“Who Knows, Who Cares” is the fifth single from Local Natives’ debut album, Gorilla Manor. Local Natives are an indie rock band from L.A., and have been characterized by critics as a type of “psych folk” or “modern wordly folk.” “Who Knows, Who Cares” is without a doubt one of the best tracks off of the album, with its drifting three-part harmonies and horn and string parts.

The Song builds through its verses, adding instruments and building vocal parts, climaxing in a passionate bridge full of strings and harmonizing “whoa-oh’s,” backed by a unique bass riff that guides the vocal parts.

This alternate version of “Who Knows, Who Cares” is part of a series known as “Take Away Shows.” Take Away Shows are a project started in 2006 by French filmmaker Chryde with the help of Vincent Moon. The two men film mostly indie artists performing stripped down versions of their songs in Paris, and often they are done in one take. The shows usually take place in public places and are done with acoustic instruments.

The group had re-written the song for this performance, with just acoustic guitar and Percussion Parts, much different from the original. There is, however, one thing from the original that remains the same: the soaring vocal harmonies which reverberate through the hallways.

This version builds in much the same way as the original, adding over-riding guitar parts with each verse, along with percussion parts slowly building the rhythm. I find that when an artist or group can perform a song live just as good as or better than the recording, it truly enhances the experience of the song. And I do believe that this version is arguably better than the original.