Ear on TV: Week of 08.17.09: Brendan Benson

Somehow missed it at first pass, but Brendan Benson is indeed appearing this week on Letterman, on Friday. And since I'm leaving to go camping this week and won't get to do a New Releases post, we'll do a half-ass review/look at Benson's latest solo album, My Old, Familiar Friend, out tomorrow.

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Brendan Benson - My Old Familiar Friend
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

When Benson formed The Raconteurs with Jack White, it was assumed more folks would find out who the power pop songsmith was. While that assumption is mostly true, White still dominated the press for the band. I liked The Raconteurs' modern take on classic rock well enough, but if it was going to keep Benson from releasing more solo releases, The Raconteurs indeed needed a break. The title of Benson's 4th solo release, My Old, Familiar Friend, sounds like Benson reconnecting with his solo career, and much of the songwriting reflects the old Benson we know and love. But this time, he's got some new tricks up his sleeves, namely a bigger studio budget, and why the hell not. After years of toiling in obscurity, there's bound to be more attention on him this time and what a better time to clean up and put on a pretty face. And there's plenty to be excited about here, between the infectious opener "A Whole Lot Better,", the soulful "Garbage Day" and the strong "Feel Like Taking You Home." The only fault here is the songs don't much relate to each other, a strength of previous releases. Still, I can't help but root for the guy, and fully expect his rendition of "A Whole Lot Better," to sound great when he plays it on Letterman Friday night.

Free AOL Album Stream

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, August 17
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Robert Cray
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Aimee Mann (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Keane (REPEAT)
Tuesday, August 18
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Airborne Toxic Event (REPEAT)
Wednesday, August 19
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: La Roux (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Band of Skulls
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Flo Rida (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Kills (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello, Renee Fleming (REPEAT)
Thursday, August 20
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Gary Mule Deer
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Band of Skulls
MTV: It's On With Alexa Chung: Screaming Females
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Glasvegas (REPEAT)
Friday, August 21
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Patton Oswalt, Brendan Benson
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Nebula
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: The Dead Weather (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Doves (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: LoudQUIETloud: The Pixies
VH1: Hard Rock Calling 2009: Bruce Springsteen, The Pretenders, The Killers, Neil Young
Saturday, August 22
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Adele (REPEAT)
PBS: Austin City Limits: Nick Lowe, The Swell Season (REPEAT)