessence]

Belle and Sebastian will always have a special place in my heart. They remind me of childhood summer days. And Judy and the Dream of Horses remains one of my favourites.

[sfrancis]

I’ve loved B&S since finding Tigermilk when I was 16. I would tediously use dial up AOL to learn any detail I could find about this elusive band.

Fast forward twenty five years and my husband and jaded teenagers tell Alexa to “shuffle songs by B&S” every weeknight when I’m making dinner. B&S always cheers us up after a day of chaos! Our household favorite! 🙌🏻

[lesabri]

My favorite band in the early 2000, we were obsessed with them, like obsessed!

[Segasocks]

I've loved Belle and Sebastian since the early 90's and they sound incredible here!

[arodarte]

I first saw them at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. Bright Eyes opened for them. They were all amazing! What a beautiful memory!

[samm]

Love how on some of their songs throughout their whole discography, they must have been like hmm what should Stevie do? Rip harmonica so hard through the whole song? YES

[Dominiquetd]

I always come back to Belle and Sebastian! Love them! ❤️