Ear on TV: Week of 07.26.10: Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney: In Performance at the White House

Living legend Paul McCartney was honored last month at the White House with the third ever George Gershwin Songwriting Award, and took the occasion to play some favorite songs for the President and the first lady. Then he saw with the Obamas and watched as some famous admirers took on a few of his classics as well.

Artists joining in the fun included 2008 Gershwin award winner Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Emmy Lou Harris, Herbie Hancock, Foo Fighter's Dave Grohl, the Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill and Jack White, who provided his own twist on "Mother Nature's Son" (scroll down for video). PBS is broadcasting an edited version of the concert to air on Wednesday night, as part of their In Concert at the White House series. One of the highlights has Sir Paul singing "Michelle" to the First Lady, and the President can be seen mouthing the words along with Paul. Says McCartney of the moment, "I hope the President won't punch me out."



Elsewhere, Atlanta purveyors of psychedlic pop Of Montreal are back with a new release, and this time they've somehow managed to capture the funk. Frontman Kevin Barnes has channeled the funk before, especially the Prince's flavor, but with False Priest (scheduled for release on September 14), it sounds like he's been George Clinton (Parliament / Funkadelic). Their live performances are always a spectacle, so make sure you plan on tuning in Thursday night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, especially knowing that there's a chance that sci-fi soul babe Janelle Monae might sit in.

Here's bonus video of Dave Grohl doing a pretty tight version of "Band on the Run," from the Macca White House gig:



Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, July 26
ABC: The View: Imagination Movers
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Jimmy Webb
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: She & Him
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Cypress Hill
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Lyle Lovett
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Hanson
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: OK Go, Paolo Nutini (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: The U.S. vs. John Lennon
Tuesday, July 27
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Black Keys
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Paul Wall
IFC: Dinner With the Band: Rufus Wainwright (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Angelique Kidjo
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Metric (REPEAT)
TBS: Lopez Tonight: Backstreet Boys
Wednesday, July 28
ABC: The View: 50 Cent
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Rhymefest
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Flaming Lips
E!: Chelsea Lately: Lil Jon, Rick Ross, Big Boi
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Silverstein
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Robert Cray
PBS: Paul McCartney in Performance at the White House: Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Herbie Hancock, Dave Grohl, Jack White
Thursday, July 29
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Interpol
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Damian Marley & Nas
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Stone Temple Pilots
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Of Montreal
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Shooter Jennings (REPEAT)
Friday, July 30
ABC: Good Morning America: Black Eyed Peas
ABC: The View: Snoop Dogg
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Green Day
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Raveonettes (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Live From Abbey Road: Mika, La Roux, Bloc Party (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Court Yard Hounds (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: Sheryl Crow
Saturday, July 31
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Shirley Bassey (REPEAT)
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Them Crooked Vultures (REPEAT)