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April 3, 2008

Stephen Colbert Uses R.E.M.'s Accelerate As A Cod Piece

thumbnail icon: Stephen Colbert Uses R.E.M.'s Accelerate As A Cod Piece

Great R.E.M. interview? Or the greatest R.E.M. interview? The Athenians' charm offensive is on full throttle between the La Blogs and the happy, sort of bashful turns on the Today show and last night's Colbert, but there was something extra special about the stint with Stephen. Perhaps it took root in Colbert's towering stool, or maybe via covering his junk with the band's new album, or maybe it spawned from Stephen being the last person to know Stipe is gay (or at least, satirical Stephen -- Michael's face was pretty classic). They played the "Supernatural" single, too.

It's nice to have them back. Don't cut our eyes out with a bottle for saying so, guys.

Posted at 10:47 AM in
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14 Comments

I was under the impression that the picking the girls out of the crowd was a joke. Every other question or statement was a joke, why wouldn't that been?

Posted by: David at 04/03/08 11:28 AM  | Reply
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there's something about REM this time, they seem really secure and grateful. yeah it was awkward for a sec on michael's face with the girl stuff, also awkward on peter's face with the alcohol backstage stuff. better than on a plane!

Posted by: epstein at 04/03/08 11:54 AM  | Reply
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OF COURSE the picking girls out of the crowd line was a joke line. It never even crossed my mind that it wasn't, it was just like every other Colbert persona joke.

Posted by: Rich at 04/03/08 12:02 PM  | Reply
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I think there new album is a stinker, like all their albums, but I found that interview enjoyable. I think it was the stool.

Posted by: Automatic For The Pubus at 04/03/08 1:50 PM  | Reply
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Great performance and interview! The new record is awesome!

Posted by: Rod at 04/03/08 2:34 PM  | Reply
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It's nice to have them back? They never went away in the first place!

The new record kicks ass!

Posted by: Rod at 04/03/08 2:46 PM  | Reply
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Very well done interview; definitely had me laughing. While it's no 'pilgrimage', that song is pretty good.

Posted by: reinhard at 04/03/08 3:24 PM  | Reply
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I thoroughly enjoyed this segment last night. I also enjoyed the band's performance. And am I the only gay male [or straight woman] who was totally smitten with Mr Stipe. whenever the camera focused on him during the interview, or during the band's performance?

Posted by: Anonymous at 04/03/08 4:59 PM  | Reply
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he's kinda...old.

Posted by: mike profile link  in reply to Anonymous's comment at 04/07/08 11:01 PM  | Reply
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andy kaufman did this way back in the 70's with the high desk/stool interview

Posted by: matt at 04/03/08 6:23 PM  | Reply
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That was one of the funiest interviews i've seen. Accelerate is great. Colbert said it best: «step on the gas and go get it!».

Posted by: m.s.a at 04/03/08 6:26 PM  | Reply
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Matt: Re: Andy Kaufman. Do you think Colbert was making a subtle reference to "Man on the Moon"? Or is that too much of a stretch?

Posted by: Johnnyboy at 04/03/08 8:30 PM  | Reply
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It's Colbert. Nothing is too far of a stretch with him...

Accelerate is a great record! It feels so fresh and new to listen to!

Posted by: Lowden profile link  in reply to Johnnyboy's comment at 04/03/08 9:48 PM  | Reply
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Sound great.

I still think they don't get enough credit for Reveal. It took quite afew listens but it is a pretty stunning album, in my opinion.

Posted by: Jim C. at 04/05/08 3:19 PM  | Reply
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