Shamir: Unplugged On NPR

For the latest installment of NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series, dance sensation Shamir performed three tracks from his critically-raved debut album. NPR's Bob Boilen writes:

When I first saw Shamir at NPR Music's SXSW showcase, the 20-year-old singer popped on stage with a Yo Gabba Gabba T-shirt and proceeded to light up the night with his disco-infused funk and joyful energy. Cut to this Tiny Desk Concert. Shamir Bailey is sitting alone on a stool with an acoustic guitar — hardly recognizable except perhaps for the green painted fingernails, until he began to sing. At that point, he put his fragile but confident countertenor to work in "Darker," from his debut album Ratchet, and I knew we were in for something special.

Last month I attended Shamir's riotous sold-out concert in Brooklyn, where young fanboys crowded the stage and sang along to every word. The tour returns to the US late next month and there will be another NYC date on November 16th.