Watch Unknown Mortal Orchestra Cover Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” On Conan

Watch Unknown Mortal Orchestra Cover Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” On Conan

A whole army of indie bands took part in Day Of The Dead, the National’s triple-disc Grateful Dead tribute compilation that came out last week. Many of the versions of songs that appeared on the album were fairly faithful and solemn, but one band that really took liberties was Unknown Orchestra, the all-over-the-place trio. Their version of the Dead’s itchy, funky 1978 song “Shakedown Street” is something even bolder, a Prince-addled disco-rock anthem. And last night on Conan, they gave a rousing performance of the track, with a keyboardist and three singers backing them up. Watch the performance below.

Day Of The Dead is out now on 4AD.

more from News