Masterful live performances
Tallest Man on Earth — Rivers
Instrumentation is key and Tallest Man on Earth is one of the most skilful guitarists out there. His wistful playing is supported by strings, horns and flute The instrumental at 2:15 soothes the soul.
Regina Spektor — Dear Theodosia
Regina Spektor seems to enjoy every single second of this rendition of Dear Theodosia from the musical Hamilton. The orchestra add depth to this charming melody and there is an exquisite oboe line at 1:51
Odesza — Loyal
Quite simply I’m not sure there’s a more ‘hype’ song in existence. A full drums section and the incredible live horns make Loyal into an explosive instrumental. I didn’t get to see it in front of such a big audience as Coachella but absolutely one of the best songs I’ve seen live. Turn it loud.
Paul Simon — Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
Paul Simon’s trip to South Africa the 1980s produced his most inspired work. Graceland is a musical masterpiece and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is one of his finest songs.
A performer who has almost no interest in lights, aesthetics or showmanship, Simon lets his music do the talking alongside his band who have been together for many decades. Every musical nuance is perfectly timed from the bass solo at 2:53 to the guitar slide at 3:11 and then catchy riff at 3:28 plus an epic drum and percussion outro.
Coldplay — Strawberry Swing
The British Paraorchestra add a dynamic introduction to Coldplay’s summer song Strawberry Swing with an uplifting sequence before Jonny Buckland’s guitar line stops the whole stadium in its tracks.
Lupe Fiasco — Daydreamin’ (AOL)
There was a golden period for hip-hop in the early 2000s when artists rapped over luscious beats filled with a multitude of instruments. Lupe Fiasco’s backing band here are flawless from the trumpets to the drums to the guitars.
Kanye West — Bring Me Down
On a similar theme Kanye West’s album Late Orchestration — recorded at Abbey Road — is powerful live album with a cascade of strings adding more power to his words. Bring Me Down is one of Kanye’s most introspective songs.
Alessia Cara — Destiny’s Child remix
Wouldn’t call myself a big fan of either Alessia Cara or Destiny’s Child but I love everything about this medley. Each musician is incredibly talented and the transitions between each song are seamless. The vocals are incredible throughout especially the backing singers at 2:55.
First Aid Kit — Red Dirt Girl
Performing another artist’s song as they receive a prestigious honour at an awards night must be pretty daunting experience. But First Aid Kit couldn’t have sung Emmylou Harris’ — Red Dirt Girl any more beautifully. From the dulcimer intro, to the sweet guitars, strings and piano, their performance is better than the original.
Gorillaz — Clint Eastwood — Glastonbury
A song that was made for the biggest stage and Snoop Dogg makes a pretty good cameo. I can’t remember seeing such an electric audience anywhere else. The strings section and melodian make for a nice combo for the outro jam.
Libertines — Don’t Look Back Into The Sun — Reading
The sound of a generation. Libertines defined rock and roll in the early 2000s with two iconic albums. Their path has never been smooth and even live performances have been hit and miss but when they returned to the stage at Reading in 2015 they were at their very best. Thousands of singing fans capture the sheer euphoria of the Don’t Look Back Into The Sun.
The Staves — Chicago
The term blood harmony relates to a theory that siblings can create a special sound when they sing together. The Staves are a perfect example. The three sisters have an unmatched vocal connection as they perform a Sufjan Stevens classic.
Vampire Weekend — White Sky
Including a live strings section never fails to make a song better. The violin melody matches seamlessly with the bass and drums.
London Grammar — Rooting For You
Just one voice for over two minutes of pitch-perfect vocals. That takes some bravery. The throw in an orchestra and rest of the band and you have a quite flawless live performance.
