Indigo Girls: Tiny Desk Concert

Ann Powers | February 7, 2023
A thrill of recognition passed through the crowd gathered around the Tiny Desk when the Indigo Girls began the first song of this set of stone-cold classics. It's "Closer To Fine" – arguably the singalong song of the '90s (it was released in 1989) and still a signature for the duo that's been offering life lessons to its fervent fans for nearly four decades. In politically purposeful T-shirts – Emily Saliers wore one reading PROTECT TRANS KIDS, while Amy Ray's was from the environmental justice-oriented Water is Life Festival – the two shared space as only they can, trading off songs each had written while becoming one through their trademark harmonies. The selection they offered provides an ideal brief overview of a legendary career.

"Look Long," the title track from the Girls' 15th studio album, released in 2020, featured Saliers in a tenderly contemplative mood, calling for perspective in the midst of struggle. The duo's sole accompanist, Lyris Hung, seized the room's attention on the fiery Ray rocker "Go," and then came "Kid Fears," one of the Girls's most beloved ballads, a dose of compassion that feels as necessary now as it did in 1989. The love in the room at that moment flowed both ways. "I'm always quoting NPR, so thank you all for your work — all of y'all, collectively," Ray said near the set's end. And then as the music began again, the smiles on the Girls' faces showed that they were feeling that wave of gratitude for noble work returned.

SET LIST
"Closer to Fine"
"Look Long"
"Go"
"Kid Fears"

MUSICIANS
Amy Ray: vocals, acoustic guitar
Emily Saliers: vocals, acoustic guitar
Lyris Hung: violin

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Maia Stern, Jill Britton, Kara Frame, Sofia Seidel
Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Pilar Galvan
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Joshua Bryant, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #indigogirls

[anonknitter]

When I was 8 years old my parents took me to see the Indigo Girls in Chicago. We had front row seats for some reason and about halfway through the show I got tired and laid my head on my dad's lap. Amy (I think) noticed and told the whole crowd a small child was asleep in the front row and that it was very sweet. I was not asleep and got embarrassed! Who sleeps at a rock show!? So I sat up. They asked me how old I was and I held up eight fingers because I wasn't sure they would be able to hear me. Later, my dad found out this encounter was recorded and appears on their live album 1200 Curfews! I'll never forget and I will always admire and strive to emulate their life long dedication to social justice.

[rustyreid]

Been a fan since the 90s. They started out great and just keeping better. Emily is sweetness and light and philosophy. Amy is feral soul. Together they are sublime. And we need them more now than ever.

[toddp]

They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[kathyhollenbach]

Boy, I have missed them! Their lyrics have always gotten my attention. They're like the female version of Bob Dylan. I have so much respect for both of them. Their violin player ties the music all together. This concert has been a blessing to wake up with. Thank you NPR for making this old lady's day. (71yrs young).

[howards]

With all the stupidities in our country, this is what freedom looks like. Thank you NPR and Indigo Girls. Very moving.

[aylaamon]

My AP Physics teacher told me years ago that the line "I spent four years prostrate to a higher mind, got my papers and I was free" was one of the most important lines in music. The longer I work in academia, the more I know he's right. Also, that violinist is AWESOME!

[merri-toddwebster]

I used to have a female canary named Nell. She went through some bad times in a relationship with a male Zebra Finch, and after we separated them, we discovered that female canaries, too, can sing. She had a low, reedy sounding voice, and she sang every time we played the Indigo Girls' first album.

[CharEl]

Instantly transported back to my undergrad years. These girls got me through some really dark times and some really happy times. Amy and Emily need to be protected at all costs.

[arbolton]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 These women have made a world of difference in my life and will forever be my favorite band. Thanks, NPR, for featuring them.

[ckallaher]

Sometimes a band or group transcends the usual categories that apply to musical endeavors and become something that’s beyond category. The Indigo Girls have definitely achieved that status. More accessible than icons, more deeply influential than mere pop or rock stars. More like community elders that you look to for wisdom, guidance and support when you need it most.

[AB]

I lost my mom back in October, one of the very last things I got to do for her was FaceTime her during their show in Charlotte, NC. I am the house lighting guy at the Fillmore out here, and my mom never got to see my work live. But she did get to watch me do lights for their set, from the comfort of her couch soon before she passed. I will forever be thankful for the Indigo Girls (who I had never heard of prior) for helping to craft one of the last bonding moments I got with my best friend. I miss you mom, I hope I’m making you proud.

[chrishooge]

I was an 19yo US Army solider in 1990 on a bus to Graf in West Germany. A Lieutenant gave me his cassette tape of the Indigo Girls. We were on a bus to train Graf. It blew my mind.

[md]

For a moment I half expected Michael Stipe to step in from the side (ala their old vhs concert video). No worries, though. I still performed the backing vocals, as I have done in the since 1989. Thanks, Amy and Emily, for being the soundtrack of my life ❤

[ddunnegan]

"Ghost" is one of those songs that can change your entire viewpoint and perspective. It changed the way i see myself in relationships for the better and I thank this duo for eloquently writing about what I never knew to exist.

[gentleeyes]

These two women helped me get through some really tough times. Their music was a life raft for me when I first heard it as a young teen. Glad they are still going. National treasures, the both of them.

[melissamay]

The vocal instrument might be getting older but the guitar and violin won’t .. but if you loved them then guess what we are OLD!!! thanks NPR took me back to many a concert

[CharlesParente]

Emily Sailers combines the complete skill set that very few songwriters possess... acoustic guitar finger style wizardry with brilliant melody and lyrics and a soaring captivating voice. If you like what you heard today, do yourself a favor. Check out Swamp Ophelia (Mystery, Fair Thee Well) and then move on to Rites of Passage. Love the Indigo Girls!

[criswaer]

So wonderful they included Lyris. She is amazing.

[Hidy_Ho]

One of my lifetime favorite band/duo. I've seen them play in the early 90s. I've always admired Emily's guitar playing and love Amy's voice (with perfect harmony by Emily) ... honor to see them on NPR on YT.

[richardchoi]

I loved Closer To Fine in the 90s, and like many truly great songs it has depths that make it even more meaningful to me today.