Spectacle - Bruce Springsteen, Part 1 & 2

Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... closed out it second season with the kind of episode I wish they'd been doing all along. In fact, the season was sandwiched with episodes of that stature. Of course, you can't get U2 and Bruce Springsteen for every episode. My hope is that enough artists, make that legends, think it's a worthwhile enough venture to be on the show that Elvis Costello has to come back for another season. All it takes is one Bob Dylan here, a Paul McCartney there... maybe the Kinks rumored reunion? I'm just saying...

Playlist: Spectacle - Episode 2.06-2.07: Bruce Springsteen, Pt. 1 & 2
01. "She's the One" - Bruce Springsteen: sung by Costello as intro
02. "Wild Billy's Circus Story" - Bruce Springsteen
03. "The River" - Bruce Springsteen
04. "American Skin (41 Shots)" - Bruce Springsteen
05. "I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down" - Elvis Costello (Sam & Dave cover): Springsteen and Costello
06. "Radio Nowhere / Radio Radio" - Springsteen/Costello mashup
07. "Oh, Pretty Woman" - Roy Orbison: Springsteen & Costello
08. "Seeds" - Bruce Springsteen
09. "Black Ladder" - Patti Scialfa: Sung by Costello
10. "Galveston Bay" - Bruce Springsteen
11. "The Rising" - Bruce Springsteen

Previously: Lamontagne, Lovett & Prine

Ear on TV: Week of 01.25.10: Springsteen on Spectacle

So, after a crazy couple weeks in late night, most the talkies are on vacation to begin this new post-Coco* world. Thankfully, there's still enough music this week to placate a hungry DVR, including the season finale to Spectacle, the second hour of the two-part love-fest between Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello.

*At least until Conan surfaces on another network in seven months.

While it's best to see both parts, either episode works surprisingly well as standalone, and the interplay between Costello and Springsteen finds both artists uncommonly warm. The set list was impressive as well (Playlist: Spectacle - Episode 2.06-2.07), including a creative mashup of Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere" and Costello's "Radio, Radio," which starts off this second part. Too early to know whether this is a season or series finale, but given Costello's wishy-washy desire to be a host at all, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the end. Which is too bad, as there is still a long list of artists who I need to see given the Spectacle treatment, including living legends like Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Ray Davies, Pete Townshend and Stevie Wonder along with R.E.M., Prince, and... List. Goes. On.

One talk show host not going on vacation this week is The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and this week, Ferguson welcomes Wilco on Thursday. The Jeff Tweedy-led outfit was just nominated for a grammy for their 2009 self-titled release, and are in the news this week for offering free downloads of recent shows to benefit the victims of Haiti. Fans can download albums from their site asking only in return that they make a minimum $15 donation to either OXFAM or Doctors Without Borders. And while we're talking about roots-rockers, it's imperative to mention that influential singer/songwriters Steve Earle and Kris Kristofferson will be on this week's Austin City Limits (as always, check local listings).

Finally, the annual music industry back-slap known as the Grammys is this Sunday, and promises at least a couple of memorable musical performances in the form of neo-soul singer Maxwell and whatever Lady Gaga chooses to wear. Novelties this year include an opportunity for the audience to pick which song Bon Jovi will ape on stage, and a special 3-D tribute to Michael Jackson, who picks up some posthumous hardware in the form of the non-ironic Lifetime Achievement Award.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, January 25
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Soft Pack
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Shwayze (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Franz Ferdinand (REPEAT)
Tuesday, January 26
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Silversun Pickups (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Low Anthem (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Motion City Soundtrack
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Snoop Dogg (REPEAT)
Wednesday, January 27
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Mayer Hawthorne
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Findlay Brown (REPEAT)
CURRENT: Embedded: Common, Silversun Pickups (REPEAT)
FOX: Lopez Tonight: Cheech & Chong
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Warpaint
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Cold War Kids (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen (part 2)
Thursday, January 28
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Hotrats (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Wilco
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Ringo Starr (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Lily Allen (REPEAT)
Friday, January 29
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Julian Casablancas (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Ke$ha (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Phoenix (REPEAT)
Saturday, January 30
PBS: Austin City Limits: Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson
Sunday, January 31
CBS: The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards: Rihanna, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Maxwell, Black Eyed Peas

Ear on TV: Week of 01.18.10: Spoon Sends Off Conan

Breaking up is hard to do. Just ask Conan O'Brien and NBC, or, better yet, the band Spoon. The Britt Daniel-led quartet has written a lot of songs on the subject, including a good chunk of their latest release, Transference, which is out this week. So it's appropriate that the band plays what might be Conan's last hurrah on The Tonight Show Tuesday* night, part of the host's send-off week.

*At the time of publish, Tuesday night was the last scheduled night for The Tonight Show. NBC is expected to make an official announcement today on as to the details of the talk show's future, with O'Brien's departure all but set for this week.

As a follow up to their biggest selling album, 2007's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Transference will probably confuse a few of those new fans as it's Spoon in the raw, with a couple of the songs even remaining in demo form and only a few others that recall the band at their catchiest. The band will likely be playing one of those songs, "Written in Reverse," Tuesday night on The Tonight Show, and if you look at the song through the right lens, you could pretend it's about NBC's Jeff Zucker: "No nothing was planned / You just can't help yourself / Some people are so easily shuffled and dealt." (Of course, they've written the ultimate vindictive song about a corporate glad hander with "The Agony of Laffitte," blistering written about A&R man Ron Laffitte, then with Elektra, featuring the lyric, "It's like I knew two of you, man / The one before and after we shook hands.")

Meanwhile, Spectacle's second season is winding down, when it seems it had just begun. The final two episodes are an edited down version of the four-hour love fest Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello put on last year at the famous Apollo Theater. The two spent so much time talking and playing the music they love, that there was just no way to edit all the magic down to one hour. At one point, Spingsteen posits "The greatest rock ’n’ roll musicians are desperate men," but the only thing desperate on this night was the need to hear more from these two legends of rock.



Finally, the Baltimore dream pop duo Beach House make their network television debut on Fallon Friday night, performing their lead single "Norway" in support of their third full length release, Teen Dream (out January 26, 2010). Awareness of the band has risen on the heels of singer Victoria Legrand's collaboration with Grizzly Bear and participation in the soundtrack to Twilight Saga: New Moon, but the majestic sound that is Teen Dream should make a splash all its own.

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, January 18
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Really Doe (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Charlotte Gainsbourg was late scratch, instead The Heavy (backed by the Dap Kings horns)
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Steve Jones
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Cold War Kids
NBC: The Jay Leno Show: Ringo Starr with Ben Harper
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Cribs
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Weezer (REPEAT)
Tuesday, January 19
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Swell Season
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Suffocation
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Spoon
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Mountain Goats
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Xx (REPEAT)
Wednesday, January 20
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Pearl
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: James Taylor and Carole King
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Growlers
IFC: Dinner With the Band: Owen Pallett/Final Fantasy (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen (Part 1)
Thursday, January 21
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Blind Boys of Alabama with Lou Reed
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Suicide Silence
Friday, January 22
ALL NETWORKS: Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief: Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, U2's Bono and the Edge, Coldplay, Keith Urban, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Sting, John Legend
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Heartless Bastards
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Heavy (bumped up to Monday)
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: The Hotrats
FOX: Lopez Tonight: Omarion
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Beach House
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Gossip (REPEAT)
Saturday, January 23
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Rihanna (REPEAT)
PBS: Austin City Limits: The Avett Brothers, Heartless Bastards

Spectacle - Lamontagne, Lovett & Prine

After several episodes featuring far too much Elvis Costello and not enough of his guests, this episode seems to find just the right balance. I was still left wanting more (of John Prine, especially), but at least I didn't feel like telling Elvis to STFU.

The music was great, and I was so glad to hear Prine singing "Lake Marie." The story of how he wrote the song illustrates how songwriting can be as intensive as writing a novel. Ray Lamotagne's voice is always incredible, and the version of "Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's a Shame)", with Elvis burning the axe, stood out even more thanks to the primarily acoustic surroundings. Fitting that they end with a Townes Van Zandt song ("Loretta"), as all the artists featured owe a bit to the Texas legend. Next week, it's Bruce Springsteen, part 1 of 2.

Playlist: Spectacle - Episode 2.05 (John Prine, Lyle Lovett, Ray Lamontagne)
1. "I'm Ahead If I Can Quit While I'm Behind" - Jim Ford: Elvis performs as introduction
2. "Lake Marie" - John Prine
3. "Natural Forces" - Lyle Lovett
4. "Jolene" - Ray Lamontagne
5. "Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's a Shame)" - Ray Lamontagne: performed with Costello
6. "Loretta" - Townes Van Zandt: Prine, Lamontagne and Lovett on guitar/trade vocals

Previously: Elvis Costello interviewed by Mary Louise Parker

Making a Spectacle of myself

I thought Mary-Louise Parker did alright job turning the tables on Elvis Costello, right up until she closed her eyes while Costello crooned "Town Cryer," at which point Diana Krall took her off their Christmas card list.

Like I said a couple days ago, there's just been too much Costello this season, so this oddly felt like a normal episode, except Elvis did all the singing. While Parker was fine asking questions, Costello stepped on her toes often, cutting her off and directing the conversation to where he wanted it to go. Would've liked it more if Parker held his feet to the fire, or at least pushed for more on songwriting with Macca or more on the differences of parenting back then and now, or just about anything. But it's Costello's show, so...

Playlist: Spectacle - Episode 2.04 (Elvis Costello)
1. "(I Don't to Go to) Chelsea"
2. "Motel Matches" (written with George Jones in mind)
3. "Town Cryer"
4. "Brilliant Mistake"
5. "So Like Candy" (written with Paul McCartney)
6. "I Still Have That Other Girl"
7. "I Threw It All Away" (Bob Dylan cover)

Previously: Neko Case, Ron Sexsmith, Jesse Winchester & Sheryl Crow

Ear on TV: Week of 01.04.10: Vampire Weekend

We've barely broken in the new year and one of 2010's most anticipated releases is already upon us. Vampire Weekend's sophomore release, Contra, hits shelves next Tuesday, but they're already sharing it in entirety via their MySpace page, and it's not too far a cry from their much loved debut (Vampire Weekend).

In support of the release, these Columbia University chums play Letterman on Tuesday night, playing their version of world music dressed up in preppy cardigans and scarves.
Their Upper West Side Soweto, this time with Contra, includes a tad bit more experimentation, recalling in title and (sort of) theme The Clash's Sandinista!, except instead of gun-toting rebels, Contra appears to be about a girl. These well-off New Yorkers have little else in common with St. Joe Strummer and co. -- in fact singer Ezra Koenig's lyrical gift and vocal ease align him more with Paul McCartney. Like Macca, the Koenig is able to move us while still singing from the perspective of a class of society far above our pay grade.

Moving from starched white collar to t-shirt and ripped jeans, Vancouver B.C.'s young duo Japandroids take a much different approach to their music. Stripped down to just guitar and drums, the band is punk rock at it's core, yet when they're singing "I don't wanna worry about dying, I just wanna worry about those sunshine girls" on the excellent track "Young Hearts Spark Fire," they don't feel that far off in spirit to the much richer Vampire Weekend. The duo, Brian King on guitar and David Prowse on drums, tear apart Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Monday night, singing a song (likely, the aforementioned "Young Hearts Spark Fire") from their critically acclaimed debut, Post-Nothing.

Finally, if you've been thinking like I have that there's probably been a bit too much Elvis Costello this season on Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., you might be hesitant to see that this week's guest is, in fact, Elvis Costello. Well, what if I told you that Mary-Louise Parker is in Costello's interview chair? Stepping in last minute for Elton John, the Weeds star surprisingly held her own. I guess it shouldn't be that surprising, if you've read any of her music pieces she's written for Esquire magazine. Still... might be a bit too much Elvis.



Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, January 4
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: David Gray
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Japandroids
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: OK Go (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Rickie Lee Jones, Ben Harper
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: Flo Rida (REPEAT)
Tuesday, January 5
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Vampire Weekend
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Yonder Mountain String Band
IFC: Dinner With the Band: Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Shwayze
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Black Lips (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: Twisted Sister (REPEAT)
Wednesday, January 6
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Nellie McKay
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Ke$ha
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Clipse
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Bat for Lashes (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: David Gray (REPEAT)
Thursday, January 7
Zzzzzzz
Friday, January 8
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Dodos
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: OK Go
Saturday, January 9
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Alicia Keys
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Metric (REPEAT)
PBS: Austin City Limits: Allen Toussaint

Spectacle - Case, Sexsmith, Crow & Winchester: Guitar Pull-Ups

So if it seemed like Sheryl Crow was an odd piece in this guitar pull puzzle, I guess we have 30 Rock to blame for that, as both appeared on an episode ("Kidney Now") last season. (But so did Steve Earle -- why no Earle?). The way Crow sings "Leaving Las Vegas" makes me want to strangle something.

While it'd be interesting to see what kind of stories Costello could coax out of Jesse Winchester, I can understand the need to time with each artist. Ron Sexsmith and Sheryl Crow had little to say, Winchester didn't seem to get his bearings until late, and Neko Case seemed a bit nervous. (Any amount of time with Neko I consider a gift.)

Playlist: Spectacle - Episode 2.02 (Neko Case, Ron Sexsmith, Sheryl Crow, Jesse Winchester)
1. "Payday" - Jesse Winchester (performed by all)
2. "Secret Heart" - Ron Sexsmith
3. "If It Makes You Happy" - Sheryl Crow
4. "Don't Forget Me" - Neko Case (Harry Nillson cover)
5. "Sham-a-Ling-Dong-Ding" - Jesse Winchester
6. "Everyday I Write the Book" - Elvis Costello (sung by Ron Sexsmith, Costello)
7. "Leaving Las Vegas" - Sheryl Crow
8. "The Brand New Tennessee Waltz" - Jesse Winchester
9. "Ring Them Bells" - Bob Dylan (Sexsmith, Crow, Costello)

Click here for your chance to win a copy of Season One on DVD

Win Spectacle Season One on DVD (and more)

In celebration of the 2nd season of Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., we're giving away a copy of Season One on DVD.

To enter for your chance to win, just tell us what music artist you'd most love to see sit down with Elvis Costello (alive or dead) in the comments section below. Enter by Friday, December 18 at noon (PST) and we'll choose an entry at random.

Besides the DVD, there's also a plethora of Sundance branded items we're throwing in as well (see picture below). All together, it makes a nice gift package for the music/art snob in your life. Just come back at the end of the week to find out who won.

Read our Season One DVD review.
Preview of Season 2 premiere (w/ Bono & the Edge).
Recap of Bono & the Edge episode.

Ear on TV: Week of 12.14.09: Jason Segel & Dracula

This Tuesday marks the 1000th episode for Craig Ferguson as host of The Late Late Show, and to celebrate the occasion the musical guest is actor Jason Segel singing "Dracula's Lament" from last year's comedy hit Forgetting Sarah Marshall (scroll down for a refresher video).

To make things even more interesting Segel will be operating Dracula the puppet and will be backed the L.A. indie rock band The Broken West. Throw in an appearance by fellow Sarah Marshall star (and frequent Late Late Show guest) Kristen Bell along with Wavy the crocodile puppet acting as host and you've got the makings of appointment television. (The kids are still into vampires, right?)

Segel, for his part, has been busy musically speaking. Besides his occasional foray into musical performance on How I Met Your Mother, Segel has been working on new Muppets movie and is rumored to be writing some music for the Get Him to the Greek, the sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Then there's his appearance last month, humorously using a Swell Season concert as a dating service. It appeared to at least work on Lindsay Lohan, so there's that.


While Ferguson is celebrating his 1000th episode, the experimental daytime talk (and tweet) show It's On with Alexa Chung is getting the plug pulled by MTV after only one full season. What started out as a one hour pop culture variety show hosted by British model Alexa Chung was retooled as a 30-minute show when it came back for it's second season back in October. Its last week kicks off with the soulful Robin Thicke (Monday), but unfortunately ends with (an) All Time Low. Probably not the best way to go out, but I predict we haven't seen the last of the dynamic (and, dare I say, twig-legged) Alexa Chung.

Elsewhere, Spectacle brings back the Johnny Cash-style guitar pull again, this time with singer/songwriters Neko Case, Ron Sexsmith, Jesse Winchester and Sheryl Crow. (Which of these is not like the other?) If you saw the season two premiere with U2's Bono and The Edge, you'll be struck this time by how little time Costello has to spend with each artist in comparison. Poor Neko Case looks lost half the time, with nothing much to do for most the hour -- except threaten to use her brightly colored tambourine.

Finally, you may notice that Snoop Dogg is everywhere this week in support of his new album Malice 'N Wonderland. He starts the week on The Colbert Report (Monday), chats with the ladies of The View (Tuesday) and ends the week in the wee hours with Carson Daly. All the while, he's in your car, helping you get to your destination as the voice of your GPS navigation system. I told you... Snoop Dogg is EVERYWHERE:


Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, December 14
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Wolfmother (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Alicia Keys
COMEDY CENTRAL: The Colbert Report: Snoop Dogg
FOX: Lopez Tonight: 50 Cent
MTV: It's On With Alexa Chung: Robin Thicke
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Chevelle
Tuesday, December 15
ABC: The View: Snoop Dogg
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Jason Segel & his puppet Dracula, the Broken West
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Norah Jones
IFC: Dinner With the Band: MEN
Wednesday, December 16
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Norah Jones
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Health
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Raekwon
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Gossip
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello, Neko Case, Jesse Winchester, Ron Sexsmith, Sheryl Crow
Thursday, December 17
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Matisyahu
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Big Pink
MTV: It's On With Alexa Chung: All Time Low (FINAL SHOW EVER)
NBC: The Jay Leno Show: Mary J. Blige
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Boyz II Men reunion
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Kenna, Franz Ferdinand
Friday, December 18
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Mary J. Blige
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Baroness
NBC: The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien: Foreigner
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Ronnie Spector
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Snoop Dogg
SUNDANCE: Sigur Ros: Heima: Sigur Ros
Saturday, December 19
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Muse
Sunday, December 20
TNT: Christmas in Washington: Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland

Spectacle - Bono & The Edge: Get On Your Roots

I covered much of this episode already in my preview, but watching it again after seeing some of the other upcoming episodes, I'm struck by how much space Costello allows Bono & The Edge to work in conversation. A lot of it has to do with editing, but upcoming episodes can feel a bit claustrophobic in comparison, thanks to a parade of artists rolling through in some episodes, with little time to spend in each one.

In part, I think it's a reaction to what didn't work last season, namely the hour-long episodes dedicated to the likes of James Taylor, Renee Fleming and even Tony Bennett. Instead, full episodes are only going to the big boys, U2 & Bruce Springsteen (The Boss actually gets two!), while the 'b-team' time gets divied up.

"You're right to say our thing came from nowhere" - Bono

I always love to hear artists name their influences, and the Krautrock mention (Neu, Kraftwerk sort of undermines "come from nowhere" bit, as that movement might be a rare blindspot for Costello. Unlike the other UK mentions: The Banshees and Echo & the Bunnymen (Crocodiles).

Aside from the Sinatra story, the 'lack of roots' bit that the band had to build after already making it was the most fascinating thing brought up. U2 was a band trying to capture the sound in their head, which isn't traditional songwriting. That they essentially started over at one point, to get 'roots' and take a more traditional approach to songwriting, is probably what kept them from recycling their initial outputs. It also cost them some earlier fans were more excited by the tightrope act. I admit, it was more thrilling when they were reaching, but we're all getting older, right? Weddings, bar mitzvahs and funerals everywhere I go....

Miscellaneous debris:
"I think intimacy is the new punk rock, myself." - Bono
"The enemies became more interesting in the 90's... you turned on yourself... and that became a more interesting enemy." - Bono
One of next week's featured guests, Ron Sexsmith, got a bit of face time.

Playlist: Spectacle - Episode 2.02 (U2)
1. "Mysterious Ways" - U2 (performed by Elvis Costello & the Imposters as intro)
2. "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out of" - U2 (performed with Elvis Costello & the Imposters)
3. "Stay (Faraway, So Close)" - U2
4. "Two Shots Of Happy, One Shot Of Sad" - U2 (written for Frank Sinatra, ended being performed by Nancy Sinatra)
5. "Pump it Up" / "Get On Your Boots" / "Subterranean Homesick Blues" (mash-up performed by U2, Elvis Costello & the Imposters)

Previously: Ear on TV calendar (preview of episode)

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.

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

Spectacle - Neko, Macca, U2 & the Boss

As regular readers of this blog know, one of my favorite new shows from last year was Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., and I doubt anyone was as happy as me to hear back in April news of its renewal.

The first season was a revelation for any music geek, full of not only performances, but fascinating discussions revolving around our love of music. Since it was their first season, some of the music choices felt like they were figuring things out (while the James Taylor, Tony Bennett and Renee Fleming episodes had their moments, there was also periods of watching paint dry).

The lineup this year is much better. Staring with U2 and ending with Macca is a pretty good way to go, and you've that tasty Springsteen, John Prine, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson middle.

While episode dates haven't been divulged (other than it starting in December), here's the rumored order of the performances that make the initial six episode order:
EP201 - Bono, The Edge
EP202 - Neko Case, Jesse Winchester, Sheryl Crow, Ron Sexsmith
EP203 - Bruce Springsteen
EP204 - Ray LaMontagne, Lyle Lovett, John Prine
EP205 - Levon Helm, Allen Toussaint, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson
EP206 - Paul McCartney

UPDATE: Season One, featuring Lou Reed, The Police, Elton John and more, will be released on DVD November 3.
(hat tip to Bumpershine)

Previously: Spectacle Renewal

Spectacle Renewal?

Word on the street is that Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... has been renewed for a second season, to begin airing in December.

More to come as details unfold, but for now... Shhhh.

OK, confirmed.

Spectacle: Pagliachi of Motown

The season finale of Spectacle was a fine demonstration of just how far host Elvis Costello came along in his interviews. I've seen a few interviews with Smokey Robinson, and while he's a charismatic fellow, he's usually pretty reserved. Elvis, through his questions and comments, was able to get Smokey to not only tell a lot of stories, but also to get him talking passionately enough about something (racism) to say "bullsh*t" on television. He had to stop and ask first (so cute!) before letting the word fly, of course. Smokey also brought out the best of Elvis' performances this season, pulling off great performances of both the more obscure "No More Tearstained Makeup," (video below) which Smokey wrote for Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and then later, a great version of the "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game", which Smokey wrote for The Marvelettes (video).

On top of that, the Discovered commercial interlude tonight featured the great SF band Thao and the Get Down Stay Down performing "Bag of Hammers". It was a good ending to a fine season, but it might also be the last. Costello confesses that schedule conflicts might make it difficult for him to be back for another season. With all the magic that happened this season, it's hard to believe there might not be any more of it in the future.



Playlist: Spectacle: Elvis Costello... - Smokey Robinson
1. "Going to a Go-Go" - Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - intro
2. "No More Tearstained Makeup" - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas - Elvis performs
3. "The Tracks of My Tears" - Smokey Robinson
4. "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" - The Marvelettes
5. "Don't Know Why" - Norah Jones - Smokey covers on new album
6. "Just My Soul Responding" - Smokey Robinson
7. "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down" - Elvis Costello
8. "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

Ear on TV: Week of February 23 - Smokey on Spectacle Finale

I'd like to make the suggestion that Elvis Costello keep his day job. I'm of course talking about his job hosting the incredibly fascinating talk/music show Spectacle on Sundance, which has it's first season finale this Wednesday, featuring Smokey Robinson as the guest. There were a couple misteps along the way (James Taylor was a snoozer,) but Costello got really good at the interview portion in the shows taped towards the end*. Costello puts those skills to good use this week interviewing The King of Motown, getting to sing a few songs with is idol along the way. Here's hoping Spectacle gets picked up for second season soon.

*This oddly coincides with the point in the series when he started wearing glittery hats -- are they his secret weapon for interviews, perhaps making his guests feel less nervous through distraction?

Elsewhere, the kid's channel Nickelodeon has found itself barraged with a letter-writing campaign, as viewers are clamoring for them to show more episodes from the second season of Yo Gabba Gabba that have as yet gone unaired. This Friday we'll finally get to see a new one, as part of Nick's "Filthy Friday," for which musical guest Chromeo will perform a song they wrote for the occasion called "Nice and Clean." Just remember kids, don't take your 80's synch keyboards in the bathtub with you.

Outside of that, it's pretty much reruns all week, as the hosts go on vacation following Conan's big farewell week. Some highlights of repeats include Conor Oberst debuting a new song ("Nicorette") on Conan (re-airing Wednesday) and Glen Campbell reaches back and sings a touching version of his hit "Rhinestone Cowboy" on Ferguson (re-airing Thursday).

Playlist: Picks for the week
Monday, February 23
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Black Tide
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Nikka Costa (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: LMFAO (REPEAT)
Tuesday, February 24
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Steve Martin (REPEAT)
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Adele (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Ida Maria (REPEAT)
Wednesday, February 25
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Living Things
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Glasvegas (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Conor Oberst (REPEAT)
SUNDANCE: Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Elvis Costello, Smokey Robinson
Thursday, February 26
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: Glen Campbell (REPEAT)
COMEDY CENTRAL: The Colbert Report: Kris Kristofferson
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Bronx
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Boz Scaggs (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Yelle (REPEAT)
Friday, February 27
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: The Knux (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: B-Real
NICK: Yo Gabba Gabba: Chromeo
Saturday, February 28
VH1: Storytellers: Kanye West