Frank Ocean - "Thinkin Bout You" live on the VMA's
As if her own presence was not enough to inflame the crowd at the VMAs last night, Alicia Keys brought out Nicki Minaj and then Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas as a living illustration of the her new song's title "Girl On Fire." Frank Ocean made his first awards show appearance as well, with a spare acoustic rendition of his most recognizable (and deservedly so) love song "Thinkin' Bout You" amid a setpiece designed to look like a moonlit prairie. Ocean sounds like he's pretty nervous to my ears, rushing through early phrases that should have been lingered over and trying slight variations on the recorded melody that don't quite connect. But after wandering ever so slightly from the path, it's almost like you can see him rediscover the song's heart at about three minutes in, bringing it home to an electrifying crescendo. Watch below and after the jump.
spotted at TIRNB
