Friday Night Lights "Laboring": Push

While Friday Night Lights has never been gumdrops and rainbows, this season has particularly proven to be an agonizing experience, and with the penultimate episode, "Laboring," it sure doesn't get any easier. It's not long into this episode before we're all torn up like the patchwork football field that the East Dillon Lions call home.

If there was a theme going no here (besides hopelessness), it might the painful process of of being born, getting pushed out into a new harsh reality. The Lions find themselves getting unfairly pushed out to play on West Dillon's field. Tami might get pushed out of a job by angry pro-life parents. Vince, still under Kenard's thumb, is being pushed to commit murder, in retaliation for Calvin. And, as direct reference to the title, Mindy's pushing out another Riggins boy (class of 2028!), a situation that is bringing a new reality for Billy, that of fatherhood.

Like a flower sprouting up in the concrete, the scenes with the Riggins boys were the light in this dark episode. Tim's not only now an uncle, but he also gets to see his brother demonstrate the potential to be the kind of father they never had. Tim recognizes this and offers to help out by going to the garage, where we get to see him drop the brooding and enjoy some momentary happiness. But since FNL discovered The Wire, it's inevitable that the momentary joy is shattered by the fuzz. The gig is up, and with Taylor Kitsch's scheduling conflicts for next season, the prospect of prison time is more than likely.

Speaking of David Simon-like despair, it's fitting that The Wire vet Michael B. Davis really shines in his scenes as Vince here. His resignment to Landry ("you're a good dude") of Jess almost felt like a suicide note, and if it weren't for Jess calling him on it, you get the feeling Vince might have gone through with Kenard's plan. But he doesn't, and the anguished cry after Kenard drives off (leaving a pistol-whip and admonishment as parting gifts) was gut-wrenching to say the least. Jess is there waiting to greet him, a moment cross-cut by Landry waiting for Jess. Guess who else is getting pushed out? Sorry LandryLance. Vince obviously isn't out of the woods yet, for as Kenard reminds him again, "I got you."

Finally, we turn to the Taylors, who usually serve as our guiding light in an FNL storm. Seeing them look so beaten, sitting there on the sofa, had to be as disheartening for Julie as it was for us. Like Eric in last season's finale, Tami has to make her case to the board to keep her job. Continuing in the the season three parallel, if Tami loses her job, can you imagine them offering her a job at East Dillon? Eric's been beaten down all season long -- that phone didn't stand a chance. The series has always played the underdog, both in story and as an NBC property, but with Luke out and the game being moved to the Panthers' home, the deck is really stacked against our new team, and against everyone we rooting for. By this point, we're hoping at least one of these stories ends up with a 'W.' I think we've been through enough labor pains to get at least some little bundle of joy at the end, right?

Speaking of endings, here are the bullet points:

• Is it just me, or is Coach calling Landry "Lance" starting to losing its luster.
• This is the second time we've seen someone rocking out to Montrose' "Rock Candy" in a garage. The pantsless svengali artist Richard was working to it when we first met him.

• Elsewhere in music, the ominous "How Will You Meet Your End?" is the fourth song appearance from A.A. Bondy. Besides the usual lean on Texas' Explosions in the Sky, other repeat artists this week include Dan Auerbach, Heartless Bastards and Trevor Dandy, whose "Is There Any Love" seems to have been playing on repeat at Ray's BBQ all season long.

Playlist: Friday Night Lights - Episode 4.11
1. "Home" - Explosions In The Sky: The Panthers complain about the state of the Lions field
2. "Real Good" - Tiny Masters Of Today [download]: Billy calls Tim with news of Mindy going into labor
3. "How Will You Meet Your End?" - A. A. Bondy [download]: Tami turns off the radio
4. "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" - Ida Maria [download]: Billy storms back into Mindy's hospital room.
5. "Be So Happy" - Heartless Bastards [download]: Eric listens to the radio; Panthers discover the toothpicks on the field
6. "Is There Any Love" - Trevor Dandy Jess loans Landry her iPod with special playlist; Kenard plans retaliation with Vince
7. "Rock Candy" - Montrose [download]: The police come for Tim
8. "When The Night Comes" - Dan Auerbach [download]: Vince talks to Jess; Landry waits for Jess; Billy and Tim at the police station; Tami talks to Eric about statement

Previously: "Injury List" (Episode 4.11)

One last tidbit from CHBP: Villagers

One of the most powerful performances from the entirety of the weekend, came in the quietest form. Conor J. O'Brien of Villagers performed a spine-tingling acoustic set in Neumo's while Mad Rad was bouncing around outside.

It was recently announced that Becoming a Jackal is a finalist for the much coveted 2010 Mercury Prize, and the set demonstrated why Villagers are in such great company. The Irishman's performance of the title track from said release sits with me more than anything else I heard at the festival.

While I loved hearing the songs stripped down, I'm hoping next time they come to town we'll get the whole band experience.

CHBP Photo Contest Finalist

Johnny Whitney of Jaguar Love, originally uploaded by drake lelane.

The only photo I took with a flash over the course of the whole weekend is a finalist in The Stranger's Capitol Hill Block Party photo contest. Vote early and vote often for #7 (Johnny Whitney of Jaguar Love).

Mad Men "Public Relations": The Jimmy Page Elevator

"Who is Don Draper"

And so begins the slight of hand intro for the fourth season of Mad Men, as he's being interviewed by a one-legged Ad Age journalist. It being the first episode and all, I'd be hesitant to draw too many conclusions in regards to the season as a whole, but the book-ending interviews certainly provided an efficient point A and point B of a Don Draper journey (References to a second floor, both in the building and in the Jantzen swimsuit ad, also seem to cleverly suggest progress.)

For the first two seasons, Don walked the line between keeping a low profile and doing great creative. Remember back in season one, just getting his picture in the paper for winning an award brought his brother into his circle, with tragic consequences. With that in mind, is it any wonder Don is a little reluctant to divulge anything to a journo? Another point of note from that interview was that the journalist was a genuine victim of the Korean war, both the birthplace and the achilles heel of any truthful discussion of "Who's Don Draper."

It's a different world, though now for Don, and the final interview suggests he might just be starting to recognize it, even if it's only an act to help the firm. Getting exposed isn't as big an issue now. First Pete, then Cooper and finally Betty all have found out the truth, and his family is all deceased (conveniently matching his fake background). Not only is there less worry over being found, but there's an urgent need for him to finally step into the light, being the face of the firm, and that's what makes that final scene such a key pivot.

As the dialogue fades, the end credit music kicks in almost abruptly with the strong guitar of the Nashville Teens recording of "Tobacco Road." A lot of people are probably going to make the case that the song is a reference to their SCDP's main client, Lucky Strike, but I'd argue the music choice has more to do with who's playing guitar on it. A young session guitarist by the name of Jimmy Page* is banging out that riff, creating a kind of elevator between 1960 (when the song originally was written and recorded by John D. Loudermilk as a folk song) and what's to come when Page helps popularize distortion with the Yardbirds (and later, obviously, with Led Zeppelin). This season is supposed to be about change, and there's not many better examples of it than what Page & Nashville Teens bring to the recording.

*Back in his session music days, he was known as "Little Jim" to distinguish himself from another session guitarist, "Big Jim" Sullivan. 1964 was a big year for Page. Besides "Tobacco Road," he worked on Marianne Faithfull's "As Tears Go By", The Rolling Stones' "Heart of Stone," Van Morrison & Them's "Baby Please Don't Go" & "Here Comes the Night", Dave Berry's "The Crying Game" and "My Baby Left Me", Brenda Lee's "Is It True," Petula Clark's "Downtown," The Who's first single "I Can't Explain" and contributions to The Kinks' 1964 self-titled debut album.

Previously: "Shut the Door, Have a Seat" (Season 3 finale)

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)

CHBP 2010 - Day One in the Books

Jaguar Love

Best view for Mahjongg

Fruit Bats

Yellow Ladies Need Text Love Too

Friday Night Lights "Injury List": Paying the Piper

With only three episodes left in a short season, "Injury List" had to juggle a lot of subplots, bringing many previous conflicts to a not so pleasant head. While the episode was as powerful at times as last week's "I Can't," it strained under the weight of too many story lines, a few of which I can't clame to be my favorite.

One of the first unpleasant repercussions came in the form of Luke, who's bruised hip rooster finally came to roost, taking a possible victory away from the Lions in the process. Seeing him walk through Carroll Park looking for hillbilly heroin with his wallet out was both ridiculous and yet so very Luke (right?). Sadly, this also benches him for the big game against the Dillon Panthers, a match that's been building since season four's premiere.

Luke's other indirect repercussion involves Becky's abortion, and his very religious mother getting involved. Poor Tami, even after following protocol she still finds herself in the cross hairs, of a woman looking to avenge the loss of what could've been. Becky, eager for the attention, must have fed Luke's mom exactly what was needed to bring the meddling to a boil. FNL has been careful not to paint anyone involved with this hot button issue in too villainous a light (well, aside from that one fire-breathing school board member), which they easily could've done with Luke's mom.

An even more unwelcome repercussion befalls Vince, who had fallen back into thuggery with Calvin to help pay for his mother's rehab. It hadn't been very long since we finally figured out Calvin Brown's name, and he's already a casualty. R.I.P. CB - we'll miss your gold necklace and bug-eyed stare. Calvin's death makes Vince vulnerable, bringing to a head another subplot -- that of the Landry-Jess-Vince triangle. Between Vince's tears and the combo of stroganoff and Obama talk at the Clarke residence, Jess appears to be edging back to team Vince. Funny looking Landry isn't done yet, though, rest assured. Twinkle toes still has some fight left in him. It might be time to write a Jess-centric Crucifictorious song.

Another repercussion sort of came out of left-field, with Tim the land baron and his landlord sitch. First came the ill-gotten gains deposit on his dream land, and, given the theme of the episode, you had to assume something bad was going to come of it. But, instead the paying of the piper came in the form of Cheryl's misreading of Tim's big brother-like attachment to Becky. That Tim spurned Cheryl prior only made it easier for her to over react.

The final shoe to drop was one that's been brewing since "Wait," when Matt up and left us all without saying goodbye. Julie had been a wreck until Habitat for Hunkity showed up, so Matt's timing is impeccable as usual. Julie's anger is understandable, but did she forget that it was her college applications and whining about being his Dillon anchor that spurred him out of town in the first place?

I'm writing this while my kids watch Ghostbusters 2 (forgot there was such a thing) in a mini-theater while on vacation out of state, so forgive the lack of digging this week. There's still some coins loose in the sofa cushion, though, so on to bullet points:

• "Dear Lord, please let me get some more drugs before Friday."
• Buddy Garrity as radio host is an unexpected joy
• When Coach chose to drink another beer because he couldn't face being at home, it was hard to watch, especially when crosscut with Tami waiting on the porch with troubling news.
  

Friday Night Lights - Episode 4.11
1. "Say What You Want" - White Denim [download]: Lions practice
2. "Hard Times" - The Parlor Mob [download]: Luke keeps getting hit in the game.

Previously: "I Can't" (Episode 4.10)

CHBP 2010 Guide Looks Familiar

This year's cover to the official guide that The Stranger puts out every year borrows (with permission) a photo I took from last year's fest.

It's of Cole Alexander of Atlanta's Black Lips, with the photo turned and 'posterized' for effect.

Here's what the original looked like: Here's the rest of the photos from last year's CHBP. The photo also made my "Favorite Photos of 2009" entry here.

Now Downloading: New Releases 07.20.10

Playlist: New Releases 07.20.10

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The Books - The Way Out
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

This geek duo specialize in experimental sampling, but, up until now, have been a hard nut to crack. The Way Out, their first album in five years -- Lost And Safe being the last, samples self-help books and ends up being their most accessible release to date. And it's damn funny to boot.

Free AOL Album Stream

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Mountain Man - Made the Harbor
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

I feel at odds trying to review Made at Harbor. The female folk trio's latest feels like something that should be kept to yourself, played in private, not shouted from the rooftops. The hushed harmonies were recorded in an old ice cream parlor, and the plaintively strummed chords sound straight off the Appalachian mountains.

Free AOL Album Stream
Download: "Soft Skin" [mp3]

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More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
Frazey Ford - Obadiah / AOL Album Stream
Dan Sartain - Lives / AOL Album Stream
Department of Eagles - Archive 2003-2006
The Triffids - Wide Open Road
M.I.I. - XXXO (Remixes)
Francis & the Lights - It'll Be Better (EP)
Mahjongg - The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger

tags: music, album review, the books, mountain man, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody

Ear on TV: Week of 07.19.10: Crowded House

In this day of nostalgia and sponsored tours, reunions are a common commodity, but the reforming of Australia's Crowded House is anything but common. Led by songwriter and New Zealand legend Neil Finn, the band's reformation was originally spurred through the suicide of drummer and co-founder Paul Hester in 2005, and the resulting album (2007's Time on Earth) had to serve two masters: remembering a friend and reacquainting the world with the act. It worked beautifully for the former but less so for the latter.

Flash forward three years and this version of Crowded House, with ex-Beck drummer Matt Sherrod on board, is more of a group now than a Neil Finn backing band, and their latest release, Intriguer, feels like a fresh new start for the Australian institution. A perfect example of the new direction that band is heading is lead single and opening track "Saturday Son", whose uncharacteristic loud drums and slide guitar should have The Roots nodding heads in the background Wednesday night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon*. As is the case with reunions on Fallon, expect a web exclusive track from their past (like "Don't Dream It's Over," or, better yet, "Sister Madly").

*It's worth noting that Crowded House has a strong history with talk shows, having used the circuit to circumvent their North American label's lack of interest with their self-titled debut. Their stripped down performances and witty repartee created a buzz that eventually drove the release to be their biggest seller to date.

Elsewhere, KISS make an unexpected return to the talk show circuit, thanks in part to the recent sad news of the death of Bill Aucoin, the band's first manager and person credited with discovering the act. They play The Tonight Show and likely sit down for a brief interview to deliver some stories about the famed manager. Meanwhile, the similarly party-minded Andrew W.K. drops by Dinner With the Band to share songs and food, both featuring "Party Hard" (the song and a the Party Hard Brisket on the menu). Below is a bonus performance that didn't make the airing:


Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, July 19
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: N.E.R.D.
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Robyn
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Heavy
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: KISS
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Widespread Panic
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Janelle Monae (REPEAT)
VH1: Behind the Music: Usher
Tuesday, July 20
ABC: The View: La Roux
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Runner Runner
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Sheryl Crow
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Heavy
IFC: Dinner With the Band: Andrew WK
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Black Eyed Peas
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Crowded House
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Arctic Monkeys (REPEAT)
Wednesday, July 21
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Raheem DeVaughn
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Alejandro Escovedo
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Metric
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Halestorm
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Weezer (REPEAT)
PBS: Tavis Smiley: The Temptations
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: One eskimO (REPEAT)
Thursday, July 22
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Keane
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Steve Winwood
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: 3OH!3
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Sheryl Crow
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Lisa Hannigan (REPEAT)
PBS: Tavis Smiley: Tom Petty
Friday, July 23
ABC: Good Morning America: Sheryl Crow
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Paul McCartney (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: MGMT
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Rick Ross
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Lily Allen (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Live From Abbey Road: The Killers, Florence & the Machine (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Lady Gaga (REPEAT)
Saturday, July 24
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Michael Buble (REPEAT)

Ear on TV: Week of 07.12.10: M.I.A.

The Sri Lankan born, London-raised artist M.I.A. has been a lightning rod from the beginning of her career, so it should come as no surprise that her latest,
/\/\/\Y/\ (spelling out her name MAYA, out this week), has been talked about in controversial tones for months now.

From the shocking Ginger holocaust of a first video for "Born Free" to all the hullabaloo surrounding The New York Times Magazine piece from proverbial pot-stirrer Lynn Hirschberg, M.I.A. hasn't shied away from the target she's painted on herself. The proof is i in the pudding, though, and /\/\/\Y/\ is sure to generate even more discussion. Longtime producer and collaborator Diplo worked on just three tracks, and hasn't been shy about what he thinks of the rest of the album.

M.I.A. will be performing current single "XXXO" Tuesday on Letterman and then all bets are off for her Late Night with Jimmy Fallon performance on Wednesday, as The Roots are bound to lend a hand to whatever she chooses to do.

Elsewhere this week, Letterman managed to score couple of rare televised appearances from two legendary artists. First comes Wednesday in the form of the mulitmedia artist Laurie Anderson, who's first studio release in 10 years (Homeland) finds her fired up about our countries handling of war overseas. Then, on Thursday it's 62-year old reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who recently played to raving reviews at the 2010 Bonaroo Music Festival.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, July 12
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Sublime with Rome (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit:
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Tracy Bonham
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Big Boi
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Angels & Airwaves (REPEAT)
Tuesday, July 13
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: M.I.A.
IFC: Dinner With the Band: Light Speed Champion
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Kelis
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Morning Benders (REPEAT)
Wednesday, July 14
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Laurie Anderson
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: M.I.A.
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: OK Go (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Weezer (REPEAT)
TBS: Lopez Tonight: Big Boi
Thursday, July 15
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Jimmy Cliff
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Marina & the Diamonds
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: City and Colour (REPEAT)
Friday, July 16
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: The Swell Season
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Nas & Damian Marley (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Live From Abbey Road: Antony & the Johnstons, Paloma Faith, The Enemy (REPEAT)
VH1: Behind the Music: 50 Cent (REPEAT)
Saturday, July 17
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Janet Jackson
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Dave Matthews Band (REPEAT)
VH1: The Temptations: The Temptations

Friday Night Lights "I Can't": Third Party Perspective

First off, congratulations Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton for finally breaking through with their first Emmy nominations! FNL did receive nods for best casting and writing ("The Son"), but both the series (Drama) and Zach Gilford (Guest Actor) were locked out of the party.

After last week's The Wire-Lite, it's great to see Friday Night Lights deliver their second most powerful hour of the season ("I Can't), following only the tearjerker (and Emmy nominated!) "The Son." And it's here, in the tenth episode, that the actors playing characters introduced this season finally get a chance to deliver the emotional goods: Madison Burge (Becky) and Michael B. Jordan (Vince) did indeed deliver.

Whatever your stance on the abortion issue, you have to admit FNL has balls in going through with breaking the network television taboo*, and it's probably worth pointing out that when "I Can't" originally aired on DirecTV back on January 20th, that just happened to be two days before the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision. Not only did they hit all the right emotional notes this week, but there was also lots of thematic ties keeping it together, and as you've probably figured out by now, I'm a sucker for those themes.

*As pointed out last week, the last significant character to go through with an abortion on prime time network television was Maude in 1972. Again, I'll put this question out there: Is this the reason for Madison Burge's name being left out of this season's opening credits?

The most obvious theme at work this week was the title, "I can't," which served as a beginning to key emotional speeches that ultimately led to significant choices being made.

"I can't take care of a baby. I can't" - Becky

Becky delivers this emotional white flag to Tami after exploring her options and seeing no other way to go than for her to abort the child. Her phone call with Luke (Matt Lauria) at the end was just heartbreaking.

"I can't do this by myself" - Vince
Like Matt before him, East Dillon's QB1 has had to grow up too fast, playing caretaker to his mother, but in this scene (played incredibly by Michael B. Jordan), Vince shows the little boy is still there, wanting to be taken care of himself. Vince's desperation for his moms to get well forces a gun back in his hand, and when we hear "I got you" from his benefactor, the double meaning is not lost on us.

"I can't do this anymore" - Tim
The chop-shop days of Riggins Rigs appear to finally be behind us, but is it too late? Will that skeleton stay buried? Will Billy come up with another hair-brained scheme to dispose of the stripped cars? ("Let's tie a bunch of helium balloons to it and fly it out of here" Billy's a fan of Up, don't you know.)

Another subtle theme that emerged early on this week was the offering of a third party perspective to each storyline's problem at hand. Eric received unsolicited counsel from Big Mary on coaching Vince. Big Mary sees himself in Vince, much in the way that Cheryl and Tami see a little of themselves in Becky. Speaking of Becky, she finds herself receiving counsel from two mothers (Tami and Becky's mother Cheryl) that became parents earlier than they had planned, but have little else in common.

Julie also receives a sort of counsel from her Habitat for Getting Over Matt supervisor Ryan, who shows her what it might be like to skip college and travel the world, and I think it's that aspect of her story that serves a bigger purpose here, that of giving Tami (and us) an uncomfortable glimpse at two opposing futures for Julie. Tami has a nightmare about her being pregnant, but in reality, Julie's flirting with the opposite -- an untethered existence. While both possibilities frighten Tami (and Eric, for that matter -- just not as a hypothetical at 3 AM), you know that she'd be supportive of either path, whether chosen or happened upon.

And now I return to digging a hole that will never be big enough (commence bullet points):

• Loved that Tami gave Coach a taste of his own "a walk will do you good" medicine, sending him on his mini walk of shame back to his car after a few too many.
• Dinner with Ryan "It must be weird everyone out there in the rain. Playing football... it's raining." "Yeah, it can get pretty weird."
• First Academic Smackdown and now Pop Warner football has had the Lions square off against the Panthers. It's all just helping us build anticipation for the real Lion/Panther battle in the finale.
• And one final note: I'm on vacation for a week with limited internet access, so it's likely that I'll miss getting to next week's episode.

Friday Night Lights - Episode 4.10
1. "Slow Dance" - Explosions In The Sky: Tim is told he can't bring any more stripped car skeletons to the wreckers.
2. "Love Is So Mean" - Richard Cook: Coach Taylor talks to Vince about various plays.
3. "Percussion Gun" - White Rabbits [download]: Practice; Vernon stops by to observe.
4. "Remembrance Day" - Frally feat. Teddy Thompson [download]: Becky looks at a picture of her mom & herself, then drops by the Taylor household to talk with Tami.

Previously: "The Lights in Carroll Park" (Episode 4.09)

Ear on TV: Week of 07.05.10: Big Boi

It's vacation time for most this week, which means acres of repeats on the calendar. Thankfully, Outkast veteran Big Boi isn't letting anything get in the way of promoting his long awaited solo release out this week, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty.

Long thought to be an Outkast reunion of sorts, Sir Lucious ran into all kinds of problems with Big Boi's record label Jive. First the label was resistant to releasing it, finding it too unconventional and requesting that he record something more like Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop.." Then, after finally allowing Big Boi take it to another label (Def Jam), Jive decided to file an injunction against the album's release, requiring it be scrubbed of all the tracks featuring Outkast parther Andre 3000. So Sir Lucious is Andre 3000-free (aside from one production credit), but don't think for a second that you can't hear the songs as Big Boi is very familiar with the internet. And, according to both parties, we can expect some sort of Outkast reunion in the near future, regardless of Jive intervention.

Elsewhere, Brooklyn trio Au Revoir Simone is the latest indie band to sing for their supper on IFC's intriguing cooking show Dinner With the Band, and legendary popsters Squeeze reunite to perform on Live With Regis and Kelly on Thursday.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, July 5
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Galactic (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The National (REPEAT)
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Alanis Morissette (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Phish (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Surfer Blood (REPEAT)
Tuesday, July 6
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: The Specials (REPEAT)
IFC: Dinner With the Band: Au Revoir Simone
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Kate Nash (REPEAT)
VH1: Drake: Better Than Good Enough: Drake
Wednesday, July 7
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Broken Bells (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Black Keys (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: The Hold Steady (REPEAT)
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Big Boi
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Stars (REPEAT)
Thursday, July 8
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Minus the Bear (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Willie Nelson (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Blitzen Trapper (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Never Shout Never (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: Squeeze
Friday, July 9
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Drake (REPEAT)
NBC: The Today Show: Lady Gaga
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Chris Isaak
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Eminem (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: She & Him (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Live From Abbey Road: Gossip, The Mars Volta, Friendly Fires (REPEAT)
Saturday, July 10
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Katy Perry
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Pearl Jam (REPEAT)

Friday Night Lights "The Lights Of Carrol Park"

FNL has never been one to shy away from conflict, but being on a network (we can still call NBC that, right?) is always a challenge with some hot button issues. "The Lights in Carroll Park" tackles several all at once, as if The Wire's David Simon has taken over the series. Has FNL been showjacked?

There are clues everywhere you look that The Wire is present. We already got Wallace (Michael B. Jordan as Vince). Then there's Stan getting caught at the gay bar ala Captain Rawls, and when you think about it Principal Levi Burnwell is one "sheeeeeeeit" from becoming a Clay Davis. Heck, the Lions even played McNulty a few weeks back, and they played like they were drunk on Protestant whiskey. So, imagine my lack of surprise to see D'Angelo Barksdale (Larry Gilliard Jr., here as Eldred) slumming it in the back corners of East Dillon? Unfortunately, there was no real D'Angelo and Wallace reunion, but just having them in the same park set off all kinds of The Wire geek-induced goose bumps.

And it wouldn't be a David Simon-like joint without tackling big issues in a subtle way. First up was race, with Coach Taylor again trying to lend a hand without coming off too much like a white knight. Coach is more like The White Shadow, albeit one who seems even more lost in the side of town he now calls home. Carroll Park was a mystery to Coach, and since it turns out to be a place where even the good ones like Tinker are hanging out, having bullets flying about is bad for business (football business, that is). The simple task of getting the lights turned on in the park becomes a cause that the Energizer Buddy runs with, and thanks to a cooler head like Virgil "Big Merri" Merriweather, it becomes a community rally point. Ex-con Eldred serves as a liason for Coach, but by the end of the mostly friendly game, Eric's already connecting with a few of the non-Lions.

The game between the Lions and 'the street' could've ended up going south, but it all worked out nicely, which seemed to be this week's theme. Take Glenn's apology to Coach for "mouth-raping" Tami. Watching Eric's multi-faceted reaction to the bumbling retelling of that fateful Karaoke party gone wrong, you sense that this could go sour real quick. But no, Eric merely (and maniacally) laughs it off. The thought of Glenn being a threat had to be amusing, even to a deeply competitive man like Coach.

Other potential conflicts that got hugged out included Vince's meeting with Coach and subsequent job working for a man that doesn't like him. Then we had Julie and her Habitat for Humanity venture. Still down from Matt, she dreaded it, but a hunky supervisor made it all go down perhaps too well (cue mouth-rape!). Then there was Tami having to tell Joe McCoy that his son J.D. was in detention for being a McDick. Joe is understanding, thanks to their impending divorce. What? Is Janine Taylor off the show now? It wouldn't surprise me if the Conservative Republican asked to leave FNL after hearing the other major storyline this week: Abortion.

Turns out young Becky is preggers with Luke's baby, as apparently Luke didn't pony up for the 'protective glaze' for their visit to the car wash back when everybody was wearing black ("The Son"). Becky is understandably torn up and is afraid to talk to anyone, but Luke is awfully understanding, and father proxy Tim gives her a big bear of a hug when she tells him. Becky is fiercely determined not to follow in her mother's footsteps, and that points to an abortion, much to the chagrin of Luke, and likely NBC. Abortion is something that network television rarely, if ever, delves in*. Bring it up as an option, sure, but they always have the baby (even FNL -- see Jason Street's baby mama from Season 2). If they do continue to that expected destination, it will be interesting to see if there's any blowback from it*, even with FNL's low ratings.

*I believe the last primetime network television series to have a major character actually go through with an abortion was Maude way back in 1972. Maybe that explains why Madison Burge hasn't been included in the opening credits?

There's a lot more to discuss, to be sure, but I'm "due for a rinse" so we'll leave it to the bullets:

• "Do you realize by proxy now I have kissed Glenn?" The great Glenn "mouth-rape" of Tami Taylor from "In the Bag" has now paid off in full, thanks to the humor it provided this week.
• The Jess-Landry-Vince love triangle continues on. Loved the Vince chest tap after Landry challenged him to hit him. His love for the team won out over silly jealousy.
• Speaking of Landry and Vince, how about that toss that Jesse Plemons pulled out. Too bad Matt's Grandma wasn't there to see him not throw like a girl. He's still funny looking, though.

Playlist: Friday Night Lights - Episode 4.09
1. "Too Young To Burn" - Sonny and The Sunsets [download]: Julie talks with her Habitat For Humanity supervisor
2. "Is There Any Love" - Trevor Dandy: Buddy brings Vernon in on Carrol Park Project
3. "I Begin To Weep" by 24-Carat Black [download]: Jess instructs Vince on cleaning toilets
4. "Easy" - Get Cool ft Scrap: Vince's friends stop by Ray's Bar-B.
5. "Crime Wave" - 50 Cent [download]: Arrivals for Carroll Park game
6. "Booty Doo" - Northern League & Ming+FS: Vince gets sacked
7. "Take Your Shirt Off" - T-Pain [download]: Both teams score on long passes

Previously: "Toilet Bowl" (Episode 4.08)

Now Downloading: New Releases 06.29.10

Summer's in full swing somewhere, just not in Seattle. Overcast with a high of 61? That sounds like new release weather... sadly, that's not the case. Fitting that it's Canada Day as the marquee release this week is from Wolf Parade, along with new releases from Swervedriver's Adam Franklin, Scissor Sisters, Peter Case and last year's under the radar debut from Hey Marseilles gets a full blown release. Plus: Wavves' latest (and greatest) King of the Beach is out July 1 exclusively on iTunes (physical copy available for pre-order, out first week of August).

Playlist: New Releases 06.29.10

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Wolf Parade - Expo 86
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

The Wolf Parade dual-headed songwriting monster of Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner separately released their best non-WP work last year -- fronting both Sunset Rubdown (Dragonslayer) and Handsome Furs (Face Control) respectively -- and their work together as WP has always felt like it was coming apart at the seams. And that was part of the excitement. So it's perhaps a bit surprising that for an act that's been as restless both collectively and separately, Expo 86 is Wolf Parade's most cohesive, settled down release yet. If there's a fault, it's probably just that, unlike Apologies to the Queen Mary and At Mount Zoomer, there's nothing groundbreaking going on here. The band has settled into a groove and feel quite at home, and occasionally it's that settled feeling that borders on pedestrian for the band. Take for instance the song "Palm Road," which comes across like a re-working of INXS's "Don't Change." This is one of those albums that I think if you jostle the track order a bit, say swapping the aforementioned 2nd track with the 6th (and Boeckner highlight) "Ghost Pressure," it would raise my estimation, as there's plenty of great WP material to work with here. Krug's opener "Cloud Shadow on the Mountain" burns brightly, as does lead single "What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had to Go This Way)," and they close out in foot-stomping style with "Cave-o-sapien."

Download: "What Did My Lover Say? (It Had To Go This Way)" [mp3]
Download: "Ghost Pressure" [mp3]

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Adam Franklin & Bolts of Melody - I Could Sleep for a Thousand Years
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

After time marched on into the new century leaving shoegazers behind, Adam Franklin seemed to try and distance himself from his Swervedriver days, but that voice was hard to disassociate from that 90's favorite. With 2007's Bolts of Melody, Franklin seemed to sense that there was still a hunger for Swervedriver, and I Could Sleep for a Thousand Years is a near full actualization of that notion. Listening to the opening two tracks ("Yesterday Has Gone Forever," "I'll Be Yr Mechanic") with eyes closed will have you swearing Bill Clinton is still in office.

Download: "Yesterday Has Gone Forever" [mp3]

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More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
Wavves - King of the Beach is out July 1 exclusively on iTunes
Scissor Sisters - Night Work
Peter Case - Wig!
Hey Marseilles - To Travels and Trunks / AOL Album Stream
The Grip Weeds - Strange Change Machine
Alejandro Escovedo - Street Songs of Love / AOL Album Stream / "Street Song" [mp3]
Jackie Greene - Till the Light Comes / AOL Album Stream
Alasdair Roberts - Too Long in This Condition / "Daemon Lover" [mp3]
Jimmy Webb - Just Across the River / AOL Album Stream
Maps & Atlases - Perch Patchwork / AOL Album Stream / "Solid Ground" [mp3]
Delphic - Acolyte
Steel Train - Steel Train
John Zorn - The Goddess - Music From The Ancient of Days

REISSUE
John Fogerty - Centerfield - 25th Anniversary

tags: music, album review, adam franklin, wolf parade, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody