David Byrne on Saturday Night Live
As far as late-night television performances go, it would be difficult to top Talking Heads frontman David Byrne’s return to SNL after 31 years away. Byrne brought his magnificently choreographed American Utopia act to perform the classic “Once In A Lifetime” and “Toe Jam” from his Broadway musical. It’s a blissfully fun watch, and a can’t-miss TV performance.
Tame Impala on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
After releasing their much-anticipated fourth record The Slow Rush, Australian psych-pop staples Tame Impala brought two of the new tracks to Jimmy Kimmel’s show. Performing “Lost In Yesterday” and “Breathe Deeper,” the six-piece band lays down their trippy, dense sound in front of appropriately psychedelic visuals.
James Taylor on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Folk songwriting legend James Taylor stopped by Stephen Colbert’s show to promote his newest album, American Standard. Taylor performed “Almost Like Being In Love,” originally from the 1947 musical Brigadoon, in a perfectly stripped-down, intimate way.
Soccer Mommy on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
After taking the indie scene by storm in 2018 with her debut record, clean, Soccer Mommy, the musical project of songwriter Sophie Allison, returns with color theory, her sophomore effort. To celebrate, Soccer Mommy performed two songs on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Watch Soccer Mommy perform “circle the drain” and “lucy.”
Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers on Conan
A pleasant surprise for late-night watchers and music fans this week was a skit on Conan that features Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers, who recently collaborated for the excellent album Better Oblivion Community Center. The skit finds the two playing production assistants in Conan’s office, and features the must-see scene of Conan smashing Oberst’s guitar to pieces.
