Preeminent producer (for U2, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, etc.), multi-intrumentalist, and songwriter Daniel Lanois has successfully mined a new vein with his 2014 electronic/ambient album, Flesh and Machine.  Despite initially having two strikes against it with us (first, Lanois is stuck behind an electronic gear-stack, and second, the album is sans-vocals), we have slowly been won over by the electric-avenue album.  We implicitly trust Lanois when it comes to music and the emotional heft thereof.  Rarely has an artist held a divining rod so masterfully and accurately dowsed the musical waters so well for its heart.  Initially nonplussed by Lanois’s new format, with stricter attention and time we have come full circle on Flesh and Machine.  Today NPR released its Tiny Desk Concert (set list at bottom) featuring Lanois, deft drummer Brian Blade, and nimble bassist Jim Wilson performing three songs from the album.  Check out their performances below and pay close attention.  You will likely find, as we did, that Lanois has overcome the soul-less mien of electronic/ambient music.  An impressive performance by a master.

Lanois and crew will begin new legs of their tour in March, and you can check the dates out HERE.  You can purchase Flesh and Machine HERE.

Way below, also watch Lanois’s captivating video for Sioux Lookout off the album.

Tiny Desk Concert Setlist:

Sci Fi
Elevator
Apres Calypso