I hadn't really noticed the problem, EEE. I'll lend a more discriminating ear to the technical side of things. The bands I typically like are a bit on the thrashy side so I wouldn't hear the nuance that you're probably looking for.

What I don't understand is the really crappy artists that SNL features (no slight to the mighty Paul Simon), and it's been going on for a really long time. I know I'm a bit long in the tooth, and surely (and happily actually) don't keep up with the latest and greatest hit makers, but damn, I just can't relate to anyone I've heard on SNL in years. Remember when Elvis Costello halted "Less Than Zero" only a few seconds into it and roared into "Radio Radio"? Absolutely riveting! I know that my tastes are a bit outside the mainstream but surely there's an audience who would appreciate The Hold Steady, The Bottle Rockets, Frank Turner, Titus Andronicus, or Belle and Sebastian.

Peter T.