The problem is, Johnny Lang gave up the blues to become a Christian rock musician.

I second the motion for The Roots Variety Hour (and when is Vernon Reid going to sub for Capt. Kirk Douglas?)

Well, I'd say the Roots are the main reason "Slow Jamming the News" is successful.

Nice Bootsy Collins Star Bass Herman Menderchuk

I for one would like to welcome Mr. Richter back.

On a somewhat related topic, I was disappointed that The Tonight Show Band (formerly the Max Weinberg 7) sounded really bad mix-wise and were barely shown or heard other than the intro/closing credits. They used to be so close to the monologue spot and even the desk. Now they seem like they are in another studio.

Letterman definiely lost some edge when he went to CBS and an earlier time slot. Even shifting from the wrestling shoes/khaki pants/sport coat outfit to nice suits and even the band tried to dress up some. There were still some momets of wierdness here and there, but its like he decided to grow up or something. I…

I get the impression that Johansen mumbles when he speaks…
but I'm also pretty sure The A.V. Club aren't exactly Latin music experts.
It's "bomba" that comes from Puerto Rico.

I think he gets a bad rap from the intro to "Runnin' With the Devil", but if you listen to his parts in the actual, song, he sneaks in some funky synchopations.

Seconded.

How About "The Great Space Coaster"?
I mean a creepy clown picks up a teenage rock band in his space-car and takes them up to big rock floating in space? No drugs there, right?

Eric the Bike Man is still going strong moving from radio spots to TV commercials. I'm convinced that Jack Prescott was drunk in everyone of his spots, but he had a great motto: I'm Jack Prescott, I do one thing and I do it well.

Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers?
Someone needed to balance out Sting's massive ego.

My band in high school did like 6 REM songs. I learned a lot about bass playing from learning those lines.

Sold!

I have an unhealthy obsession with Vernon Reid, yet have not heard of this extra knuckle you speak of.

Point taken on Walt vs Bosstone.

While I love Fishbone, Walt kind of reminds me of the guy in Mighty Mighty Bosstones whose job is to dance. On both SNL and Arsenio Hall, they brought another guy out to play the trumpet solo at the end of "Sunless Saturday".

Rocky George = Solo through entire song (he's still great though).

re: Bakithi, Will Lee from Letterman's band got him hooked up with session work in New York city after he relocated to New York.