Talking Points

Talk-show pioneer Joe Franklin saw it all during his 43 years on the air. So

with Elvis Costello in production on his own Sundance Channel gabfest,

we asked the legendary host to assess other musicians turned interviewers.

The Henry
Rollins Show

TV
Party

Fishing
With John

Lily Allen
and Friends

2006–2007; IFC

1978–1982;
MANHAT TAN PUBLIC ACCESS

1998; IFC

2008–PRESENT; BBC THREE (U.K. ONLY)

CONCEPT: The brawny hardcore hero nods along to guests like Ozzy Osbourne and Larry Flynt.

JOE’S VERDICT: “His look is a bit too menacing. Henry’s got such a nice smile; why is he afraid to use it? He also looks down too much, which means he’s thinking of the next question instead of listening. And he’s asking questions he already knows the answers to. What’s the point of that? Overall, he’s a little scary, a little rough, and he could use better eye contact. I’ve seen worse.”

CONCEPT: Downtown scenester and current Interview editor Glenn O’Brien and Blondie guitarist Chris Stein co-preside over conversations with artists (Jean-Michel Basquiat) and rockers (Iggy Pop).

JOE’S VERDIC T: “I’ve never been an ardent fan of people who wear sunglasses on the air. The main ingredient in talk-show success—where the mortality rate is so staggering—is sincerity. I don’t know if these guys are sincere; I can’t see their eyes. Try smiling. They should speak from the diaphragm. This style wouldn’t go over today. People want something fun. I’d like to see them try again.”

CONCEPT: Former Lounge Lizard and Jim Jarmusch star John Lurie takes to the water with offbeat icons such as Tom Waits and Dennis Hopper.

JOE’S VERDICT: “I’m a little put off by his shorts. Not wearing long pants—if it’s not an insult, it at least shows a lack of respect for the viewer. Even in today’s world, clothing is everything. But as far as the repartee, Lurie is as good as anyone. He’s less scared, less nervous, less pushy than Rollins. He puts the guest at ease. I’d still like to see longer pants.”

CONCEP T: MySpace-loving British pop snarkstress Lily Allen chats with celebs such as Mark Ronson and Blur’s Alex James before an audience of fans.

JOE’S VERDICT: “I can’t take my eyes off her. I like her dress, I like her hairdo, I like her whole demeanor. She moves the conversation where it has to go, but doesn’t dominate. Her jokes show she’s actually listening. She’s not afraid to ask stupid questions, which shows you’re a real person. But her language? I could do without all the swearing. If she gets rid of that, she could go places.” DAVID MARCHESE

Buzzcatcher

For clips, go to SPIN.com.

UNDER THE RADAR AND BLASTING FROM OUR OFFICES

The Gates of
Slumber
WHO: These battle-ready
warriors hail from the hell-
ish outlands. Okay, TGOS
are three doom-metal
dudes from Indianapolis,
but Conqueror’s huge
riffs, demonic growls,
and sword-sharp solos
might convince you
otherwise. LATES T:
Conqueror (Profound
Lore) FOR FANS OF: Saint
Vitus, High on Fire

Men Without
Pants
WHO: Avant hip-hopper
Dan the Automator
and Blues Explosion
drummer Russell Simins
drag dance rock twisting
and jiving to the club
floor in a hail of scream-
ing synths, badass beats,
and salacious come-
ons. LATES T: Naturally
(Expansion Team)
FOR FANS OF: N.E.R.D.,
LCD Soundsystem

The War on
Drugs
WHO: This Philly four-
some’s panoramic songs
about lonely roads and
leftover dreams have
enough Springsteen signi-
fiers (wheezing harmon-
ica, chugging guitars) to
make comparisons inevi-
table—and inadequate.
LATES T: Wagonwheel
Blues (Secretly Canadian)
FOR FANS OF: Arcade Fire,
Constantines

< Bell

WHO: It’s no shocker to find that a Russian-born, Alaska-bred, conservatory-trained Brooklynite with a pixie haircut sounds like Björk. But the surprising thing about Olga Bell’s vocal loop-de-loops and wobbly rhythms is how much weird fun they are…in a Post-era kind of way. LATES T: Bell

EP (self-released) FOR FANS OF: Stereolab, Beth Orton