I’m glad I didn’t know Huey Lewis and the News were performing their Pineapple Express plot song on the Jimmy Kimmel show, because if I had, I might have actually forced myself to watch the Jimmy Kimmel show, and it wouldn’t have been worth it. The video evidence of the performance is above, and it’s hard to imagine a more cheerless gesture of synergy. After Huey’s half-assed opening hand claps, he seems to give up the game to his horn section. Maybe for good reason––he’s seemingly employed the finest pop-rock saxophonists alive––but I’m still going to say it’s for Huey Lewis and/or plot song completists only.
Related: Pineapple Express and a Brief History of the Plot Song
I think everybody is sleeping on Jon Brion here. He’s been utilizing the plot song in almost everything he’s scored. See “Strings That Tie to You” from Eternal Sunshine”, “Knock Yourself Out” from I Heart Huckabees” and “Back and Forth” from Step Brothers.
Watching this I am reminded of those red carpet photos of J Lo when she was 8 months pregnant with twins.
What’s your excuse, Mr. Lewis?!