I've had a theory for years, that even the most silly, banal pop songs can have new gravitas or integrity if they are performed with just an acoustic guitar. If you like Richard Thompson but hate Britney Spears, or even if for some bizarre reason you hate Richard Thompson and love Britney Spears, this is a must-hear: the music legend (I'm talking about Thompson, folks) performing Spears' hit on NPR. Ha!

He also gives his rendition of Squeeze's "Tempted," "Shenandoah," and other songs too.

[via USA Today's Hip Clicks]