Ear on TV: Week of 03.16.09: Public Enemy

Jimmy Fallon has two weeks under its belt, and it's a no-brainer to say that the highlight of the talk show is The Roots as house band. Whether its "slow-jamming the news" or backing musical guests, the band has been even better than advertised. Monday, they'll be backing the legendary Public Enemy, as they perform a track from their legendary album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back. It will serve as a warmup for The Roots' annual picnic this year, where Public Enemy will perform the album in its entirety, with The Roots (along with Antibalis,) backing.

After Public Enemy, Fallon and The Roots also welcome The Ting Tings (Tuesday,) and Vampire Weekend (Wednesday,) to make the week a full one as far as guests go. But truthfully, even when there's a not a band on the docket, the fact that The Roots are there night in and night out make Fallon appointment television.

Finally, how does Jon Stewart follow his Cramer-drubbing ratings bonanza of last week? Well, if you're from the Garden State like Stewart is, you get "the get" of any Jersey boy's dreams, The Boss. Bruce Springsteen stops by on Thursday to talk about music, politics and possibly the turnpike, before picking up his guitar and doing what he does best.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, March 16
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Public Enemy, The Roots
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Sam Sparro (REPEAT)
Tuesday, March 17
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Bell X1
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Dropkick Murphys
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Audrye Sessions
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Soundtrack of our Lives
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Ting Tings, The Roots
Wednesday, March 18
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: MSTRKRFT
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Modest Mouse
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Vampire Weekend, The Roots
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello, Pres. Bill Clinton (REPEAT)
Thursday, March 19
ABC: The View: Lil Wayne
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: The Duke Spirit
COMEDY CENTRAL: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Bruce Springsteen
FUEL: The Daily Habit: BLK JKS
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Kelly Clarkson
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Roots
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Katy Perry
Friday, March 20
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Conor Oberst (REPEAT)
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Chris Cornell
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Roots
Saturday, March 21
PBS: Austin City Limits: Ray Davies (REPEAT)