ABOUT THIS EPISODE
NPR Tiny Desk: "vulnerable, stripped-back performances" crammed between filing cabinets and an NPR staffers, all so indie purists can nod approvingly. In Episode 46 of Band Practice, Spotting Waldo takes on NPR's world-famous Tiny Desk Concert series. Is the intimate, stripped-down format the ultimate showcase for raw musical talent, or just an over-constrained gimmick? The guys debate standouts like Post Malone and Weird Al Yankovic, investigate whether indie band Geese is an industry plant, and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of Bob Boilen's desk. Plus, a look back at Samuel T. Herring's viral Future Islands performance on Letterman, taking on Guitar Center's corporate vibe, and breaking down a bizarre street interview with John Oates. And of course, we check out some tribune bands!
Chapters:
00:00 - Cold Open: John Oates Height Conspiracy
00:33 - Welcome to Band Practice & Intro
02:09 - Unhinged John Oates Street Interview & Facial Fillers
07:53 - Future Islands on Letterman & Patrick Swayze Energy
12:15 - Why We Hate Guitar Center Lesson Booths
16:06 - Buddy Guy Shredding & Eric Clapton Hate
18:16 - Arena Tribute Bands (REO Speedwagon & John Mellencamp)
27:41 - The NPR Tiny Desk Debate: Genius or Overrated?
34:39 - Is the Indie Band 'Geese' an Industry Plant?
37:00 - Behind the Scenes of Bob Boilen's Tiny Desk
46:38 - Best Tiny Desk Alternatives (KEXP & Chris Gethard)
50:58 - Weird Al Yankovic's Tiny Desk & Lasting Legacy
55:24 - Favorite Tiny Desk Concerts (Mac Miller, Post Malone) & Outro
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🎸 ABOUT BAND PRACTICE PODCAST: A podcast about bands, and the bands that tribute them. Operating as the hosts and house band all wrapped into one, Spotting Waldo is a dedicated hub for rock lore obsessives and music industry cynics. We bring a ground-level perspective to music history—breaking down legendary 80s egos, classic rock myths, the bizarre economy of tribute bands, and the ongoing plight of the modern working musician.
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THE SPOTTING WALDO NETWORK:
🌐 Official Website: https://spottingwaldo.com
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The happy f***ing wanderers.
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