As Jimmy Fallon premieres on the “Tonight Show” tonight, here’s what to watch for across the board in this week’s late-night television.
Top Music Picks:
Monday, Feb. 17 – Gary Clark Jr. on “Letterman”
The Texas guitar wizard has been cutting his teeth on big stages lately, including a standout shredfest at the Grammys and a particularly lovely instrumental version of the National Anthem at last night’s NBA All-Star Game. Any excuse to watch him play is worth it.
Monday, Feb. 17 – U2 on “Fallon”
The Irish quartet is putting attempting to save the world on hold for a bit to record some new music, and that’s probably not a bad choice. Get an early taste of new material tonight on Fallon’s “Tonight Show” debut, but plan on having to listen to Bono talk for a little bit too.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Phantogram on “Kimmel”
New York-based electronic rock duo Phantogram releases its sophomore full-length, “Voices,” tomorrow. The band’s 2009 debut was rather tasty, so let’s see what’s in store with this album.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Langhorne Slim on “Conan”
Pennsylvania-based rambling folkateer Langhorne Slim has only received a taste of the glory that has come to likeminded neo-folk acts like The Lumineers and The Head and the Heart. But with a golden soulful voice and a knack for catchy storytelling, he may be one of the more under appreciated acoustic musicians in the game today.
Thursday, Feb. 20 – Arcade Fire on “Fallon”
Arcade Fire in the first week of Jimmy Fallon’s new gig seems like the perfect choice. The Canadian collective has widespread appeal, but still enough indie cred to keep Fallon’s latest show as hip as his old one.
Friday, Feb. 21 – Lake Street Dive on “Letterman”
Indie soulsters Lake Street Dive got its start right here in Boston at New England Conservatory. A few weeks ago, the band tore it up on “The Colbert Report.” Now its heading to network television to play for our favorite gap-toothed funnyman.
Top Guest Picks:
Monday, Feb. 17 – Kevin Spacey on “Letterman”
“House of Cards” might be the hottest show on TV right now and it’s not really even on TV. Get the scoop from the show’s leading man.
Wednesday, Feb. 19 – David O. Russell on “The Daily Show”
The very loud and very talented director is gearing up for another Academy Awards show with his latest film, “American Hustle” up for several awards including best picture.
Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Matthew McConaughey on “Kimmel”
If there is any show that’s cookin’ as hard as “House of Cards,” it’s HBO’s drama “True Detective.” The smooth talking, good looking Southern sly-dog stars in the series and stops by Kimmel for a chat.
Thursday, Feb. 20 – Ronan Farrow on “The Daily Show”
So only recently did Ronan Farrow decide to tell the world that he may not actually be Woody Allen’s son, and may actually be Frank Sinatra’s. Soon after, everyone saw a picture of Ronan Farrow and said, “Duh.” Since then, Farrow hasn’t had many good things to say about Woody Allen. His talk with Jon Stewart should be interesting.
Thursday, Feb. 20 – Michelle Obama on “Fallon”
One of the most likable first ladies ever appears on an equally likable talk show host’s brand new show. Sounds like a win-win.
Friday, Feb. 21 – Justin Timberlake on “Fallon”
J.T. and Jimmy Fallon have always had quite the on-camera bromance, dating back to “Saturday Night Live” with the “Barry Gibb Talk Show” and such. Any time you can see these two personalities in the same room, it’s a good thing to watch. We may even get a musical performance out of Timberlake.
