Ear on TV: Week of October 30

After two weeks of reruns, the talk shows are back with a barrage of great musical guests this week. Monday (Beck, Jamie Lidell and Cat Power) and Wednesday (Regina Spektor, Mastadon, Madonna) are so chock full of noteworthy appearances, my DVR is tired just thinking about it. Whatever you do, though, don't miss Cat Power (backed by Al Green's old band.) She's supposedly clean and sober now, and has (mostly) dropped her stage fright issues. If she's on, it'll be great, and if she's off, it still be great... but in an 'observing human awkwardness' kind of way.i

Even with all these great acts appearing this week, the one I'm most excited about is the double billing of Sufjan Stevens and Calexico. Stevens' had last year's album of the year (by most critics' picks, including this one) with Illinois, and his subsequent live performances have been much talked about. Visually, Stevens usually has his troupe in matching atire, even if musically (and emotionally) he can seem at times over his head - either way, it's a spectacle not to be missed. You won't see any wardrobe coordination from the Tuscon-based Calexico, as all their synergy comes musically, with a mix of alt-country, mariachi, surf, spaghettie western and 50's jazz. It's like tecnicolor for the ears.

All in all a great week... hopefully to tde you over for awhile as I'm off to Mexico (so no report for next week, hombres.)

Playlist: Television Appearances the Week of Oct 30

Monday, October 30
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Beck
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Jamie Lidell
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Cat Power

Tuesday, October 31
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Alice Cooper

Wednesday, November 1
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Regina Spektor
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Mastadon
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: Madonna

Thursday, November 2
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Lady Sovereign

Friday, November 3
IFC: The Henry Rollins Show: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (RERUN)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Gomez

Saturday, November 4
PBS: Austin City Limits: Sufjan Stevens / Calexico

tags: music, television, soundtrack, cat power, talk shows, sufjan stevens, calexico, indie rock, austin city limits, rhapsody