Radiohead - Lift

“Lift” by Radiohead // Live in Portugal (07.22.2002)

While on the subject of unreleased tracks, one of my favorites has to be “Lift” by Radiohead. It’s a track that I’ve had the privilege of seeing live over the years. Originally the band started playing it around the OK Computer years, and did so sporadically up through the rehearsals for Hail to the Thief, but not so much after that. In it’s various incarnations it’s been a jangly ballad and an ethereal dream pop lullaby. I’m picking the latter as my favorite that I wish to have in studio form. Of course, let’s be honest, Radiohead is my favorite band, so i’m excited for anything they do in any form, but I’ve always had a soft spot for this track and I’ve always secretly hoped it would pop up somewhere down the line like some old live favorites that finally found their way onto In Rainbows (“Reckoner” and “Nude”). I beleive this is one of the last times that they played Lift, almost ten years ago in Portugal. I guess I’ll just continue to listen to this until something else comes along. 

* apologies for the extended Thom Yorke intro, didn’t have an edited copy handy. 

The National - Rylan (CBC Radio)

“Rylan” by The National // Live on CBC Radio’s “Q” Show

Any chance to hear new music from The National is a reason to celebrate, but when the new music in question is this good. It’s just a wonderful celebration for the ears. The boys stopped by the “Q” show at CBC radio and performed two previously unreleased songs. This is one of those beauties. 

(stream) The National - Two Previously Unreleased Songs (via CBC)

Sigur Rós -- Ný Batterí (Live)

“Ný Batterí (Live)” by Sigur Rós // Inni (2011)

I’ll take any chance that I get to post a stellar track from Sigur Ros, and anyone who has ever seen them live knows that “Ny Batteri” is one of those jams that absolutely blows minds and eardrums, while evoking a dozen different emotions. I’m not a religious person, but the closest that I’ve ever come to having a religious experience was seeing Sigur Ros live at the Beacon Theater in New York in the autumn of 2002. It was a stunning, beyond gorgeous experience. Hearing this version of Ny Batteri from Inni, almost takes me back there. It’s perfect. 

* there is an extended intro. just a heads up. 

Bon Iver - Blood Bank (Live at 9:30 Club / 8-2-11)

“Blood Bank (Live)” by Bon Iver // Live @ The 9:30 Club, Washington D.C. (08/02/2011)

One of the great things about Bon Iver’s current tour is hearing the softer, more introspective tracks from the previous releases brought to life in a full band setting. I’ve always been madly in love with “Blood Bank” and a case could be made that it belongs on my desert island mixtape, but lately I’ve been spinning this recent live version just for the sheer intensity that’s been added by the full blown band arrangement. I’m not saying it bests the original, but it certainly is worth a couple dozen listens. 

To hear the entire concert that this track originated from, in pristine sound board quality, head on over to NPR, or just grab it below. 

(download // Bon Iver - Live @ 9:30 Club in D.C. - 08.02.11)

Bon Iver - Who Is It (Bjork Cover, Live in Milwaukee)

“Who Is It” by Bon Iver // Originally by Bjork

TwentyFourBit posted up a live Bon Iver take on the Bjork track, “Who Is It” and it’s pretty great. As per usual, whenever Justin Vernon takes his band on tour he brings with him a plethora of great covers (The Outfield, Talk Talk, Tom Petty, etc…) and with the recent tour kickoff, this is the first to surface. He does a pretty straight up take on it. The band even does a solid job reconstructing the avant-garde blip beats that Bjork was using on Medulla. I can’t wait to hear what others pop up as the tour progresses.

(via danceyrselfclean)

How to Dress Well - Again (Janet Jackson cover)

“Again” by How to Dress Well // Originally by Janet Jackson

Tom Krell just putting in that good work. Doing all of the good things that he does on stage at the Pitchfork Fest. The recording is a little spotty at times, but until Pitchfork wises up and posts a solid quality video on their main page, this wonderful cover of Janet’s classic ballad, “Again” will have to do. I can’t wait to get my paws on a new HTDW full length.

(Watch the not-so-hot quality video @ Youtube)