TUBE TUNES vol. 1, no. 9
March 1, 2001
It meant a late night with the VCR remote in hand, but I got through the Grammys and had enough brain power left to tell you all about it. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, read my post-show commentary at the Tube Tunes site, http://www.oocities.org/tubetune
Next month I’ll offer a similar, web-only write-up after the Oscars. That will be less taxing for all of us; I’ll only write about the Best Song Oscar and the performances during the telecast.
Our readership grows, slowly but surely. Feel free to pass this on to friends, and let them know about the web site. The direct link to sign up can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sticks-n-Stones
I’ll dispense with the usual News and Reviews this time out because a) the Grammys sapped my energy b) that’s probably all you want to read from me this week anyway. On to the picks...
Please note: I’ve decided to err on the side of brevity, opting for quality, not quantity. As such, not every day has a pick.
PROGRAMS OF NOTE
(all times CST; days begin and end at 5 a.m.)
Thursday, March 1
Lucinda Williams on Saturday Night Live. Comedy Central, 11 p.m. Use this appearance from Williams, where she plugged her stellar Car Wheels on a Gravel Road album, to whet your appetite for the next one, due this summer. No, really.
Friday, March 2
“Urgh! A Music War.” Sundance Channel, 7:05 a.m. This 1981 film was a dearly loved primer in alternative rock for anyone who grew up in the Reagan era. Doubt me? Do a Google search for it and be amazed at the various web pages started in support of re-releasing this seminal film. It collects 30 live music performances from the likes of Oingo Boingo, Pere Ubu, UB40, XTC.... If every kid who bought the first Velvet Underground record started a band, how many did likewise after seeing this?
Saturday, March 3
Phish on Austin City Limits. PBS, 8 p.m. This isn’t necessarily my cuppa tea, but if you’re like me and admit that part of the reason you don’t like these guys is because you might not have given them a chance, there’s no better place to check ‘em out. ACL kicks off its 26th season with this one.
Sunday, March 4
Coldplay et al on World Beat. CNN, 3:30 p.m. This show takes a weekly look at International music trends, focusing this week on the success – or lack of it – by British acts at this year’s Grammys, and comparing that to the Brit Awards. Coldplay and others are featured.
Tuesday, March 6
Glen Campbell in concert. PBS, 8:30 p.m. Yeah, he’s cheesy these days, but he also recorded the definitive versions of some of the best songs ever written. He’ll likely do a few of those here.
Beck on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. NBC, 10:35 p.m. Beck, who didn’t stand a chance of winning a Grammy last week for Midnight Vultures, plays Jay a ditty.
Wednesday, March 7
Dolly Parton on the Late Show with David Letterman. CBS, 10:35 p.m. Dolly went bluegrass a couple of years back when country radio gave her the cold shoulder. Bluegrass is the better for it.
Thursday, March 8
The Donnas in “Jawbreaker.” HBOSignature, 8 p.m. Catch this all-girl Ramones playing at a high school dance. Was your school this cool? Watch for Marilyn Manson in a cameo sans ghoulish makeup.
Friday, March 9
Paul Westerberg on Later with Jools Holland. BBCAmerica, 6 p.m. Remember when Paul mattered? Well, you might see a whiff of that here, because playing live is just about the only place he shows it these days. Tom Petty also performs.
Saturday, March 10
“Blue Note: A Story of Modern Jazz.” Bravo, 5 p.m. This is part two. This documentary takes a look at what is arguably the most successful jazz label in the world.
Sunday, March 11
“Blue Note: A Story of Modern Jazz.” Bravo, 10 a.m. And this is part one. Yes, they’re out of order, but live a little, OK? If you want to see them in order, Bravo is showing both several times, so tune in.
Monday, March 12
Rodney Crowell on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Crowell, like Dolly Parton and many others before him, left Nashville for the greener creative pastures of indie labels. The result is The Houston Kid, his best album since 1988’s Diamonds and Dirt.
Wednesday, March 14
Semisonic on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. NBC, 10:35 p.m. These are important times for the boys in Semisonic. Will they be remembered as a one-hit wonder for “Closing Time,” or can they sustain a career? Judging by the band’s latest single, “Chemistry,” it might be a tough fight. Tune in, and/or check out the track on http://www.semisonic.com/music/default.asp
posted by John Kenyon at 10:23 AM
