"Down By The Water," The Decemberists

From Portland, Oregon, where Kathy and I spent the end of the week, the Decemberists and a song from their album "The King Is Dead." R.E.M.'s Peter Buck plays guitar on the studio version. I don't think guitarist Chris Funk is playing a Rickenbacker, as Buck probably did. But he's definitely got that Buck-Byrds jangle. That's Gillian Welch on backing vocals. This performance is from Conan a couple of months ago.

"Down By The Water," The Decemberists

The Decemberists, out of Portland, Oregon, played this great song on Conan's show tonight, with uberfolkie Gillian Welch on backing vocals. This somewhat more ragged performance was captured in Indianapolis -- in August 2009, according to YouTube, though the song was just released this week.

Jay, Walk

Conan's coming.

Sure You Are

Conan O'Brien says he's thrilled that Jay Leno will be on the same network, doing his exact show during prime time (and undoubtedly stealing O'Brien's viewers).