What did you miss at South by Southwest this year? Oh, a couple great bands, Bruce Springsteen’s keynote speech, a whole lot of burrito-exacerbated hangovers — and two big comeback shows by Fiona Apple, who’s set release her fourth studio album in June. Those who caught the hot-ticket performances are raving, so we’re glad to see that videos from them have begun to pop up online. Although the clips vary in quality, Apple sounds as smoldering, soulful, and in control as ever, her songs surprising and diverse and painful and pretty. This first glimpse suggests that the Fiona we’ve missed these past few years is back — and not a moment too soon. Search “Fiona Apple SXSW 2012” on YouTube to see some great renditions of old favorites like “Criminal” and “Fast as You Can,” and let us know what you think of the new material in the comments.
“Valentine”
“Anything We Want”
“Everything Single Night”
[via Stereogum]