King Krule – Out Getting Ribs

This ridiculously raw performance from the melancholy King Krule made me fall in love with him, and if you haven’t checked out his album “6 Feet Beneath the Moon” I recommend you do so as soon as possible. The whole performance here is fantastic, but my favourite of the three songs has to be this one, the guitar work is impeccable and Archy’s baritone vocals are as soul destroying as ever.

Joe Cocker – With a Little Help From My Friends

This famous Woodstock performance of this tune vastly overshadows The Beatles original version in my opinion, and that’s the friggin Beatles. Joe Cocker seems to sing essentially nonsense lyrics from the very bottom of his soul whilst performing what can only be described as seizure-esque dance moves. The epitome of the hippy era.

Yeasayer – 2080

If you haven’t seen any of the “A Take Away Show” series from the Youtube channel La Blogotheque you are missing out. An entire list of amazing live performances could be composed entirely from their channel. This one is my personal favourite though. The entire thing just feels so improvised and casual, taking place in a strangers apartment with a crowd/chorus of assorted guests. You really get a feel for the vocal talent of Chris Keating.

The Fugees – How Many Mics



This one starts a tad slow but really kicks off once Lauryn Hill starts her A Capella verse. The crowd goes nuts and it gives me chills every time. The crowd goes wild. From then on it is simply a lyrical onslaught with stellar verses coming from Pras, as well as some guest verses that have a very reggae-rap type vibe. All topped off with Wyclef as hype man. Lovely.

TV On The Radio



Apparently I have a thing for bad dance moves. Tunde channels his inner Joe Cocker in this loud and ruckus performance on David Letterman. The sound quality isn’t the greatest and the vocals lose steam attempting to perform what is presumably usually multi layered vocals, but the energy in this performance more than makes up for it. Makes me want to start a mosh pit in the lounge.

Smashing Pumpkins – Mayonaise

This bizarre acoustic performance that takes place in a garden is a great display of talent from Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan nails his vocals alongside some funky bongo playing. Not sure about the garden though.

Sheep, Dog & Wolf – Egospect

New Zealand musician Daniel McBride is Sheep, Dog &Wolf, a project on which he plays all instruments and first released music under at the age of 17. His most notable piece of work as Sheep, Dog & Wolf thus far is most certainly the album Egospect, from which this song originates, and which earned Daniel a Critic’s Choice award at the 2013 New Zealand music awards. I love this performance for its raw power. Daniel is so emotional which contrasts with the stoic drummer sitting behind him, pounding away at his drums.