I came across Beirut’s recent performance of ‘A Sunday Smile’ on Letterman 2 weeks ago, I decided to take a wander back through the archives of what YouTube had to offer for Letterman performances. Why Letterman? Well, he’s not as funny as he used to be, but for sure as a east coaster originally I’ve always preferred him over the big chin schlub (to quote the late, great Bill Hicks).
Plus, he’s got decent taste in musicians for a late night host…
Here we go with Beirut’s aforementioned performance of ‘A Sunday Smile’:
I ended up digging through the archives and found some of the gems from recent years:
Beirut – A Sunday Smile (Feb 2nd, 2009)
The National – Fake Empire (July 24, 2007)
My favorite track off of Boxer and a stunner live.
Tokyo Police Club – The Nature of the Experiment (April, 17th 2007)
While not my favorite TPC song, a solid performance.
Andrew Bird – Plasticities (April, 11th 2007)
Also, Fitz and Dizzyspells (Jan, 27th 2009)
Always fantastic live, Andrew Bird’s usually loose and languid performances are compressed by broadcast time constraints and come across like 45′s played at the wrong speed; while not the best Live Bird, it certainly is interesting.
The Decemberists – O Valencia (November, 28th 2006)
Live Decemberists are always fun…not much else to add.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Date With The Night
Also, Down Boy (26th July 2007) & Gold Lion (March 29, 2006)
Mmm, Yeah Yeah Yeahs back when they had their glorious edge. Sadly, not the same when their second album rolled around, but we love them still.
At The Drive-In – One Armed Scissor
Also, Sparta – Breaking The Broken (October 20th, 2004) & The Mars Volta – Wax Simulacra (January 17th, 2008)
A vintage performance from At The Drive-In at their finest. Bonus performances from The Mars Volta and Sparta.
Tom Waits – Straight To The Top (1988)
I guess Tom and Dave are buddies, judging by the number of times that he’s been on the show. An equally good interviewee as a performer.
Tom Waits – Frank’s Wild Years (1983)
Part 2 – On The Nickle
Tango Till They’re Sore (1988)
Tom Waits – Interview for Alice & Blood Money (2002)
And for a little change, here’s some David Sedaris to round the collection out. Enjoy.
