Ear on TV: Week of June 4

Even with nearly all the talk shows back from break, the schedule this week is still kind of spotty. Thankfully there's Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst, who makes a couple appearances this week in support of his latest release Cassadaga. It's an awfully mature release for the 27-year old, full of rich instrumentation and more importantly the acceptance of uncertainty in life. He's still got plenty of piss and vinegar left in him, though, as his appearance on Leno last year is testament to (performing "When the President Talks to God" - video.) The fact that his scheduled appearances on Letterman and Conan were mysteriously cancelled immediately following this infamous performance seems like an odd coincidence. Wouldn't have pegged Leno as a free speech champion over Letterman and Conan, but there you have it.

Elsewhere, Patrick Wolf's appearance on Kimmell Wednesday night is worth checking out, especially considering the spectacle that was his appearance on Conan last month.

Playlist: Picks for the week of June 4
Monday, June 4
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Bright Eyes
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Lucinda Williams
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Kings Of Leon
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Silversun Pickups (REPEAT)
Tuesday, June 5
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Patti Smith
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Rihanna
Wednesday, June 6
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Patrick Wolf
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Bright Eyes
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Nelly Furtado
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Peter Bjorn and John (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Travis (REPEAT)
Thursday, June 7
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Grizzly Bear (REPEAT)
Friday, June 8
IFC: The Henry Rollins Show: Rufus Wainwright
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Gwen Stefani (REPEAT)

tags: music, television, soundtrack, talk shows, bright eyes, patrick wolf, indie rock, rhapsody