Paul Reubens & DLR on Conan
I was super-excited this morning to find that Paul Reubens and David Lee Roth were on Conan O'Brien last night. So I grabbed some coffee and fired up the TiVo.

First, let me say that I believe (or should I say "believed") that both Paul and Dave were at the top of their "craft" during their heyday. I've often argued, usually after a few beers, that DLR was the greatest rock 'n' roll frontman of all-time, that Sammy Hagar, while a fine person, was nowhere close to Dave, blah blah blah.

So Paul comes on and does great. Still funny. Turns out he just finished the script for a 3rd Pee-Wee Herman movie (YES!) and Cartoon Network is showing episodes "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" Monday through Thursday at 11PM during Adult Swim.

Then, after Carlos Mencia, comes David Lee Roth's performance. Now, I know since leaving Van Halen, Dave has become a parody of himself (although his first full-length solo album, "Eat Em and Smile," was really good at the time). He hams every performance up as if trying to show Eddie, Alex and Michael what a big mistake they made.

However, nothing prepared me for what I saw and heard. Dave walks out on the stage while about 6 or 7 bluegrass musicians are starting up "Jamie's Crying"... bluegrass style!!! I'm not kidding. He did a campy and oh-so-cheesy version of the Van Halen classic backed by a bluegrass band. The worst part was that the slower pace of the song allowed for more time for Dave to over grin and over laugh. He really, really thought this thing was cool.

Neither the audience nor Conan seemed to know what to think. I give Conan lots of credit for walking over and thanking Dave without laughing. Unfortunately, Dave's performance wasn't over. As Conan was signing off, Dave tried (very unsuccessfully) to copy Paul Reuben's dance moves.

So, to recap, Paul Reubens is still the greatest. David Lee Roth is not even close (although it is painfully apparent that no one has told him).