June 25, 2025

Did we really squeeze the big sound of Living Colour behind the Tiny Desk? Yes, we did. And, yet, the band lost none of its intensity.

Grace Raver/NPR

Living Colour started its Tiny Desk with “Cult of Personality,” the shot heard around the world, but spent the rest of the set celebrating 35 years of Time’s Up. The album planted a flag for Black rock bands inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Motown and hardcore-punk pioneers Bad Brains, which gets a heartfelt shout out here before “Time’s Up.” Guitarist Vernon Reid’s sonic bag of tricks is on full display as are the deep grooves of drummer Will Calhoun and bassist Doug Wimbish. Corey Glover’s voice cuts through it all.

Will the smaller setting inspire the band to trade in its equipment truck for a van and smaller amps? Perhaps, but this performance shows that, at any sound level, Living Colour commands attention and respect for its past and present. —Felix Contreras

Watch Living Colour's Tiny Desk

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Public Radio Sessions

KCRW in Los Angeles occasionally films an acoustic music series in their record library, and this month they hosted "Paisley Underground legends" Rain Parade.
OPB in Portland recorded local indie rock artist MAITA in a four-song session recorded at The Ruins, an urban rustic venue near the Hood River.
KXT in North Texas captured a solo acoustic set with The Walkmen singer Hamilton Leithauser.
WFUV in New York posted a session with rising roots artist Kashus Culpepper, who released a duet with Sierra Ferrell earlier this week.
KNKX in Washington state caught some real magic with this jazz performance by trumpeter Theo Croker and pianist Joey Alexander.

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Tiny Desk Fun Fact

Congratulations to Brazilian singer Liniker, whose 2018 Tiny Desk surpassed 5 Million views this month. As the first trans woman to win a Latin Grammy, she is a trailblazing artist in her country and it's only fitting that she's reached this prestigious milestone during Pride month.

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