Ear on TV: Week of March 19

It seems like every month, there's a new band crowned by UK tastemaker rag NME as the next big thing. The latest to hit our shores is the Scottish indie rock trio The Fratellis, who are like a cross between The Hives and Kings of Leon. They're fresh off wowing crowds at SXSW (thanks in part to support from The Who's Pete Townshend,) and bring their energetic live show to Conan on Friday night. They've actually already invaded our televisions via January's iPod ads which featured the track "Flathead," and even a recent animated Safeway ad (featuring the track "Chelsea Dagger.")

While The Fratellis claim they have no interest in conquering America, another NME-approved act The Kooks made a similar claim last year after their debut stormed the UK charts and have since reversed their position. They play Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, and they're hoping for a bigger dent in the US consciousness then their tour last year provided.

Meanwhile, I'd also like to direct your attention to an old friend to our ears, Fleetwood Mac veteran Lindsey Buckingham. Last year's solo effort, Under the Skin flew under the radar, but it's truly a gem and showcases more of Buckingham's legendary guitar work. He'll be bringing his axe to Conan late Thursday night, and you don't want to miss it.

Picks for the week:
Monday, December 4
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Joss Stone
Tuesday,
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Lucinda Williams
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Vietnam
Wednesday,
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Gary Jules
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Mat Kearney
Thursday,
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: The Kooks
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Paolo Nutini
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Lindsey Buckingham
Friday,
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Paolo Nutini
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Guster
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: The Fratellis
Saturday,
PBS: Austin City Limits: Coldplay , Michael Stipe (REPEAT)

tags: music, television, soundtrack, talk shows, the fratellis, the kooks, vietnam, lindsey buckingham, indie rock, rhapsody