Ear on TV: Week of 11.30.09: Band of Skulls

Most would assume that bands were clamoring to get in New Moon's soundtrack, but for many, like the UK's Band of Skulls, it wasn't even on their radar. In fact, the band found out via the Los Angeles Times that a demo they'd recorded after finishing their debut album (Baby Darling Doll Face Honey) had been pegged for inclusion. It wasn't until singer/guitarist Russell Marsden spoke to his 22-year old sister that the band began to understand just how a big deal it was getting the song ("Friends") on the soundtrack.

The band performs on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Friday night, likely playing the soundtrack contribution in the wake of the film's success. They've had a streak of good television and film inclusions, between the song "I Know What I Am" getting used in an iPod commercial and "Blood" getting placement in this past season of True Blood. Two vampire franchises in one year? Does the band like vampires? "No," said Mardsen, before they performed at the movie premiere, "they're not very nice." Similarly, they had no interest in meeting the film's stars, preferring instead to checkout fellow performers Sea Wolf (who who are also on the calendar this week playing The Bonnie Hunt Show on Tuesday).

Meanwhile, Oscar winners Glenn Hansard and Marketa Irglova (The Swell Season), have warmed up to tinseltown a bit since becoming the toast of the ceremony in 2007, after their win for Once. Take their performance in Los Angeles this past week, where actor Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, How I Met Your Mother) joined the band on stage to perform his own special composition. The band joined in for what turned out to be a musical pick-up line, referencing his penis and even including a real phone number to call for some action. I doubt Segel will be around when the band plays The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Monday night, but it gives me the perfect opportunity to embed the video (below).



Finally, it's the second installment of IFC's Dinner With the Band, which this week will be a much less crowded set featuring Owen Pallett, aka Final Fantasy. On the menu is This Lamb Sells Razor Clam Ragu, and plenty of twisted violin pop from Final Fantasy. Both sound delectable in their own way.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, November 30
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Death Cab for Cutie (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Weezer (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: The Swell Season
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Bat For Lashes (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
Tuesday, December 1
IFC: Dinner WIth the Band: Final Fantasy
FOX: Lopez Tonight: The Bravery
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Rickie Lee Jones
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Avett Brothers (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Cold War Kids (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Bonnie Hunt Show: Sea Wolf
Wednesday, December 2
CBS: Grammy Nominations Concert Live!: Maxwell, Sugarland, Black Eyed Peas, LL Cool J
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Cribs with Johnny Marr (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Raveonettes
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello, The Police (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Obits (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Lily Allen (REPEAT)
Thursday, December 3
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Mika (REPEAT)
FOX: Lopez Tonight: Los Lobos
MTV: It's On With Alexa Chung: The Big Pink
NBC: The Jay Leno Show: Maxwell
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Phoenix (REPEAT)
Friday, December 4
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Band of Skulls
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Wale (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Keane (REPEAT)
Saturday, December 5
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: David Gray
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Rihanna

GLEE "Hairography": Diverted Attention

We'd been warned ahead of time that a touching use of John Lennon's "Imagine" was going to be coming our way tonight, involving the school of the deaf, but I was too distracted by the ridiculousness leading up to it to notice whether or not it was indeed touching.

Besides "Imagine," the song choices reverted back to performance-based delivery, making last week's more musical turn seem even more like an aberration. Even "Papa Don't Preach," a song which should mean so much more to Quinn than it does here, is treated as a (forgive the word) distraction instead of as an exploration of her relationship with her father and her unborn child. The song also serves as a prelude of more Madonna songs to come in the somewhat distant future (when Glee comes back in April after taking a break two eps from now). Three of the songs (aforementioned "Imagine," plus "True Colors" and the buried-in-the-background "Don't Make Me Over") are in Glee: The Music, Volume 2, which comes out December 8, 2009.

Playlist: Glee - Episode 1.11 ("Hairography")
1. "Bootylicious" - Glee Cast (Destiny's Child original)
2. "Don't Make Me Over" - Glee Cast (Dione Warwick/Bacharach original)
3. "You're the One That I Want" - Glee Cast (original from Grease)
4. "Papa Don't Preach" - Glee Cast (Madonna original)
5. "Hair/Crazy in Love" - Glee Cast (original from Hair / Beyonce original)
6. "Imagine" - Glee Cast (John Lennon original)
7. "True Colors" - Glee Cast (Cyndi Lauper original)

Previously: "Ballad" (Episode 1.10)

Now Downloading: New Releases 11.24.09

Another week, another short list of new releases filled primarily with gift-giving in mind. Wading through the wasteland of late year releases can bring a few plums, and this week sees Tom Waits' third live disc and a special reissue of a Drake fave from '94 (Jawbox). Elsewhere there's a new one from Tahiti 80, a compilation from Daptone Records and a live collection from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

Playlist: New Releases 11.24.09

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Tom Waits - Glitter and Doom Live
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

Tom Waits' live shows have always been an event, so it's no surprise that this live collection is so eventful. Casual fans will no doubt be dumbfounded by the lack of songs they recognize, but this collection more than captures the essence of last year's carny-barker-as-tour that Waits put on. Bonus second disc is an edited together collection of the best of Waits' between songs banter. Plenty of highs and lows that sound much better after a cocktail or two.

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Jaw Box - For Your Own Savory Sweetheart (2009)
Stream / Purchase

DC's Jawbox put out several great albums on Dischord before jumping to the majors, a move which garnered them more than a few 'sellout' cries. But their major label debut was anything but selling out, instead an uncompromising and fiery statement. It's been out of print for some time, so it's reissue is a welcome affair. More than back in print, though, For Your Own Special Sweetheart gets packaged up with some great b-sides and even a sharp new cover. But that's not all. Singer/guitarist J. Robbins always lamented that the album was missing a little bottom end, so super-producer Bob Weston was brought in to 'lower the boom,' as it were, and the result is amazing. FYOSS had plenty of oomph before, but now it hits even harder. And that's saying something. The album is released today, but Jawbox will be celebrating it in a couple weeks, with a special appearance on The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon. Can't wait to hear them rip through "Savory"...

Free AOL album stream

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More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
Tahiti 80 - Activity Center
Daptone Gold
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - The Live Anthology
The Brian Jonestown Massacre - The 'One' EP
Brett Anderson - The Slow Attack
The Brian Jonestown Massacre - The 'One' EP
Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster
The Princess and the Frog OST
Miles Davis - The Complete Columbia Album Collection / Free AOL Album Stream

tags: music, album review, tom waits, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody

Dinner with the Band: Sharon "Boogidyboo" Jones

IFC's Dinner with the Band premiered tonight featuring Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, and the kitchen was crowded. The episode featured a lot of tired-looking Dap-Kings standing/sitting and looking on as chef Sam Mason put together the *meal. I was kind of hoping for more energy from somebody on the set, but everyone looked like the morning after pulling an all-night set at The Bowery.

*Since my body has issues digesting any red meat, I can't speak for how mouth-watering the Sharon Steak turned out. But the red-eye gravy and Dap-Rings (beer-battered onion rings) looked deeeeelish. But... Decaf coffee grounds sprinkled on Onion Rings?

Menu:
Sharon Steaks, Dap Rings and Red Eye Gravy + a Welcome Home Martini.

Music backing the episode was pulled entirely from the Daptone Records catlogue, w/ many songs appearing on their new compilation out today, Daptone Gold.

Playlist: Dinner with the Band Episode 1.01 (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings)
1. "Na Teef Know De Road of Teef" - Pax Nicholas & the Nettey Family
2. "Montego Sunset" - Menahan Street Band
3. "Ataa Onukpa" - Pax Nicholas & the Nettey Family
4. "Make the Road By Walking" - Menahan Street Band
5. "Let Them Knock" - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (performance)
6. "What Have You Done" - Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens
7. "Budos Rising" - The Budos Band
8. "100 Days, 100 Nights" - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

If you missed it, IFC is re-airing episodes several times during the week.

Previously; Ear on TV Calendar for this week featured a preview of the series.

Random MOTV: Muppet Rhapsody & Young Fresh Prince

The random Gods of funny grace us with two viral masterpieces in one day. First is The Muppets take on the Queen classic "Bohemian Rhapsody," and then from last night's episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Fallon does a sublime Neil Young covering "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Both are made of WIN.

The Muppets - "Bohemian Rhapsody"


Jimmy Fallon does Neil Young covering "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon):

Ear on TV: Week of 11.23.09: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

You can forgive the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a bit of fuzzy math in calling this their 25th anniversary. First and foremost, any excuse to put on a star-studded concert event like this is going to be accepted. (Just is.) Secondly, they're really splitting the difference, given that it was founded in 1983 but didn't have an induction until three years later.

Recorded over two nights (October 29-30) at Madison Square Garden, HBO has pared the 90 song setlist down to four hours. The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert might just be the most legendary lineup of artists ever to grace the stage for the same celebration. And what a better cause to celebrate -- that of Rock & Roll.

Playlist: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert - setlist (list of songs played)

Just to look through the lineup as it was announced some time ago was star-studded enough. But then to see all the special guests and the combinations that ended up playing on stage together makes this one for the ages*. Bruce Springsteen, U2, Stevie Wonder, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby Stills & Nash are on the marquee, but it's the prospect of Metallica backing Lou Reed and Ray Davies, or Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello launching into The Clash's "London Calling" that really grease the wheels. All that was missing was Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell (Eric Clapton cancelled at the last minute due to illness). The concert airs on HBO Sunday night at 8PM.

*And I do mean ages -- the average age of the performers lies well north of 60.

It's Thanksgiving week, and that means both vacation and a very big meal. Relating to the former, we have some of the talkies taking a break. To the latter, we have an exciting new series from IFC called Dinner with the Band, which takes the construct of a cooking show and sprinkles discussion of music with a helping of live performance. Brooklyn Chef Sam Mason invites musicians to a kitchen where he builds a menu based on their tastes, while the band helps do the cooking.. Artists scheduled for this first season include Final Fantasy, Les Savy Fav, Kid Sister, Men, Yacht and season premiere guest. Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, who are treated to gourmet Steak & Eggs. Um... yum?
Dinner with the Band will Tuesday nights on IFC, at 11PM.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, November 23
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Weezer
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Cold War Kids
NBC: The Jay Leno Show: Lady Gaga
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Timbaland with Nelly Furtado and So Shy
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Bat For Lashes (REPEAT)
Tuesday, November 24
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Rihanna
IFC: Dinner WIth the Band: Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Weezer
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Pixies
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Cold War Kids (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Bon Jovi
Wednesday, November 25
NBC: The Today Show: Bon Jovi
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Mos Def & Talib Kweli
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Lily Allen (REPEAT)
Thursday, November 26
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Rx Bandits
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Bon Jovi
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Phoenix (REPEAT)
Friday, November 27
FUEL: The Daily Habit - Special Best of Music Matt & Kim, Matt & Kim, The Walkmen, The Bronx, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Street Sweeper Social Club
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Keane (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Kill Your Idols: Sonic Youth, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Theoretical Girls, Liars, Teenage Jesus & the Jerks, Gogol Bordello, Swans
VH1: Storytellers: Foo Fighters
Saturday, November 28
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Lily Allen (REPEAT)
Sunday, November 29
HBO: 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert: Bruce Springsteen, U2, Lou Reed, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin

Spectacle: Elvis Costello With - Season 1 on DVD

One of the surprise debuts of last year had to be Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., a talk show featuring Costello pulling off the rare triple threat: host, performer and bandleader. Equal parts interview and jam session, the Sundance series relies upon Costello putting the artists at ease, getting even the prickliest of artists to open up and speak warmly about their influences.

But, as Martin Mull once famously quipped, "talking about music is like dancing about architecture," and so it's the tremendous musical performances sprinkled throughout that add beautiful flesh to the meat and bones discussion. Guests on the first season include Elton John (who also served as Executive Producer), Lou Reed, The Police, Rufus Wainwright, Kris Kristofferson, Jenny Lewis, She & Him and Smokey Robinson. And for not being a musician at all, Bill Clinton still held his own talking about his love of Elvis and jazz musicians growing up in Arkansas.


Highlights from the sessions -- recorded at both the famed Apollo Theater and 30 Rockefeller Center in NYC -- include Rufus Wainwright's discussion of meth use; artist Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) recounting personal tragedy involving Lou Reed and the death of his father; and the edge-of-seat uncomfortable interaction between Sting and drummer Stewart Copeland. It's naked moments like these that you never see on television anymore, and even if you have to suffer through paint-drying moments (James Taylor, Tony Bennett) to get to them, they're worth the effort.

Bonus features include four exclusive performances from Costello that didn't make the original telecasts. "Ballad of a Well Known Gun" (from the Elton John episode), "Beginning to See the Light" (Velvet Underground/Lou Reed), "Purple Haze" (with The Police) and the Smokey Robinson written classic for the Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, "No More Tearstained Makeup" (see video below). Plus, plenty of backstage interviews with Sir Elton John, Sting, Smokey Robinson, Rufus Wainwright, Rosanne Cash and even Elvis Costello himself.

Glee "Ballads": The Song Says It All

Up to now, Glee has sort of tip-toed around being a musical, keeping the songs primarily performance-based, with lyrical ties not overtly specific to the moment. "Ballads" is the first episode that really can't be called anything but a musical, with every song having overt literal meaning to the scene at hand. And if there was any question, Rachel set us straight at the end. "Just listen to the song, it says it all," she says before they launch into the overused (but still loved) "Lean on Me."

Speaking of "Lean on Me," I've always wished Glee would take more chances with it's musical choices, but time after time, they make the safest bet possible (although, I thought The Police/Gary Puckett mash-up "Don't Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl" tonight at least shook hands with bold). And since Glee: The Music, Volume 1 has done so well in the three weeks since its release, I don't imagine they're going to change that horse. This week, we're entering into Volume 2 territory, which I'd assume would take care of season one's soundtracks. Which begs the question: How many TV shows could release two soundtracks before Christmas, let alone in a season? Scroll down past the playlist for a list of songs on Glee: The Music, Volume 2 - on shelves December 8.

Playlist: Glee - Episode 1.10
1. "Endless Summer" Glee Cast (Lionel Richie & Diana Ross original)
2. "More Than Words" - Extreme
3. "I'll Stand By You" - Glee Cast (The Pretenders original)
4. "Don't Stand So Close To Me / Young Girl" - Glee Cast (The Police / Gary Puckett)
5. "Crush" (Jennifer Paige original)
6. "You're Having My Baby" - Glee Cast (Paul Anka original)
7. "Lean On Me" - Glee Cast (Bill Withers original)

The full track listing for Glee: The Music, Volume 2 (in stores December 8) is as follows:
"Proud Mary"
"Endless Love"
"I’ll Stand By You"
"Don’t Stand So Close To Me / Young Girl"
"Crush"
"(You’re) Having My Baby"
"Lean On Me"
"Don’t Make Me Over"
"Imagine"
"True Colors"
"Jump"
"Smile" (cover of Lily Allen)
"Smile" (cover of Charlie Chaplin)
"And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going"
"Don’t Rain On My Parade"
"You Can’t Always Get What You Want"
"My Life Would Suck Without You"

Previously: "Wheels" (Episode 1.09)

Now Downloading: New Releases 11.17.09

We're headlong into gift-giving season, so feel free to make your year-end list, as it's no mans land as far as quality releases. That being said, there are a couple albums that provide more than stocking fodder. The Led Zep/Queens of the Stone Age/Foo Fighters supergroup Them Crooked Vultures doesn't disappoint, and Macca's got a live album that aims to please. Elsewhere, it's mostly meh in new releases -- tis the season for reissues.

Playlist: New Releases 11.17.09

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Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

The debut from this heavy metal supergroup is a near perfect sum of it's parts. Featuring a dream team rhythm section of Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones TCV builds the songs on fat bass & drum grooves, and while some of Josh Hommes' guitar work is pulled out of a LedZep trick bag, thankfully nobody is going to confuse him with Robert Plant. That's what keeps this effort from sounding like a tired tribute and instead something inspired by the real thing. Essentially, it's in the same vein as Homme's Queens of the Stone Age classic Songs for the Deaf (which featured Grohl on the drums), but with a bit more Zep worship - especially the atmospherics of In Through the Out Door, which contains some of John Paul Jones' best work. At its core, Them Crooked Vultures is really just cheap thrills, but sometimes that's all you need.

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Paul McCartney - Good Evening New York City
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

In someone else's hands, the set list for Paul McCartney's concert in New York (CitiField) might seem like pandering. Ok, there is a bit of pandering, but there's a time and a place for it, and we're all kind of Beatles hungry again, right? Macca only performs a couple songs from this decade (23 of the 33 are from Beatles era), sprinkling them in the first disc w/ songs from both Wings and Beatles, leaving the second disc entirely to Beatles faves. His enthusiasm for the material is such that they all feel like new songs again. For a bit, anyway.

Free AOL album stream

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More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
Tape Deck Mountain - Ghost / "Ghost Colony" [mp3]
Real Estate - Real Estate / "Beach Comber" [mp3]
SCORE! 20 Years of Merge Records: The Remixes! / Xiu Xiu - "Volcana (I Hope You Hear the Train Crashes remix)" [mp3]
tUnE-yArDs - BiRd-BrAiNs / Free AOL album stream
Lovvers - Think EP
Dan Zanes & Friends - 76 Trombones
Alexandre Desplat - The Twilight Saga: New Moon (The Score)

REISSUES
David Bowie - Space Oddity: 40th Anniversary Edition
The Fall - Hex Enduction Hour: Deluxe Edition
The Blood Brothers - Burn, Piano Island, Burn [Bonus Track Version]
The Blood Brothers - Crimes [Bonus Track Version]
The Blood Brothers - Young Machetes [Bonus Track Version]
The Blood Brothers - March On Electric
Children
RJD2 - Since We Last Spoke: Deluxe Edition / Free AOL album stream
RJD2 - The Horror: Deluxe Edition / Free AOL album stream
John Entwistle - Rigor Mortis Sets In

tags: music, album review, them crooked vultures, macca, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody

Ear on TV: Week of 11.16.09: My Morning Jacket

When My Morning Jacket played their legendary performance in the rain at Bonaroo last year, who knew that it would be the inspiration for an episode of American Dad? Specifically, the 8-minute long rendition of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home," featuring comedian Zach Galifianakis dressed as Little Orphan Annie. In the audience for the set was American Dad co-creator Mike Barker, and he's pulled not only My Morning Jacket in for the episode this Sunday (titled, "My Morning Straightjacket"), but also Zach Galifanakis, who provides the voice of an MMJ superfan.

The plot has Stan becoming a roadie for MMJ, eventually devolving into an Almost Famous parody, which feels slightly off, in that we remember MMJ appearing in a different Cameron Crowe movie (Elizabethtown).Not only is MMJ getting the animated treatment for the episode, but six of their songs will also be featured, which has to be some kind of record for a half-hour series. To capitalize on the appearance -- in what appears to be a growing trend -- a special digital EP will be released, featuring the songs and several bits of dialogue. All we need now is an animated Zach Galifanakis in a Little Orphan Annie dress to really cap it off.

Meanwhile, the much ballyhooed Lady Gaga makes an appearance on Gossip Girl this week, and while some wonder which song she'll be singing (latest single “Bad Romance”), most the anticipation lies in what she'll be wearing (performing in a 30 ft dress!). Lady Gaga serves as the musical backdrop to the messy emotional leftovers from last week's threesome. "Bad Romance" indeed.

Elsewhere, folks are still talking about the 18-song set that Pearl Jam performed at the taping for Austin City Limits, and this Saturday, PBS viewers will finally get a chance to see what folks were raving about. Hard to tell what of the two-hour set will make it into the edited hour, but some of the highlights include opening with a cover of Austin native Daniel Johnston ("Walking the Cow"), a cover of The Police song "Driven to Tears," and Ben Harper joining the band on slide guitar for "Red Mosquito." (Go behind the scenes with a piece done for the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.)

Finally, Elvis Costello is making several appearances this week (The Colbert Report, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Early Show), to promote the DVD release of the first season of his excellent talk show, Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., out this week. That also reminds us that the Sundance series comes back for its second season in just a few short weeks, and with superstar guests like Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and U2 in the works, it looks to be an even better season than last year's revelation.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, November 16
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Wyclef Jean with Cyndi Lauper
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: They Might Be Giants tell me they're slated, but sked says Ben Harper
THE CW: Gossip Girl: Lady Gaga
Tuesday, November 17
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: OneRepublic
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Bouncing Souls
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Neko Case, Cheech and Chong
Wednesday, November 18
CBS: The Early Show: Elvis Costello
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Ray Davies
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Wale
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: The Brian Setzer Orchestra
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Avett Brothers
Thursday, November 19
COMEDY CENTRAL: The Colbert Report: Elvis Costello
MTV: It's On With Alexa Chung: Leighton Meester
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Obits
Friday, November 20
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Death Cab For Cutie
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Lyle Lovett
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: David Gray
FUEL: The Daily Habit: LMFAO
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Bon Jovi
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Elvis Costello
SUNDANCE: Wetlands Preserved: The Story of an Activist Nightclub: The Roots, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Moe
Saturday, November 21
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Rod Stewart
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Dave Matthews Band
PBS: Austin City Limits: Pearl Jam
Sunday, November 22
FOX: American Dad: My Morning Jacket

The Prisoner - Be Seeing You

Long before David Chase felt it necessary to leave the country when the series finale for The Sopranos aired, there was Patrick McGoohan and his series the The Prisoner (1967-1968). The series finale ("Fall Out") so infuriated and puzzled viewers, McGoohan had to retreat to the mountains of Wales to get peace. McGoohan's uncompromising series was willfully weird and vague to the very end, but like The Sopranos, there was closure for those who were willing to accept it.

AMC is streaming all 17 episodes on their site, so now is the best time to catch up on a classic.

From the beginning, The Prisoner was meant to thumb its nose at the existing rules that governed television series creation. McGoohan had tired of playing secret agent John Drake (that's right DRAKE) in the series Danger Man (aka, Secret Agent), but was able to parlay his value to ITV into greenlighting his idea for this new series. Originally conceived as a seven episode arc, the seventeen hours that were produced encompass some of the most uncompromising work television has ever seen. The influence on other/current shows cannot be under sold either -- Lost (the smoke monster modeled after Rover), Battlestar Galactica (Number Six anyone) and even the recently cancelled Dollhouse (concept of individual vs society and technology).

That individual vs society theme came out strong in the opening episode ("The Arrival"), but the series ended in a manner that felt a bit rushed and willfully weird -- much like the Beatles film Magical Mystery Tour, which is appropriate since the fab four were big fans and contributed MMT's "All You Need Is Love" for the finale (Number 1 was the Walrus). Even rushed, there was a lot of meat still to chew on it. Number 6 battles with Number 2 always seemed a precursor to finding out who Number 1 was, but in the end, it's the self that is the number one enemy, as revealed in the finale.

The other interesting theme was the Village/society co-opting rebellion. When rebellion is embraced, what can you rebel against?This last point is made especially clear with the beatnik Number 48, singing "Dem Bones," and talkin' bebop "daddy-o." The magistrate cops his lingo, though, and eventually, the black & white masked jury starts singing "Dem Bones" (actually, it's "Dry Bones" here, by The Four Lads), confusing the rebellious #48, who then kind of gives up. Later, after everyone has escaped and the village is left in disarray thanks to a rocket being launched (!), Number 6 ends up back home. Of course, his door opens automatically, like in the village, and we're left with a final visage of him driving like in the intro. Nothing has changed -- he's still a prisoner.

We all are.

AMC's gamble of a reboot, airing this Sunday, is purportedly to be nearly as weird, but really is a no-win situation. Remaking a cult classic that had such a distinct stamp put on it by its creator would be sacrilege, and to change it entirely might lose the point of the series. While what I've seen looks beautiful, reviews have not been favorable. I want to root for it just to champion 'outside the box' television, and will do the first two hours for sure. But an escape plan is already in the works for if and when AMC's version begins to plod.

Some music from the series:
"The Prisoner Theme" - Ron Granier
"Pop Goes the Weasel" - used in many episodes, coming to a head in the penultimate (video linked here)
"All You Need is Love"- The Beatles - the Fab Four were fans, and finale had similar crazed feel as the film (Magical Mystery Tour that this song anchored.
"Dem Bones" ("Dry Bones") - The Four Lads - (video) in finale, with beatnik and jury
"I, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Like You Very Much)" - Carmen Miranda - death of the Rover, finale.

Glee "Wheels": See the Real Me

For a series that has achieved such great name recognition so quickly, Glee has still suffered from an identity problem, something that can easily happen when you've got three distinctive writers shaping the show. Ryan Murphy, who penned "Wheels," seems to have learned a bit from the success of recent episodes by Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, and sees what we saw tonight as the tone for the series going forward, telling LA Times as much in a recent interview:

This episode is the turning point for the show. Certainly, after this, it remains a comedy, and it’s fun. But writing this made me feel the responsibility of showing the truth of the pain that outcasts go through. It’s not all razzle-dazzle show business. It’s tough, and it’s painful, and it was for me growing up, and it is for most people. So I think this made me realize that amid the fun and the glamour, it’s really great now and again to show the underbelly of what people who are different feel.

Of course that all ties together a theme of the episode, revealing the real person behind the mask. Kurt came out of the closet to his father a couple episodes back, and now more characters are coming out of their own self-made closets. Tina and her fake stutter, Puck with his paternal asperation, and Sue as caregiver to her sister with down syndrome.

All told, I'm all for the tone Murphy has decided on, if only that it has to mean less of Terri and her fake baby storyline. Her absence here reinforces the correlation between good episodes and her absence since the pilot. It also apparently calls for more singing and dancing, which is always good for this blog, right? Take for instance the multiple use of "Dancing with Myself," first the Glee Cast version of Nouvelle Vague's take on it, and Billy Idol's popular take (originally by Idol's old Generation X band, of course). I'm too lazy right now to go back and check, but I think that might be the first time an original has been used alongside a Glee Cast version. The song itself was originally inspired by a Japanese disco, where Idol saw the Japanese dancing by themselves in front of mirrors. How better to see the real you than in a mirror?

With this song, and the Wicked 'diva off' of "Defying Gravity" (most popular version sung by previous guest star Kristen Chenoweth), we've now heard all the songs featured on the recently released soundtrack, Glee: The Music, Volume 1. From here on out, I guess, we're looking at Volume 2 (next week: "Don't Stand So Close to Me.") UPDATE: Volume 2 is indeed in the works, coming with in a month of Vol 1 (December 8).

Playlist: Glee - Episode 1.09
1. "Dancing With Myself" - Glee Cast
2. "Dancing With Myself" - Billy Idol
3. "Pusherman" - Curtis Mayfield
4. "Flight of the Bumblebee" - The Swingle Singers
5. "Defying Gravity - Glee Cast
6. "Proud Mary" - Ike & Tina Turner (Glee Cast)

Previously: "Mash-Up" (Episode 1.08)

Now Downloading: New Releases 11.10.09

Another week closer to the holidays, and even more gift-oriented releases -- this week featuring live (Robyn Hitchcock) and greatest hits (Snow Patrol) collections. There were a few new releases as well, from The Cribs (featuring Johnny Marr), Asobi Seksu, Wale, Grant-Lee Phillips, Caroline Herring, Ray Davies, Pants Yell! and Echo & the Bunnymen.

Playlist: New Releases 11.10.09

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Robyn Hitchcock - I Often Dream of Trains in New York
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

Robyn Hitchock lovingly recreates the beloved album I Often Dream of Trains live for a lucky New York crowd. Joined by multi-instrumentalists Timo Keegan and Terry Edwards, Hitchcock gives the eccentric material a more mature edge, reinterpreting the material for mid-afternoon tea (with a dash of Monty Python zaniness, just so you remember who it is we're listening to here). There's a DVD as well, the content of which debuted on Sundance back in June, and here's some video clips below from the concert film to wet your appetite:

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More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
The Cribs - Ignore the Ignorant
Asobi Seksu - Rewolf
Wale - Attention Deficit
Caroline Herring - Golden Apples of the Sun / "Tales of the Islander" [mp3]
Ray Davies - The Kinks Choral Collection / Free AOL Album Stream
Grant-Lee Phillips - Ladies' Love Oracle
Pants Yell! - Received Pronunciation / "Cold Hands" [mp3]
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - Xenophanes / Free AOL Album Stream
Echo and the Bunnymen - The Fountain
Snow Patrol - Up to Now
The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters
The Jackson 5 - 1967
Tori Amos - Midwinter Graces

tags: music, album review, robyn hitchcock, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody

Happy 40th Sesame Street!

It was 40 years ago today that Sesame Street aired its first episode, November 10, 1969, which explains why In case you've been wondering why Google has had Sesame Street on the brain for the past week (culminating in today's great doodle pictured above).

The opening credits haven't changed that much, when you think about it... here's the original opening:


For their 40th birthday, there are a lot of guests stopping by, including first lady Michelle Obama and Adam Sandler, in the video below singing a song for Elmo:

Mad Men "Shut the Door. Have a Seat.": Sterling, Cooper, Draper & Pryce

There are people out there who buy things. Like you and me. Then something happened. Something terrible. And the way that they saw themselves is gone. And nobody understands that. But you do. And that's very valuable.

Every season, Don has a sales pitch that says a lot about that particular season of Mad Men. That this one was to Peggy and not a client doesn't diminish the fact that it nails several truths about this season, and the characters' past. While last week's Kennedy assassination episode was light on plot, the 'something terrible' was an event that shapes this week and America going forward. It set up events in this week's episode in that it forced most to look at their world differently, accelerating change not here, but across the country.

This whole season has seemingly been about tearing Don down, bit by bit, as uncomfortable as it was at times to see. Father-in-law Gene, baby Gene, Conrad Hilton, and Betty have, little by little, taken away some control from Don's life, and much like his hair, Don's life is a product of control. Seeing him lose his temper to Peggy, in particular, was hard to see, but reflective of a man losing control (and lets not forget sleep).

The finale starts by pulling out the final pieces-- in the form of betrayals. First up, father figure Hilton breaks the news of Sterling Cooper's sale to McCann Sausage Factory* to Don, who sees deceit in Conrad's handling of him through their relationship - namely for forcing him to sign a contract, thus leaving him no convenient escape route. Next up, Betty begins divorce proceedings, pulling another relationship rug from under Don (and leading to the heartbreaking scene with Bobby & Sally, pictured above). But for every door that closes...

*Once upon a time, I worked for that sausage factory.

Sterling Cooper Draper Price, how can I help you?" "Yes Harry, it's room 435.

The episode took on the fun elements of the heist genre, like Draper's Eleven, as Don, Roger, Bert and Lane plotted out how they'd pull off their own pre-emptive betrayal. I'm pretty sure they broke a few laws in the process, and wouldn't be surprised if a lawsuit results, but it was a brilliant scheme leading to not only a reunion with Joan, but also all sorts of exciting season four possibilities. To get there, Don had to repair some relationships along the way. First Roger, who helpfully pointed out Don's problem with relationships, then Pete and finally, as opened with here, Peggy.

A great finale demands a fine ending, and seeing Don pull up to his new digs (found for him by Joan) to the strands of Roy Orbison's "Shahadaroba":

Shahadaroba, Shahadaroba
Face the future
And forget about the past
Shahadaroba, Shahadaroba
In the future
You will find a love that lasts

Previously: "Grown-Ups" (Episode 3.12)

Ear on TV: Huey Lewis & the News

What's old is new; what was once out is now in... it's too hard to keep track anymore. Are Huey Lewis & the News really making a cultural comeback?

Like many bands from their era (I'm looking at you, Journey), the News are benefiting from a resurgance, due in part from television and film exposure. Last year, they were tapped by Judd Apatow to write the theme to Pineapple Express and then Chuck used several of their hits to great effect during their second season. They'll likely be playing one of those hits (let's guess "Power of Love") when they appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Friday.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the experience scale, buzz-y up-and-comers The Xx have already lost a member due to exhaustion. Following a grueling tour schedule which culminated in a series of shows during CMJ, guitarist/keyboardist Baria Qureshi recently left the group, too exhausted to go on. The West London band makes an appearance on MTV's It's On Alexa Chung Wednesday, likely as a trio, still on a neverending tour promoting their self-titled debut. It's so hard to be young and fabulous these days.

Finally, Johnny Marr has truly become an indie gun for hire. The highly influential ex-Smiths guitarist famously joined Modest Mouse on their previous release (Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, but has since moved on to UK's The Cribs, lending his craft to their latest release Ignore the Ignorant. The album is getting rave reviews in the UK, giving Marr a Midas Touch rep he hasn't enjoyed since his days in The Smiths (well, maybe The The). Let's hope the brothers Jarman (twins Gary and Ryan, plus younger brother Ross Jarman) enjoy it before Marr finds an even younger band to briefly join.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, November 9
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Matisyahu
MTV: It's On With Alexa Chung: Rihanna
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: David Gray
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Yo La Tengo (REPEAT)
PBS: How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin: The Beatles
Tuesday, November 10
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Shakira
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: John Fogerty
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Wale
Wednesday, November 11
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Antlers
Thursday, November 12
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Cribs with Johnny Marr
MTV: It's On With Alexa Chung: The Xx
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Goodie Mob
Friday, November 13
ABC: The View: Kool & the Gang
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Huey Lewis & the News
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Kid Sister
SUNDANCE: You're Gonna Miss me: Roky Erickson
Saturday, November 14
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Alison Moyet
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Black Eyed Peas
PBS: Austin City Limits: Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel