In support of his new LP, Out of the Game, Rufus Wainwright appeared on last night’s episode of Conan. With an acoustic guitar in hand, the acclaimed singer-songwriter led his band through a rendition of  the album’s title track. Watch the replay below (via The Audio Perv).

Out of the Game is out now via Decca Records.

Here’s a trivia question for you: Which musical guest has appeared the most on Conan since the show’s premiere in November 2010? The answer is none other than Mr. Reggie Watts. Following up appeareances in November 2010, February 2011, and June 2011, Watts returned to Conan on Wednesday night, where he showcased a genre-bending cut called “Diametrical Oppositionalism”. This particular performance featured a full band (and smoke machine), and blended sensual R&B with psych rock and country. And that was just just the first 90 seconds. Watch the replay below (via The Audio Perv).

Watts’ new comedy special, Reggie Watts: A Live at Central Park, airs Friday, May 11th at 1:oom AM ET on Comedy Central. His new CD/DVD of the same name will be released on May 15th via Comedy Central Records. He’s also really good at making music with Jon Hamm.

It was a big night on late night last night. The War on Drugs appeared on Letterman, where they ripped through “Come to the City” from their latest LP, Slave Ambient. On Fallon, Poliça made their U.S. television debut with a performance of “Leading to Death” off their debut LP, Give You the Ghost. Rising songwriter LP tackled “Into the Wild” and “Levitator” on Kimmel. And, over on Conan, Ben Kweller performed “Mean to Me” from his new LP, Go Fly a Kite. Watch video replays of all four performances below, courtesy of The Audio Perv.

The War on Drugs – “Come to the City”:

Polica – “Leading to Death”:

LP – “Into the Wild”:

LP – “Levitator”:

Ben Kweller – “Mean to Me”:

Photo by Shaun Regan

In between weekends at Coachella, Girls made their way to Conan on Wednesday night. Watch their performance of “Love Like a River” below (via The Audio Perv).

Last night, late night TV was chock full of big name talent making their way to Coachella. Arctic Monkeys appeared on Conan, where they performed their new single, “R U Mine?”. On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Shins showcased “Simple Song” and “The Rifle’s Spiral” from their recently released LP, Port of Morrow. (They also took some time to film a Coachella survival guide.) Leslie Feist tackled Metals‘s “The Bad in Each Other” on Leno. And, over on Letterman, Alabama Shakes ripped through “Hold On” from their debut LP, Boys & Girls. Watch video replays of all four performances below, courtesy of The Audio Perv.

Arctic Monkeys – “R U Mine?”:

The Shins – “Simple Song”:

The Shins – “The Rifle’s Spiral”:

The Shins’ Coachella Survival Guide:

Feist – “The Bad in Each Other”:

Alabama Shakes – “Hold On”:

Photo by Drew Litowitz

Last night on Conan, Sharon Van Etten performed “Leonard”, the latest single off her third LP, Tramp. Watch the replay below (via The Audio Perv).

“Leonard” is available now on 7″ vinyl via Jagjaguwar’s webstore. It comes backed by the non-album track “Life of His Own”, which you can listen to at Pitchfork.

Yesterday, Das Racist tweeted, “Cover of SPIN. Conan OBrien tomorrow. No manager. No label…” Their star has risen through the ranks of viral YouTube videos, mixtapes, their debut LP Relax, and their live shows that feel like one part stream of consciousness rap and one part abrasive stand up routine. Both parts seemed dampened on Conan last night, as Heems, Kool A.D., and Dap made their television debut by performing “Michael Jackson”. Midway through, the $1MM man returned from the underworld – sort of. Check it out below, courtesy of The Audio Perv.

Das Racist’s Relax is out now.

Celebrating the release of his debut LP, Camp, Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, visited Conan last night, icing off new single, “Heartbeat”. No stranger to the late night scene, Glover started off rather stoic, tucked away in his grey hooded sweatshirt. A minute or two later, however, the heat turned up, Glover shuffled about, and the beats got thicker – and look at his eyes! On record, this one tosses and turns like some sort of lost Daft Punk anthem, and on stage, it’s just as affecting. Rhetorical question: Who reaches for their dancing shoes on a Tuesday night? No matter. When Gambino’s around, it’s always Friday night. Missed it? Check it out for yourself below (via The Audio Perv), and get ready to put that cup of coffee to good use – that is, if you’re catching this in the mo’.

Camp is currently available everywhere.

Photo by Max Blau

It took the release of six albums, but Alaska-bred alt-rockers Portugal. The Man finally made their late night television debut on Conan last night. Appearing in support of last July’s In the Mountain in the Cloud, the band dished out a flawless renedition of “So American”, complete with their own cello and violin players. Check out the video below.

Portugal. The Man 2011 Tour Dates:
09/30 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues *
10/01 – Los Angeles, CA @ Avalon *
10/02 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre *
10/04 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre *
10/06 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s *
10/07 – San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit *
10/08 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater *
10/09 – Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck *
10/11 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note *
10/12 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room *
10/13 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
10/14 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall *
10/15 – Chicago, IL @ Metro *
10/16 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall *
10/18 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House *
10/20 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5 (CMJ Music Marathon) *
10/21 – Providence, RI @ Lupo’s *
10/22 – Boston, MA @ Paradise *
10/23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts *
10/25 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club *
10/26 – Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theatre *
10/27 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre *
10/28 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse *
10/29 – Oxford, MS @ Lyric Oxford *
10/30 – New Orleans, LA @ Voodoo Music Experience
11/11 – Wangels, DE @ Rolling Stone Weekender
11/12 – Copenhagen, DK @ Vega
11/14 – Birmingham, UK @ The Rainbow
11/15 – Glasgow, UK @ Captains Rest
11/16 – Manchester, UK @ Deaf Institute
11/17 – London, UK @ Dingwalls
11/18 – Southampton, UK @ Joiners
11/19 – Bristol, UK @ Louisiana
11/21 – Paris, FR @ La Boule Noire
11/23 – Maastricht, NL @ Muziekgieterij
11/24 – Amsterdam, NL @ Bitterzoet
11/25 – Berlin, DE @ Postbahnhof
11/26 – Cologne, DE @ Essigfabrik
11/27 – Karlsruhe, DE @ Substage
11/28 – Munich, DE @ Theaterfabrik
11/30 – Salzburg, AT @ Rockhouse
12/01 – Vienna, AT @ WUK
12/02 – Linz, AT @ Posthof
12/03 – Bern, CH @ Dachstock
12/04 – Zurich, CH @ Plaza

* = w/ Alberta Cross

Last week, Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins joined Conan O’Brien for a little chat, then followed it up with a raucous closing performance of “Walk”. One week later, aka last night, Foo Fighters returned to Stage 15 on the Warner Bros. lot to roll out “Dear Rosemary”. They weren’t alone, either. Joining the fearsome five was Hüsker Dü legend Bob Mould. What can we say? It sounded like the Wasting Light track to a T. Nonetheless, an amicable surprise, though what gives, Bob? No reading to go with it? We kid. Check it out below, courtesy of The Audio Perv.

Photo by Meghan Brosnan

Last night, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros leader Alex Ebert stopped by Conan to deliver a performance of “Truth”, the smash hit from his recent self-titled solo debut. Unfortunately, The RZA did not make an appearance, but Alex’s trademark whistling and the warm feel of a full band resulted in one of the more intimate performances you’ll come across on the Boob tube. Check it out below for yourself below, via The Audio Perv.

On Thursday night, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins stopped by Conan, where they not only performed (“Walk”), but also discussed various atypical “everyday happenings” like getting a speeding ticket from an anti-Team Coco police officer, dressing up as Amy Carter kicking off what has become a long career in drag, and putting together a rock documentary about a band with, and to quote Mr. Grohl, “the stupidest fucking band name ever.” As usual with anything from this troupe, it’s downright entertaining. Band of the year? Well, we won’t say it now, but offer us some other alternatives, because…we’re all out of ‘em.

Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins interview:

Foo Fighters – “Walk”:

Wasting Light is now available.

If a child was born on May 18, 2010, then that child’s over a year old now. It might even be learning to walk. It might have even said its first word. That gives you some perspective on how long Band of Horses’ last LP has been out, simply because that aforementioned date is when it hit stores. Yet still the South Carolina indie folksters continue to support their third full-length LP, Infinite Arms. On Wednesday night, the troupe stopped by Conan to flesh out a live version of the titular track. Naturally, as is the case with a live show from the boys, Ben Bridwell and co. were in top form as their sweeping vocals danced with equally haunting guitars. Their album may be gathering dust by now, but boy does that whistling sound sharper than ever. Check out the clip courtesy of The Audio Perv.

That 70′s rock’n'funk feel is all over this track. On Conan, My Morning Jacket groove out on “Holdin on to Black Metal”, one of the stand out tracks off their latest LP, Circuital. Watch Jim James and the rest of the crew above (via The Audio Perv)

Did this performance give you the idea that MMJ are such a prolific and superlative live band that they should have their own festival? Because weird — we got that idea, too.

Prior to performing “You Are a Tourist” as part of VH1′s Storytellers series, Ben Gibbard described the new Death Cab For Cutie track as a “series of affirmations in an otherwise kind of dark and cruel world”. This coming from a guy married to one of the hottest actresses in the business and who has hordes of adoring fans. When the four-piece stopped by Conan on June 8th to play the track off May’s Codes and Keys, the performance affirmed that while Gibbard may be the principal lyricist and frontman, members Nicholas Harmer and Chris Walla (who also served as album producer) are equally talented multi-instrumentalists. The looped vocals, guitar riffs, and Harmer’s bass transform a simple song into one that carries a heavy message through repeat listens – helping listeners light a path with the “burning in your heart”.

Thanks to the Audio Perv for video support.

As a result, bedtimes are going to start becoming later per capita, which means more chances to catch the late night circuit. This week boasts a pretty solid lineup, and kicks off David Letterman’s “Drum Solo Week” including performances from house drummer Anton Fig and the legendary Neil Peart. So that will be something to look forward to. Other notable performers include smaller favorites Tinie Tempah and Friendly Fires, as well as heavy-hitters, My Morning Jacket, Death Cab For Cuite, and the usually elusive Mogwai.

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Tues—Sara Bareilles
Thurs—Friendly Fires

Mon—Mogwai
Tues—My Morning Jacket
Wed—Joe Jackson
Fri—DJ Quik

Mon—Flogging Molly
Tues—Tim Minchin
Wed—Death Cab For Cutie
Fri—Jessie and the Toy Boys

Mon—Anton Fig
Tues—Sheila E.
Thurs—Neil Peart

Re-runs…

Tues—The Goldberg Sisters

Tues—OneRepublic
Wed—Lenka
Thurs—Tinie Tempah

And I honestly thought last week was going to be the highest point for a while, but late night shows no signs of letting up. This week’s lineup is just as impressive as last’s, if not more so. Rick Ross’s label Maybach Music Group (MMG) which includes Wale and Stalley will be performing as a collective on Jimmy Kimmel. And typically we’d give the unique act card to them, but Jimmy Fallon’s booking managed to pull Stephen Still and Graham Nash to perform together. And to top it all off Bon Iver is bringing their first single to network television, which should be nothing short of fantastic. Equally fantastic should be the Suck It And See debut performance by Arctic Monkeys. Other highlights include The Cars (!), INXS, Big Sean, Tinie Tempah, The Vaccines, and MNDR.

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Foster The People
Tues—Britney Spears
Wed—Maybach Music Group ft. Rick Ross
Thurs—Big Sean

Mon—Bon Iver
Tues—The Cars
Wed—David Crosby and Graham Nash
Thurs—Amos Lee

Mon—Yeasayer
Tues—Beardyman
Wed—Ben Harper
Thurs—Tinie Tempah

Mon—The Vaccines
Tues—Brad Paisley
Wed—Augustana
Thurs—Arctic Monkeys

Mon—Airborne Toxic Event
Tues—MNDR

Better luck next week!

Mon—The Script
Tues—Ben Harper
Wed—Foster The People
Fri—INXS with Pat Monahan

Stay tuned, folks!

Well, things just get better and better in late night. This week is bursting at the seams with music – most of it good. We’re talking Fleet Foxes, Death Cab For Cutie, Iron & Wine, TV On The Radio, Ben Harper, Tinie Tempah, White Lies, and The Black Angels, to name a few. Pepper a little Cee-Lo Green here, a little Head And The Heart there, and you’ve got yourself a lineup to be proud of.

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Wed—Christina Perri
Thurs—Rammstein

Mon—Cee-Lo Green, Randy Newman
Tues—Death Cab For Cutie, Robert Randolph
Wed—The Head And The Heart
Fri—Fleet Foxes

Tues—Raphael Saadiq
Wed—The Joy Formidable

Mon—White Lies
Tues—Tinie Tempah
Wed—Ben Harper
Fri—The Airborne Toxic Event

Tues—The Black Angels
Wed—The Kills
Thurs—Nicole Atkins and the Black Sea
Fri—Frank Turner

Better luck next week!

Mon—Tedeschi Trucks Band
Tues—TV On The Radio
Wed—Iron & Wine
Thurs—Parachute

Stay tuned, folks!

We won’t. Well, we understand there are plenty of festivals out there, but we’re always keen on finding out about new ones. It’s actually sort of intriguing how many pop up each year. Every state in the country’s in on the game. Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, one of the Dakotas (can’t remember which one; maybe both), Maine, etc., etc. This list could go on for hours. Still, we’d love to see more.

But, we don’t want to just see any festival. We like when they throw us a curveball…with spit on it. We want something fresh, something unique, and something that shatters expectations. One way in which this has been effective is how certain festivals have tagged curators. As of late, we’ve witnessed some strange folks behind festivals. Matt Groening, anyone? So, with the likes of Jeff Mangum and Portishead hosting some saucy festivities this year, it got us thinking: Who else would we want behind the proverbial festival wheel?

So, we put together a list. You’ve probably heard of these folks. They’re pretty creative; in other words, we figured they’d offer something fresh, unique, and they’d not only shatter our expectations, they’d shatter your expectations. What are you waiting for? Take a gander. Not only did we issue a list of names, but we’ve also surmised what they could offer, too. It’s a little hopeful, it’s a little borderline fan fiction (okay, it is), but it was fun. Besides, maybe, just maybe, one of them will see this and that lil’ lightbulb will spark some.

Sh’yeah, right.

-Michael Roffman
President/Editor-in-Chief

Feature artwork by Cap Blackard.

David Lynch

Lynchville: Where the birds sing a pretty song and there’s always music in the air.

There’s a kind of inevitability about the idea that one day soon David Lynch will get to curate his own music fest. Small towns have featured big in his films so Lynchville would be a natural name for it. The guy has the imagination and vision to conceive a host of shows simultaneously, so the event will be a multimedia one encompassing a raft of small gigs sitting comfortably alongside a big stage; a kind of mini SXSW with cinematic sideshows and all manner of life’s little curios. Several locations come to mind but Snoqualmie Falls, a key setting for Twin Peaks gets the call. Musical director Angelo Badlamenti could set up base at The Roadhouse and host late evening shows ending with Julee Cruise reprising “Rockin’ Back Inside My Heart” from the pivotal Episode 14. The Bookhouse Boys (UK band) might be the house band and in homage to the enigmatic character from Mulholland Drive, the Legendary Stardust Cowboy would get to play “Paralyzed”.

The David Lynch Foundation already has a foot in several musical doors and recently announced a Pledge campaign bringing together big names and emerging artists. Many would be a shoe-in for Lynchville; expect Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel and Iggy Pop for starters. The big news would be a kind of Beatles reunion. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr supported the DLF launch but it might take all of Lynch’s persuasive powers to persuade them that Liam and Noel Gallagher could settle their brotherly differences and take the Lennon and Harrison roles. Soon Brian Wilson and Mike Love would be rumoured to be making guest appearances. That’s until Liam decides the medley from Pet Sounds is a fooking stupid idea. At which point I can decamp to The Roadhouse and chill out with Lady Lamb The Beekeeper while deciding whether it will be Audrey or Donna on the back of the Harley.

-Tony Hardy

Warren Ellis

Warren Ellis is an archon of alternative culture. No, not the Australian musician – the British comic book author. There’s few genres he hasn’t written and few lines he’s not crossed. Ellis is man with one foot constantly stepping into the neon-lit puddle of the near future. His iconic comic series Transmetropolitan is a cyber punk tribute to Hunter S. Thompson, Doktor Sleepless is an anarchist’s cookbook for those of us disillusioned by a future without jetpacks, and its sister book, Captain Swing, is a steam punk send-up to rebellions that once were and might have been. Biohackers, body modders, burlesque dancers, cyborgs in training, all walks of counterculture lifeforms look to Ellis as a man of bold ideas. An event of his devising would be a glorious freakshow and no ordinary festivity – it would be the future kicking violently against the amniotic sac of now.

First of all- Ellis’ festival doesn’t officially exist, but word travels fast. Messages on walls irl and virtual, word of mouth, and murmurs in social streams leak the times and places of events. Secret art shows in New York City catacombs, a techno seance in a haunted hotel, hackerspaces and maker collectives are alive with devious projects… the underbellies of major metropolitan areas explode with life the world over. Sure, there would be plenty of “official” shows at eclectic locales such as Los Angeles’ The Edison and other established dens of counter culture, but that’s not the heart of this “festival”. Any street corner can be part the show with the right hashtag. Grinders wearing fabricated Doktor Sleepless masks deploy LED throwies en masse and leave warnings of eschaton events approaching. Who’s playing, you ask? Who isn’t playing. If it’s electronic, dark, experimental, or all of the above it’s on. Since Throbbing Gristle can’t make it, there’s a tribute show of underground music’s finest giving them the send off they deserve. Coilhouse hosts the most sought after secret shows including Beats Antique, Zola Jesus, and a slew of acts so underground you’ve probably only seen them on Ellis’ twitter. With this much artistic anarchy unfurling on the streets it might just force the future into the present.

-Cap Blackard

Tom Waits

Tom Waits concluded his acceptance speech at his recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction by saying, “This has been very encouraging.” Who would have thought that the 61-year-old lounge act turned beatboxing junkman was in need of a pat on the back. Was this typical tongue-in-cheek Waits, or was it an indication that this old rain dog might be working on a new trick?

A Tom Waits-curated festival would likely take place near his home in Sonoma County, California, in the heart of wine country, which would suit Waits fine because he’s always said, “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.” With the aid of friend director/animator Terry Gilliam’s visual design, Waits might be inclined to embrace the circus/carnival motif he as always shown a fondness for, with stages under big top tents and an authentic early 19th century freak show along the midway. (Don’t be surprised if you find Waits reprising his “Lucky Day Overture” carnival barker role, megaphoning popular attractions like Jo Jo the Dogface Boy, Priscilla the Monkey Woman, and The Human Pincushion.) Got a question? Then stop by the festival information tent. They won’t be able to tell you which act is playing where or when, but they can answer questions about the mating habits of spiders, tell you all about swastika-shaped pasta , and advise you on what to do if you by chance have a family of bullfrogs living in your stomach.

Waits would have to look no further than his Rolodex to put together an eclectic festival lineup. Norah Jones and blues guitarist John P. Hammond, both of whom have covered Waits, could be there. (Would Scarlet Johansson drop by? Would she promise not to sing?) Sonoma neighbor/frequent collaborator Les Claypool and Primus would likely take a break from sailing the seas of cheese to play a set. But there are some potential really big “gets” here, too. Does Waits entice old friend and collaborator Keith Richards to bring Mick and the boys across the pond? Does Neil Young, who inducted Waits into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, possibly show up? And if Neil is onboard, is there a potential Buffalo Springfield appearance in the works? And if all of this fell through, Waits could probably just gather everyone around and talk about all the towns he knows named after bodily secretions. Spittleville anyone?

-Matt Melis

Anthony Bourdain

Chef/author/TV host/badass at large Anthony Bourdain burst into the public eye with his 2000 memoir Kitchen Confidential, altering his status from well-regarded executive chef at New York’s Les Halles to multimedia superstar. While we’re yet to see the release of Bourdain’s debut LP (fingers crossed), his musical tastes are certainly on display throughout his other outlets. As opinionated about music as he is about food, the dude even wrote a big op-ed on the CBGB scene for Spin.com, where he calls the Sex Pistols a “proto N’Sync”.

Unless he has some necromancy or time travel skills we don’t know about, his first choice of headliners (The Ramones [one of his books is dedicated to Joey, Johnny, and Dee Dee]) are probably out. His brash, smirking, unapologetic style and love of punk and hard rock would certainly be on display, nabbing Iggy and the Stooges (playing straight through Fun House), a briefly reunited Television, and the New York Dolls at the top of the bill, along with Queens of the Stone Age (all bands mentioned on his No Reservations travel/food show). A 2006 Rhapsody playlist also included major gets Public Enemy, and re-reunited The Cult. Don’t be surprised if a bit of his globe-trotting has influence as well, drawing some of the best punk from around the world. Plus, I think we’re all ready for pho and roasted bone marrow at the food booths.

-Adam Kivel

Jack White

It’s hard to think about 21st century rock and roll without having the name Jack White come to mind. The frontman of one of the most influential and important bands of the generation, The White Stripes, the founder of Third Man Records, the creator of two super groups, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, and an avid supporter of the vinyl medium, White has made an undeniable mark on the music world that is his own. Recognized by nearly every major media outlet and music fanatic as the current “King of Rock”, White is constantly releasing music in some medium, with Rome, a project between Danger Mouse and Danielle Luppi, being his latest. It is more than clear that now after over 20 years in the business, two albums with both of his super groups, and the disbanding of The White Stripes, it seems that White’s next move could be his biggest yet.

Imagine Paint It White, a music festival taking place a little outside of Nashville, Tennessee spanning over White’s birthday weekend of July 9th and 10th. Featuring two legends, Bob Dylan & B.B. King as headliners, with MIA and Yeah Yeah Yeahs serving as female subheadliners, respectively the festival would look to host a plethora of acts ranging over multiple genres, including The Kills, Beck, Conan O’Brien doing the festivals only-yet-crucial-comedy set, Cold War Kids, Loretta Lynn, the aforementioned Rome Project, and Third Man Records own Wanda Jackson.

With White at the helm, the festival would look to host two stages, multiple venues, including Third Man’s own Record Store Truck, and artist signings along with Q&A’s, the last of which keeps to White’s core value. The artists would plan on sitting down for the Q&As, not for press, but rather for fans, for whom this aspect of the festival would be a dream. White’s festival would be constructed as an event for the fans, with practically every aspect, from the artists to ticket prices, chosen with the fans in mind. Tickets wouldn’t be cheap, but thinking about White, it’s hard to think that there wouldn’t be some form of a layaway plan much like Coachella’s and most probably some form of camping. It would be a rock and roll fan’s dream, with rock and roll’s 21st century god leading the way.

-Arya Davachi

Quentin Tarantino

The Southern California writer/director has been one of the biggest names in cinema for the past twenty or so years…and rightfully so. Quentin Tarantino has been referred to (by the cartoon version of Kevin Smith’s Clerks) as a “pop-culture junkie, loudmouth”, and that is exactly why he would be a fantastic festival curator. His love of music, both strange and mainstream, has helped serve his films well. He has even gone on to admit that he usually picks songs before he even writes the scenes….a technique few to none use when writing films.

With a Tarantino-based festival, you can bet on some quality hip hop showing up, as he still keeps in touch with Wu-Tang wizard the RZA. As far as other music, he would probably book a lot of older oddities that most of the population has either never heard of, or barely remembers (rare surf-rock tracks, strange television singers, etc). A couple other of his quirky traits, primarily his love of kung-fu/westerns and an obsession with comic books, would lead one to believe that there would certainly be a film tent, stage, or in-between show displaying all sorts of kung-fu films, or Grindhouse-style features. With Tarantino, you know things are going to get weird….but that’s all we can expect from the guy who played Richard Gecko.

-Ted Maider

Wes Anderson

Photo by New York Times

Obsessively involved in all aspects of his film’s production, from the cinematography to the soundtrack, Wes Anderson is an ideal candidate to curate a festival, and also possesses some very dry humour. However, we do have one issue to reckon with: Steely Dan. Now, it’s hard to imagine band leaders Donald Fagen and Walter Becker being anything other than talented, sweet anti-heroes, but they are also a tad irate. Around 2006, the two sent Anderson a “letter of intervention”, wryly detailing their concerns for his career and offering their services. As yet, Anderson hasn’t taken up this offer, and Steely Dan are probably in correspondence with some other indie art director by now, but a festival is a prime opportunity for them to make their presence felt once more.

But here’s another issue. Many of Anderson’s musical heroes that have featured in his films are dead. Long ago, we could have had the most wonderful weekend of performances by Erik Satie and Ravel taking the classical slot, Burl Ives, The Bobby Fuller Four, Yves Montad, Vilayat Khan, Joe Dassin, Art Tatum and Django Reinhardt representing in a folk, sitar and jazz ensemble, Elliott Smith, John Lennon, and Nick Drake mesmerising us with their haunting take on the world, but alas we can’t!

However, Anderson still has some connections, the lesser known duo Hackman Murray is a delightful proposition, taking their cue from the English Chas ‘n’ Dave, with Hackman’s spoken word rendering of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” as Murray hits up the spoons a joy to behold.* And we still have a stellar list of acts spanning the continents, from the Americas (Paul Simon, Velvet Underground, and Seu Jorge), and Europe (The Kinks (though difficult to get), Mark Mothersbaugh, Donovan, Rolling Stones, The Who, David Bowie, Peter Sarstedt, Scott Walker, and The Zombies). There aren’t many women on Anderson’s soundtracks, but do not fear, Anjelica Huston is on hand to represent (along with sometime Anderson collaborator Noah Baumbach) with the recently formed folk group, Poignantly Flawed Characters (they have been going down a storm in Newfoundland).

The festival has the promise of a heady mix of nostalgia, early American and British Folk, and Jarvis Cocker, but it can work, it can reach the “new level of beauty” that David Bowie felt Jorge’s Portuguese versions of his songs reached, and if not, we can always make like Royal Tenenbaum and go to where the action is happening: “Anybody interested in grabbing a couple of burgers and hittin’ the cemetery?”

*Also available for weddings.

-Siobhán Kane

Conan O’Brien

It’s pretty obvious by now that Conan O’Brien digs rock ‘n’ roll. He’s pals with Jack White, he’s appeared at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and last year he exited The Tonight Show to the Southern guitar lines of Skynyrd. To date, he continues to book top of the line talent – The Kills, PJ Harvey, The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age to name a few – and, as we witnessed in his recent documentary, Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop, he cherishes his collection of guitars. In fact, his office always has one in it. Basically, the guy lives for music.

So, a music festival makes sense. But any gig with O’Brien at the helm would mean two things: lots of rock ‘n’ roll and absolute absurdity. No complaints there. To keep things traditional and true to character, the summer fiesta would be titled, Coco Extravaganza 3000, celebrating Tom Hanks’ wonderful nickname for the late-night legend (and a slight nod to the former, now NBC-owned sketch), and it could really only take place in one locale: Finland.

Set in the middle of July, the festival would feature two stages, both combining comedy and strictly rock ‘n’ roll. The main comedy event would see Conan O’Brien returning to perform, this time with a new stage show that focuses on the faux takeover of Finland territories. Joining him would be established comedians like sidekick Andy Richter, Denis Leary, Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, Stephen Colbert, and George Lopez, in addition to special appearances by T.J. Miller, Uncle’s Brother (aka Tim Meadows, Joe Canale and Brad Morris), and James Lipton. All of the festival’s artwork would be provided by fellow friend Matt Groening, who would appear as his animated self, curating the main stage.

The focus wouldn’t necessarily be on O’Brien, however. Tickets would sell out immediately at word of its musical “gets”. The festival’s two headliners would be Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band, in addition to the first reunion of The White Stripes. The Boss would crack open the first day, while Mr. White would close out the second. Other acts to flesh out the lineup would include: Beck, Thom Yorke, Eddie Vedder, Bob Weir, Chuck Berry, and Big Audio Dynamite, to name a “few”. In a landmark event, following the Stripes’ legendary performance, there would also be “The Absolutely, Remarkably, Super-Mega Jam”, featuring the Stripes, O’Brien, Vedder, Derek Trucks, Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band, in addition to a slew of comedians, ranging from the aforementioned Leary to surprise walk-outs like Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Tyler Perry, and Jack Black. The jam would be a 45 minute rendition of “Louie, Louie” into the Stray Cat’s “Rock this Town”.

There would be no second year.

-Michael Roffman

Banksy

It starts when a post-card comes in the mail. On one side is an address of seven-story office building in London that is in between renovations (D.C. residents think Artomatic) and a date (the date is some semiotic cipher to be sure). On the reverse a stencil of John Lennon with graffiti text behind him that says “Stop Imagining.”

Banksy then acquires the phone numbers of members in the bands he selects and texts his chosen bands: “PLAY BANKSY FESTIVAL. NO $$$. MY PLANS. WORTH IT? REPLY YES OR NO”. Most bands think it’s a hoax, and ignore it. But those lucky few who decide to respond are already in the know. They know that if you get a text from Banksy, you comply: Thom Yorke, Massive Attack, The Cure, The Prodigy, Björk, Pulp, Justice, Big Audio Dynamite, Roxy Music, The Chameleons UK, and DJ Shadow. That’s it.

Bands would be more or less installations, playing at various corners of the gutted floors with minimal attention to flair. There would be no set times — it would all just be word of mouth as to who was playing when and where and crowds would have to explore the environment and the floors to figure out what was happening and where people seemed to be heading. Chaos, sure, but it would foster a sense of rumor and excitement within the festival itself.

Sponsors? Banksy would get Apple to sponsor, promising Apple to put their logo on the entrance. Everyone would be in an uproar about how Banksy sold out, but as expected Banksy would deface the logo in some clever visual pun giving the usual middle finger to capitalism.

With a man as enigmatic and mischievous as Banksy, really… anything could happen. It could just be a giant hoax, an artful “punking” from someone whose emergence into the spotlight the last couple years has earned him so much recognition that it can’t sit too well with him. Everyone shows up and there’s just an action figure of John Lennon with “Imagine” being played at half time through laptop speakers.

I’d still go.

-Jeremy Larson

Kevin Smith

Despite a couple of recent cinematic missteps (namely Cop Out), a turn for the darker side of film genres (Red State — it’s coming), and an alleged end to the “View Askewniverse” saga, Kevin Smith is ever the showman. Smith’s production company, The Harvey Boys, continues to bring independent filmmaking back toward its more-affordable grassroots era. And with recent acclaim via podcasts and sold out Q&A’s nationwide, why wouldn’t Smith expand his upon on-stage talents?

Now, Kevin Smith has admitted to being behind on the musical times before (just listen to the soundtracks for Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back or Clerks II). However, it’s obvious his heart digs good vibrations. Combine this with humor and a passion for his home state of New Jersey, and, well, antics must ensue. I’d wager Smith a fan of Hopscotch Festival‘s format, only touring a couple of reunited lesser-knowns around venues or parking lots local to Red Bank, Leonardo, Asbury Park, et cetera.

Expect Kevin Smith’s Garden State Weed-Out Festival to include Liz Phair, Ric Ocasek, Tom Tom Club, Soul Asylum, and one or two metal acts for underground clubs (courtesy of Jason Mewes). Calling, King Diamond? Better yet, Mercyful Fate? Fortunately, for the mandatory comedy bills, Smith wouldn’t need to look far for talent (himself included), and perhaps a rapport with Playboy (thanks to his wife) could make this soiree that much classier. Snoochie boochies? Oh, even Mewes would agree to that.

-David Buchanan

This week is, well, we won’t church it up; this week is sort of bland. The only real highlights being an outing from the ever-impressive Calexico, and the network television debut of Twin Shadow, which should be fun.  But it happens! And there’s always next week. Oh! And before I forget, longtime CoS well-wishers Neon Trees would like to grace your ears with their one hit wonder on Letterman this week. So now you’re faced with a question: would you listen to a band that looks like this? I mean, we try not judge books by their covers, but…

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Thurs—Calexico

Thurs—Twin Shadow

Wed—The Belle Brigade

Thurs—Neon Trees
Fri—Brother

Re-runs. Stay tuned for next week!

Tues—OK Go

Tues—Ricky Martin
Wed—Sergio Mendes
Thurs—Priscilla Ahn
Fri—The Civil Wars

Stay tuned, folks!

Please take off that hat, Jules.

In other news, this week continues with a hodge podge of artists: everyone from OK Go  to Buddy Guy. We’re particular excited for performances from Lupe Fiasco, Moby, and The Twilight Singers. Other notables include the Aretha Franklin, Alison Krauss, a double helping of The Airborne Toxic Event, and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Alter Bridge
Tues—Robbie Robertson
Wed—Augustana
Fri—The Airborne Toxic Event

Mon—Darius Rucker
Tues—Twisted Sister
Wed—Dispatch
Thurs—Tim McGraw
Fri—Aretha Franklin

Re-runs. Stay tuned for next week!

Mon—Lupe Fiasco
Tues—The Twilight Singers
Wed—Emmylou Harris
Fri—Steve Earle

Re-runs. Stay tuned for next week!

Fri—Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Mon—Alison Krauss and Union Station
Tues—The Airborne Toxic Event
Wed—Buddy Guy
Thurs—OK Go
Fri—Moby

Stay tuned, folks!

This week is a little easier to swallow, with really only one performance to pay attention to: The Strokes on Conan O’Brien. They’ve played a different song off their latest, Angles, on every late night appearance thus far, plus Conan is a fan of the band, so who knows what’s gonna happen. Also, Scala & Kolacny Brothers (who did that awesome version of “Creep” you saw in The Social Network‘s advertisements?) are visiting Conan, which should be interesting. Be sure and tune in.

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Jessie J
Tues—The Belle Brigade
Wed—Lenka
Thurs—Phantogram
Fri—Ellie Goulding

Re-runs. Stay tuned for next week!

Mon—Scala & Kolacny Brothers
Tues—Plan B
Wed—The Strokes
Thurs—The Head and the Heart

Re-runs. Stay tuned for next week!

Re-runs. Stay tuned for next week!

Mon—Everest

Re-runs. Stay tuned for next week!

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Asking Alexandria
Tues—Jenny and Johnny
Wed—Robyn
Thurs—Francis and the Lights

Mon—Lykke Li*
Tues—Kenny Rogers*
Wed—Motorhead*
Thurs—Lupe Fiasco*

Mon—P.J. Harvey
Wed—The Kills
Thurs—Queens of the Stone Age

Mon—Wiz Khalifa
Tues—Foo Fighters
Wed—Alison Krauss & Union Station
Thurs—TV on the Radio
Fri—Chris Cornell

Re-runs. Are you surprised?

Better luck next week!

Mon—k.d. Lang
Tues—Sara Evans
Wed—Jessie J
Thurs—Bright Eyes

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!

Can’t top that week you say? Well, you might be right. But. There are some incredible things to look forward to. For instance, two more Duran Duran appearances and yet another Strokes appearance! So far, they’ve played “Undercover Of Darkness”, “Life Is Simple In The Moonlight”, and “Taken For A Fool” on network television, so they aren’t sticking to any one song. So it’s anyone’s guess as to what they’ll be playing on Fallon this week. Other notables: Snoop Dogg, hip hop up and comer Freddie Gibbs, and some combination of Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, and Wynton Marsalis.

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Wed—Duran Duran
Thurs—Sum 41

Wed—The Strokes
Thurs—Duran Duran

Mon—Little Big Town
Tues—Panic! At The Disco

Wed—Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, Wynton Marsalis
Thurs—Funeral Party
Fri—Royal Bangs

Wed—Goldheart Assembly
Thurs—Grouplove
Fri—The Greenhornes

N/A

Wed—Good Charlotte
Thurs—Mary Mary
Fri—Scissor Sisters

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!

This week looks good, no incredible. We’re talking “come out of your drunken depression” incredible. We’re talking The Strokes first televised performance after the official release of Angles incredible. We’re talking the triumphant return of Duran Duran incredible. We’re talking Cut Copy playing a little Zonoscope incredible. Excited? Yeah, I know. It gets better: Peter, Bjorn, and John, Little Dragon, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Gaslight Anthem, and some combination of Bootsy Collins, Friendly Fires, and Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Brett Dennen
Tues—The Gaslight Anthem
Thurs—Oh Land

Mon—Little Dragon
Wed—Friendly Fires, Bootsy Collins
Thurs—Tres Mts.
Fri—Cut Copy

Tues—Teddy Thompson
Wed—Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Thurs—Wanda Jackson*

Mon—British Sea Power
Tues—The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Wed—The Strokes
Thurs—The Mountain Goats*
Fri—Oh Land*

Mon—Black Rebel Motorcycle Club*
Tues—The Morning Benders*
Wed—Biffy Clyro*
Thurs—Ra Ra Riot*
Fri—

Better luck next week!

Mon—Raphael Saadiq
Tues—Duran Duran
Wed—Keith Urban
Thurs—Peter, Bjorn, and John

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!

Trying to sum up a day at South by Southwest is one difficult chore. Of course it’s a memorable experience (hell, where else can one see Jack White deliver a surprise set from outside a truck turned record store before lighting up a cigarette and selling vinyl from behind a window), but there’s only so many ways to sum up an 18-hour day that brings both sheer exhilaration and utter exhaustion. Along with the aforementioned performance by the Jack, SXSW Wednesday featured heavy rock warriors Queens of the Stone Age, 80′s titans Duran Duran, indie risers The Dodos, The Antlers, James Blake, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., a trip to Ice Cream Man and Conan’s new movie, dinner at Iron Works, and a 75-minute panel on Vlogging presented by CoS’ Mike Roffman and Sami Jarroush. Thankfully, liquor and cab rides are in plentiful amounts; otherwise I might jump out of my hotel window if Thom Yorke even thinks about opening his mouth again. -Alex Young

Jack White – Third Man Rolling Record Store – 12:00pm

Jack White is the perfect cure for exhaustion. At 11:30am, my phone buzzed with a message that the Third Man Records founder would be delivering a surprise set outside his newly crafted Rolling Record Store in a mere 30 minutes. A cab ride and a few sprints later, I joined the crowd of about 1,000 who had formed a giant circle around the truck (Aziz Ansari and Alison Mosshart were among the others in attendance.) White appeared moments later, guitar in hand, and quickly began work on a cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” before dropping some White Stripes goodness with “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground”. Ten minutes later, it was all over, with Jack then jumping back inside the rolling record store to lit a cigarette, swing some vinyl, and MC his latest signing, Seasick Steve. Thirty minutes later, most of the crowd was still gawking in awe. -Alex Young

Tristen – The Phoenix – 8:00 p.m.

What do you get if you take the quaintness of a ukulele and the ferocity of a precision rock trio?  The monstrosly catchy melodies of Tristen & The Ringers. With a jumbo-sized rock sound and a penchant for manic pixie lyricism, the foursome are simultaneously adorable and unbelievably and surprisingly intense. Regardless of how you take them, they’re immensely talented. -Chris Coplan

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – The Phoenix – 9:00 p.m.

What is it about these Detroit boys and their unique blend of vintage Motown and and synth-y grooves that make them so appealing? Perhaps their tracks are so enjoyable in opposition of their goofy attire and flashing stage show. Either way, they continue to be a band you can’t help but love despite some gleaming image flaws. -Chris Coplan

James Blake – Stubb’s – 9:15 p.m.

Photo by Cap Blackard

The din of SXSW found its exception at James Blake. Sparse, delicate vocals trickled out from Mr. Blake (who looks all of 12-years old IRL), whose voice can waver between soulful R&B and an effeminate angel. Juxtaposed against the lowest of low hz, velvety drum accents, and ambient dub effects, James Blake and his band filled the large back yard arena of Stubbs nicely, keeping the attention of a buzzed crowd of curious onlookers, and a few electro-heads getting down with the new black of electronic music. -Jeremy D. Larson

Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop – Paramount Theatre – 10 p.m.

Photo by Heather Kaplan

In director Rodman Flender’s documentary about Conan O’Brien’s ultimately successful The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour, viewers catch a nearly two hour glimpse at the late-night legend laying it all out. Following his exit from NBC, O’Brien couldn’t perform on television for several months, and as a result, took his gig on the road. Fun for us, exhausting for him. As the film progresses, audiences witness O’Brien shed layer after layer of himself as the tour ticks on and on across North America. Yet, regardless of the endless meet & greets, the countless hours spent in waiting rooms, the buckets of sweaty energy on stage, and the downright excessive fans, O’Brien never loses his witty outlook on life. There are times when he’s held against the wall, seemingly about to lose it (e.g. Bonnaroo), but he’s still tossing jokes around like it’s nothing. Some highlights include a road stop prayer circle with tourists, a nightmarish Hollywood gig with Jack McBrayer and Jon Hamm, and seeing O’Brien bantering with his kids. They say Jay Leno’s the hardest working man in show business, given that he does 250 shows a year…while that’s still arguable, you’ll leave this film having discovered a true contender. Scratch that, a total knockout. -Michael Roffman

The Antlers – The Parish – 12:00 a.m.

Midnight at The Parish, The Antlers assumed the stage to give SXSW the first taste of their new album. Old faithfuls from their 2009 Hospice will always be powerful, intimate, crescendo-filled post-rockers, but most notable about Wednesday night’s performance were the peppering of new songs from their forthcoming album Burst Apart. Where earlier songs came off as chapters out of books, the newer songs were more short stories in and of themselves. Peter Silberman’s voice goes above the rim on the new songs and his clarion yawp rasied some eyebrows and grins on the new tracks — they rocked markedly harder than most songs off Hospice. The Antlers will debut their new album Thursday in full, but last night, “Parenthesis”, “No Widows”, and “Rolled Papers” were a one-two-three taste of what’s next from the band. Expect Burst Apart‘s song-centric, guitar-based songs to still be about life’s struggles, just maybe not have as much gravitas as the full scope of Hospice. -Jeremy D. Larson

Queens of the Stone Age – La Zona Rosa – 12:15 a.m.

Josh Homme emerged onto La Zona Rosa’s stage at 12:15 AM with a flattened Mohawk; I made the mistake of referring to it as a “mullet,” which was quickly corrected by the person next to me. “Besides,” he added, “what the fuck does it matter. The guy can do whatever he wants.” Appropriately, this comment proved to be the theme of the night as Queens of the Stone Age’s 90 minute set featured the band’s masterful frontman chugging a bottle of vodka, smoking cigarettes, and destroying ear drums with some of the loudest music known to Earth. In regards to the latter, the band raced through their self-titled debut in blitzing fury before using the encore to spew out classics like “I Wanna Make It Wit Chu”, “Little Sister”, and “Go With the Flow”. The only thing more bad-ass was the fact Jack White and the Foo Fighters were watching from backstage. Only in Austin. -Alex Young

Duran Duran – Stubb’s – 12:30 a.m.

Photo by Cap Blackard

Stubbs and SXSW played host to the kick-off of Duran Duran’s 2011 world tour. LeBon and co. delivered a smashing 12 song performance beginning with “View to a Kill” ending with “Girls on Film” and highlighting the entirety of their thirty year career. The tour is backing their recently released 13th album, All You Need is Now. A few new tracks punctuated the catalog-digging performance, including one that the band jokingly restarted after botching the intro. “We did say that this was our first show of the tour, right?” Set highlights included the long-retired “Friends of Mine” from their first album, the new track “Being Followed”, an outstanding performance of “The Chauffer” featuring LeBon on what looked like an ocarina, and their encore rendition of “Girls on Film” featuring an interlude of the Motown track “Poppa Was A Rollin’ Stone” and solos from every performer. Naturally, “Hungry Like the Wolf”, “Notorious”, and “Ordinary World” were performed, “Rio” was surprisingly absent. As always, the incomparable Simon LeBon owned the stage. Whether exuding a profound sexual presence (posturing like a badass, asking the audience who their daddy was), or just being goofy (“flying” around the stage, miming the creation of a large orb, then shoving the orb in his mouth and growing at the front row) there is no doubt that he is the man, and everyone in the audience had been Simon LeBoned. -Cap Blackard

The Dodos – The Parish – 1:15 a.m.

Photo by Heather Kaplan

It was this, the third time I’ve seen The Dodos, that I focused on their musicality. No hyperbole: Meric Long and Logan Kroeber should be hailed as visionaries. Their playing is like nothing out there today,  with Long mashing up bluegrass fingerpicking with pure garage rock, and Krober’s signature drum kit setup. Their sometimes lukewarm songwriting on record is forgotten live and they play with fury, focus, and passion. The Dodos’ 1:15am set at The Parish was my highlight of night. -Jeremy D. Larson

——

Gallery by Cap Blackard

[nggallery id=185]

Gallery Heather Kaplan

[nggallery id=186]

I wish I had better news for you this week, but it’s surprisingly bleak yet again. Although we’re not going to see too many re-runs (I don’t think Carson Daly’s filmed a new show in over three months),  the new acts are nothing to write home about. Late night almost feels like a ghost town. My hypothesis: everybody who’s anybody is going to be performing/attending SXSW this week. Seriously. Have you seen the lineup? It’s unreal. So, we could talk about mediocre performances ’til the cows come home, but let’s keep our eyes on SXSW. CoS will no doubt be keeping you posted on the festival. Or, better yet, if your week just opened up and you have a thousand bucks to burn on last-minute bookings and a festival badge, do that.

Performers this week include Cold War Kids, The Wombats, and good old Alice Cooper. Oh, and a double helping of Avril Lavigne – still peddling her faux-punk to innocent children and feeble-minded teens – and Serj Tankian, the least deserving frontman in rock and roll history of a solo career.

Here’s you Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Ron Sexsmith
Tues—Avril Lavigne
Wed—The Wombats
Thurs—Young Dubliners

Mon—The Chieftans

Mon—Guster
Tues—Steel Train
Wed—Cheap Trick
Thurs—Iron and Wine

Mon—Cold War Kids
Tues—Bob Geldof
Wed—Selena Gomez

Mon—A Perfect Circle*
Tues—School of Seven Bells*
Wed—Screaming Females*
Fri—Florence and the Machine*

Better luck next week!

Mon—Avril Lavinge
Tues—Juanes
Thurs—Serj Tankian
Fri—Alice Cooper

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!

Another week, another chance to beat OFWGKTA. And if it’s going to be done, it’ll be done by somebody playing Jimmy Fallon‘s week. Probably not Motorhead, but one of the others slated to perform. Lykke Li will be bringing a taste from her latest Wounded Rhymes, Lupe Fiasco (who’s been known to host some very illustrious guests as of late), and Glasser will be making her network television debut. Other performers on other late night shows include Cake, Michael Franti (2x), Travis Barker, and a performance by the Broadway cast of Bono’s Spiderman Extravaganza, or whatever it’s really called.

Here’s your Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Esperanza Spalding
Tues—Aaron Lewis
Thurs—Michael Franti

Mon—Glasser
Wed—Motorhead
Thurs—Lykke Li
Fri—Lupe Fiasco

Mon—Fitz & The Tantrums
Wed—Mavis Staples
Thurs—Taio Cruz

Mon—Zac Brown Band
Tues—a performance by the Broadway cast of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark”
Wed—Oh Land
Fri—Naughty By Nature*

Mon—OFF!
Tues—Freddie Gibbs
Wed—Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Thurs—Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion

Better luck next week!

Mon—Michael Franti
Tues—Cake
Wed—Travis Barker
Thurs—Darlene Love

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!

This week is a win for everything indie. Deerhunter, Adele (2x), Destroyer, The Mountain Goats, Janelle Monae, Broken Bells, Menomena, Chromeo (who just finished off their North American tour), and the first late night appearance by Bright Eyes since the release of their latest, The People’s Key. Good week all around.

Here’s you Late Night Lobotomy.

Mon—Pitbull*
Tues—Cake
Wed—The Twilight Singers
Thurs—Adele

Mon—Phantogram*
Tues—Destroyer
Wed—Bell Biv DeVoe
Thurs—Laurie Anderson

Mon—Chromeo
Tues—Jason Aldean
Wed—G. Love

Mon—Adele
Tues—Deerhunter
Wed—The Mountain Goats
Thurs—Bright Eyes
Fri—Jessica Lea Mayfield

Mon—Screaming Females*
Tues—Menomena
Wed—Lucero
Thurs—Broken Bells
Fri—Janelle Monae

Better luck next week!

Mon—Hayes Carll*
Tues—Anberlin
Wed—Travie McCoy
Thurs—Hanson
Fri—Darlene Love

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!

There. You’re caught up. That wasn’t so hard. But before you go back to daydreaming about how mind-numbingly rad The King of Limbs is going to be, let us prep you for this week. Fortunately, not a ton going on. While we should be stoked about The Black Keys yet again, John Legend, and LCD Soundsystem showing up on The Colbert Report (which is out of the LBL’s jurisdiction, but awesome all the same), most of the spotlight this week should be on the network television debut of L.A. rappers OFWGKTA (aka Odd Future, aka the future of hip-hop as we know it) on Jimmy Fallon’s Wednesday night show. The young rap crew are making waves everywhere lately, and are truly a force to be reckoned with. This is one performance that we’ll have our eyes tightly fixed on, and we recommend you do the same.

Mon—Jewel
Tues—Black Dub
Wed—Stone Sour
Thurs—Keri Hilson

Mon—Greyson Chance
Tues—Drive-By Truckers
Wed—OFWGKTA

Mon—The Black Keys
Wed—Reggie Watts
Thurs—Nicole Atkins

Mon—Theophilus London
Tues—Josh Groban
Wed—Amos Lee
Thurs—Scissor Sisters
Fri—Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real

Mon—Delta Spirit*
Tues—A Perfect Circle
Wed—Yelawolf
Thurs—Two Door Cinema Club
Fri—Fitz & The Tantrums

Better luck next week!

Mon—John Legend
Tues—Gretchen Wilson
Wed—Red
Fri—30 Seconds To Mars

* = Repeat

Stay tuned, folks!