Ear On TV: Week of May 14

When Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy went through rehab three years ago, it was on the heels of recording some of his most creative work with the band. The album Sky Blue Sky (out tomorrow) is the first album of new material since and it's telling that the chaotic exercises that were sprinkled throughout previous releases is gone, and instead is replaced with a calm and open setting. When Wilco performs on Letterman Tuesday, keep an eye/ear out for new guitarist Nels Cline, as his shredding fret-work is what truly shines on this album.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Rufus Wainwright makes his appearance on Letterman, playing a song from Release The Stars. Here's hoping he'll be wearing Lederhosen like he does throughout the liner notes of the album.

Finally, the The Henry Rollins Show pulls off an amazing two-for-one, as Rollins sits down with the legendary Joan Jett, and then later is entertained by a punk-soaked angst rock performance from The Blood Brothers. As surreal as it is having a hardcore legend host a talk show, it makes for great programming week after week.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, May 14
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Kelly Clarkson
Tuesday, May 15
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Feist
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Wilco
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Ying Yang Twins
Wednesday, May 16
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Modest Mouse
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Gretchen Wilson
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Silversun Pickups
Thursday, May 17
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Rufus Wainwright
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Tori Amos
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: M Ward
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Kanye West
Friday, May 18
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Elvis Costello
IFC: The Henry Rollins Show: The Blood Brothers, Joan Jett (Guest)
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno:
Peter Bjorn and John
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Blonde Redhead
Saturday, May 19
PBS: Austin City Limits: Dixie Chicks

tags: music, television, soundtrack, talk shows, wilco, joan jett, blood brothers, henry rollins, indie rock, rhapsody