Ear on TV: Week of 09.27.10: Scotland Rocks!

While nobody seems to be promoting it as such, this week is essentially Scotland Week on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, with appearances from fave Glaswegian bands Teenage Fanclub, Bell & Sebastian and the network television debut for recently reunited The Vaselines. Why Craig Ferguson didn't think of it first is anybody's guess. (Maybe because it's Scotland Week every week on The Late Late Show ?)

Fuzzed-out power poppers Teenage Fanclub kick things with a performance of "Baby Lee" on Tuesday, which also marks a notable date in Scottish history. The Battle of the Clans (aka Battle of the North Inch) happened on this day back in 1396, a senseless bloody battle that has little to do with the twee bands here representing their country, but I thought you should know. Belle & Sebastian bow on Wednesday, with a possible performance of the single "Write About Love," a song which features actress Carey Mulligan guesting on vocals. So let's keep fingers crossed for a surprise appearance.

Besides touring for their own forthcoming release (Write About Love), members of Belle & Sebastian are also supporting the reunited Vaselines, who'll be performing "Sex with an X" on Thursday night. Mostly known for being "that band that Kurt Cobain loved," Glasgow's Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee recently released Sex With an X, their first album of new material in 21 years. Beyond the grey hair and wrinkles, the spark that made them special all those years ago is still there.

Finally, with all the recent chaos in late night on NBC, it's easy to forget that Carson Daly is now in his tenth season. The affable host has been able to endure in the wasteland of a time slot by eliminating a set and filming great up and coming bands at clubs in Los Angeles like The Roxy and The Viper Room. In only its second week, the late night offering is definitely hitting its stride featuring Japandroids, Los Campesinos!, Menomena and The Morning Benders. Every night is a winner.

Picks for the week
Monday, September 27
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Runner Runner
FUEL: The Daily Habit: ASG
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Zac Brown Band
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Temper Trap
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Never Shout Never (REPEAT)
TBS: Lopez Tonight: Santana with Nas
Tuesday, September 28
ABC: The View: John Legend and The Roots
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Maroon 5
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: N.E.R.D.
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Hot Hot Heat
IFC: 360 Sessions: La Roux
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Teenage Fanclub
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Menomena
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Vampire Weekend
Wednesday, September 29
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Tired Pony
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Silverstein
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Seal
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Justin Timberlake, Belle & Sebastian
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Morning Benders
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Zac Brown Band
TBS: Lopez Tonight: FaR*eAst Movement
Thursday, September 30
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: The Avett Brothers
FUEL: The Daily Habit: In This Moment
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Rodrigo y Gabriela
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Vaselines
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Japandroids
TBS: Lopez Tonight: Seal
Friday, October 1
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Drake
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Cypress Hill
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Los Campesinos!
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Pete Yorn
Saturday, October 2
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show:
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Kanye West
PBS: Austin City Limits: Jimmy Cliff (SEASON PREMIERE)
Sunday, October 3
SUNDANCE: Let's Get Lost: Chet Baker