Music on TV This Week: Scotland Rocks

By Drake Lelane

September 27, 2010 / 8:31 AM

While nobody seems to be promoting it as such, this week is essentially Scotland Week on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, with appearances from fave Glaswegian bands Teenage Fanclub, Bell & Sebastian and the network television debut for recently reunited The Vaselines. Why Craig Ferguson didn't think of it first is anybody's guess. (Maybe because it's Scotland Week every week on The Late Late Show ?)

Fuzzed-out power poppers Teenage Fanclub get things started for "If It Ain't Scottish, It's Crap Week" with a performance of "Baby Lee" on Tuesday, which also marks a notable date in Scottish history. The Battle of the Clans (aka Battle of the North Inch) happened on this day back in 1396, a senseless bloody battle that has little to do with the twee bands here representing their country, but I thought you should know. Belle & Sebastian bow on Wednesday, with a possible performance of the single "Write About Love," a song which features actress Carey Mulligan guesting on vocals. So let's keep fingers crossed for a surprise appearance.

Besides touring for their own forthcoming release (Write About Love), members of Belle & Sebastian are also supporting the reunited Vaselines, who'll be performing "Sex with an X" on Thursday night. Mostly known for being "that band that Kurt Cobain loved," Glasgow's Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee recently released Sex With an X, their first album of new material in 21 years. Beyond the grey hair and wrinkles, it's obvious that the spark that made them special all those years ago is still there.

Finally, with all the recent chaos in late night on NBC, it's easy to forget that Carson Daly is now in his tenth season. The affable host has been able to endure in the wasteland of a time slot by eliminating a set and filming great up and coming bands at clubs in Los Angeles like The Roxy and The Viper Room. In only its second week, the late night offering is definitely hitting its stride featuring Japandroids, Los Campesinos!, Menomena and The Morning Benders. Every night is a winner.

Picks for the week

Monday, September 27

CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Runner Runner

FUEL: The Daily Habit: ASG

NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Zac Brown Band

NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: The Temper Trap

NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Never Shout Never (REPEAT)

TBS: Lopez Tonight: Santana with Nas

Tuesday, September 28

ABC: The View: John Legend and The Roots

ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Maroon 5

CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: N.E.R.D.