Shovels & Rope: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Shovels & Rope's presence in the NPR Music offices attracted plenty of interest; many in attendance had long since fallen in love with the husband-and-wife duo's mix of rowdy folk-rock and rootsy balladeering. But once Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent showed up, the office quickly lost sight of the approaching performance, as the murmurs began: "There's a dog in the office there's a dog in the office there's a dog in the office!" You could practically see our coworkers' brains short out from a combination of cognitive dissonance and canine adoration.

But, as endearing as our new friend was, Shovels & Rope soon won back the crowd's attention. After opening with the plaintive ballad "Carnival," the South Carolina duo ripped through one of its signature rockers — "Birmingham," during which the pair held eye contact sweetly while singing in unison — before closing with "Bad Luck," a clattering gem for which the two swap instruments (he on guitar, she on drums). The song, originally from a Michael Trent solo album, most recently appeared on a deluxe version of Shovels & Rope's 2012 debut, the winning and appropriately titled O' Be Joyful. --STEPHEN THOMPSON

Set List
"Carnival"
"Birmingham"
"Bad Luck"

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Parker Miles Blohm, Chloe Coleman, Denise DeBelius

[christheslyone]

Still loving this in 24. Thankyall for the music

[eggnogfrog]

I think they are just singing to each other, and don't care about anyone else. It's very sweet.

[irreverentrevelator]

Her voice/raspy tonage, coupled with his emotionally charged, seemingly sincere trems. Good lord! How could we be anything but moved?!

[madisonjmcmanus]

These are probably two of the sweetest people I've met on the planet. I hung out with that them backstage after they did a home show in Charleston, SC. We had an awesome time and jammed and talked. One of the best experiences I've had.

[joelness]

Great body language; I love how they're just performing for each other, and they happen to be in public so we can see the awesome show.

[_Story-scape_]

Her singing is as if you took dolly patron’s voice and aged it in a whiskey barrel for 20 years. A rare a premium blend.

[vasdef]

This duo has such a fantastic dynamic going for them. To really appreciate them is to actually watch them  perform, not only to listen. Great, great stuff!!

[bradleyswissman]

Birmingham is that one song that I literally cannot keep myself from singing along with. It's so catchy and well-written at the same time.

[jodijenkins]

Michael and Carrie Ann call it "sloppy Tonk". I think that's accurate. You can call it hipster music if you'd like, but these two are exceptionally talented and put on an amazing show.

[technoholic]

I like how they look at each other while they play/sing. :D

[VoxRox]

Bless this band and the dog, too.  Those harmony vocals and the way they bring it rough and ready is so exciting.  This is the stuff!

[belladsenso]

Birmingham is a classic. Love these two.

[lukelikesphilly]

NPR Tiny Desk Concerts: the best thing to happen to my lunch hour since food.

[devoy]

really have never seen two people sing to each other so purely and joyfully as these two. what great music! what a great experience!

[TheDukestriker]

Carrie Ann is and will always be one of the purest memories from my many lost hours in Fluids.

[ryanmead]

These two, are true master songwriters, story tellers, and a beautiful couple, to boot.

I've been in a band with an ex. It's magic when it works, but it's certainly a struggle to keep it together. So happy they're still making amazing music together. It ain't easy.

[MicheleDemperio]

Saw them recently in New Orleans. What a show! I'm obsessed with their new album.

[nrein]

I like alot of different kinds of music.  But for some reason these two hit me in the feels.  Love it.

[AshleyParker]

I was blessed to experience these two live at 9:30 club years ago and it was sincerely one of the best concerts of my life. So beautiful. These songs have carried me through a decade + now of life.

[johnbates]

Amazing how two people can sound like a four- or five-piece band.