The Best in Late-Night Music: Week of March 9
Here is the simple truth: Real music lives on late-night TV. While the pop wannabes line the airwaves during dinnertime, parading themselves in front of judges, I wait for the witching hour, when real bands with real instruments perform songs filled with sweat.
Yes, this is the golden age of late-night TV — not just because of the fresh blood of Fallon and Kimmel’s comedic (and social media) genius, but because they along with Letterman and Conan are committed to discovering new music. These shows are some of the last places you can discover a new artist, hear a band on the rise, or catch a legacy act long discarded by the fickle pop-culture parade. That is, if you can stay up that late.
So, here is the best of late-night music, a new weekly recap of the best performances after 11 p.m. May it inspire to go beyond the over-styled, overwrought self-consciousness of prime-time music competition shows and find some talent playing the old-fashioned way: night after night, town to town, one gig at a time.
This week’s late night champ: Late Night With Letterman
This show continues to be the indie radio and musical tastemaker for America.Music producer Sheryl Zelikson has some of the best taste in the business, and it was in full effect this week. Every band a winner. Here’s a great Vice feature on her discussing her job.
MONDAY
Alabama Shakes on Late Night With David Letterman
The Shakes are making the rounds supporting their upcoming release Sound & Color (due April 21). Fresh off their Saturday Night Live appearance last weekend, they burned through their single “Don’t Wanna Fight” with typical swampy strength.
The Afghan Whigs on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Last year, the Whigs release their first album of new material in 16 years, and their performance of lead single “The Lottery” makes me almost forget the glory days of Gentlemen — even if the original lineup is no more.
TUESDAY
Will Butler on Late Night With David Letterman
Will Butler, brother of Win, has temporarily traded Arcade Fire for a slimmed-down solo project, Policy. His Letterman appearance felt like Jerry Lee Lewis reincarnated as an amphetamine-riddled, 1970s Elvis Costello covering Lou Reed. That’s a good thing.
WEDNESDAY
AWOLNATION on Jimmy Kimmel Live
These guys lived up to their kinetic reputation. The Red Bull label band was suitably amped and further cemented Aaron Bruno’s reputation as one of the best frontmen on the rise.
THURSDAY
Andy Kim and Kevin Drew on Late Night With David Letterman
Andy Kim is a veteran Canadian singer-songwriter. Kevin Drew is the founding member of Canadian baroque-pop band Broken Social Scene. Most Americans have probably never heard of them of them. It’s another reason why Letterman is very cool and vital. This song is gorgeous.
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