The most impressive aspect of Spoon’s aesthetic has always been their minimalism. Every instrumental and lyrical decision feels essential, though this never leaves the sonic impression that you are listening to an unfinished or vague sketch. And ultimately, the foundational instrument that props this band up will always be Britt Daniel’s croaky yawp of a voice. As much as I value Jim Eno’s many contributions to the band, Daniel’s voice is the one element that Spoon could not do without.

That’s why it’s such a unique pleasure to see Daniel and band member Alex Fischel performing acoustic versions of the airy “Inside Out” and the piano-driven lament, “I Just Don’t Understand”. Performing in a somewhat barren loft space that is an apt visual metaphor for the band’s sound, Daniel belts and coos, proving his mettle as the band’s emotional anchor/pendulum. Watch above as Daniels sways from tender to icy over the course of these two performances.

HT: La Blogotheque